Wednesday, August 30
Monday, August 28
Friday, August 25
The little smiling, cooing guy
I hung out today with my friend, Sheera. She was holding the mister after I fed him and he started to coo and smile for her. He says hi. It really is cute. And I was able to get a picture of his adorable smile.
Thursday, August 24
Breastfeeding Controversy
So, a photo of a baby nursing on the August cover of Baby Talk Magazine, has sparked a ton of controversy. The cover was a closeup of a profile of a bare breast with a baby latched on. The editors have received many letters and many complaints. You can view the cover and read the article about it Here
What's interesting is that many were opposed to a portion of the breast being shown on the cover. Do these people not see the outfits many women wear on other magaizne covers...or how about on television?
One woman commented that the image was "gross."
And this picture was of a baby eating...and was on a magazine about babies. If it was a closeup of a baby eating from a bottle...nobody would care.
It just shows how much our society is uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding. Only 36% of US infants are breastfed to six months old, and only 17% are breastfed for a year. In a survey published in 2004 by the American Dietetic Association, less than half - 43 percent - of 3,719 respondents said women should have the right to breastfeed in public places.
And while I am spatting out percentages, here's two more:
57% oppose breastfeeding in public and 72% oppose depictions of breastfeeding on television shows.
So, not only are we not nursing our children, but we don't want others to either. Or, well we want them to, we just don't want them to do it in public. Well, I am sorry to those who feel that way, but I don't want to have to live like a hermit so that I can have my child partake from the amazingly wonderful benefits of breastfeeding.
Would you like to know some of these benefits?
- Breastfed children are less likey to suffer from ear infections, gastrointestinal trouble, asthma, allergies, and diarrhea.
- There is a high correlation between breastfeeding and high IQ possibly due to the emotional bonding with the mother as well as the fatty acids present in the milk.
- Studies have shown that breastfeeding may help protect from childhood leukemia and type 1 diabetes. It also reduces the risk of SIDS.
- Breastmilk is designed for the baby so it is digested by the baby easily. Babies fed infant formula take twice as long to digest it.
While on the topic of formula and breastmilk, consider this:
"this portion taken from another site verbatim...and I forgot the site...so well I can't credit it..sorry.
Comparing ingredients
"Breast milk contains more than 100 ingredients that the formula industry simply can't duplicate. For example, breast milk is full of antibodies that protect babies from illness and help them develop their own immune systems. Some other key differences between the ingredients in breast milk and formula include the following:
* Formula has a higher protein content than human milk. However, the protein in breast milk is more easily and completely digested by babies.
* Breast milk has a higher carbohydrate content than formula and has large amounts of lactose, a sugar found in lower amounts in cow's milk. Research shows that animals whose milk contains higher amounts of lactose experience larger brain development.
* Minerals such as iron are present in lower quantities in breast milk than in formula. However, the minerals in breast milk are more completely absorbed by the baby. In formula-fed babies, the unabsorbed portions of minerals can change the balance of bacteria in the gut, which gives harmful bacteria a chance to grow. This is one reason why bottle-fed babies generally have harder and more odorous stools than breastfed babies.
Feeding frequencies
*Breastfed babies often want to eat again sooner after a feeding than bottle-fed babies, which may lead you (or an outspoken relative) to conclude that you aren't producing enough milk, or your milk isn't rich enough.
*Breastfed babies eat more often than bottle-fed babies because the fats and proteins in breast milk are more easily broken down than the fats and proteins in formula, so they are absorbed and used more quickly. This means that breastfed babies often have fewer digestive troubles than bottle-fed babies. (Fats in formula aren't as well absorbed, which is one reason why bottle-fed babies have more unpleasant smelling bowel movements.)"
end of quoted material
There are also benefits for the mother as well. Nursing burns many many calories, so it makes losing the pregnancy weight much easier. It also protects from several cancers and helps to prevent the development of post-partum depression.
And may I also note that God designed breastfeeding. It was how all previous generations were fed until the development of formula. It's so sad that in today's society it is frowned upon so much.
Yes, I breastfeed my child and I do do it in public, although I prefer to try to stay as covered as possible. I have yet to have any negative feedback in public while nursing, which is good. But I must say, now that I nurse I view that part of my body much differently. I see it as what feeds my child and if I am in public trying to feed my baby and a portion of that area may accidentally show, I really won't care. My concern is first and foremost for my child...not for the 57% who prefer not to nurse their children and prefer not to see women breastfeeding in public.
