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	<title>Mommy Words &#187; Breastfeeding</title>
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	<link>http://www.mommywords.com</link>
	<description>Writing my way through everything.</description>
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		<title>I&#8217;m at the ABC Kids Expo &#8211; What Do You Need?</title>
		<link>http://www.mommywords.com/2011/09/im-at-the-abc-kids-expo-what-do-you-need/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mommywords.com/2011/09/im-at-the-abc-kids-expo-what-do-you-need/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:39:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conferences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[My Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Play]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Potty Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ABC Kids Expo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Juvenile Products]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mommywords.com/?p=3775</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What should I keep my eyes out for?  Seriously.  What do you want to find for your kids&#8230;because I&#8217;m pretty sure if it&#8217;s out there&#8230;it&#8217;s here in Louisville, Kentucky at the ABC Kids Expo. There are more than 900 exhibitors here showing all the things I dig&#8230;things for little ones.  I have stumbled across fabulous [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">What should I keep my eyes out for?  Seriously.  What do you want to find for your kids&#8230;because I&#8217;m pretty sure if it&#8217;s out there&#8230;it&#8217;s here in Louisville, Kentucky at the ABC Kids Expo.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3776" title="ABC Kids Expo" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ABC-Kids-Expo-500x125.jpg" alt="ABC Kids Expo" width="500" height="125" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are more than 900 exhibitors here showing all the things I dig&#8230;things for little ones.  I have stumbled across fabulous travel products, awesome potty training aids, awesomely safe car seats with NEW features you will all love and some of the most beautiful baby items I have ever seen.  I will have a series of posts highlighting the best of my finds here!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As a mother and a blogger I am so glad I came to this show.  Not only am I making connections with companies that I would love to spread the word about, I am meeting so many awesome parents who are inventors and are showcasing their products.  I am amazed and inspired.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I love seeing prototypes of items not even available yet and providing my honest (as always) feedback.   I am in heaven with all the purples coming out this fall and winter.  Yes, baby items have some style folks and it&#8217;s coming my way!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I am having such a blast meeting these wonderful people and seeing their products I keep wanting to order things myself.  Maybe I could start a boutique or something because I am in love with some of these products!  I am sort of not kidding.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So tell me, what should I look for?  I am happy to scout around.  There is an entire maternity area for all my pregnant friends as well as anything else you can think of.  I have not hit the strollers yet because I might drool or pass out I love strollers so much..  What are you looking for on a stroller?  There is children&#8217;s furniture, a modern child section, baby products, feeding products, cleaning products and more.  So. Much. More.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">So tell me, what are you looking for?</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I am at your service.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you are here at the show and I have not found you or seen your fabulous product please let me know!  I would love to stop by!</p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mommywords.com/2011/09/im-at-the-abc-kids-expo-what-do-you-need/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>In which I maintain my resemblance to a bagel.</title>
		<link>http://www.mommywords.com/2011/06/in-which-i-maintain-my-resemblance-to-a-bagel/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mommywords.com/2011/06/in-which-i-maintain-my-resemblance-to-a-bagel/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:17:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get to Know Me]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meme]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[My Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Image]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mommywords.com/?p=3619</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This week I am trying to kick my own tush into gear.  I am no longer the mother f a newborn.  Violet is 17 months old and no longer wants to be used to shield my not yet back belly.  She was a great ruse for a long time.  Hey &#8211; look at the new [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">This week I am trying to kick my own tush into gear.  I am no longer the mother f a newborn.  Violet is 17 months old and no longer wants to be used to shield my not yet back belly.  She was a great ruse for a long time.  Hey &#8211; look at the new baby&#8230;not my belly.  It was a lovely situation.  What a sport.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now she wiggles away and I am left sucking in and standing up oh so straight. I&#8217;ve got no boobs left so that distraction is gone too.  Breastfeeding&#8230;yeah&#8230;it took my boobs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So I need to try this whole thing again.  Yep, I noticed le belly a long time ago.  This week I am participating in a really cool meme at By Word of Mouth Musings called <a title="Time Travel Tuesdays" href="http://www.bywordofmouthmusings.com/2011/06/time-travel-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Time Travel Tuesdays</a>.  You get to link up an old post and remember what you vowed to do or a great memory and you get to see what other bloggers would choose to show from their archives. Since it is new, I thought I would post and not just link up in case you want to jump in the time machine too!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I chose to out myself as the woman without enough self control to give up a piece of bread at breakfast.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When Violet was just 8 weeks old I wrote a little post called <strong><a title="I am What I Ate" href="http://www.mommywords.com/2010/03/i-am-what-i-ate/" target="_blank">I am What I Ate</a></strong>.  You see, I figured out that my belly was beginning to resemble my favorite food, the mighty bagel.<a title="I am What I Ate" href="http://www.mommywords.com/2010/03/i-am-what-i-ate/" target="_blank"></a> I meant to make this big change and be super svelte by now.  I mean it&#8217;s only like 16 months later.  But I maintain this uncanny resemblance to that round, delicious bread.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now, it&#8217;s really time for a change.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.bywordofmouthmusings.com/2011/06/time-travel-tuesday.html"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3620" title="Time Travel Tuesdays" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Time-Travel-Tuesdays.jpg" alt="" width="161" height="177" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Tell me, how are you doing with your post baby body goals?</strong></p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mommywords.com/2011/06/in-which-i-maintain-my-resemblance-to-a-bagel/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>19</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Breastfeeding: Easier Said than Done</title>
