Very Large Babies (AKA Toddlers)

Soon after infancy is a stage of life in which your little angel becomes a Toddler. I have never been quite sure if toddlerhood officially begins at one year of age, when your baby starts walking or when his clothing size become some numerical figure plus T. Regardless, there are some sure fire ways to tell when your baby is a toddler.

There will be a time, when your little bundle of joy wont fit into any of the cute baby things you lovingly purchased for him. Suddenly, the world of onesies is replaced with micro versions of big boy shirts and munchkin size T-Shirts. Most of which will have random numbers in bright bold colors indicating that your little boy will one day wave like mad and shout "Hi Ma" from the playing field. You will also get quite a kick out of the matching shorts and pants that, although same size as the shirt, will most likely fall around your babies ankles whenever he tries to walk. If you have a girl, the stylish dresses, peddle pushers and tanks will turn your baby into a 2 1/2 foot tall Diva, making you suddenly remember each and every time you snuck out of the house to meet a boy and screamed with absolute certainty that your parents hated you and were out to destroy your life. It will be quite clear (and frightening) that your fair share of Calgon moments are just around the corner.

If the new wardrobe requirements aren't enough to rock your world, then meal time certainly will. You see, most young babies are OK for a time being neatly fed from a spoon. Each stray morsel can easily be scooped off their chin and recycled. The occasional mouthful of food lovingly shot across the room and onto your rug will seem like a cinch to clean in light of the mess a toddler can make during mealtime. Toddlers, in my opinion are simply large, mobile babies. You will see what I mean, especially if your toddler is still nursing, likes to be rocked to sleep, and still gets chauffeured around in a stroller or sling. Just because their feet hang practically to the floor when you cradle them in your arms is no reason to completely strip them of their baby status.

Anyways, back to meal time. Your large baby (AKA Toddler) will one day decide that he can feed himself much better then you can. I'm not talking about those adorable little infant attempts and successes at popping a Cheerio in his mouth. OH NO, I am referring to the time when your child will not allow you to put a spoon anywhere near his face unless his chubby little hand is the one holding it. He will scream to be included in what you are eating, insist on feeding himself, and when done... well, you'll know it.

Lets talk about the many different ways to serve food to your large Baby (AKA Toddler).

Bowl, Plate or High Chair Tray...

When serving a meal to your Toddler, the dilema of bowl, plate or highchair tray is a biggie. Even with my third child, I still find myself spending a few moments pondering the best way to serve food to my child.

Bowls seems logical due to the ease in which a small hand can scoop things from the center of the bowl, to the side of the bowl and eventually to the mouth. There are all kinds of baby bowls available. Some have lips on the side to assist successful spoon removal of the contents, some of have suction cups on the bottom to prevent the bowl from sliding around, and some are just smaller version of adult bowls, sporting the latest cartoon character or super hero. Regardless of design, they are all, or should be, constructed from some unbreakable and shatterproof material.

*Note* All non -breakable materials BOUNCE when hitting the floor at turbo speed.

Plates...

Again, there are many different styles of Toddler plates to choose from. I personally like plates because I believe presentation is everything. I feel that your Toddler can easily see the yummy food much easier on a plate. Scooping is a problem, so finger foods are preferred for this serving style. Some plates have lips just like the bowls, some of have compartements to keep the differents foods seperated. (This is the funniest thing I have ever seen. Most babies dont care if their foods are touching and will happily eat most foods all glumped together. However, I do believe this compartment style design may be responsible for your child one day screaming "I don't like it when my macaroni touches my apples!")

There are plates with suction cups and plates with pictures. They all work, and serve the same function as the bowles - getting your baby's food from the kitchen to the highchair . They are (or should be) constructed of unbreakable and shatterproof material.

*Note* All non-breakable materials BOUNCE when hitting the floor at turbo speed.

High Chair...

Now, after purchasing many colors, sizes and designs of Toddler bowls and plates, the high chair will most likely be the serving method your baby prefers. You see, babies are opportunist. If you are going to put food in something or on something, give it to them, smile and declare "this is for baby!", then your baby will do what babies do best. He will dump it out or off, and proceed to move his hand through the contents with a side to side swishing motion. This will resemble your windshield wipers on high and you will know it when you see it. Once he has taken full advantage of your generosity, he will then begin to move the food from the tray to his mouth. You won't be sure how much he really ate, if he ate enough or even if he ate at all. But you can be sure he had a terrific time.

