Thoughtful Thursday: On Being “That” Mom

me taking the 1,456th pictures of my son & I, can't get enough of him!

me taking the 1,456th pictures of my son & I – can’t get enough of him!

 

 

Happy Thursday! Today I thought I would share some random thoughts about mama-hood that are always bouncing around my head. Specifically about stereotypes and being “that” mom.

The mom that always gets funny looks & sideways glances, at the park, at toddler classes, at the museum, at restaurants. I am definitely “that” mom.

“That” Mom whose child always has snot/drool/etc. on his face

T gets a runny nose with every set of teeth that come in, it has happened every single time since his first set at 5 ½ months. I know it is due to his teeth and sometimes even progresses to a cough. Read more about that here. I know he isn’t “sick” and I follow his cues on if we need to stay home, take it easy, or go about with our normal activities. In addition to that, I try really hard every day to respect my son’s body and space. I allow him to wipe his own face and recently his dad taught him to blow his nose, yes it is not as efficient as me holding him and doing a rough swoop to get everything but when/if it bothers him, he knows how to take care of it himself.

“That” Mom who is always super late

Living on a toddler‘s timetable is a foolproof way to never get anywhere even remotely on time. T likes to take his time: waking up, getting dressed, eating, going to the bathroom, going to sleep, walking, pretty much everything. He needs natural, organic transitions from one activity to the next and we have a much more harmonious relationship when I provide that. Both of us are happier and working together and it makes for much smoother, calmer days. Do I sometimes feel like my entire life is dictated by what a very small human feels or wants right then? Yes. Is it hard to deal with sometimes? Yes. But in reality, that is my life. Right now, my entire days revolve around facilitating my son’s journey; it is a very short period in what I hope to be a very long life for him, so yes, he most often decides when.

“That” Mom who always has stuff on her clothes

Yes, I am a mess everyday. I walk and bike where we need to go and am often sweaty. I always sit on the ground with my son and inevitably get grass, dirt, dew, you name it, on my clothes. My son is also a “nibbler”. He has food out all day long (and snacks when we are out and about) and alternates between playing and eating and checking in with me for a hug, kiss, pick up, nursing and whatever is on his hands always ends up on my shirt, pants, or in my hair. If it’s not that, it’s one of the above that is now a permanent stain. At a point in the future, parenting will be much more hands off, and maybe then I will manage to keep myself clean. I parallel it with the quote by Mary Randolph Carter that “A perfectly kept house is the sign of a misspent life”. My clothes are definitely representative of all the “living” we have done that day.

‘”That” Mom who treats her toddler “like a baby”

I wear my son in a front carry most places we go. I am almost always hugging him, cuddling him, kissing him, or just rubbing his back while he sits in my lap. He sleeps in our family bed for naps and nighttime. I nurse him whenever he wants and if he wants my attention or me close by, I give it to him. He amazes me almost daily with how much he knows, understands, comprehends, and observes for someone so young. He is definitely a little person of his own, and far from having the dependant nature of an infant that only knows being close to mama, breastfeeding, and touch, but he still enjoys those things, and in my opinion, at this point they are nothing but beneficial. He will grow up and be his own, independent being, but as of now he has only been on this earth for 17 months of what will hopefully be 100+ years. In the grand scheme of things, he is still a baby.

“That” Mom who is always talking about her child

Being a mama is my job right now, and I take it very seriously. So yes, I pretty much only talk about my work. And yes, I can tell you are not that interested but it’s my life and it is pretty all consuming for me. I also am just so obsessed with my son; he is the best.

“That” Mom who never tells her child no

I was explaining “gentle hands” to T after he was hitting me the other week and another parent I was talking with commented, “Gentle hands? Does that actually work? Doesn’t he know what ‘no’ means?”

I choose to always explain why or how we do things with T. Regardless of whether or not it is most effective immediately, I believe it is the right way to interact with him and will yield the most positive behavioral results in the long run.

It has been a crazy journey thus far, but as of now I have really embraced what kind of mama I am. I find myself being less and less self conscious about all of the things above as time passes too. Mostly, it has been a lesson for me in not judging, not labeling, and not isolating myself because some people choose to do things differently. No matter what kind of mom I am, I am trying my hardest everyday and that is all that matters. Funny looks, comments, and my own insecurities aside, I try to remind myself of that as often as I can.

There is also no greater feeling than being surrounding by other mamas who support, uplift, and laugh with you no matter *what* kind of mom you are that day. Finding our tribe in Arizona was invaluable to me that first year, we are still working on finding our perfect place here in California <3

Share your thoughts with us! How do you see yourself in your role as mom? How do other people see you? Has being a mom made you less prone to judging others?? I love hearing other mamas stories and perspectives!