		<link>http://www.mommywords.com/2011/03/breastfeeding-easier-said-than-done/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mommywords.com/2011/03/breastfeeding-easier-said-than-done/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:21:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Babies (Newborn to Age 1)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[My Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sophia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Violet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding Schedule]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lactation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nursing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mommywords.com/?p=3188</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I need to get something off my chest.  The chest that has my boobs on it that fed all my children and still feed Violet.  Breastfeeding is easier said than done.  Violet is probably my last child (*weeping*) and I feel like I should share my journey as she is 14 months old and will [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">I need to get something off my chest.  The chest that has my boobs on it that fed all my children and still feed Violet.  Breastfeeding is easier said than done.  Violet is probably my last child (*weeping*) and I feel like I should share my journey as she is 14 months old and will start to wean in the coming months.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It has come to my attention time and time again that many people assume I (and many other women) stuck with breastfeeding because it must have just clicked for me.  I hear things like &#8220;I wish it had been so easy for me&#8221; and I want to respond, but I know whatever I say will come out sounding like I am obsessed with other women&#8217;s lactation decisions.  I am not.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I have no problem with mothers making the choice to breastfeed or formula feed.  I totally get that some mothers cannot breastfeed and wish they could.  I understand that certain work scenarios make it almost impossible to maintain a milk supply.  There are so many reasons why breastfeeding may or not work for a woman.  I am not commenting on or judging those reasons.  I promise. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here&#8217;s the thing though&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Please don&#8217;t look at me and assume this breastfeeding thing is all easy and sweet.  Because breastfeeding is the one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life.   It is also one of the things I am most proud of and I will never regret going through what I have in order to nurse my children. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I, like many people, said I was going to breastfeed my children.  I was sure of it.  My mom breastfed all of us and never mentioned it being hard.  I figured it might take a couple days but then everything would be wonderful.  I did not fully understand it all or what it would take, but I read the books and went to the classes and said &#8220;I&#8217;m going to do that.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">No matter what happened, I did that and I am still doing it.  Some days I can&#8217;t believe it.  I thought about giving up.  It was that hard.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In the Beginning&#8230;and After the Beginning</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In September of 2006 Sophia was born.  My milk came in right away, so fast that she could not latch on when I held her in the moments after she was born.  She would simply slide off.  I spent the days in the hospital crying through the night while lactation consultants came in and tried every position to help my firstborn to eat.  She got some milk while I was in the strangest positions and while it was painful, I could actually squeeze milk into her small mouth.   My lactation consultant advised me to come in 2 days after we went home.  Everyone thought that I just got my milk early and that after the normal engorgement everything would work itself out. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When I got to the LC&#8217;s office I had a low grade fever and my breasts were as hard as rocks.  I had a small red area on one side and as I cringed in pain while holding Sophia&#8217;s mouth to my breast to eat, the LC informed me that I was most likely already experiencing mastitis from being unable to empty the milk and from the strange way that Sophia had to eat so that she would not drown in milk.  I am not kidding, if she did not clench down and take one gulp at a time her little face would be covered in milk.  It was terrible for her as she ended up choking and spitting and upset.  It was awful for me as I wondered what to do and felt completely embarrassed.  The two of us were constantly dripping.  I went home with a call into my OB for antibiotics and a scale to measure how much milk Sophia was actually getting.  Turns out if you cover the baby in milk not a lot goes in.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It did not take long to figure out that I was struggling with hyperlactation.  I had weekly appointments with the LC for a couple of months.  I made WAY too much milk.  It&#8217;s funny because some people find breastfeeding hard because they have to nurse or pump so much to keep supply up.  I had to do a crazy routine of block feeding combined with minimal pumping and then a once a day pump out to keep my supply from building up and getting me sick. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sophia and I finally figured out our own little complicated routine.  I cherish the moments I have spent nursing each of my children and do not regret at all my decision to stick with it.  However, my overproduction was not improving.  I had mastitis multiple times, constantly struggled with plugged ducts and was completely exhausted and overwhelmed by breastfeeding in my first few months of motherhood.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Besides being sick, I never really thought about the fact that my husband could not breastfeed.  No one&#8217;s can, unfortunately.  It was all my boobs&#8230;all the time.  We could not get Sophia to take a bottle and with our crazy weighing and recording and pumping schedule there was little Ross could do to help.  Why take a bottle when the milk came so much faster from the boob?  Nothing worked.  There is a joke that Brittany does nights.  I have been up for so long at all hours of the morning that it is true.  I do nights. Ross does give backrubs, bless his heart.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Back to Work</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When Sophia was 14 weeks old, I went back to work with my pump.  I never went anywhere without a pump.  I had the hand pump for my purse (still do) and the big double electric for work.  My team and boss were aware that I was breastfeeding, but man was it hard.  