P.S. Sometime during the meal, you will discover why I reminded you more then once that...

All non-breakable items bounce when hitting the floor at turbo speed!

You may also find it useful to click this link, because baby food on your walls, ceiling and floors is very difficult to remove. "Another Meal Bites The Dust"

Forks and Spoons...

In addition to the plates and bowls, you will also find yourself mesmorized by the cute little forks and spoons available in a rainbow of colors. These are useful and I do suggest you purchase them. Your baby will want to use them, becaue he will see you using eating utensils. However, you should never give your child an adult fork to play with. This is very dangerous. Spoons aren't to bad, but make lots of noise when repeatedly bashed on the surface of your baby's trey. Baby plastic forks and spoons are safer, smaller and quiter. Of course it will take some time for your baby to master the skill of eating with a utensil, but I believe that early introduction is important and fun for your baby.

Cups and sippy cup...

Whether you are still breastfeeding or bottle feeding, meal time is a terrific opportunity to introduce the sippy cup if you have not done so already. My little guy has been using a sippy cup for months now. He is still breastfeeding but uses a sippy cup for juice, water and small amounts of milk especially during mealtimes. If you have not yet given your baby a cup or your baby has not seemed interested, mealtime is the perfect catalyst for introducing the cup. Babies like to be big boys and girls and they love to imitate what you are doing. However, an adult cup will be messy, frustrating for your baby to use alone and will deliver quite a shock when the cold liquids ends up all over your baby front side. Sippy cups are terrific and easy for most babies to get the hang of using. There are many styles to choose. My best suggestion is to purchase a few different types and let your baby tell you which he prefers. Put the ones he doesn't like away for later. Older Toddlers are much less picky about the type of cup offered and the others styles will come in handy one day. My little guy uses many differenst styles of cups althoug at first, the AVENT sippy cup was his favorite.

Remember to make mealtime fun. Your baby will be very sad if he is not allowed to play with and discover his food in his delightful Toddler ways. Messes can be cleaned up in minutes, broken baby hearts are much harder to repair.

Happy Mealtime!

To be Continued...

When Your Superboobs Get Bitten

OK Moms, ever heard that all animals have teeth and can potentially bite? Guess who now knows this is true? ME!!!

My little one decided biting would be a kick at the sweet age of 14 months. Oh, I know what you're thinking - "Make him stop man!" The problem was he wasn't ready to stop. So, I have put together a list of "do you knows?" to help you get through this difficult time and continue your nursing relationship. I feel this is important because some babies starting biting much earlier then mine did, and weaning may not be an option for you.

1. Did you know... that biting can make you scream and jump higher then an athlete pole vaulting her heart out for a gold medal?

That's right, it hurts! The first time your bit, most of you will not be expecting it. You are in the nursing zone, and suddenly are transported into the danger zone. Not to mention the spotlight, when everyone wonders what the heck the crazy lady with her top off is yelling about. All I have to say about this is - relax. If you are a religious person, you can tell everyone you just had the biggest spiritual surge of your life. If you are not a religious person (or have a sense of humor like I do) claim to have just seen a vision of the latest winning lottery numbers and excuse yourself.

2. Did you know... that babies are a lot like parrots?

Parrots like drama. If you are bitten by a parrot and scream, jump up and down and /or pass out, the bird will have just enjoyed himself more then a man at a Hooters grand opening. So... don't expect your little one to stop biting just because you freaked out.

3. Did you know... that older babies think biting is quite funny?

Oh yes, never was there a sweeter smile then the one on my toddlers face after he chomped down on my nipple. He found it amusing and my reaction even better. In fact, his smile and giggles each time I said no were actually cute once the pain subsided.

4. Did you know... that the best method for stopping a biting baby is to stay calm?

That's right, just like you had to when the contractions hit and your husbands nose suddenly took on the color and shape of a very large bullseye, you need to stay calm. Now I know that the first time (maybe second or third) you will blow it, but this really does work. Simply detach your baby , tell him "NO, OWIE" very firmly and let him nurse again. He will learn, I promise.

