Green(er)

I posted a while back about trying to be more eco-friendly. Well, I believe it's a process that can sometimes take a while so I wanted to write an update. We recycle now! I know, I know...please don't judge me for how long we weren't recycling We save so much waste it's unbelievable. I just bought a tall white garbage can that is specifically for recyclables. It's super easy, and the bins in my town are free. We have two of them that we have no problem filling completely up. I plan on teaching Calvin about it. He already knows how to throw things away and loves helping. I have been researching cloth diapers lately as well. It's been something I've thought about for a long time. I went to the Mothering By Nature Center in Valpo (on Indiana Ave, near downtown). They have a large selection there and the owner is very knowledgeable. My good friend Lisa is also giving me some tips. I work full time which is the main reason I've not tried it yet, but since Calvin doesn't need changed quite as often I am thinking of giving it a try! I'll keep you posted...
My next step in going green is doing away with plastic bags. I have saved and reused them around the house for years, but it's amazing how many get thrown away! I bought some reusable bags from my local grocery store, and I also bought some from Target. I prefer Target's (only .99) bags. They have a solid piece at the bottom to keep the bags steady. What I normally would need 4 or 5 plastic bags for I used 2. They were also much easier to carry!
I am also going to plant an herb garden sometime soon which I am super excited about. I've been lobbying to Elio that we should get a couple chickens for fresh eggs, but he's not quite convinced yet. Maybe it's because he knows I just want to play with fuzzy little chicks and that he will be the one taking care of them? Haha...he's right. ;)

I smell Spring!

Although we have not had a typical Indiana winter, our family has had some major cabin fever. It was SO nice to play at the park with the boys after church today! God is so good to us, and today I was just so aware and grateful for all He has given us. Calvin absolutely loved playing outside, and he thinks he's big like the other boys! It worries me because he wants to do everything they do, including play basketball and ride bikes! We had a great time, followed by good food and a long nap. What a perfect Sunday! Overall, it's been a great weekend. I took the time to download some new books for myself on my Kindle, and our family has had the TV off most of the weekend minus a date night movie last night for Mom and Dad. I had a really stressful week at work last week, so this family weekend was much needed. Here are some pictures from our afternoon:


First time down the slide!

He wanted to walk up the slide too...like a big boy!

Playing basketball!

I love this boy!

He LOVED playing basketball with Brandon and Daddy!

He just loved running around outside!

Boys will be boys! Playing with a stick.

" I wanna get on the bike"

Riding with Daddy!



Try, Try Again.

I have been asked questions by friends and acquaintances regarding breastfeeding on multiple occasions, and I must tell you that I love it! It's definitely a passion of mine, and I feel totally comfortable sharing information. While pregnant, I read a lot and the past 16 months I have read even more articles, research, books, and talked to other successful nursing Mothers for more information and advice. Let me just put it to you this way...I'm the girl in high school who liked research papers. I may have complained about them to fit in, but I liked them. I have blogged before about finding the right balance between research and common sense instinctual parenting. I can truly sit here today and tell you that I feel confident in my parenting, specifically with breastfeeding. Of course, I still have questions, sometimes daily! I am NOT perfect, and I am NOT always right. But I can tell you that there are some facts that I am sure of, because I have done the leg work. With that being said, here is some information, resources, websites, and my own advice for those who have tried and failed, those who are curious, or those who just want inside my brain for a while. (That's a scary thought...haha) Most specifically, this was inspired by a friend who has a few kiddos and breastfeeding did not work out as she had hoped. She asked for advice, and this blog was inspired by her. We all know the saying "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again". That's a great mantra for parenting and breastfeeding! Just keep going. Just keep trying. There's always a solution. This blog post will include lots of links. I highly recommend you take the time to read them! They will go along and support all I have to say, and provide you with excellent factual information as well as much needed support.


If you feel like a "breastfeeding failure" take the time to read this: ARTICLE


Before I begin, let me make something perfectly clear. If you formula fed your children, that is your choice to do so, and I by no means ever want to sound judgemental or offensive. It is a highly personal journey, and I respect all Mothers. Period. If you want to know exactly how I feel on the subject of navigating the territory of bottle feeding vs breastfeeding read: THIS.