I had to pump every three hours or risk a very embarrassing situation at work.  I took calls from the little room I pumped in.  I sat attached to those plastic cups with my blackberry in hand, trying to keep up with my days.  At the end of that day I had two coolers full of small bottles of milk.  We all thought that with me at work she would learn to take the bottle quickly.  We were all wrong.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sophia did something called reverse cycling, where instead of learning to sleep through the night and eat during the day, the baby holds out during the day, content to get all of their nutrition directly from their mama.  She would have only a few sips at daycare and then nurse every couple of hours all night long.  She ate almost constantly from 6 to 10 p.m. and then every 3 hours until I left for work.  Honestly, it was grueling.  Also, our freezer was completely full of milk that she never drank.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I told everyone I knew that I was devoted to breastfeeding 100% and not to give me the option to give up.    Things were so hard that even my husband Ross, who fully supported me, told me he would still be proud of me if I gave up.  He was worried about me.  I was too, but each day things got a little tiny bit easier and I told myself that motherhood would require many battles and many sacrifices.  This was just one of them. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Finally at around 7 months old, Sophia took a bottle.  Finally, she was drinking all that milk I pumped.  It felt like a miracle.  She started to sleep through the night and I started to feel like a human being again.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I ended up quitting my job.  I am so lucky that I was able to do that, but it made me so sad.  I love working and I was good at what I did.  I just needed to focus on being a mom and on feeling better.  Very soon after leaving my job I was feeling like a human again and I was pregnant again.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">While I never wrestled with reverse cycling again, breastfeeding did not get easier the 2ndand3rd time around.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>All My Children</strong></p>
<p>As it turns out&#8230;none of my kids were big bottle fans.  Miles started learning to drink from a sippy at 6 months old and Violet has actually never wanted anything to do with one.  Yes, we tried it right away and kept trying.  Yes, we had babysitters try.  She is a no go.  She would not even try standard sippies until recently.  Just the boob.  Always the boob. </p>
<p>All of my kids had to be weighed at each feeding to see how much milk they were getting, much like babies nursing from low milk supply or with latch issues. </p>
<p>I continue to struggle with hyperlactation andhadmy last bout of mastitis just a couple months ago.  My LC is my friend now.  We got close.</p>
<p>I continue to leak milk each and every day.  I had to put pads in to write this post.  Violet is 14 months old and the furthest I have been from her is a party we went to 15 miles from my house.   While I have gotten the crazy spray under control (it used to shoot across the room) this is not ideal in any way. </p>
<p>All of my children learned to nurse with a lot of work and patience.  It is a beautiful thing for me to feed them.  It just didn&#8217;t come &#8220;naturally&#8221; at all.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Breastfeeding Blues</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I don&#8217;t think this is an actual term, but man do I feel like a fish out of water sometimes.   I have a lot of friends who had babies at the same time as me and a few that breastfed and a lot that did not, at least not past a month or so.  When you are breastfeeding, especially with a bottle hating baby, there are no breaks.  I am not invited to girls weekends.  We have missed couples getaways and anything that involves not bringing the baby.  Sometimes I just want to stop, but I don&#8217;t feel like it&#8217;s the right time and honestly, if Violet is my last, I am not ready to give up this time we have together.  I do want a night away with Ross or with friends, but we are just not ready.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Right Now</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Things are easier now.  Violet is a good eater and my hyperlactation is as under control as it can be.  For the first time, I do not have to pump anymore, and I couldn&#8217;t be more excited to feel less like a cow and more like a lady.  While Violet still eats throughout the night we have a schedule and hey, she&#8217;s a cute addition to any blogging conference.  We will go on vacation alone at some point.  My other children self-weaned.  I think perhaps it was because things change when you are pregnant and my supply diminished, allowing me to cut out feedings.  I&#8217;m not preggers so at this point she is still getting lots of yummy milk.  Why wean?  As she gets busier I think she will drop some daytime feedings and I do hope that she starts to sleep through the night.  All in all, we are good. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>My Choice</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I know that this is my choice.  At any time I could be done and say goodbye to breastfeeding.   I&#8217;m not looking for anyone to feel bad for me, just to share my story.  For me, as long as I could nurse my children, I was going to do it.   Many people are shocked that I kept breastfeeding.  Even my pediatrician suggested it was okay if I stop.  I never asked for anyone else to approve of my choice but I did ask them to support it.   While I make jokes about my struggles I have never really expressed how hard it was.   Most breastfeeding moms I talk to have struggled at some point and know what a challenge it can be to stick with it until it starts to feel natural and fit in your life.  I know I am not alone.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Breastfeeding my children is a gift.  Despite the battles, I would not make a different choice if I could.  Believe me, there are parenting areas in which I take the easy road.  This is just one where I decided to fight for my choice.  And I was lucky enough to win.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>My Point (If there is one)</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, this is my story.  All moms have one.  It sometimes feels like because of the formula vs. breast milk war breastfeeding moms are not allowed to express their story for fear of offending a mom who could not or chose not to breastfeed.  Motherhood is hard no matter what choices you make in breastfeeding or anything else.   Motherhood is not a competition.  Sharing our different choices and journeys is important.    Maybe telling my story will allow another mom who is struggling to stick with it.  Maybe it will simply make people aware that the pride a breastfeeding mom feels is not because she is looking down on anyone else, but because she is happy with herself and this accomplishment.  Maybe my story will upset some people.  I sincerely hope not. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I am that mom who is really proud of myself for sticking with it.  Because while breastfeeding my kids is one of the most amazing things I have ever done, I have something to tell you.     </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It&#8217;s not all nips and giggles.</p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mommywords.com/2011/03/breastfeeding-easier-said-than-done/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>48</slash:comments>