Anyway, just some food for thought. HA, LITERALLY!
What's interesting is that many were opposed to a portion of the breast being shown on the cover. Do these people not see the outfits many women wear on other magaizne covers...or how about on television?
One woman commented that the image was "gross."
And this picture was of a baby eating...and was on a magazine about babies. If it was a closeup of a baby eating from a bottle...nobody would care.
It just shows how much our society is uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding. Only 36% of US infants are breastfed to six months old, and only 17% are breastfed for a year. In a survey published in 2004 by the American Dietetic Association, less than half - 43 percent - of 3,719 respondents said women should have the right to breastfeed in public places.
And while I am spatting out percentages, here's two more:
57% oppose breastfeeding in public and 72% oppose depictions of breastfeeding on television shows.
So, not only are we not nursing our children, but we don't want others to either. Or, well we want them to, we just don't want them to do it in public. Well, I am sorry to those who feel that way, but I don't want to have to live like a hermit so that I can have my child partake from the amazingly wonderful benefits of breastfeeding.
Would you like to know some of these benefits?
- Breastfed children are less likey to suffer from ear infections, gastrointestinal trouble, asthma, allergies, and diarrhea.
- There is a high correlation between breastfeeding and high IQ possibly due to the emotional bonding with the mother as well as the fatty acids present in the milk.
- Studies have shown that breastfeeding may help protect from childhood leukemia and type 1 diabetes. It also reduces the risk of SIDS.
- Breastmilk is designed for the baby so it is digested by the baby easily. Babies fed infant formula take twice as long to digest it.
While on the topic of formula and breastmilk, consider this:
"this portion taken from another site verbatim...and I forgot the site...so well I can't credit it..sorry.
Comparing ingredients
"Breast milk contains more than 100 ingredients that the formula industry simply can't duplicate. For example, breast milk is full of antibodies that protect babies from illness and help them develop their own immune systems. Some other key differences between the ingredients in breast milk and formula include the following:
* Formula has a higher protein content than human milk. However, the protein in breast milk is more easily and completely digested by babies.
* Breast milk has a higher carbohydrate content than formula and has large amounts of lactose, a sugar found in lower amounts in cow's milk. Research shows that animals whose milk contains higher amounts of lactose experience larger brain development.
* Minerals such as iron are present in lower quantities in breast milk than in formula. However, the minerals in breast milk are more completely absorbed by the baby. In formula-fed babies, the unabsorbed portions of minerals can change the balance of bacteria in the gut, which gives harmful bacteria a chance to grow. This is one reason why bottle-fed babies generally have harder and more odorous stools than breastfed babies.
Feeding frequencies
*Breastfed babies often want to eat again sooner after a feeding than bottle-fed babies, which may lead you (or an outspoken relative) to conclude that you aren't producing enough milk, or your milk isn't rich enough.
*Breastfed babies eat more often than bottle-fed babies because the fats and proteins in breast milk are more easily broken down than the fats and proteins in formula, so they are absorbed and used more quickly. This means that breastfed babies often have fewer digestive troubles than bottle-fed babies. (Fats in formula aren't as well absorbed, which is one reason why bottle-fed babies have more unpleasant smelling bowel movements.)"
end of quoted material
There are also benefits for the mother as well. Nursing burns many many calories, so it makes losing the pregnancy weight much easier. It also protects from several cancers and helps to prevent the development of post-partum depression.
And may I also note that God designed breastfeeding. It was how all previous generations were fed until the development of formula. It's so sad that in today's society it is frowned upon so much.
Yes, I breastfeed my child and I do do it in public, although I prefer to try to stay as covered as possible. I have yet to have any negative feedback in public while nursing, which is good. But I must say, now that I nurse I view that part of my body much differently. I see it as what feeds my child and if I am in public trying to feed my baby and a portion of that area may accidentally show, I really won't care. My concern is first and foremost for my child...not for the 57% who prefer not to nurse their children and prefer not to see women breastfeeding in public.
Anyway, just some food for thought. HA, LITERALLY!
Tuesday, August 22
In Other Words #3
"Salt, when dissolved in water, may disappear,
but it does not cease to exist.
We can be sure of its presence by tasting the water. Likewise, the indwelling Christ, though unseen,
will be made evident to others from the
love which He imparts to us."