Let's start with the facts. Read: THIS article on the amazing, wonderful facts and benefits of breast milk. Get inspired and excited! Breast milk has absolutely everything your child needs to not only survive, but THRIVE for the first year of life. They do not need any supplemental foods for the first year, only the "good stuff". The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first year of life, and beyond that if child and Mother mutually desire. Introducing solids is not recommended until six months of age. Formula cannot, and will not ever duplicate what God has made. Contrary to what many nurses and doctors will tell you, your newborn does NOT need to supplement. Here's the basic rule of thumb to repeat to yourself over, and over, and over again whenever you think that your newborn is not getting enough milk:
If they are eating a lot, pooping a lot, and peeing a lot: THEY ARE FINE. Even after birth in the hospital, regardless of what the crabby 70 year old nurses tell you, your child does NOT need formula. They have everything they need to survive and only need a tiny bit of your milk, which begins as colostrum. Their tummies are literally the size of a marble. There is a reason why newborns spit up constantly when immediately given a 4 ounce bottle! Their tummies simply cannot handle it. An absolute must read for any Mother who intends to breastfeed is:

I highly recommend reading this book, specifically for how to breastfeed immediately after birth. This will walk you through the importance of skin to skin contact immediately after birth, proper latch on, and it will reassure you that you, as Mommy have everything you need to sustain your child. Your milk will not "come in" for a couple days. That's fine! Your baby is fine. Just keep nursing. The colostrum provides all they need, and trust me...when your milk comes in, you'll know it! This book will guide you through the first few weeks, and then some. Just buy it. You'll need it time and time again. Also, read: THIS blog on the normal behaviors of a breastfeeding newborn. Actually, don't just read it. Print it out and tape it somewhere. You'll need it at 4am when you're frustrated. ;-) Also, in the hospital, make your wants known and remember, you are BOTH learning how to do this for the first time! It is a process, and will not happen right away. Don't give up. Calvin and I had a hard time figuring out how to get him to latch on, so a wonderful nurse helped me pump and put some colostrum in a syringe for him. By the next day, we got it! Nothing worth doing is easy, my friends.

I nursed Calvin about every two hours for the majority of his infancy. We didn't adhere to a "schedule", that's just how it worked for us. Most newborns do need to eat every couple of hours, and as most Moms know...they will wake you up and let you know! At night, just sleep. Sleep when baby sleeps, and feed when baby's up! Pump to avoid engorgement, and freeze or refrigerate the milk. Read THIS information on proper storage of breast milk. The reason why your baby wants to nurse so much is normal, and it's simple: they're hungry and they are fulfilling their instinctual desire to suckle. (Not to mention all the hormones that are released intended to relax, soothe, boost supply, and nurture your child!) The more you nurse, the more you will produce! Don't worry about low supply unless your child is losing weight. Unless you have a medical issue, if you nurse your baby often, and they are gaining weight, pooping and peeing well...you are on the road to success. Your baby doesn't need a bottle. I understand it's painful at first, TRUST ME. Just keep going. Bleeding, cracked, and painful nipples are normal for the first couple weeks. Just power through it. Nipple shields also help immensely to reduce pain, or if your baby will not latch on. Pure lanolin is a God-send. Use it liberally before and after nursing. Also, apply cool compress to ease discomfort. Use warm compress to help with painful engorgement. The solution for almost EVERY breastfeeding hurdle is: Nurse More, Nurse Often, and Just Keep Going. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel, the pain will go away. I promise! I also HIGHLY recommend meeting with a lactation consultant. Every hospital has one, and you can call them night and day for advice or questions. Do not let a little problem turn into a bigger one. Sleep deprivation makes everything worse, and you need to rely on the experts to help you navigate the tough times. Your OB and pediatrician are NOT lactation experts. For breastfeeding questions, you should rely on a lactation consultant. If it is a medical concern or issue, they will refer you to your doctor. Again, nothing worth doing comes easy, and several months from now, nipple pain will be the last thing on your mind. There's nothing wrong with pumping a bottle and letting Dad take a turn, either! Just make sure you nurse extra or pump to keep up your supply when baby has a bottle. My rule was always, if I'm physically here, I nurse him.