Wordless Wednesday: Bonding with Coach

Babywearing on a hike

Babywearing on a hike

Music and dance

Music and dance

Play with your baby - does this look like wrestling to you?

Play with your baby – does this look like wrestling to you?

Make faces with baby

Make faces with baby

Snuggle with baby

Snuggle with nursling

SPB Father's Day 2013

Read to your nursling

Coaches with children

Coaches with children

Steady uncertain legs

Steady uncertain legs

Comfort your nursling

Comfort your nursling

Keep your nursling warm

Keep your nursling warm

To see coaches bonding with younger nurslings, visit Wordless Wednesday over at Sweet Pea Births

 

Tuesday Tip: Traveling with your nursling

As we prepare to take one more trip before we settle back into our homeschool year, I thought I would share some of the things we do to prepare to travel with our children, specifically our youngest.  One of the greatest conveniences of breastfeeding is that your milk is always available, in the right quantity and at the right temperature.  We have enjoyed being very mobile with our little ones.

Here are some things we have learned along the way:

If your nursling was into a rhythm, prepare it to change.  Whether you are changing time zones, or changing the people coming into your circle, or maybe it’s simply a change in the place where you are sleeping, nurslings are usually a little thrown off from their patterns.  Having specific routines in place may help ease their transition through your trip.  Wherever a routine fits into your schedule, keep it: morning routine, nap routine, bedtime routine.  Usually a family has a consistent way of doing things somewhere in their day if they think about it.  Figure out where yours is and keep it consistent when you are away from home.  Keeping it consistent may ease your baby back into their other patterns once they settle in.

Also prepare yourself to be flexible: you may not be able to get back to your sleep space right on time for your nursling’s nap.  Can baby sleep in the car as you drive, sleep in a carrier, sleep in a stroller?  Have a back-up plan just in case so that you can enjoy your trip and the new sights without being tied to your nursling’s schedule which they may not be keeping anyway.

Your nursling may want to nurse more.  This goes back to your baby’s rhythm.  Even the slightest change in their day may send your baby back to the breast more often at home.  Their need to comfort nurse may be heightened in your new surroundings.  Knowing this, plan ahead if you think frequent nursing is going to be uncomfortable in your vacation/trip space.  Call your hosts ahead of time and feel out their comfort level with breastfeeding (if they are not, ask them to think about where you can nurse when you are visiting them), search out family-friendly venues, plan your wardrobe according to ease of nursing.  You can mix fashion and functionality…in fact, one of my favorite lines is Momzelle, which happens to be on sale today!

Your nursling may be happier next to you.  Keeping your baby “on” you may not be feasible through your whole trip.  However, if you are comfortable babywearing or have time to get used to it before your trip, that close proximity has been another way we have found to ease our nurslings anxiety when we travel.

Bring some of your favorite foods with you.  If your nursling has already started solids, bring some of their favorite snack foods with you.  We usually bring along enough for a couple of days of snacking.  With the ease of the internet, you may be able to find a store that sells your nurslings favorite foods at your destination.  Also remember that “food before one is just for fun”.  Friends or family that you are visiting may fret that your baby isn’t eating enough…rest assured that your breastmilk makes all the nutrients your baby needs and they will be getting enough to thrive up until around their first birthday (more HERE).

When you relax and have fun, your nursling will to.  Our nurslings are little energy readers – are yours?  They know when we are feeling off, and likewise when we are at ease.  Do you know how to operate at your best “frequency”?  Make sure that you take care of yourself so that you can be at your best when you are on your trip.

What tips would you share with a family traveling with a nursling?

Did you see last week’s tips on handling breastfeeding when you travel in regards to nursing in public and breastfeeding laws?  You may want to check that out if you are traveling out of state.  Personally, I will be refreshing myself on CA laws this week 🙂

Family Events: August 19-23, 2013

Looking for something to do with your family this week?  Cassandra and I are posting events and classes in our respective geographic areas…look for us…maybe we will see you there!!

Disclaimer: A listing here does not imply endorsement by Sweet Pea Families or our families.

Please call ahead to ensure the event is happening as listed.  We pull our events from many different sources and cannot guarantee accuracy.  Looking for more baby-friendly events or breastfeeding support groups?  Visit our listings at Sweet Pea Births.

MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013
Splash Pad
Kids will love to splash around!
San Tan Village @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
2218 E Williams Field Rd
Gilbert, AZ  85295
480-282-9500

Free Baby Dance Class
Fun dance class for walkers through 2.5 years old – No charge.
USA Youth Fitness Center @ 9:00 am to 9:30 am
1530 S Gilbert Rd
Gilbert 85296
480-926-1480

Splash Playground
One-acre splash park as waterfalls that turn into streams.  There is an “ocean”, toy whales, and a “sandy beach”
Cox Splash Playground @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Mill Ave & Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-350-8625

Family Storytime
Bring the family for stories, finger plays, music and rhyming activities
Arabian Library @ 6:30 – 7:00 pm
10215 E. McDowell Mountain Rd
Scottsdale, AZ  85255
480-321-7323

CALIFORNIA
Summer Garden Potluck Picnic
Celebrate the summer with good food and jazz
Community Garden at Adult School @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
http://www.sustainablepg.org/events.php

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013
Spray Pad Fun
Cool water playground features a spray pad with snake head sprays and ground sprays.
Pecos Park @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
17010 S 48th St.
Phoenix (Ahwatukee), AZ 85048
602-262-6111

Tumbleweed Tots
This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes.
Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9am – 11am
745 E. Germann
Chandler AZ 85286
(480) 782-2900

Smart Play: Older Babies (6 months-12 months old)  
Who knew there was actually a science to the most beneficial techniques to use when interacting with your baby to help their brain develop? In this class, participants will learn how play affects their child’s lifelong brain development, what toys/activities are best for their child at this age, and how to look at a toy and instantly see its developmental benefits. Babies welcome and encouraged!
These are some of the techniques Brie shared on Channel 3’s “Your Life A to Z” on her June 27th appearance! Class costs $10 per person or $12 per couple
Baby Town  @ 9:30am-10:30am
3787 S. Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ
480-299-1154 or visit www.babybasics4u.com

Smart Play: Toddlers I (1 yr olds)
Who knew there was actually a science to the most beneficial techniques to use when interacting with your toddler to help their brain develop? In this class, participants will learn how play affects their child’s lifelong brain development, what toys/activities are best for their child at this age, and how to look at a toy and instantly see its developmental benefits. Toddlers welcome and encouraged!
These are some of the techniques Brie shared on Channel 3’s “Your Life A to Z” on her June 27th appearance! Class costs $10 per person or $12 per couple
Baby Town  @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
3787 S. Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ
480-299-1154 or visit www.babybasics4u.com

Pottery Barn Kids Story Time
Kids of all ages are invited to story time every Tuesday at 11:00 am.  Members receive an official book club passport at their first story time, plus a special gift after attending five story times.  To locate a store near you, click HERE
Store Near You @ 11:00 – 11:30 am
Chandler Fashion Center
3111 West Chandler Blvd
Chandler , AZ 85226
(480) 899-7155
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 e. Camelback Road
Scottsdale , AZ 85251
(480) 423-3813

Family Play Class
Free Preview of Gymboree’s School Skills Class.  Helps build key social, emotional, and intellectual skills needed for school.  Classes are offered throught the day.  Call to register for one.
Gymboree Play & Music (Scottsdale) @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
7077 E. Bell Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85013

Family Storytime
Families can enjoy stories, songs and rhymes.  For ages birth to five.
Acacia Library @ 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
750 E Townley Ave
Phoenix, AZ  85020
602-534-2468

Open Gym
Kids will enjoy playing and doing gymnastics at open gym.  For ages 18 months to 12 years old.  Cost is $7.00
USA Fitness Center @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
1530 S. Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-926-1480

Free Movie
Kids can get out of the heat and enjoy a family-friendly movie rated PG or G.
Desert Sage Library @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
7602 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85035
602-534-5276

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.  Also, every day kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 6:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

La Leche League – Chandler
LLL is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. All women, especially pregnant and nursing mothers, are welcome to attend our meetings. To find a meeting in your area, visit http://www.lllofaz.org/
**Husbands Welcome**
Whole Foods @ 7:00 pm
2955 West Ray Road
Chandler, AZ 85224
(SE corner of Ray Rd & 101 Freeway)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013
Bird Watching
Check out interactive exhibits, an interpretive loop, and a children’s free play area with a water feature and monarch play structure.  Visitors can check out a piar of binoculars and a bird guide and head into the habitat for bird watching.  Free admission.
Rio Salado Audubon Center @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
3131 S. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602-468-6470

Free Baby Dance Class
Fun dance class for walkers through 2.5 years old – No charge.
USA Youth Fitness Center @ 9:00 am to 9:30 am
1530 S Gilbert Rd
Gilbert 85296
480-926-1480

National Geographic Kids Club 
The Chandler Fashion Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting.  Meet in the Gap wing near the Food Court now through mid-November!
This week’s theme:  Clap your hands and stomp your feet. Feel the rhythm of the jungle beat.
Chandler Fashion Center @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
3111 W Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-812-8488

Music Time
Enjoy singing, simple instruments and movement with your child.  For children 5 and under and their caregivers.
Bookmans Mesa @ 10:00 – 10:30 am
1056 S Country Club Dr
Mesa, AZ 85210
480-835-0505