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		<title>Not a Night for Blogging&#8230;A Night for Baby</title>
		<link>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/11/not-a-night-for-blogging-a-night-for-baby/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/11/not-a-night-for-blogging-a-night-for-baby/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 03:58:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Babies (Newborn to Age 1)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sleeping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Violet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[priorities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teething]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mommywords.com/?p=2460</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I have not been much for blogging today as I have had my boob stuffed in the mouth of a teething 9 month old.  I think the teeth must be stuck in there given the intensity of her wailing whenever she is without the boob.  It&#8217;s nice to know my tatas are so useful but [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">I have not been much for blogging today as I have had my boob stuffed in the mouth of a teething 9 month old.  I think the teeth must be stuck in there given the intensity of her wailing whenever she is without the boob.  It&#8217;s nice to know my tatas are so useful but there may be nothing left of them after this.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Her screams are deafening and heartbreaking and they make my mommy brain crazy with that special combination of wanting to cradle her, wanting to take away her pain, contemplating whether or not she really needs teeth, wanting to go outside so I can get a 5 minute break and wondering&#8230;will I ever have my boobs back?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Anyhoo, I now have Sophia on my floor because she could not handle the screams (there are times when shared rooms suck) and my husband annoyed at my computer clicking because I think he is the most messed up by this time change of anyone (he did wake up with them at 5 am) and me just sitting here waiting for the almost exactly hourly screams to begin again.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sounds fun don&#8217;t you think?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">My headache is preventing me from anything more brilliant so tonight I will do what all we moms have to do&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Put away my original plan for the evening to nurse my baby, to handle her pain, to help her through this tough time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Because my first priority can never get lost.  Sometimes for a moment or two I allow myself to stress out about the blog.  But I know that the most important thing is not the blog (or how my boobs look when all this is over)&#8230;but my baby, my kids, my husband&#8230;my family.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So goodnight all and sweet dreams. Here&#8217;s hoping these teeth come in tomorrow!</p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/11/not-a-night-for-blogging-a-night-for-baby/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
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		<title>In the Still of the Night</title>
		<link>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/11/in-the-still-of-the-night/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/11/in-the-still-of-the-night/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:51:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Babies (Newborn to Age 1)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pre-Schooler (ages 4-5)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sleeping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sophia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toddler (Ages 1-3)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Violet]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mommywords.com/?p=2450</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On the day Sophia was born I was floored by my insane desire to have her close to me, almost as if I missed having her inside me, a part of my body. We needed each other and became as close to inseparable as two bodies can be.  I was by her side each and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">On the day Sophia was born I was floored by my insane desire to have her close to me, almost as if I missed having her inside me, a part of my body. We needed each other and became as close to inseparable as two bodies can be.  I was by her side each and every day and night. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-2451" href="http://www.mommywords.com/2010/11/in-the-still-of-the-night/my-first-day-2/"><img class="size-large wp-image-2451 aligncenter" title="My First Day" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/My-First-Day-500x666.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="480" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I loved having her with me at night.  I have always cherished the wee hours of the morning with my babies.  With each of them, our time together in the silent and black night brought perfect moments of unity and peace.  I don&#8217;t worry about sleeping methods or letting them cry because, for us, it seems wrong.  There will be so many years of nights when we will no longer have those precious quiet moments.  There will be plenty of time for indpendence and training.  While they are babies, when they wake, I will lay them on my chest, cradle them and try to mark the feeling on my heart.  I never want to forget how much I love sleepy nighttime cuddles.   </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The time comes so soon when they cease to wake, when they move into their own rooms, when they sleep without my arms and start to leave their baby days behind.   I still have these moments with Violet every night.  While I am tired, I wouldn&#8217;t trade these days.  </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lately, as I sit with Violet I remember Sophia and Miles as little ones.  I think about where we sat, how long our nightly rituals lasted, and how sad I was when they came to an end.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When Violet moved out of our room and into her room with Sophia, I got a few more moments with my firstborn.  When Ross travels, I let Sophia sleep in my room.  She is still my baby, and like her dad is a middle of the night cuddler.  So, when Ross is away I get to steal some of those moments back.  I get to snuggle my little girl without any of the commotion of daily activities or her busy siblings.  It&#8217;s a lovely thing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the still of the night, I am happy. </p>
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		<title>The Kids Milked Me</title>
