Mooooo

It has been my goal to breastfeed B from birth to 1 year, minimum. And I did it! 14 months and counting, not even a drop of formula. Go me!

Before B arrived, I had had a bit of anxiety about breastfeeding. I heard it was painful, challenging even, and I was worried that a boob might accidentally slip out during a feeding in public. Some moms are cool with that, I would be mortified.

Nonetheless, when B arrived I got started. Yes, it was painful. Yes, they were raw. Yes, it took some practice. But practice makes perfect and after a week or so, I earned a black belt in breastfeeding. Oh you didn't know they gave those out? Okay they don't. But if they did, I would have one.

I've compiled 10 reasons to breastfeed for the benefit of baby/mom. Our pediatrician would be so proud.

For Baby:

1. Nothing is more soothing than being held close to mom while breastfeeding. Hearing mom's heartbeat, smelling mom's scent, it's almost like being in utero again.
2. Breastfed babies have higher IQ's.
3. Reduces the risk for obesity in children and teens. Bottle-fed babies lose touch with their hunger cues and develop a habit of overeating.
4. Protects against a whole list of diseases, as well as childhood leukemia and SIDS.
5. From better jaw and tooth development, to fewer instances of gas, breastfed babies tend to be all around healthier.

For Mama:

1. Running for a bottle of formula instead of breastfeeding is selfish. Everyone knows the best mothers are selfless.
2. Helps mother's lose that baby weight, and reduces a mother's risk for breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
3. No warming bottles, refrigerating bottles, sanitizing bottles, mixing formula, measuring formula, packing formula, etc.
4. It's conviennent, your breasts are always right there.
5. It's free.

Formula gets recalled for sometimes life threatening reasons. It's bananas to me that some mothers prefer formula.

So for the moms out there who are breastfeeding, or have breastfed theirs, excellent work. 

(Pumping counts, still breastmilk.)

For the moms out there who tried/wanted to, but couldn't (for health reasons etc.) you're still amazing.

To anyone who thinks breastfeeding is gross or wrong, you are wrong. Breast is best!

I'm like a cow, ya'll. Mooooo.

B-day Zoo Trip

I have this thing about zoos and not going to them. They tend to be very hypocritical with supporting conservation efforts for keeping wild animals in the wild, while simultaneously shoving a wild animal in a pint sized enclosure, with barely any stimulation. But I must say I was impressed by how large and well maintained the enclosures were at Oakland Zoo. They helped me feel less guilty about us bringing B there for his 1st birthday. And I'm so glad we did, it was a lot of fun!

Took brown t-shirt paint, wrote "1" on the back and "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY" on the front chest pocket. 

Easy peasy custom b-day tee.

He kept laughing at the siamang that was howling and swinging from the trees. On our way out he chose a little monkey stuffie from the souvenir shop. It makes monkey noises when you press it's belly. 

Next best thing to a real one I suppose.

His 1st Birthday

We took him to the zoo (pics to come later), then we got him a dark chocolate cupcake from the finest cupcakery in the world, which he clearly devoured, he got to open his presents, and later in the week he had a party. Do you like my cupcake stand?

I made his "Happy Birthday" banner in coordinating Sesame Street colors. 

First I cut out 4" circles from construction paper using this tool from Martha.

Then I used white acrylic paint to freehand the letters, applied double stick tape to the backs and hung them in the dining room.

They went with the theme and didn't even cost a penny.

I made Cookie Monster cupcakes too. You can make them also:

Bake cupcakes.

Color the icing royal blue, apply.

Color shredded coconut royal blue. (I used a teaspoon of water to dillute the dye for this part.)

Dip cupcake in blue shredded coconut.

Cut a slit in the "muffin top"and insert pre-baked chocolate chip cookie (I applied a bit of icing to the bottom of the cookie so that it wouldn't fall out of the cupcake.)

Paint black circles using cookie icing onto white candy melts.

Apply a dab of leftover cake icing to edge of eyeball for support, then put in place.

Remember Cookie Monster's eyes are allover the place so don't make the eyes too perfect!

Part of the menu included a variety of sandwiches I made with my cool new sandwich press/sealer from William Sonoma.

Vanilla Italian soda in mason jars with punched lids.

B had juice.

And I even hand painted the goody bags because he's worth it.

Happy Birthday to the silliest most cutest boy I know. I love you B.