Family Yoga
Midwives Rising! @ 10:00 am
531 E Lynwood St.
Phoenix, AZ
602-242-4446

Inn Mommies: Explorers Playgroup 
Crawling children to four years old: This playgroup for moms and babies that are exploring their world.  It is open to women that have given birth at home, at Babymoon Inn or in a hospital. Delight and stimulate your baby in this short yet action packed class full of music, movement, and rhymes for baby and mommy. You will be reminded of great songs and rhymes for baby and you may even learn a few new ones. Get to know other families during playtime that follows each class. Younger siblings are welcome in the Explorers group.  For more info visit http://babymooninn.com/community/
Babymoon Inn  @ 10:00 am
202 East Morris Drive
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 314-7755 ‎

Toddler Storytime
Toddlers and parents can enjoy stories, songs and games to help encourage emerging language skills.  For children 24 months to 36 months old.
Burton Barr Library @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
1221 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-262-4636

Open Gym
Kids will enjoy playing and doing gymnastics at open gym.  For ages 18 months to 12 years old.  Cost is $7.00
USA Fitness Center @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
1530 S. Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-926-1480

Stuffington Bear Factory Tour
Come see a working factory where America’s most loveable companion, the teddy bear, is manufactured.  You will learn about the designing of the bears including how they are cut, sewn together, and stuffed with an up-close look at the manufacturing floor.  The mini-tour lasts about 15 – 20 minutes and includes lots o f fun information about the history of Teddy Bears.
Stuffington Bear Factory @ 1:00 pm
2302 E. Thomas Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Art Appreciation
View the art at the Phoenix Art Museum and begin a lifelong appreciation of art with your little one – Free Admission this afternoon.
Phoenix Art Museum @ 3:00 – 9:00 pm
1625 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-256-7539

Agritopia Farmer’s Market
Specialty crops, food trucks, vendors, artisan food products
Agritopia @ 4:00 – 8:00 pm
13000 E Ray Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-988-1238

Phoenix Public Market
“our Open-Air Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates neighborhoods and the neighbors. It offers an eclectic high-quality mix of: Fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, produce, flowers, jams, baked goods, dried beans, free-range eggs and honey, live plants and unique local arts and crafts, tasty hot foods, music, and more.”

Open Air Market @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Cloth Diaper 101
Cloth Diaper Show & Tell with Rachel
Midwives Rising! @ 6:30 pm
531 E Lynwood St.
Phoenix, AZ
602-242-4446

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013
Tumbleweed Tots
This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes.
Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
745 E. Germann
Chandler AZ 85286
(480) 782-2900

Family Storytime
Bring the kids for stories, songs and fingerplays.
Palomino Library @ 10:00 – 10:30 am
12575 E Via Linda
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
480-312-7323

Open Gym
Kids will enjoy playing and doing gymnastics at open gym.  For ages 18 months to 12 years old.  Cost is $7.00
USA Fitness Center @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
1530 S. Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-926-1480

Superstition Farmer’s Market
Dinner, shopping and fun at a working farm.  Local and organic foods, grill for dinner, and a petting zoo.
Superstition Farm @ 4:30 – 7:30 pm
3440 S Hawes Rd
Mesa, AZ 85212
602-432-6865

Flashlight Tour
Sensory adventures where you will see, hear and feel the desert night: birds, tortoises, insects and night-blooming flowers.  Please bring a flashlight and wear comfortable walking shoes – for families and children of all ages.  $18/adult, $10/ 13-18 yo, $8/ 3-12 yo, free for 2 and under.
Desert Botanical Garden @ 7:00 pm
1201 N Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
480-941-1225

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
Walk the Trails at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
The arboretum features more than 3,200 different desert plants and most can be seen along the 1.5 mile main trail.  Enjoy the shade and beauty of a wide variety of trees.  Cost is $9 for adults and $4.50 for children ages five to 12; free for kids under 5.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum @ 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
37615 W Highway 60
Superior, AZ 85273
520-689-2811

Aquatic Playground Splash Pad
Kids can cool off at this 8,500 square foot water park featuring ground geysers, cattail and nearly 30 different nozzles and buckets.  Cost is $1.50 for adults, $.50 for ages 3-17; free for 2 and under
Aquatic Playground splash pad @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
83rd Ave & Berridge Lane
Glendale 85301
623-930-2820

Mesa Farmers Market
Come meet some great farming people and shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Rendezvous Green @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
263 N Center St
Mesa 85201
623-848-1234

Music Together
Class Demo
Midwives Rising! @ 10:00 am
531 E Lynwood St.
Phoenix, AZ
602-242-4446

