It is a Challenge

Weightloss is no easy feat. It is hard work, lots of hard work. it is something you have to commit to. Every day you need to make an honest effort to stick to a proper diet, and exercise  even when you see all the ymumy things you could be eating.

Right now is the season of excess and gorging. So many people eat way more food then they should at fancy parties and get togethers. They drink way too much as well! Did you know that alcohol can contribute to weight gain and well and stalling a weightloss? Yes it is a sad truth for some who are on this journey to be brush with extra challenges, but you need to push through.

For those who have hit their goals and gotten to where they want to be. Now is not the time to lose it! Keep going don't get lax. Often people will put on 5- 10  or more pounds through the holiday season. To some that may not seem like a lot but to someone who has been struggling with weightloss it can seem like a ton.

For me it seems so hard to get anywhere. When I'm at a party and there is yummy amazing food, yes I want to eat it. I get to eat real food without having to share. I get a dessert for ME! It is really easy to quickly go to far.

There is good news though!

Keep up or start your shakes. Shake it up with Vi this holiday season. One or two shakes a day gives your body nutrition it needs and leaves a bit of wiggle room calorie wise. Now still don't go gorging at the parties. But you may be able to have a small treat, or a drink.

Keeping you healthy in thins time of excess is very important. It can lead to less sicknesses which means not having to miss out. :)

Check out the Vi store and get yourself stocked up for winter. ;)

Rock on Pink

I love PINK, I think her music is awesome and inspiring. Something about a lot of her music really resonates with me. Whether it is to rock or or get serious, I don't think I have come across a song of hers I haven't liked. I admit when a star I like names crosses headlines, I read it. Well this headline caught my attention on many levels Rocker Mom Pink almost starts fight over rude breastfeeding remark. Now that caught my attention. 1. Love Pink 2. Support Breastfeeding. I had to read it. Going through the article, I smiled. All I could think is "Rock on Pink".
What Pink was doing, is perfectly natural, and she was even using a cover according to the article. Now I usually don't encourage fighting with others, but people need to get rid of their idea that breastfeeding should stay behind closed doors. I had always wondered if Pink was a bit more of a breastfeeding advocate, and now I know. I think it is great the celebrities that are out and about breastfeeding it makes us "normal" people look less strange for doing it. Rock on Pink, rock on.

 There is a part in this video that I love where they are feeding a cow human milk.... makes about as much sense as feeding a human cow milk... just saying!

Sharing the milk ~~ My story

Have you heard the saying " Sharing is Caring"? Most of us learned this saying at a very young age, usually even before we start school. While this lovely mantra has been ingrained into our brains, many use it now with a mocking tone. This is unfortunate but sharing something with someone is a wonderful way to show how you care. There are many thing we can share in this world, but what would you say if I said you could share a gift of amazing nutrition with another? Most people would jump at the opportunity to share nutrition with someone, even more so for a baby.  Would you be shocked if I told you that people simply don't do it. They don't share with the babies, at least not many. They used to, but with the medical system we have been scared out of it. I'm talking about breast milk, it is a life supporting freely flowing source that comes out of almost every women, to one extent or another. Some women produce large amounts, some produce less. I was very fortunate to be a women who produced excessive milk. So much milk I needed to pump off for comfort reasons. with my first two I saved the milk. We used some of it eventually, but alot just got old an went into the garbage. This saddened me but I had no idea what to use it for. It was never enough for milk banks, and I felt fundamentally opposed to the sale of my breast milk when I gave it to them for free. About two years ago, I heard about a wonderful Idea I hadn't ever though of, giving the milk to a mom in need!  That way I could give what I had and she could use it, no matter how much or how little I had. This made my heart fill with so much happiness. I at the time didn't have any milk to donate, due to being pregnant, but I loved watching the milky love flow.

Lil Squish at 16 days

After I had lil  Squish once again I had a surplus of milk. So I did what I had been doing with the previous two, I pumped. I didn't pump all that often but I still had a pretty good storage in my freezer.  When Squish was 15 days old my friend had a baby, he ended up being a very big surprise. R was born with Downs Syndrome, He was a tiny little guy that had a whole world to conquer. We soon found out that he had a heart issue and feeding at the breast was exhausting for him, it took too much work and was strenuous. My friend then planned on pumping but between R and his older brother there just never seemed to be enough hours in a day. I spoke with her and asked what their plans were, she expressed frustration to me that she felt like she had no options. They couldn't afford the milk bank but she wan't able to pump. She knew with all his health issue being on breast milk was going to be what would be best but it just seemed like it wouldn't work. I took a deep breathe and offered she all I could. I told her I would give R my milk if she would have it. I really wasn't sure what the response was going to be, we hadn't ever talked about milk sharing before, in any real depth. What was just a few short seconds felt like forever. She said sure, she wanted to clear it with her hubby first but she would be more than happy to accept my gift.I breathed a sigh of relief, because what I was offering was something very unusual to many people After that I also sourced donors for her using the Human Milk 4 Human Babies Facebook groups. 