What If:

~You have to go to school, or work. It is Federal law that employers and schools provide nursing Mothers with a private space to pump that is not a restroom. I also recommend buying a high quality electric breast pump. Medela and Avent are the two best brands. Yes, the best ones are expensive. Think about it this way: What you will spend one time on a breast pump is what some people spend  for one month's worth (or less) of formula. You can also find them on Ebay, or collect coupons for Babies R Us or Target. I saved giftcards and coupons and got a great deal on mine. Also, pay extra for the warranty and buy a car adapter. I cannot even tell you how many times I have pumped in my car!

~ You're self conscious. Simple...buy a nursing cover. I use my cover all the time, usually for when I pump in the car. They are super cute and affordable. Go to Uddercovers.com for some great ones, or you can also find them at most baby product stores. Also, you don't have to explain what you're doing to anyone. If you're at someone's home, just ask for a private space to nurse or use your cover.

~You face criticism. Be confident, respectful, and polite. You'd be surprised at how many people act critical because they are truly ignorant and just lack information. Also, you don't have to explain anything if you choose. It's your body and it's your child.

~I'm so busy and on the go. Umm..have you met me? I work full time, and not at a bank, people...I drive all over the state, I have to testify at court hearings, and I also take care of my three nephews plus my own child. There's so much I could write on this, but I'll keep it simple. You will figure out what works best for you. I've found that nursing is easier for my lifestyle. I don't have to mix bottles, heat bottles, or worry about running out of formula. When I'm at work, I pump 2-3 times (it's slowing down now) and save the milk accordingly for the next day. I am also so grateful for the money I have saved my family. I've nursed or pumped for Calvin wherever we go and I'm still modest and private.

~I want to eat and drink whatever I want. I drink and eat pretty much whatever I want. Enough said. I limit caffeine to one cup of coffee per day, and of course you cannot consume alchohol in excess while nursing. When it comes to presriptions or over the counter meds, just look it up or ask your doctor if its safe while nursing.

Ok. That was a lot of information, but honestly I could write so much more! Now I'm going to talk about worst case scenario...for some reason, somehow, it's not working for you. You've tried what you feel is everything. You've come close to giving up, but you don't want to. You can pump, and feed your baby breastmilk in a bottle! I know Mothers who have done this, and are quite proud of it! You can also milkshare. You would be so surprised to see all the women willing to donate their milk to Mothers who are struggling. It is simply as easy as connecting with organizations online or on Facebook. Read Michelle's: blog about her journey. It is inspiring, and amazing.  Formula is an option, of course. You can combination feed, which is both formula and breastmilk. ANY breastmilk is good for your child. If you've decided to stop nursing altogether, that's ok too. Just be proud of what you HAVE done!

Although there are justified and valid reasons for not being able to breastfeed, I promise you that the average woman CAN do it. YOU can do it, you can power through the rough spots, and you can succeed! If it wasn't worth it, would I still be doing it at 16 months while working full time? It's an amazing experience and totally worth it. Dare I say it, but it's easy now! After you and your child learn how to do it, it becomes second nature. Did I mention we sleep well most nights and all I have to do is roll over and feed him? Calvin has never been seriously ill, thank GOD, and he is so happy with our life. I could type all day about why you should do it, and how you should do it, but it is up to you to determine what works best for you. My email address is amandaelio@comcast.net. I'd be happy to help or assist anyone who has questions, concerns, fears, doubts, or additional information.

I will leave you with some of the absolute best websites to bookmark on your computer:

www.kellymom.com [Reference this site for literally every question, concern, or fact. Managed by a lactation consultant, this site is excellent and accurate]

www.askdrsears.com

www.bestforbabes.org

www.breastfeeding-magazine.com

Watch, Wait, Listen.

Patience is not a virtue of mine, and I will be the first one to admit that. I am a "get it done right now, and fast" kind of person...very typical type A personality. Not only do I want it done right now, I want it done perfectly. WELL. This is not realistic, and I have gotten much better with letting some things go. Trust goes along with letting go, and it's something I honestly struggle with. As some of you are aware, the past several months I have heavily considered leaving my job. Actually, since Calvin was born I have wanted to do something that required less of my time away from home, not to mention less stressful. I had a plan, and I'll spare you the details but it had what I thought was a good "end date" attached to it. Well, we make plans and God laughs, right?