Babywearing Meeting
     Back for another month at Scottsdale Fashion Square. This time it will be in an empty restaurant space that was formerly Marcella’s at the East end of the mall, near Barney’s. There is a double door facing Camelback Road (facing south) on the outside of the building. You will need to enter through those. 🙂
Stop by and check out our carrier library, bring a friend and learn how to use one you already have, or just come out to play and chat.
As always you can join BWIP at any meeting for only $30/year and enjoy great benefits such as being able to borrow a carrier from our library for up to a month at a time. One of the last meetings to “Join in June” and be entered into our carrier drawing.
Scottsdale Fashion Square (Barney’s entrance) @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
7014 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Siblings! Class
Baby number 2 on the way? Don’t sweat it! In this workshop participants will get helpful tips on preparing siblings for a new baby as well as a discussion on how to get sibling to stop fighting and get along better. Class costs $11 per person or $13.50 per couple.
Baby Basics Office @ 10:00 – 11:00 am
5425 E. Bell Rd., Suite 142
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-299-1154 or visit www.babybasics4u.com

Storytime: Little Mouse by Alison Murray
Sometime the nickname Little Mouse just doesn’t seem to fit, like when you feel as brave as a lion or as loud as an elephant. Other times, it’s nice to be quiet and cozy, cuddly and dozy, especially when you’re snuggled up on Mommy’s lap.
Barnes & Noble @ 10:30 AM
Chandler Fashion Mall
3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2054
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-792-1312

Food Truck Friday
Phoenix Public Market @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Free Outdoor Concert – Tempe
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
http://tempemarketplace.com/events/live-music/
Tempe Marketplace @ 7:00 pm
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe 85281
480-966-9338

Free Outdoor Concert – N. Phoenix/Scottsdale
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
Desert Ridge Marketplace @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
21001 N Tatum Blvd
Phoenix 85050
480-513-7586

Free Concert: Chandler
¡FlaMÉXico! Mariachi Meets Flamenco is a musical reflection of two cultures forming a new vision. Arizona-born composer Chris Burton Jácome charged his project ¡FlaMÉXico! with finding, creating and celebrating the musical confluences of Spain’s Flamenco and México’s Mariachi.
No tickets required, all shows are FREE.  All seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30pm, and seating starts at 7pm. Suggested donations: $5/person, $10/family. More concert information here.
Chandler Center for the Arts @ 7:30 pm
250 N. Arizona Ave.
Chandler, AZ

CALIFORNIA
Celebrate the Outdoors
Throughout the month of August, MY Museum celebrates the outdoors with a special activity every Friday! Starry Night:  Join us August 23rd for an afternoon with the stars!

For more information and admission prices, visit http://www.mymuseum.org/plan/calendar/ 
Monterey County Youth Museum @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
425 Washington Street
Monterey, CA 93940

Do you have an event you want to add to our list?  We are happy to list your event in our weekly blog posts.  Any event, class, support group or meeting that fits into our philosophy of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting will be considered for our listing.  We reserve the right to decline requests that do not promote healthy families and peaceful parenting.

To submit your event:
Please follow this format (same as above).  Anything that is not “copy-paste” ready may not be posted – it will depend on how much time I have between homeschooling and loving on four littles.  If I don’t sleep, it seriously impedes my ability to be a peaceful mama, and that is not fun for anybody.  Thank you for understanding!

Submit your event information to:
sweetpeafamilies {at} gmail {dot} com

Information to send me:
Event Name
Description & Cost
Location Name & Time
Address
Contact Phone Number

For more baby-friendly fun or breastfeeding support groups, visit our listing at Sweet Pea Births.

Please leave us a comment – it will be moderated and posted.

Disclaimer:  
The material included on this site is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Cassandra Okamoto, Krystyna and Bruss Bowman, and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.

Family Fun – August 17 & 18, 2013

Looking for something to do with your family this weekend?  Cassandra and I are going to start posting events and classes in our respective geographic areas…look for us…maybe we will see you there!!

Disclaimer: A listing here does not imply endorsement by Sweet Pea Births or our families.

Saturday, August 17, 2013
Gilbert Farmer’s Market
7:00 am – 11:00 am
222 N. Ash St
Gilbert 85234
480-583-0101

Phoenix Public Market
“our Open-Air Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates neighborhoods and the neighbors. It offers an eclectic high-quality mix of: Fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, produce, flowers, jams, baked goods, dried beans, free-range eggs and honey, Live plants and unique local arts and crafts, Tasty hot foods, music, and more

Open Air Market @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Saturdays (May-Sep): 8a to Noon

 