- Sadhu Sundar Singh -
I have had many friends and loved ones who know a lot about my childhood and circumstances involved with my parents, that have told me numerous times that they can't believe how I ended up growing up despite things I had gone through. And I tell them, that it is because I had God with me through hard times. I accepted Christ when I was 13 years old. I feel that my teenage years were very difficult. School and home life were tough on me, but I always had joy and as best of a positive lookout as I could. And I know that it's because Christ was in me. He filled me with His love. Apparently, I showed it to others even when I wasn't feeling very loved by people in the world. When we have His love in us, it shines through us and people do notice.
(Matthew 5:13 NKJV) You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
Let us be known in the world as the salt is to the water. When you sip salt water, you can taste the salt immediately. When those in the world see us, meet us, spend time with us, our Christianity should be as evident to them as the salt they taste in the water.
Friday, August 18
Saturday Photo Hunt
 |
Grab the Scavenger Hunt code. Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants. |
This week's theme = Youth ...Easy one for me..hooray!!!
Wednesday, August 16
Some Pictures
DH was asking to see the kiddos. These pictures were taken 5 days ago or so. I finally got a USB connector for my camera.
Tuesday, August 15
In Other Words #2
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.
~ Albert Einstein~
On my site, I am currently playing the song, Held, by Natalie Grant. This song was written by Christa Wells. Christa had some close friends of hers go through some tragic times within months of each other. One close friend of hers, had a baby. He had been diagnosed with a heart defect at birth, but had been treated and was growing well. They awoke one morning to discover that he had passed on. Another friend of hers lost her husband and father of her children to cancer. Christa sat down and penned lyrics to a song that is such a testimony to how God will get us through hard times. He will hold us. That leads me to my thought about this week's quote.
I feel that in every difficult situation we face no matter how big or small, we have an incredible opportunity to create our testimony. What a blessing we have as believers to be able to minister to others who are hurting and going through tough times. And what an even more amazing blessing, to be able to use examples from our own lives and our own walks with God to show these people that yes, God does help. He does heal. He does turn every situation into one that can glorify Him.
The song that Christa Wells wrote has been a blessing to many who have been struggling.
I also think that along with creating a testimony out of hard times, difficult situations also give us the opportunity to practice faith. We must always have that faith in God. Always! Have that faith that He is there, that He will help us. He will never forsake us. How easy it is for us to just get stuck in our own pity party, to give up, to allow difficult times to knock us down and destroy our faith. That is why we need to stand strong and keep our eyes fixed on God.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, beacause you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. . . . Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:2-4, 12
Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling
Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It's unfair
Chorus:
This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held
This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it, let the hatred NUMB our sorrow
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow
(Chorus) ...
This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held
Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?
(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held
Thursday, August 10
Tuesday, August 8
Melody Memory
Okay, so on my dad's computer, I found an MP3 of a song that I recorded with one of my voice teacher's other students six or so years ago. He was a songwriter. He wrote the song and did the guitar part in the middle. I went to his house one afternoon, learned the song and recorded it. He then mixed it a bit. It isn't the best song by any means. I am picky and I don't like the background vocals and there are some low notes that I think sound horrid. But it was still fun to listen to it. So, I placed it on here in case you are bored and felt like listening. My favorite part is the key change near the end of the song. Other than that, it's just okay. But any ol' way. Enjoy!
powered by ODEO
powered by ODEO
Saturday, August 5
Rough Waters
A friend of mine wrote a post called Help Sent on her Blog that got me thinking. So in relation to her post, here is my little story.
I remember when DH and I were moving from our apartment in Glendale into our house in Surprise. I had a beta fish. I took him from his usual home and placed him in a glass bowl. He sat on my lap during our car ride. I watched from above as the fish basically freaked out. The car was moving and when we'd go over bumps and what not, he'd swim all over the bowl frantically. Who knows what he was thinking. Are fish even capable of thought? LOL. Anyway, it made me think that we are a lot like that fish. When we face rough times..when the water is rising around us, we get scared. The whole time I looked down at the fish and told him that it was okay. I knew the outcome. I knew that soon we'd be at our new house and he'd be placed on a counter top where waters would be still. Peace was coming for the little fish.
And in the same manner, God looks down into "our fishbowls" and He too is letting us know that it will be okay. He too knows the final outcome before we ever do. So, while we are frantically swimming around in our bowls, if we'd just calm down and be at peace, eventually we would see what God sees.