I've been praying, and praying, and praying for the right thing to do. I've applied to other positions elsewhere and I've been faithfully working my little "plan" to make it possible for me to quit entirely if I needed to. (It's not that I do not want or need to work. It's a lot more complicated than than. Insert long story about my 14 year old nephew slash brother living with me here) I've also researched graduate programs, and ways to turn my hobbies and passions into a career. Well, I've received a series of confirming signs that the answer is right in front of me:


God said Wait. He didn't say Yes, He didn't say No. Wait.


I let go of applying elsewhere for now. I let go of obsessively stocking up on laundry detergent in case I quit.


So now, I wait. I watch. I listen.


Easier said than done. So if you pray, I will accept yours wholeheartedly. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to work hard, love hard, and make it work!

Little Artist

I decided to do a Valentine's Day craft with Calvin, and we made several different types of Valentines. Some of them were more "homey" than others, but all in all they turned out great! Calvin was VERY serious and focused throughout our crafting session, and his favorite part was using the paint for his handprint and writing his "name" with the pen. He was hooked! Elio is a wonderful artist and has been painting oil paintings since he was tiny...maybe Calvin will follow in his footsteps. Here's my serious little artist!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Rossi Update!

Calvin is now 15 months old! Time surely flies when you're having fun, and let me tell you...he is a BLAST. I have not blogged at all in 2012, and to my loyal friends who care about my ramblings, I apologize. One of my goals for this year was to blog more, and well, you can see how great I'm doing on that one! Haha! Here is what our toddler is up to lately, some of my current favorite products, quick fixes, and ideas:

 -Guess what, Calvin eats like a big boy! He is still somewhat picky, but he tries food every day and is doing so much better with mealtime. It is completely true that each child is an individual and you cannot force things before they are ready. I've read some articles that say toddlers live off of air, and it's true...most toddlers just snack all day long and still need breastmilk or another form of milk as their primary nutrition. I still send a puree mix when he is at the babysitter. I love Happy Tot, it's a squeeze tube of organic fruits or veggies and he really likes those. I also send snacks and other foods. Oatmeal is a favorite of his. Every night before bed, we enjoy a bowl of oatmeal and watch one episode of Yo Gabba Gabba entitled "Sleep". He loves this routine, and so do I! The only juice I give him is either Orange Juice (Simply Orange or Tropicana) or Fruitables by Adam and Eve. The Fruitables contain veggie juice too, so they're actually good for him instead of just pure sugar.


MMM, Bacon!

 -He's into, well, everything. Calvin's always been curious, but I've found that he is much more easily entertained by random items than he is his by toys. I use things we have around the house, for example I hide plastic straws and tupperware in the cabinets he can access. He loves "finding" them and playing with them. I'm also loving the website Pinterest for toddler activity ideas. Our first craft project is going to be making Valentines, and I can't wait!


See what I mean? Into Everything.



What, Mommy? I'm not doing anything wrong...



What do we have here?

 -He is sleeping so much better, and I've noticed he loves to wake up early, then go back to bed. This makes getting to work on time quite the task...but on the weekends I love it. He's in our bed, and I am sure it will stay that way until he is ready to sleep in a big boy bed.
-Calvin loves to "read" books, "draw", and "talk" to us. He gets frustrated when he can't do something, and I can see he definitely has my personality!

-I still swear by Triple Paste diaper cream. I'm also still a Pampers fan. We tried Luvs, but ladies...if you have boys, you know how much they pee!
-I've always used Burts Bees lotion on him, but I discovered Burts Bees Calming lotion. It has lavender and eucalyptus in it, and smells so great. Perfect for after a warm bath!

I realize this is a blur, but this is what my house looks like most of the time. Kids, toys, and craziness!

This year has already been so busy for our family! My Dad's health is still stable, which we praise God for. It's still a struggle to deal with, and we still have tests, results, and an uncertain future. Brandon is with us on a semi-permanent basis, and I have to admit I love having the extra help. He is 14 now, and boy is it nice to have a half grown extra set of hands! For my close friends who know the history of our situation, I am no longer referring to Brandon as my "nephew". He has always called me his sister (which legally, I am his sister), so I want to respect his choice. The two younger boys call me their Aunt, and until they decide differently, that's ok with me.