		<link>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/06/the-kids-milked-me/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/06/the-kids-milked-me/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:03:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Funny Stuff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sophia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breast Milk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breast Pump]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mommywords.com/?p=1895</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I would never let my husband do this in a million years.  I mean absolutely never.   I never thought I would let anyone do it, but this morning that all changed.  I let my kids milk me.  I was using a hand pump to get a little milk for baby Violet for her morning nursery [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">I would never let my husband do this in a million years.  I mean absolutely never.   I never thought I would let anyone do it, but this morning that all changed.  I let my kids milk me. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I was using a hand pump to get a little milk for baby Violet for her morning nursery time and Sophia asked if she could help.  I said no and she said I told her she could help to give Violet milk when she started using a bottle.  I said you can help with the bottle, not the milking. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then she asked me if it was gross?  Well, I do not want my kids to ever think that anything about breastfeeding is gross.  I want them to understand that I make milk for my babies and that I am proud of my commitment to breastfeeding through all of the struggles I have had.  I want them to think that it is totally normal for a mommy to milk herself like a cow.  And so I let her try.   I was muttering inappropriate words in my head.  I mean what the hell was I doing?  Then Miles cried, saying it was his turn.  What the heck&#8230;the more the merrier right?   </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Both Sophia and Miles successfully milked me.  They were so proud that they made Violet&#8217;s milk.  I don&#8217;t know if I was proud at the moment as much as relieved it was over.  From now on I will pump a little more privately than in the playroom.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Since it was definitely a first (and hopefully a last) we took pictures! </p>
<div id="attachment_1897" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 321px">
	<img class="size-full wp-image-1897" title="Sophia Pumped" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_1132.jpg" alt="" width="321" height="480" />
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Sophia is Pumped!</p>
</div>
<div id="attachment_1896" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 320px">
	<img class="size-full wp-image-1896" title="Miles Pumped" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_1135.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="480" />
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Proud Pumper</p>
</div>
<p>I truly hope you are laughing and not gagging.</p>
<p class="alert" style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe <a title="RSS" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/mommywords/love" target="_blank">via RSS</a> or <a title="Email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=mommywords/love&amp;amp;loc=en_US" target="_blank">by email </a>to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!</em></p>
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		<title>A Little LackLUSTer</title>
		<link>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/05/a-little-lackluster/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/05/a-little-lackluster/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 03:06:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Babies (Newborn to Age 1)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Funny Stuff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sleeping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Desire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lust]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mommywords.com/?p=1821</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is fourth of five posts over ten days as part of Momalom’s Five for Ten.  We are all writing about the same topics in an honest effort to get to know one another better and make more connections. Our first topic was Courage.   The second was Happiness.  The third was memory.  Today’s is Lust. If you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>This is fourth of five posts over ten days as part of </em><a title="Momalom" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.momalom.com/');" href="http://www.momalom.com/" target="_blank"><em>Momalom’s</em></a><em> Five for Ten.  We are all writing about the same topics in an honest effort to get to know one another better and make more connections. </em></p>
<p><em>Our first topic was Courage.   </em><em>The second was Happiness.  </em><em>The third was memory.  Today’s is Lust. </em></p>
<p><em>If you are already a regular Mommy Words visitor, I hope you enjoy these posts.  If you are here as a part of the Five for Ten, welcome!  I can’t wait to get to know you.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="www.momalom.com"><img class="aligncenter" style="border: 0px;" title="Momalom Five for Ten" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4535988407_cc992ab635_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="125" height="125" /></a></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the middle of the night I lay sleeping, dreaming of two bodies embracing, loving, and enjoying one another in perfect intimacy and with total abandon.  My eyelids flutter and I see my husband laying next to me and feel his leg draped over my own.  We always fit.  It always moves me.  I shift my body towards his and hear a soft moan.  My reaction is immediate.  My body warms in an instant and my breasts begin to tingle.   I let out a deep breath, a low groan, and unbutton my nightgown to free them for the soft hands that already are reaching out in hunger that only I can satisfy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I roll over, scoop up my precious baby Violet, and begin to nurse.  My wild fantasies of passionate unplanned sex are smooshed by an irresistible 12 pound little girl.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, things around here are a little lackluster.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When I feel a little frisky and hubs touches the tatas&#8230;they LEAK!  Horny mam or hungry baby&#8230;same reaction&#8230;breast milk let down.  (Truly a let down if you are feeling rowdy.)  These boobies also make a crinkly sound as all breast pads do when you caress them.   Not so hot huh?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I scream Yes! Yes! Yes! while Sophia does gymnastics instead of in the bedroom.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Can one without a strange fetish lust after someone who smells like baby puke and even sometimes has the scent of poop lingering?  With 2 kids still in diapers this is a common occurrence.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The last time I got  a wax was while preparing for labor.  Mama&#8217;s not feeling sexy.  Enough said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After a hot date and a lot of wine (always lust inducing) I have to pump.  Milking oneself like a cow always kills that sexy feeling.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I sleep 1 foot from my infant and often wake up with my two year old in my bed.  Let&#8217;s just say I don&#8217;t wear lingerie to bed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I think it might help to have a fraternity party where we could grind away in a basement like we did when LUST took over every night.  We could then forget that we are parents to 3 kids 3 and under but that&#8217;s kind of weird to have a mom of 3 in a beer drenched basement doing that so this scenario is probably out.  And more things would shake than just my tush.  And I don&#8217;t know any frat guys anymore anyway.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now I am a little depressed about the lackluster state of things around here so I am just going to get out my pencil (no pen &#8211; you never know with kids!) and schedule me some lovin&#8217;.  You can&#8217;t always get what you want&#8230;you get what you need!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">P.S. sometimes what I need is just sleep. </p>