Roadrunner Farmer’s Market
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
3502 E Cactus Rd
Phoenix 85032
623-848-1234
Train and Carousel Rides
Come out for a day of old-fashioned fun at the railroad park.  Enjoy the shade provided by the park’s many large trees  Kids can play at various play area including a covered playground with water sprays.  Train and Carousel Rides $2.00/each; free for kids under 3 with paying adult.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad park (http://www.therailroadpark.com/) @ 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
7301 E Indian Bend Rd
Scottsdale 85250
480-312-2312

Splash Pad Fun
Kids can cool off at this fun spray pad
Jaycee Park @10:00 am – 7:00 pm
817 W 5 St
Tempe 85282
80-350-8625

Dad & Toddler Storytime
Dads can enjoy stories with their favorite toddler
Mustang Library @10:30 am – 11:00 am
10101 N. 90 St.
Scottsdale, 85258
480-321-7323

Free Crafts for Kids
Lakeshore Learning Store @ 11:00am – 3:00pm
I Can Do It! Flowerpot
Kids get excited about going back to school…as they fill a flowerpot with their goals for the year!
Find your store HERE

Family Swim at Nozomi Aquatic Center
Cost is $2.25 for adults; $1.00 for children 2-17
Nozomi Auquatic Center @ 11:am to 6:00 pm
250 S Kyrene Rd
Chandler 85226
480-783-8621

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm and Tuesdays at 6:00pm.  Also, everyday kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 2:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

Free Outdoor Concert
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment
Tempe Marketplace @ 7:00 pm
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe 85281
480-966-9338

Free Outdoor Concert
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment
Desert Ridge Marketplace @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
21001 N Tatum Blvd
Phoenix 85050
480-513-7586

CALIFORNIA
Pacific Grove Prenatal Yoga
Seaside Yoga Sanctuary @ 10:30-11:45
170 Central Ave
Pacific Grove, CA
http://www.seasideyogasanctuary.com/OurSite/prenatal-yoga

Organic Strawberry U-Pick (https://www.facebook.com/events/547374708633186/)
Come on out and pick your fill of delicious organic berries! The strawberry patch is full of ripe fruit. Make amazing desserts, jam or just freeze a bunch for smoothies.
Cost: $1.75/lb. Bring your own containers if you can. We’ll have empty flats available too.
Redman House Farmstand @ 11 AM to 5 PM.
200 Lee Rd.
Watsonville, CA

Sunday, August 18, 2013
Ahwatukee Farmers Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
4700 E Warner Rd
Phoenix, 85004
602-919-0914

Train and Carousel Rides
Come out for a day of old-fashioned fun at the railroad park.  Enjoy th shade provided by the park’s many large trees. Kids can play at various play area including a covered playground with water sprays.  Train and Carousel Rides $2.00/each; free for kids under 3 with paying adult.
9:00 am to 9:00 pm
McCormick-Stillman Railroad park (http://www.therailroadpark.com/)
7301 E Indian Bend Rd
Scottsdale 85250
480-312-2312

Family Swim at Desert Oasis Aquatic Center
Zero-depth pool area with kiddie slide, rain drop and spray whale, 112 ft. figure 8 water slide, shade ramadas, concession stand and sand volleyball court.  Cost is $2.25 for adults, $1.00 for children ages 2-17
Desert Oasis Aquatic Center @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
1400 W Summit Place
Chandler, AZ 85224
480-732-1061

Water Park Fun in Chandler
Enjoy the zero-depth pool area with interactive play area, water vortex, current river and two water slides.  Cost is $2.25 for adults and $1 for children ages 2-17
Hamilton Aquatic Center @ 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
3838 S Arizona Ave
Chandler 85248
480-782-2630

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm and Tuesdays at 6:00pm.  Also, everyday kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 2:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

CALIFORNIA
Organic Strawberry U-Pick (https://www.facebook.com/events/547374708633186/)
Come on out and pick your fill of delicious organic berries! The strawberry patch is full of ripe fruit. Make amazing desserts, jam or just freeze a bunch for smoothies.
Cost: $1.75/lb. Bring your own containers if you can. We’ll have empty flats available too.
Redman House Farmstand @ 11 AM to 5 PM.
200 Lee Rd.
Watsonville, CA

Do you have an event you want to add to our list?  We are happy to list your event in our weekly blog posts.  Any event, class, support group or meeting that fits into our philosophy of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting will be considered for our listing.  We reserve the right to decline requests that do not promote healthy families and peaceful parenting.

To submit your event:
Please follow this format (same as above).  Anything that is not “copy-paste” ready may not be posted – it will depend on how much time I have between homeschooling and loving on four littles.  If I don’t sleep, it seriously impedes my ability to be a peaceful mama, and that is not fun for anybody.  Thank you for understanding!

Submit your event information to:
sweetpeafamilies {at} gmail {dot} com

Information to send me:
Event Name
Description & Cost
Location Name & Time
Address
Contact Phone Number

Please leave us a comment – it will be moderated and posted.

