My Nearly One Year Old Nursling

My little nursling is nearly a one year old little boy!

Today while walking around a department store with my Mom and spaghEddie I realized that he is growing more quickly than my fluttering heart or embracing arms can keep up with!

I tried to nurse him while walking around. With one arm. Discreetly. He had other plans.

Instead, he wanted me to cradle him completely while he pulled up my shirt to touch my collar bone. He wanted to take quick breaks to shout, "Hello!" and whip around to glance at all the passerby. When I was slow to letdown he was determined to examine and pinch my nipple. This was my cue to find a rocker and have a seat to finish nursing. This was a nice experience to share with my Mom who joined us without a flicker of uncertainty even now when I don't bother with a blanket or cover anymore. Not only that, but my almost one year old who is in the 95th percentile for height looks like a kid on the lap of a barely over 5 ft me. This makes me smile even now and I will be sure to let her know how much I appreciate her support despite her prior experience or knowledge of breastfeeding.

My little one has been extra affectionate lately. I wonder if it has to do with his sensing that his Mama wants to bank up all the baby love she can get before he turns into a big kid. This reminds me of an article I read the other day on how we focus so much on all the firsts, but rarely recognize let alone remember many of the lasts. I am glad we have not put a one year limit on breastfeeding like I had assumed everyone did early on in my pregnancy. Besides all of the known health benefits and the AAP and WHO recommendations, there really is something extra special about breastfeeding that I don't think either of us are ready to let go of just yet.

P.S. I am planning on making a monster baby for his first birthday gift! Better get started!

Return

The warm weather kept me outside for my little one's first summer adventures. Now that autumn is settling in it is time to get back to some of my writing, including this blog. How nice it will be to sit and sip some warm apple cider and type away.

Autumn is my most favorite season. I can feel the mood of my muse in the cool air against my neck. I can hear her in the wind cutting through crisp leaves. Her scent is sweet in dimly lit mornings. Her taste is warm and spicy. Autumn has beautiful timing.

Summertime Update

The kids (our new goats!) are settling in at our home and we love having them here! We have been making s'mores at the fire pit in the evenings after tucking in the chicks and kids for the night. I love the smell of a camp fire...


Some other things I love right now and why:

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

• natural SPF 15
• body and facial moisturizer - no more blemishes! really!
  
• soothes my Babe's eczema and my Mom's psoriasis
• great for nails and cuticles
• used sparingly it is good for hair styling and/or conditioning
• not to mention all of the culinary uses!

Baking Soda

• for a great list of uses check this out
  
• lately I have been using baking soda with a few drops of lavender essential oil mixed in for my no 'poo scrub, as a foot powder for shoes without socks, and under my arms

My Babe

• he is experiencing the sight, smells, textures, and tastes of new foods
• swam in a pool for the first time
• sits up for long stretches
  
• rolls everywhere
• plays with his big, pink bouncy ball
  
• is simply amazing, adorable, and inspiring!