<p class="alert" style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe <a title="RSS" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/mommywords/love" target="_blank">via RSS</a> or <a title="Email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=mommywords/love&amp;amp;loc=en_US" target="_blank">by email </a>to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!</em></p>
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		<slash:comments>16</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Violet Grace:  Month Two</title>
		<link>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/03/violet-grace-month-two/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/03/violet-grace-month-two/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:34:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Babies (Newborn to Age 1)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Violet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Baby Video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding Schedule]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Two Months Old]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mommywords.com/?p=1650</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Baby Violet is 2 months old! She joined us in January as a tiny little girl, weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces. Well, in just 2 months she has gained 5 pounds and is busy winning the hearts of all with her pudgy little cheeks and her totally kissable mouth and well&#8230;everything. After 2 months she [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Baby Violet is 2 months old! She joined us in January as a tiny little girl, weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces. Well, in just 2 months she has gained 5 pounds and is busy winning the hearts of all with her pudgy little cheeks and her totally kissable mouth and well&#8230;everything. After 2 months she is still a mama&#8217;s girl. She smiles for me, she gives me her special looks and I could swear some days we both roll our eyes at the rest of our house.  They are just so&#8230;.loud!  I will say she thinks they are funny sometimes though, and I think she tries to lick Miles when he comes around &#8211; probably because he is always covered with whatever he last ate!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Violet is my most quiet baby so far.  The only issue is she is only quiet for me.  So far she calms down as soon as I pick her up. This neat little trick does not work for those without my boobs.  We are still working on the bottle thing.  I think she might be like my others and make babysitters run for their lives. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We nurse about every 90 minutes to 2 hours all day and then take a little break for mommy to have dinner.  Then we nurse after dinner and take a break to read books and sing songs and take baths as a family.  Violet gets hugs and kisses goodnight from Sophia and Miles at 8 p.m. and then east and takes a nap until around midnight.  She eats again and then sleeps for 5-6 hours.  Then we start over.  It&#8217;s a lot, and the constant nursing has made it tough for me to juggle everything else, but I love every minute of this baby girl.  Ross says she is my last baby (this makes me SO sad) so I am trying to not miss a moment!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Violet &#8211; Mommy Loves You!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
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]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>22</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Bebe au Lait {Review &amp; Giveaway}</title>
		<link>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/03/bebe-au-lait-review-giveaway/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/03/bebe-au-lait-review-giveaway/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:42:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bebe Au Lait]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Giveaway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nursing Cover]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mommywords.com/?p=1579</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[{This giveaway has now ended.  Thank you for entering!} I love when one of my favorite companies send me a gorgeous brand spankin&#8217; new product to review and provides a giveaway for my readers!  Bebe au Lait sent me an absolutely gorgeous and super soft nursing cover in the Papillon pattern for me to review.  You [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;">
<div id="attachment_1587" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 480px">
	<img class="size-full wp-image-1587  " title="Bebe au Lait Blankie" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMG_8845.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" />
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover as Peek-a-Boo Toy and Blankie</p>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>{This giveaway has now ended.  Thank you for entering!}</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I love when one of my favorite companies send me a gorgeous brand spankin&#8217; new product to review and provides a giveaway for my readers!  <a title="Bebe au Lait" href="http://www.bebeaulait.com/index.php" target="_blank">Bebe au Lait</a> sent me an absolutely gorgeous and super soft nursing cover in the Papillon pattern for me to review.  You can win a fabulous nursing cover (as I model in this post) or set of burp cloths  in your pattern of choice!  What a great gift for you or for a new or expecting mom!</p>
<div id="attachment_1606" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 200px">
	<img class="size-full wp-image-1606 " title="mint burp cloth" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/mint-burp-cloth.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="200" />
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Bebe Burp Cloths</p>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I have used my first Bebe au Lait cover since just days after Sophia was born in 2006 and I was sort of itching for a new pretty thing and with the gorgeous fabrics I was not disappointed.  Now I have 2 covers, one for home and one for away and I use both of them daily.  How very cool!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">As a Nursing Cover</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I used the cover to nurse within hours of Violet&#8217;s birth as my in-laws came to hang out with us in the hospital.  While I firmly believe that moms can nurse with or without a cover and wherever the heck they want to, I personally prefer my brother-in-law and mother-in-law remain unaware of how my boobs or nipples look.  You know, cause I am a prude like that.  So I whipped out my gorgeous cover in the hospital and seriously people, I got ooh&#8217;s and ahh&#8217;s from my family and from all the vital check nurses and from Violet&#8217;s nurse and from my OB.  These covers are gorgeous!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And yes, they work.  No one saw my goods who was not supposed to.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I present to you a picture of me and Violet in the hospital before she needs to eat. </p>