I remember when DH and I were moving from our apartment in Glendale into our house in Surprise. I had a beta fish. I took him from his usual home and placed him in a glass bowl. He sat on my lap during our car ride. I watched from above as the fish basically freaked out. The car was moving and when we'd go over bumps and what not, he'd swim all over the bowl frantically. Who knows what he was thinking. Are fish even capable of thought? LOL. Anyway, it made me think that we are a lot like that fish. When we face rough times..when the water is rising around us, we get scared. The whole time I looked down at the fish and told him that it was okay. I knew the outcome. I knew that soon we'd be at our new house and he'd be placed on a counter top where waters would be still. Peace was coming for the little fish.
And in the same manner, God looks down into "our fishbowls" and He too is letting us know that it will be okay. He too knows the final outcome before we ever do. So, while we are frantically swimming around in our bowls, if we'd just calm down and be at peace, eventually we would see what God sees.
Friday, August 4
Friday's Feast
Here's today's Feast
Appetizer
Name an actor or actress you think is totally underappreciated.
-I can't think of any, to be honest. I tried...but I couldn't come up with any. I know they are out there, but..well...I guess I don't pay enough attention.
Soup
Impress us by using a big word in a sentence.
The teacher thought it would be helpful for her students to learn a big word every week.
;o) Did I cheat? I mean, I did do what you asked.
Salad
What is something inanimate that you've given a name to (such as a pet rock)?
In 7th grade, the sink in my house made a squeaking noise all of the time. My best friend, Kate and I insisted there was a mouse living in it. Although of course there wasn't. Anyway...we named him Cornelius and we would put cheese down the sink for him to eat. Yes, we were dorks!
Main Course
What color would best represent your personality and why?
Yellow- Sunny, bright, hopeful
Dessert
Fill in the blanks: ____________ is so ____________.
The Georgia Mud Fudge Brownie Blizzard from Dairy Queen is sooooooo....simply delightful
Appetizer
Name an actor or actress you think is totally underappreciated.
-I can't think of any, to be honest. I tried...but I couldn't come up with any. I know they are out there, but..well...I guess I don't pay enough attention.
Soup
Impress us by using a big word in a sentence.
The teacher thought it would be helpful for her students to learn a big word every week.
;o) Did I cheat? I mean, I did do what you asked.
Salad
What is something inanimate that you've given a name to (such as a pet rock)?
In 7th grade, the sink in my house made a squeaking noise all of the time. My best friend, Kate and I insisted there was a mouse living in it. Although of course there wasn't. Anyway...we named him Cornelius and we would put cheese down the sink for him to eat. Yes, we were dorks!
Main Course
What color would best represent your personality and why?
Yellow- Sunny, bright, hopeful
Dessert
Fill in the blanks: ____________ is so ____________.
The Georgia Mud Fudge Brownie Blizzard from Dairy Queen is sooooooo....simply delightful
Tuesday, August 1
In Other Words
Christian Women Online began a new Meme for Tuesdays called, In Other Words. They provide a quote and then we can write whatever we would like about it. I decided to start participating today.
The quote today is:
"There are two kinds of people:
those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,'
and those to whom God says,
'All right, then, have it your way."
~ C.S. Lewis ~
Alright, so here goes:
My two and a half year old has begun to dabble in independence. She wants to do everything on her own. She looks at me very matter-of-factly and says, "I do it!" She can be stubborn. Even when I see her struggling and I ask if I can just help, she still insists to do it. This time saying with a more angry tone, "I DO it." There are some times, when I know she won't be able to achieve the task at hand, it's either too hard or she just really isn't big enough yet to do it on her own. So I sit back and wait for her to finally say those three little words, "Mommy, help me." And then with a smile and gentleness, I do. But I have her help me as well. We accomplish it together.
I think with God, I am his toddler, really and truly. I think we all are. We are impatient with him, we have tantrums. We receive and receive, but don't give as much as we should. And we too struggle with independence. When my daughter struggles with a challenge so big for her, yet so tiny and easy for me, I think, Punkin..let me help. I know how. I know what I'm doing. Hmmm, can you hear God saying those same words to us? I know he must think them about me many times. He is so much bigger than even my biggest task. He sees more than I could ever imagine. But if I insist to do it on my own, He'll let me. And He will just sit back patiently waiting for those three words, "God, help me."
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