milky brothers Left is R. right is Squish

Having breast milk turned out to be the greatest gift for R. after surgeries he has recovered much better then he did when he was having formula. His mom said she really noticed a difference in him when he is on breast milk or formula. He would gain weight and maintain better when he was having breastmilk, R would thrive with his momma milk. Time has passed and he is now reaching 18 months and my heart still smile thinking how we were able to help just one little guy. I know that he is doing better due to the nutrition I and several other moms were able to give. Not to mention the money we helped them save :)

This week is the 2nd Annual World MilkSharing Week. It is due to moms reaching out and helping on another that many many many babies have been able to have the nutrition they needed for their start in life. They were able to be fed from another mom when circumstances prevented their own mother from fully providing milk. With full disclosure and trust women are able to share this gift with others all around the world. I think this is truly amazing. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, why not use the village to feed the child as well.

steak for babies?!?!

Just this week Health Canada released a new guideline for feeding babies. You can read the CBC report on it here. So now Health Canada is saying that babies can be served meat as a first food, as opposed to the iron fortified infant cereal. I really laughed when I saw this post. There were so many sides on this, everything from horror to people saying " wow Health Canada finally got on board with the rest of the world".

 No purees or mashed up stuff for this guy

This is not something new or amazing. Babies all around the world tend to be feed food, real food, as first foods. This is commonly referred to as Baby Led weaning.Where your child has no solid food till they are ready to eat real food, no purees no blending just real food from the plate just like what you and I eat.  Now for those first few months you are to be exclusivity breastfeeding your child with no need for other food. This is a very different concept to what has been suggested by health professional for many years. I even remember when Bug was little I was told that I could start him on rice cereal at 3 months. I trusted my elders and did it. He survived but I have no idea what damage was done to his intestinal track at that age. I find it amazing the things were are learning, about how our bodies work and process. The thing I find the funniest is most traditional cultures have used this method for hundreds of thousands of years. This is not a new concept!
I am very glad that Health Canada is getting on board, with what the body needs. Iron rich, real foods are so much better than anything that is fortified. Your body will better absorb it and use the nutrients for proper body functions.

So let them have steak! Or chicken, avocado, even liver, it's good for your baby. Do supervise you baby while they are eating and make sure that the meat is tender and cut up into appropriate sized pieces in order for  baby to chew. Teeth are not necessary to chew, just so you know. I personally wouldn't suggest begining solids till your baby is ready. they may be at 6 months it may take a few months more. follow your child they are really intelligent beings.

Some readiness signs are

• able to sit unassisted
• reaching for food
• no tongue thrust
• beginning chewing movements

All of this and more can be found in the Baby Led Weaning book

Why the boobies are RAD!!!

So in case you didn't know today winds up World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7th. You may have noticed a few people talking about it, you may not have.

I wanted to tell you a few reason why I think breastfeeding is RAD.  Some of these reasons are totally selfish, but great none the less.


 Super Powers. Quite simply amazing stuff in breast milk. There are so many things breast milk can do because it is just awesome. Small things like pink eye and ear infection, to some say helping the healing  in sick kids. Who know but it does support little humans in major growth and development.

No Flow Some women are so extremely privileged that their cycles don't return while they are breastfeeding. This is pretty awesome thing to not have to worry about.

Natural Birth Control Those of us lucky mama's who do not ovulate while breastfeeding means no surprise babies. This can be a great thing if you are wanting to not go with hormonal birth control or use condoms. I for one Simply can not seem to get pregnant without my cycle.

Skinny Minnie Some extrememly lucky moms, of I am not one of, lose baby weight like crazy. I have watch mamas just have pounds drop with breastfeeding. Luck ladies!

Escape Clause I swear you can get out of almost anything with needing to feed the baby. Want to get away from the weird relative? Time to feed the baby Want to stop the awkward conversation? Time to feed the baby.  While I support and encourage opening breastfeeding anywhere any time, it can be a great escape.

Daddy Bonding Time There are so many ways daddy can bond with the baby. Like changing the diaper before he bring the baby for something to eat. Or bathing the baby while you have a nap. The feeding is mama's job there are many more for daddy to do. ( that mama doesn't want to to shhhhhh )

Extreme Boobage Okay pregnancy boobs are cool but nursing boobs are AMAZING! Seriously I went from a C/D to a  F when my milk showed up. Bound to make baby and daddy happy.