<div id="attachment_1586" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 318px">
	<img class="size-full wp-image-1586" title="Bebe au Lait with Baby" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMG_8098-e1268061536714.jpg" alt="" width="318" height="364" />
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Brand New Baby and her Sassy Bebe au Lait Cover</p>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then, easy as pie, here is a picture of her nursing.  Can you see my boobs?  No ma&#8217;am.  See &#8211; it works for what it is supposed to.  As you can see &#8211; I can see baby Violet when she eats.  She can see me.  It is my favorite thing about these covers.  I still feel connected to my little one and she does not feel totally covered up with a plain ol&#8217; blanket covering her head.  This cover does not really even touch her head.  The rigid neckline keeps the cover away from hers so she has the room to breathe, eat and be comfy!</p>
<div id="attachment_1585" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 319px">
	<img class="size-full wp-image-1585" title="IMG_8102" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMG_8102-e1268065046927.jpg" alt="Violet Nursing in Bebe au Lait" width="319" height="360" />
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Baby Under the Bebe au Lait</p>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I use the cover at home when I want Violet to have a calm place to nurse without all the excitement of Sophia and Miles running around.  I also use it at home if a repairman or contractor is in the house.  I can nurse her while doing a walk through of a project with no boob showing and a very satisfied baby.  I also use the cover when we are outside so that she is not blinded by the sunshine.  When we are out and about &#8211; I use it all the time for my comfort and hers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Uses for this Gorgeous Cover</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is a <strong>burp cloth</strong>.  It has two little terry triangles on the bottom corners that also have tiny pockets for pacis and stuff.  These are awesome to have!  I sometimes curl one up to put under Violet&#8217;s cheek to help deal with the enormous amount of milk that comes out with my hyper lactation.  This way I have something right there that can absorb some of the milk the sprays out when she needs to take a break from gulping!  Not sexy I know, but SO helpful!  Saves my clothes and hers from being soaked!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We use this as a <strong>light blanket</strong> all the time.  After nursing I just wrap Violet up and put her in her rocker and she is happy as a clam!  I also lay it over her car-seat to provide protection from sun or wind when we are running from the car into the store or something.  It can also be used on top of a baby carrier like an Ergo Baby or a Bjorn for coverage of the head and extra warmth and then you have it available to nurse!</p>
<div id="attachment_1588" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 200px">
	<img class="size-medium wp-image-1588" title="Bebe au Lait Blanket" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMG_8843-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" />
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Bebe au Lait Blankie</p>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We play <strong>peek-a-boo</strong>with the Bebe au Lait.  All of my babies have loves grasping the rigid neckline so it is fun!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sophia and Miles use the Bebe au Lait as <strong>capes</strong>.  I think this is hilarious.  My own nursing super heros!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This works as a <strong>travel changing pad too</strong>.  I do use the pretty side just in case anything got on the blanket it would not ever be next to baby&#8217;s face.  It is much better than laying your baby on the ground or a public nursing station.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">An <strong>emergency outfit / diaper</strong>.  I went through 2 full outfits on my first plane trip with Sophia and all but one of my diapers.  Her little 2 month old tummy exploded multiple times on our way to New Orleans.  I ended up with nothing clean except my Bebe au Lait cover.  I wrapped her up in it around my last diaper and asked the stewardess for a clean blanket.  This was how Sophie met her cousins.  I thought it was a great alternative to being naked or covered in poop.  For other great travel tips with little ones you can read my full post <a title="Travel Tips with Small Children" href="http://www.mommywords.com/2009/11/airplane-travel-tips-with-small-children/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Products:</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a title="Bebe au Lait" href="http://www.bebeaulait.com/index.php" target="_blank">Bebe au Lait</a> also makes the cutest and softest burp cloths, which I purchased before Violet was born.  I have not yet tried their 4 way bibs or hooded towels but I may just have to break down and get them because they are just gorgeous and the reviews of them are great!</p>
<div id="attachment_1589" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 258px">
	<img class="size-medium wp-image-1589" title="hooded towel" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/hooded-towel-e1268067058937.jpg" alt="" width="258" height="274" />
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Hooded Towel</p>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">They also have a line of jewelry called Family Ties that expresses the bond between parent and child.  Well, be still my heart &#8211; how adorable!</p>
<div id="attachment_1590" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 253px">
	<img class="size-medium wp-image-1590" title="family ties" src="http://www.mommywords.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/family-ties-e1268067281200.jpg" alt="" width="253" height="274" />
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Family Ties</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Overall <a title="Bebe au Lait" href="http://www.bebeaulait.com" target="_blank">Bebe au Lait</a> is a wonderful company with a fabulous product that I recommend over and over to nursing mothers.  The nursing cover is listed on my Things I used in the First 2 Weeks with a Newborn, which you can find <a title="List Baby's First 2 Weeks" href="http://www.mommywords.com/2010/02/list-things-i-used-in-babys-first-2-weeks/" target="_blank">here</a>.  I really don&#8217;t have any negatives.  My firstcover is still great after 3 years and while it is a little faded from so many washings it is still beautiful.  Any product that lasts that long through that many kids and daily use is awesome in my book.  The craftmanship is commendable and the fabric is super soft!  My only suggestion is that they start making adorable blankies and swaddlers out of these fabrics.  I love them!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Giveaway!</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One lucky Mommy Words reader will win a Bebe au Lait (a.k.a. Hooter Hiders) nursing cover or Set of Burp Cloths!  How do you win?  It&#8217;s easy!  Simply comment and let me know your email address so I can contact you if you win!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Required Entry:</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Visit <a title="Bebe au Lait" href="http://www.bebeaulait.com" target="_blank">Bebe au Lait</a> and leave me a comment telling me your favorite pattern or favorite product.</p>