Happy Nursing!

Today I fell in love with nursing my child all over again...

While lying on my bed talking with my husband and playing with my baby, I fell in love with nursing all over again. Just when I thought I was OK with the thought of my son weaning , the overwhelming beauty of our nursing relationship pops up and shouts "Hello!"

You see, I had just taken a shower with my little nursling, and was still wrapped in a towel. This of course made it very easy for my baby to access his favorite thing... my boobs. He suckled, giggled, nose dived my nipples, and was generally having a terrific time. He was content, perfectly at ease with his creative nursing positions and deriving perfect nutrition and entertainment from the most logical person on earth, his mother.

He wasn't finding comfort in rubber and plastic, but rather in my body. The same body that had carried and nourished him in a way that no one else ever could. The same body that suffered morning sickness, cramps, aching muscles and stretch marks to create his perfect little self. My heartbeat was the first sound he heard, my face the first he saw, my arms the first ones to hold him, and my scent the smell he instantly recognized. In light of all this, the joy on his face as he played and drank made perfect sense. I would challenge anyone to deny my "meant to be" moment and I will remember this day forever.

Enjoy your nursing relationship. When you can, run around topless with your baby. Let him explore and nurse and play with your breasts. It's OK. They were designed to nourish, comfort and entertain him. You are his mother, and you are incredible!

If you listen closely, you will hear a heavenly whisper saying "Slow down, this is how I meant you and him to be and the moment will pass quickly." I did.

I can't believe how big you are!

I had such an amazing moment today. I happened to look up and see my darling one year old standing in front of me, happily munching on a lollipop. No longer a helpless infant, but a walking, talking toddler. Holy Cow!

It was at this moment I realized how precious the last year of my life has been. Beyond all doubt, the last twelve months have been a journey I will never forget and will hold dear to my heart forever.

I could suddenly remember the first time I saw his darling face and felt his wet, warm body in my arms and how if felt the first time he latched on and looked up at me with eyes full of recognition. Have you ever noticed that when you see your baby for the first time it isn't anything like meeting a stranger? You already know this little person in the most intimate way possible. Now you know what love at first sight really means.

All those sleepless nights and exhausting days became dim memories in the light of my beautiful little human standing before me. Memories of how he felt living inside of me came flooding back as if it were yesterday.

I can't wait to share these memories with you over the next few weeks. In the meantime, hold your babies as much as you can, because time passes so quickly.

Happy Breastfeeding!

The Top of the Mountain, One Year Old! (Or NOT)

"My baby is one year old!" This is my new favorite phrase. I will say it to anyone who compliments my baby, specifically asks about my child's age, or just happens to be within five or six feet of where I happen to be standing. Next to the birth of your baby, the 12 month mark is, in my opinion, the next biggie.

At the magic one year mark, each of us have survived months of sleepless nights, dozens of diapers, dirty bibs, hours of well intentioned (and unsolicited) advice, days of crying over nothing and hours of wondering what our babies were crying about. If that's not a reason to celebrate I don't know what is.

My little wonder is still nursing. He appears to be consuming more solid food then an average teenager, but still wants to nurse. I can't even tell you his schedule is predictable. It isn't, except for the night time feedings he refuses to give up. During the night you could set your watch by him. 1am, 430am and 6am. Daytime is an entirely different story. Some days it appears he has forgotten I have boobs, and others, he is obsessed with them. At this point I really can't tell if I am still nursing on demand or practicing the weaning method of "don't offer, don't refuse".

Since my baby is to young to know there should be a label attached to his behavior and is very content and happy with his approach, it is apparent I am the only one that is confused. So, I have decided not to give it much thought. Boob or no boob, he is eating well, happy, adorable and healthy.

There are a few things that I would like to mention here. I take great pride in telling you that I have read just about every pregnancy and nursing book, magazine, pamphlet and online article ever written. (My family thinks I am obsessive, I prefer to view my behavior as a simple desire to be well informed.) Regardless, I have never come across any of the nursing positions my little contortionist has attempted.

