Miscellaneous

Last NASA Shuttle Launch

July 8, 2011 by Danielle

Today is a sad day in our household. I honestly never thought this day would come in my lifetime and hope that this isn’t really the end. Today is the last NASA space shuttle launch. So please tune in to watch this historic event! There is a possibility that due to weather it will be postponed. I’ll be watching with Ethan and Molly.

A good friend of mine, Helene, has written (in colaboration with a few others) a few tributes to this last launch. Check them out on GeekMom. She also has another cool project under wraps to come out soon so I’m sure I’ll be mentioning her in the future.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Life, Miscellaneous

Safety: Baby Proofing

October 26, 2009 by Danielle

We changed things around in our living room to accommodate our new lifestyle. One of the major things we needed to do was to find storage for E’s toys. Since he’s had a fond interest in the end tables we decided to take all the junk we were storing in them and filling them with his toys. He loves it! He can go in at any time to pick up a toy or two and than is on his way.

And he loves the fireplace area so much we decided to just put a whole bunch of toys up there too so he doesn’t climb up and hurt himself. We put a bunch of his soft blocks in the wicker basket (to the right of E in the picture) and put his bumbo with Tad his leap frog frog in it to block the space that he’s currently occupying in the picture above.

It’s kept him from getting into too much trouble. He knows where he can go and what drawers he can get into (i.e. pots and pans drawer). He hasn’t yet tried for any of the other drawers/cupboards yet *crosses fingers*. His favorite spot lately is the coffee table we’re using to house our cable box/DVDs/Wii and Wii games/etc. He loves to pull up on the table and cruise from one side to the other getting into all the fun stuff up top.

I really didn’t want to hide everything/tape stuff off/put up blockers because E is going to go to other houses with the same types of set ups. I would rather redirect him from something dangerous/off limits than to completely block it from him so that when he goes somewhere new where it’s available he goes right for it. It’s worked for us so far!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Miscellaneous

Breastfeeding: A Vent

October 8, 2009 by Danielle

Can I vent a little here?? When I first got pregnant (well… I guess before then too) I knew that I wanted to do everything I could to successfully breastfeed my baby. I read about all of the health benefits of breastmilk and the statistics of breastfed babies vs. formula fed babies. I was very aware of the different problems I could have and the ways to get help if needed.

Now that I am actually breastfeeding I am lucky enough to have had no major problems and no supply issues. I had a bit of thrush early on but that was quickly resolved by applying yeast cream to the nips (yes, I put vag yeast cream on my boobs!). E seems to enjoy breastfeeding as much as I do and it just feels so natural.

Now that I’ve been breastfeeding for 7.5 months I’m starting to get comments from various people about when I am going to stop. Why do people feel the need to ask this? Why would I consider stopping? Why would I share this personal information with others??? I completely understand if a family member or close friend were to ask this if they were truly curious but I get this comment from people I barely know and from co-workers.

My standard answer is I’ll stop when he wants to. And I get various reactions. Some are shocked that I would even think about breastfeeding after he gets teeth or after he turns one. Others ask if he wants to keep breastfeeding until he’s in school will I continue. And sometimes I get the jaw-drop. “Seriously? You’d breastfeed for that long? Isn’t that a bit weird?” Again, there’s a line… and they just crossed it. I shouldn’t have to justify myself with regards to how I raise/care for my child.

And FWIW, I will probably try to wean E when he’s two if he hasn’t already done so himself. I don’t mind getting through the teething. I don’t mind the night wakings. I don’t mind his using me for comfort by nursing. I actually quite enjoy it. I am nourishing my baby and he is thriving. And if he chooses to earlier than we’ll do that.

This post is in no way criticizing those who choose to formula feed, or who breastfeed for a few months. I think that whatever works out best for the family is the best thing to do. And this works for us.

Now you tell me how you feel on the subject. I know I don’t have a lot of readers but those of you who read my blog… let me know how you feel 🙂

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Breastfeeding, Crunchy, Miscellaneous, Vent