Explaining Breastfeeding to Children

As we continue with Breastfeeding Awareness Month posts, it made sense to write about children and breastfeeding on our family blog.  Pictured above is an image from the Alpha Parent’s blog listing children’s book that show and/or talk about breastfeeding.  I think that picture pretty much sums up how older siblings feel about new babies and nursing!

So, continuing on with yesterday’s Thoughtful Thursday topic,  “Normalize Breastfeeding” over at Sweet Pea Births, how do you explain breastfeeding to children?  Here are the things that worked for us.

Siblings:
If you breastfed your older child(ren), it is helpful to share pictures of you breastfeeding them.  It is natural for children to feel jealous of all the time the new baby will be spending with Mommy.  Showing them how they were fed and close to you until they became more independent may help.

Side note:  My friend Rachel Davis made a photo book for her children showing their progression through pregnancy, labor, birth and their first year.  Depending on how old they are, it may help the older sibling understand that the newborn phase is not forever and that soon, they will not feel like all your time is consumed by the baby.  She does caution to be mindful of which pictures you put in there…your child will be proud of this book and show it to anyone and everyone that will read it with them.

We have also taken the time to point out all the things we will still be able to do with them while nursing the younger sibling(s):

      • we can snuggle together and read a book
      • we can sit on the floor and do a puzzle
      • we can sit next to each other and play quietly or color
      • they can let the baby fall asleep so we can get our own together time without the baby

We have found that including them in the nursing sessions helps them feel like they are still part of the “inner circle”.  We try to be mindful that although they may have weaned, they still crave our time and our touch.

I also take the time to show them the mechanics of nursing.  How does the baby latch?  How can we tell if the baby is actually feeding for nutrition, or might they be comfort nursing?  Does it hurt?  I want them to not just accept it, but to learn about how to nurse.  If they have more questions, we talk about them.

Talking to children outside your family:
I have nursed our children wherever and whenever they have been hungry.  Sometimes that is at a family gathering, at a playdate, at a park.  When I nursed with a nursing cover, children would be curious and want to know what was going on under the cover.  I would ask the parents permission first, and if it was okay with them, I’d let them look under the cover to see the baby nurse.  If parents were not okay with it, they would simply tell their children that it was not okay and to leave us alone.

Either way, I would take a second to tell the children that I was feeding our baby my milk. I made sure to say it was one of the ways to feed children, being mindful that maybe they were fed differently.  Again, if they had more questions, I would answer them.  Some questions I got:

  • How long did the baby eat?
  • When would they start eating food?
  • Did I ever give them a bottle?

Now that I nurse with a loose blouse instead of a cover, the nursing is not under or hidden.  Curiously, I get less questions about breastfeeding – isn’t that interesting?  Nothing to hide, nothing to explain.

Have you talked to children within or outside your immediate family about breastfeeding?  What did you share with them?

Want to read more about normalizing breastfeeding with the younger generation?  Try THIS piece about breastfeeding on a children’s program, published January 2012.

Thoughtful Thursday: Accepting the Present

T & I attended our local La Leche League meeting last night and had a great time, as always. It left me with a lot of thoughts bouncing around in my head, which I thought I would share with you all for Thoughtful Thursday!

The topic was weaning + nutrition, which ironically enough was what I had a million questions about at last month’s meeting. One of the great leaders directed me to this wonderful book then, which I immediately checked out from their lending library and had the entire month to read, ponder, and realize what is right for our family.

One of the other mamas there was extremely frustrated with night nursing and her 15 month old, and was sharing how she was determined to night wean ASAP.  She was tired, needs to be up early for work often and just needed something to change big time. My heart went out to her, that is usually me, with my ongoing struggles of breastfeeding / being a mama in general.

I felt different this month though; lately I have been trying to accept the present for what it is, just the present. Not a product of what we have done in the past or a foreshadowing of what things will be like in the future, just what it is, today. When I start thinking that by nursing all day and all night and sharing a bed with T since birth it has made him a light/difficult sleeper, or that by nursing so frequently at 17 months I am hindering T’s socializing, or that if I am still nursing on demand now T may not wean until 4 or 5 years old, I can start to drive myself CRAZY.

Nursing is so controversial; there is so much information, so many opinions, and even more so when it comes to nursing + sleep or nursing + toddlers. Maybe that is why I am always struggling, always analyzing our breastfeeding relationship to try and change behaviors?