Elio works so hard, and he has been pulling a lot of overtime. I love him so much, and I thank God for him...good and bad! Marriage is not a sprint, it's a marathon. It's hard work, but the benefits are the best. We've been stretched to our limit at times, but I could not ask for a better partner.

As for me, well...I am still working. I have had some especially difficult weeks at work that have been very trying. (Hence the lack of blogging, and lack of sanity on some days) I am praying for clarity about how, where, and when God wants me to make a change. I am thankful though that a few co-workers have told me that I have changed their mind about certain things, for example breastfeeding. People are more open to the conversation and providing me with support. Seeing me with my pumping bag every day has obviously sent a little message to my fellow social workers. Or maybe it's my big mouth...I'm not sure which. ;-)

My 2012 goals include:
-More blogging (Be on the lookout, I have a lot to say!)
-Graduate School (I put that on hold when I had Calvin, and when my Dad became ill)
-Crafting with Calvin & Scrapbooking his first year
-Getting more involved with our church
-Home projects, like decorating and improvements
-Vacations! (This may be more like a dream than a goal, but we'll see)
-Exploring my passions and making time for me
-Letting Go...as in if none of these goals are attained, I'll be ok with it. ;) Let's see how that works out, shall we?

Season Survival

This blog is dedicated to the Moms of babies and children everywhere who are frantically wrapping, baking, cleaning, and, well, doing anything but sleeping in anticipation of Santa...err.. Jesus' arrival this weekend! Here are a few things that help me get through the holidays with an energetic, busy, loud, and happy toddler!



A large canvas tote and moccasins. It is SO much easier to carry one bag instead of a purse AND a diaper bag when you are traveling, shopping, and spending time at other people's homes for the holidays! Some of the contents of this bag include diapers, wipes ( I use a Ziploc bag ),  lipgloss, a small clutch for easy access to debit cards or keys (so I don't have to take the whole bag into the store or restaurant every time), small toys for Calvin, Sippy Cup with water, snacks such as Cheerios and Cheddar Bunnies. This bag could seriously save a life. ;) Oh and the moccasins..yea they're pretty great as slippers or for running errands!




Ahh, the Sippy. I don't give Calvin juice very much (sugar high, no thank you) so I try to have one Sippy in the car, and one at home. It gives Calvin something to do in the car, and this cup in particular is great! It's spillproof and BPA free. The soft tip is easy for Calvin to drink out of. The brand is Munchkin.




Organization is key to maintaining my sanity! I love this little coat hook for Calvin's hoodies. It's secondhand, and I'm sure you could find one at Goodwill or Walmart. I prefer to layer Calvin because he sweats inside stores, and it's so much easier to remove layers to make him more comfortable!




Moms need love, too! I love Mary Kay Timewise foundation. I use the Matte option, and I don't leave the house without it on. Let's be honest, no one gets much accomplished when they feel frazzled. Take the extra 10 minutes to smooth your hair and slap on some makeup. You'll feel better, and so will everyone around you. ;)


 


We have had quite the struggle beating a nasty fungal rash that Calvin developed a few months ago. We tried EVERY cream imaginable, went through 2 prescription creams (totaling up to 100 dollars, thankyouverymuch) tried every homeopathic remedy I could find (Lavender oil did help somewhat), and FINALLY I found Triple Paste. This stuff is golden. This size tub costs 17.99 but believe me when I say all you need is a fingertip. (And if you've met my child, you know his bottom is not small) They also sell smaller sizes; I've seen the smaller tubes at Walmart. Trust me when I say this saved my baby's bottom! I will never use another cream.



Happy Toddler, Happy Mommy!





One final tip for surviving the holidays with babies and kids. ENJOY IT. Before you know it, your nephew will be 13 like mine is and you will miss the days when an Elmo toy did the job. Calvin is already changing in little ways each day, and I cannot wait to see the joy on his face on Christmas morning! Cherish these moments and truly remember the reason we celebrate. I know I am.