Dylan really likes Baby Mauli...I swear

Dylan really likes Baby Mauli...I swear, originally uploaded by margebaack.

So I guess I needed to show that Dylan beat Baby M first...she SO deserved that punch to the face! We made it to Seattle (at 2am) of course Push-On-Through decided to just go the whole way once we got on the road...10 hours almost exactly. The roads were pretty horrid all the way except Ritzville to the base of Snoqualmie pass. I have never seen Spokane with so much snow...24 inches...It was pretty much a winter wonderland the whole way!
Want to share this baby foods site (not that you need it now, but for future reference), it was super easy to navigate and answered my questions about what was OK (or not) for Dylan to eat. I hope you guys have a quick, safe trip and talk to you soon!

Thankful on Sunday

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday (right close to Halloween and Mexican Independence Day when in Mexico). But really, I love good food and I love cooking and there's not really any other holiday that brings those loves together better. And like Marge says, they are even BETTER with your family and friends. Having recovered from food and pie coma, here is current my thankful list.
1) My mom and rick and their willingness to drive the 10 hours to get here and to fill the house with fun, lively, yummy spirit.
2) My husband and all his wild hair, sweetness, thoughtfulness and the ability to make me feel beautiful despite my thinning, unbrushed hair, the zits, and the new waistline. Oh! And he's a great dad and partner in this job of parenthood.
3) My baby is so healthy and beautiful that her pediatrician can't stop exclaiming it during her check-ups.4) That one year ago we had no plans for a baby and had no idea I was pregnant at the time and yet now it feels impossible that she hasn't always been here.
5) My mom for helping me complete a sewing project this weekend (she sewed, she instructed and she held baby while I sewed). Not only are they so comfortable (Marge, you must make a pair), but the complete feeling of having completed a sewing project and loving it is more satisfying that I can describe.
6) My new "sheet" pants. Pattern from Amy Butler's In Stitches and the idea of using a sheet from Soulemama and A friend to knit with. They are so right, these are incredibly comfortable and the sheet is perfect. Plus, I spent $0.75 on the sheet. Maybe these should be called "recession lounge pants". I want to make another pair. I want to make everyone a pair!
7) I get to stay home with my little baby. I get to watch her wake up peacefully next to me and spend the mornings with her. Mornings are important, those are her happiest. Which makes sense, after all, we'd all be happier if we got 12 hours of sleep. So I'm glad I get to share those with her rather than someone in childcare get that time. I'm so lucky and thankful for that time.
8) Our little "Billings" tradition of friends coming over after their own family dinners to drink and be merry (and maybe catch a 2nd or 3rd meal) with us. Such a nice way to top off the day and it doesn't involve football.

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort

So I am guiltily hangin' out in my jammies ALL DAY LONG.

Sue and Dan gratefully delivered my favorite coffee and croissants this morning before heading back to Billings, I spent over 2 hours on the web cam with my entire family this morning from Seattle, and for the past few hours I have been cuddling in bed with Dylan, letting her breastfeed and laugh and devoting ALL my attention to her (OK at least until I started writing this post). Why, you ask, is this laden with guilt? because I am biting the bullet and trying to wean her from night feedings tonight so that we both can try to sleep more than 45 min at a time.

So wish me luck. As she giggles herself silly on my boob right now, all I can think is...

I'm sorry DD.

I'm sorry you're kicked out of the bed, I'm sorry you are so cuddly, I'm sorry you would rather just suck on my boob all day long, I'm sorry you're sister beats on you after lowering my guard with kisses, I'm sorry you still require boob to lull you back to sleep, I'm sorry that with each passing day I realize this may be the last time I will experience {insert wonderful baby things} , I'm sorry that other people will let you down in life, and most of all I am sorry if I EVER hurt your feelings (especially tonight) ...know that mommy always loves you and this too shall pass.

Love many, trust a few, and always paddle your own canoe

Ah, what's not to like about breastfeeding...OK, the embarrassing tell-tale wet spots on your favorite shirt during a staff meeting, the painful initial let down and engorgement, the corset-like bras...but then, there are the loving little touches and exchanges between you and your little one, the sweet relief of let down after you've waited a bit too long to feed, and the fact that it's always the RIGHT amount, RIGHT temperature and it comes in such nice packaging!

And then you find a bra like the one I got today, and you wanna keep breastfeeding just so you have an excuse to keep wearing it! Jane's Bra Top from Blue Canoe...Made in the USA, organically grown cotton, eco-friendly dyes...are you salivating yet E? It's SO comfy, and just the pull-to-the-side kind which I have to say I like better than the confining military-style clips and clasps...I may even wear it to bed! And it came with some organic cotton pads that I will pass on if I don't wind up using them. But I would have to say, my ABSOLUTE favorite thing about breastfeeding is that this...

Turns into this...

Oh, and the fact you can justify the 800 extra calories per day...Hey, I needed all those donuts just to keep up!