Breastfeeding is without a doubt a lifestyle choice; just like choosing to be a responsive or positive or empathetic or attachment parent. It takes work, dedication, sacrifice, and it will not always be easy. But it is a tool, a tool to provide nourishment and comfort. Sometimes T needs a hug in the middle of his play, sometimes he just wants to be picked up, sometimes he wants to read books, and sometimes he wants to nurse. I don’t question when he will stop “needing” hugs from me, and I am no longer questioning when he will stop needing to nurse. I do not always want to read “Oh The Thinks You Can Think” or “Put Me In The Zoo” or “If You Give A Moose A Muffin” 27 times in a row, but if I can, I do, and that is the same way I have been thinking about breastfeeding. If I can, I do.  If we need to make a change, we do, until we are in a better place. If we have a bad night, we stick close to home the next day and just take it easy, and try again the next night. If T needs to nurse 12 times throughout the night, he must be going through something. If he is nursing 12 times every night for quite awhile, then it must be something that nursing isn’t solving, so we will try some other things.

Everything changes so quickly with small children I have realized, and although this would have seemed crazy and overwhelming to me when I had an infant, up until even a few months ago, the present is all I ever needed to be concerned with. T will need things today that he may not have needed yesterday and may not need tomorrow. I am here to meet those needs as best I can, breastfeeding is just one of many tools I have to do so.

taking a break in the forest for some milk (:

taking a break in the forest for some milk (:

Focusing on the present day and the dynamics and workings of my & T’s relationship right now has made a world of difference in my outstanding questions, worries, and frustrations surrounding breastfeeding. It definitely lends itself well to other parenting challenges too and I hope to be able to keep these thoughts and “accepting the present” mantra handy for all kinds of situations.

Did anyone else struggle with breastfeeding “decisions”? When to wean, night wean, stop nursing on demand, etc? Do people ever tell you your son or daughter’s sleep/social/eating habits are because of breastfeeding or extended breastfeeding? We would love to hear your thoughts and stories!

 

#WW: CoSleeping

In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, this Wordless Wednesday we are featuring co-sleeping.  Co-sleeping is one of the ways MotherBabys can learn to read each other, maintain more skin-to-skin, and keep the milk supply up.  There is the added benefit of natural family planning if your nursling is feeding at least every four hours – much easier to do if MotherBaby are in close proximity.

On another note, both Cassandra and I realized how few pictures there are of us sleeping with our babies!! I guess we are both the photographers and we forget to ask to be the subjects 🙂

Last thought to share:  Since this is our “family” blog, I wanted to share pictures of how our sleeping arrangements looks now that our nurslings are growing up.  There is nothing like the bond that happens thanks to proximity.  It’s hard to believe these sleeping angels can be raucous siblings during the day when you see them so peacefully together at night.

Okay, not so “wordless” today…hope you like to seeing how our family grows!

BLOG SPF ww cosleep1BLOG SPF ww cosleep2 BLOG SPF ww cosleep3 BLOG SPF ww cosleep5 BLOG SPF ww cosleep6 BLOG SPF ww cosleep7 BLOG SPF ww cosleep8 BLOG SPF ww cosleep9 BLOG SPF ww cosleep10 BLOG SPF ww cosleep11 BLOG SPF ww cosleep12

Here is a tongue-in-cheek post about co-sleeping that made me laugh today…if you are a co-sleeping family, you might enjoy it, too:  10 Things Never To Say To A Co-Sleeping Parent

To see what co-sleeping looks like with newborns, click on today’s post over at Sweet Pea Births

Tuesday Tip: Breastfeeding On The Road

Are you getting ready to travel?  If you follow breastfeeding advocacy in the news, you have probably already seen THIS VIDEO and read the story about the mother in Texas who was harassed at a public property over the weekend.

You have the right to breastfeed wherever you are lawfully present without prejudice.  In most states, you are not subject to indecent exposure even if you choose to nurse in such a way that exposes breast tissue or your nipple.

HERE is a link to see the state laws across the fifty states.  Do a quick search if you are going to be traveling outside of your home area so that you are knowledgable about the law where you will be spending time.

Should you be approached by someone asking you to move, cover up, or stop breastfeeding, you are within all of your rights to decline.  Do not be shamed or bullied into doing anything besides continuing to feed your child.

Some ideas to handle the situation:
State and federal laws recognize that I am simply feeding my child, and our right to do so is protected by law…
…Would you (or the patron) be more comfortable if you were relocated?
…I am not doing this to cause a problem.  How can we resolve this without me having to (move)(cover up)(etc.)?
…I would be happy to have you call the police so that they can enforce our rights to be here.

Obviously, there are many variations to this scenario, and what you say depends on your confidence level.  So, please speak up if you are harassed.  You can also take it to the next level by filing a police report or at the very least, by calling this hotline:  1-855-NIP-FREE

Have you been asked to stop nursing in public?  How did you handle it?  Or if you are like me, which one-liner did you come up with after the fact?