So rock the boobs. Embrace this stage of life, you get to nourish human beings. Support moms in their quest to breastfeed.

I breastfeed because I'm lazy

Yup if it involves little works I'm all over it. Really once we have figured out latch how much more effort does it take to breastfeed?
Get up to feed the baby in the middle of the night ? Nope roll over and breastfeed. This is where co-sleeping helps out
Prep bottles? Nope Always ready, always with me. I would never pack enough either I forget things
Clean and sanitize? Nope, it would really hurt to sanitize my breasts, ouch. It is always ready and perfect for baby.
Worry about running of formula? No. I never have to stress about having enough milk. We work on a supply and demand system. He wants it and I supply it!
Worry about the grocery budget? No extra cost of formula really save money. Bug had some when he was a baby and oh man that stuff is pricey. Also I don't eat that much more breastfeeding than I do not. Extra good snacks I should be having anyways to keep my body healthy.
Worry about weaning? Nope, he will stop we he is done. Extended breastfeeding has many advantages

I nurse my babies. I'm proud of my ability to nurse my babies, and for a long time. I nurse my babies until they self wean. Why? Also because I am lazy, I really have no desire to take something away from my child that brings them nourishment and comfort. Most of the time I love nursing my babies, even my toddlers. Nursing toddlers brings it's own level of amusement, but all in all it works really well and we enjoy our time together.

I don't understand how people can possibly insist it is easier to bottle feed, it sounds like way too much work. All the cleaning and prepping and buying. I love breastfeeding my children and I will continue to do it till they are done with that aspect of our relationship.

YEA BREASTFEEDING!!!!

This would be one of those interesting moments. Lil Squish wanted some milk with his cookie. He often nurses and works on a snack at the same time.

The Challenge and YOU

Have you ever wanted to do something, to change your situation? Not know how to start or where to go?  Are you needing a direction to go?

First figure out what you really want and break it down. What is it that you really want? Be specific! Vague goals are hard to meet.
I want to lose weight! Great how much, what are the inches you would like to lose? What do you look like at the end of you goal? Are you willing to work for your goal?
I want to be debt free! Great how much money do you need to do that? Can you possibly do that in your current J.O.B?  What are you willing to do to reach that goal?
I want to ......? Wonderful what needs to change to get there? Money, health, or is it time?

There is always something that needs to be changed. Change is good, change brings opportunity to look at life in a new light.

Now lets break it down. Why can't you change you situation? What is it that is holding you back? Really most things can change. Do you not have any time to do anything because you need money, so you are working all the time. This sounds like a declining cycle. Are you unhealthy and have low energy but you want to do something but you feel too crappy about yourself, so you sit there eating comfort junk just getting in worse shape?

Yes it is hard to change and it takes time to commit to that change. It sucks I know. Though if you truly need to change take control. Stop letting others decide your future. Take on the Challenge. You can do it! You can succeed. It starts with taking that step and believing in yourself.

Now some people don't want to make the change. That is their choice, but YOU CAN! You don't need their permission to live a better happier more financially free life.

Get Happy Get Healthy Get Freedom

Get started NOW

Oh and on a side note. It has been said that this may cause babies, no gaurentees. You know what the leading cause of babies is? SEX, yup, healthy happier people might just have more sex. So if you are looking for a little more lovin' the challenge could be for you ;)

The BREAST of New York

Wow it seems like I keep coming across boobs in New York today. You know what I fully support it too!

Have you heard of Moira Johnston? She is a topless dancer in New York who bares her breasts during the day for activism. You can read the official story here on the Huffington Post. To sum it up, she wants women to know that they don't have to hide their breasts. It is legal in quite a few places actually for women to bare their breasts. I know where we live there is quite a controversy about it. There is a topless lady in our town, but she is not nearly perceived as well as Moira, might have to do that she is significantly older than New York's top less wonder.
Now some people really have an issue with topless women. I really don't understand the issue that so many have. They just simply are breasts, women just happen to have larger mammory glands therefor generally larger breast then men.  Most of the reason is the high sexualization on breasts. Women, especially their breast, are seen as sexual objects for a mans pleasure. Not really cool with that line of thinking. So many womens get all up in arms about " My Body My Choice" but still keep stigma going. Seriously people they are just boobs. They are used to feed and nourish our young, that really is their primary function. The fun is secondary. Which nicely leads into the next story I keep seeing.