I didn't know it was possible and you may be equally surprised to learn that babies can breastfeed standing on their heads! At this point you are either nodding your head in agreement because you too have a breastfeeding chimpanzee, or you are feeling a sense of panic because to your knowledge your nipples don't bend that way. I didn't think mine did either. SURPRISE! I can't say it is the most comfortable position, and I certainly don't encourage it. But for some reason he trys it, gets a kick out of it, and knows that this is a great way to fight going to sleep at the breast when he really wants to stay awake and survey the action... with my breast in his mouth.

I have debated about writing the next few lines in fear I will mistakenly persuade some of you not to breastfeed. I would never do that. The entire point is to encourage you to breastfeed, and to debunk all the myths and excuses not to. But I also feel that hearing the truth is a good way to let us know we are not alone and to reassure us that we have not given birth to an alien. So here goes... My baby bites! Not frequently, but occasionally. It hurts and makes me scream. My scream and dramatic reaction makes my baby laugh. When he was smaller, toothless and completely incapable of premeditated torture, his nick name was Bubba. Now that he has developed the personality of a very clever and witty terrorist, I now lovingly refer to him as Jaws. This little trick of his is my catalyst for only nursing him during the day time when he absolutely will not take no for an answer and maneuvers himself with the speed of light into the nursing position. He has never bitten me during the night.

There are many good articles about how to prevent this behavior, and some horrible ones. I actually had a nurse practitioner tell me to flip my baby on the mouth! Needless to say, we don't see HER anymore. I can't imagine associating pain with nursing. My baby however has no issues with it :) No, I don't like it when he bites, but be aware, it can happen, probably will a time or two and you need to be prepared. I find that if I pay attention to him while he is nursing rather then trying to balance my check book, write ten emails, or talk to everyone that walks by me, he usually doesn't bite. I have developed a theory that older babies may bite while nursing because they have discovered this draws our attention back to them. Nursing is mom and baby time. We tend to get less focused as our babies get older. Perhaps this is natures way of bringing us back to our babies while nursing and a good explanation why my baby has never bitten during the night.

Sounds reasonable to me...

Crawling, Standing, Eating Solids, and Still Nursing...

If you have read this blog before and are wondering if I gave up my writing endeavors, put my baby on a bottle and got a life, wonder no more. Ladies, I have returned.

My little one is now 10 months old. Cute as can be and still nursing. Between the ages of 6 and 9 months, I was sure he would wean himself, just as my others did at that same age. But to my surprise, and I hate to admit occasional frustration, he did not. We offered every bottle known to man, thinking that I was ready to make the giant leap to a non breastfeeding parent. My little man was not amused by, or interested in, taking a bottle. He did however delight me with his skill at drinking water from a sippy cup. The Avent Sippy Cup became his newest wonder baby skill, and how happy Dad and I were to see him taking fluid from something other then my breast. Yes, we now could lay our concerns to rest and feel confident he would indeed one day wean and would not require my breast to follow him along to school.

Now seriously, I never believed he wouldn't wean, but his strong will and absolute dislike for anything impersonating a breast was so admirable, one had to raise an eyebrow. He is still nursing, but taking baby food and many other solids. He drinks water out of a sippy cup like a pro, and at 12 months, he will begin his journey to Whole Milk. Babies are amazing.

I am so pleased that he is still nursing. I went through a time of false readiness for him to be done with my "girls". But I realized that my desire to wean him was born out of one thing... SHEER EXHAUSTION~

I realized that my nursing infant was not the only reason for my sleep deprived state, but rather my busy lifestyle, large number of children, and my resistance to letting others help were to blame as well. So I made a few adjustments, including one in my attitude, took a nap, sent the baby on outings with Daddy when he was home and available, and presto chango! I was once again a happy nursing mother. I also did a reality check and reminded myself that like pregnancy, this time of my life is temporary and precious.

If you are still nursing your older baby terrific! If you are not, congratulations are in order for each month you provided your baby with unparalleled nutrition!

If you are wondering when I will wean my baby, well... I just don't know. I suppose I will wait until the decision is truly mutual. I am seeing him become more and more independant every day and less interested in my breast during day light hours. I also know that with each month, he will eat more and more solids, become increasingly mobile and the amount of nursing time will decrease as a result. For now, I am going to sit back, relax, watch him grow, and revel in knowing he was given the best start at a healthy life I could give him.

Happy Nursing!