<p><strong>Extra Entires:  You must leave a separate comment for each extra entry to count and extra entries won’t count unless the required entry is done.  If you already follow / fan Mommy Words or Bebe au Lait this counts &#8211; just let me know!</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">1.  Follow Mommy Words publicly by joining through Google Friend Connect and tell me you are. </p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">2.  Become my Facebook fan <a title="Facebook Mommy Words" href="http://www.facebook.com/MommyWords" target="_blank">here</a> and leave me your Facebook name.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">3.  Become a Facebook fan of Bebe au Lait <a title="Facebook Bebe au Lait" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bebe-au-Lait/16218248525" target="_blank">here</a> and leave me your Facebook name.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">4.  Follow @mommywords on Twitter <a title="Twitter Mommy Words" href="http://twitter.com/mommywords" target="_blank">here</a> and leave me your twitter name. </p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">5.  Follow Bebe au Lait on Twitter <a title="Twitter Bebe au Lait" href="http://twitter.com/bebeaulait" target="_blank">here</a> and leave me your twitter name.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">6.  Tweet about this giveaway 1 time each day and let me know you tweeted!  Try tweeting&#8230;Win a fabulous Bebe au Lait nursing cover from @mommywords here <a href="http://bit.ly/bVUiXO">http://bit.ly/bVUiXO</a> Ends 3/15.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">7.  Subscribe to Mommy Words via RSS reader or Email and tell me you are .</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">8.  Click to vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs. Just click the cute banner on the right side bar and tell me you clicked. You can can click up to 3x for more entires.</p>
<p><strong>Giveaway Rules and Disclaimer:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. It begins on March 8, 2010 and will end on March 15, 2010 at 9 pm. One winner with a valid entry will be selected at random using random.org. The winner will be announced on this blog and contacted if I have his or her email and must respond within 48 hours to claim. Otherwise, another eligible entry will be chosen. Good luck!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>I was provided the Bebe au Lait nursing cover in order to facilitate my review.  I was not compensated for this review.  These are my own opinions and honest experience with this product.</em></p>
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		<title>All Cleared, But We Are Not Taking Off</title>
		<link>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/03/all-cleared-but-we-are-not-taking-off/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mommywords.com/2010/03/all-cleared-but-we-are-not-taking-off/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:47:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breastfeeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motherhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pregnancy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Post Partum Sex]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mommywords.com/?p=1575</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This morning I went to the OB for that mandatory check-up that lets you know your girl parts are okay and you are cleared to get back in the saddle.  What saddle, you ask?  To be specific &#8211; sex and exercise. I am sure some of you amazing women were pumped for this appointment and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">This morning I went to the OB for that mandatory check-up that lets you know your girl parts are okay and you are cleared to get back in the saddle.  What saddle, you ask?  To be specific &#8211; sex and exercise.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I am sure some of you amazing women were pumped for this appointment and rushed home after you got the go ahead to combine the aforementioned sex and exercise in a sweaty passionate workout with your long neglected lover.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I am not in that group of amazing women. Not.  At. All.  I am sitting in Breuggers Bagels stuffing myself with cream cheese and wondering if I should tell my gorgeous wonderful husband that the doc told me to wait a little longer.  That is bad, I know.  I adore my very sexy husband.  But girls, I have my reasons.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">First, I am not feeling so sexy these days.  At 20 pounds from my goal weight with a nether region that was last used to birth a baby and boobs that are larger than my baby&#8217;s head that projectile spray whenever they hear a noise or feel a nudge I&#8217;m not exactly longing to be naked.  We spoke at length <a title="The Boobie Trap" href="http://www.mommywords.com/2010/01/the-boobie-trap/" target="_blank">here</a> about the boobie trap and how these boobs, as voluptuous as they are, are for baby only.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Second, call me crazy but I&#8217;m just not, um, feeling it.  Breastfeeding saps you of all sexual hormones and doing it every 90 minutes all day leaves little time for me to get all hot and bothered.  And, with 3 kids 3 and under I am not sure when we are supposed to do that foreplay thing that is supposed to help.  Especially, and this is big, since Violet sleeps not 2 feet from me and sounds like a little car battery with all her snorts and loud breathing.  It doesn&#8217;t help.  It makes my boobs leak &#8211; see above.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Third, I am scared.  I mean it.  I had some scarring down there from an infection after having Sophia that hurt for a long time and while I think it is all okay now, I get really nervous.  You need not know more &#8211; it used to hurt like a bitch.  No joke.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That about covers the sex.  Honey, I love you but it might be a little while.  And take a lot of wine.  I need to be tipsy enough to forget that I am taking my clothes off.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As far as the exercise, well, I just totally hate it.  There&#8217;s another hour out of my day that I don&#8217;t have.  I don&#8217;t like being sweaty.  I can&#8217;t ever plan it right.  I&#8217;m no good at it.  You get it.  I know I have to do THIS to lose the 20 pounds that will make me the hottie I want to be for my hubby so that I will want to do THAT.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It&#8217;s just not going to be today.  Or tomorrow.  But his birthday is next week, so I really need to pull myself together, huh?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So &#8211; what group did you fall into?  Please say that I not alone!</p>
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