Have you heard about the new breastfeeding stir in New York Hospitals? Mayor Bloomberg has gone breastfeeding friendly, but it is with opposition. You can read the actual press release here. I really applaud Mayor Bloomberg for his actions. I do believe that the formula advertising should be taken out of the hospitals. I don't believe in goodie bags of formula given to breastfeeding moms. It sets them up for failure. How do I think it sets them up for failure? When you have something else that you can feed your baby when you are exhausted and little support most will turn to the formula. Or just you need a few minutes so Daddy can feed the baby. Now there are so many things that other people can do for you and to help you with breastfeeding but giving you formula is not helping. It is not helping a mom when she says she is having troubles to just hand her a bottle of formula.
The formula companies are ruthless with their advertising, and I don't agree with it. I fully support Mayor Bloomberg's stance on we need to focus on breastfeeding it is what is designed for babies. Breast is what is best for them, breast is normal.

So there you have it New York and their concerns about breast, bare them and share them!

Wanting to add....

We want to grow our family by another baby. Yes that would put us up to four children. I don't know when this next baby is going to come. I'm hoping spring/summer of next year, but that seems like it might not be in the design of things at the moment.

I suppose I am one of those fortunate women who while Breastfeeding I don't ovulate. It has been nearly 17 months and still nothing. I know our next baby is waiting and will come in time. I know that the timing will be right for our family. It may not be what I want when I want but it will be what is needed.

I get a LOT of people asking me if we are going for the girl? For some reason people seem to think that because I have all boys, that the only reason to have another child is to have the other gender. It's not we want to add to our family. We love our children each and everyone of them. This is not because they boys, it is because they are wonderful individuals. I love each of them for who they are. Sure a girl might be fun but so would another boys. I'm not really particular on which I get. I will love my child regard less. Hopefully next year we can welcome a new addition. I will do random posts on our Trying To Conceive ( TTC) adventure.

How I became and AP mom?

You know it is funny? When I looked towards my parenting life while I was pregnant with Bug Attachment Parenting(AP) wasn't even on my radar. I hadn't even heard of it honestly. I did not come from an AP background, so it wasn't a style I was even familiar with. I knew a few things that I wanted. I wanted to breastfeed my child and I had no desire for surgery or a giant needle in my back. Now it seems to be everywhere, papers, magazine and the talk of the mommy world. If you have never heard of AP, you can read about it on Attachment Parenting International. They have 8 basic principles.

-Prepare for pregnancy, birth and parenting
-Feed with love and respect
-Respond with sensitivity
-Use nurturing touch
-Ensure safe sleep, emotionally and physically
-Provide consistent and loving care
-Practice positive discipline
-Strive for balance in personal and family life.

Now coming to this mind set came pretty easily to me. Bug's birth was pretty good and it ended up going okay.Bobo"s was amazing for me. Lil Squish's was a difficult birth but I prepared for it as best I could.  I knew I wanted to breastfeed my son. I wasn't going to let anything stop me, including his awful latch. I had the milk we just needed to figure it out. It came in time and we had a great nursing relationship till  he chose to wean. I continue to have a nursing relationahip with Bobo and lil Squish, and it will continue till they are done or it is no longer mutually desireable.
Safe sleep for us is a combination of co-sleeping and bed sharing. We have an open bed policy for our older children as they are in their own beds now. Bug and Bobo share a bedroom  with eachother and up until recently would share a bed. They expressed interest in having their own little beds. They do share a bed when we travel and do well with it. I find it keeps them happier when they are kept together, they seem to have less stress in new situations which is a big thing for Bobo.
When dealing with our children we try very hard to always be loving and sensitive. they are bundles of emotions and feelings, they need guidance on how to deal with everything going on. Now it is definitely not always easy to be loving and sensitive when dealing with issues, but it is doable. When we falter and are harsh , we will apologize to our children. Apologizing to your child allows them to see that you too make mistakes, and that is okay. It is not a sign of weakness it is a sign of strength.
When it comes to positive discipline this is an on going work for us. I know I don't want to be the kind of parent that my child feared. I wanted love and understanding in my home. Now getting here is coming along. We reall try to refrain from using physical punishment with the boys. We are not always perfect and we do think that there are times when a swat on the rear has happened. I hate  this maybe it's the way we were raised, I just don't know what to do sometimes. This is my major failing point.
I look for balance in my life. I seek methods to give balance just sometimes it is so hard to do. Mostly it is my personal life that suffers. I keep putting into my family that I do nothing for me and I breakdown. This is not a good thing. I still need to find balance. but I am working on it.

So honestly I kinda fell into the AP thing I had these ideas and then I found out that there were others like me. I still am different from some AP moms, but I really think different is good. My kids don't suffer from me learning different ways to care for them. I always am looking to improve my parenting skills. I want my kids to be the most functional people they can be. I want them to think I want them to ask questions. I don't don't want them to live in fear. I want them to know they are loved.