Babywearing: The Basics & Benefits

It's the most fantastic thing in the world, when done correctly. The whole correct/incorrect is a big debate and can be a bit taboo. To me? Yes, there are incorrect ways to baby wear. Most parents simply don't know that there are other options, so they do what's mainstream. Personally, I wouldn't ever purchase or gift a carrier that encourages incorrect form. BUT, to each their own.

I found these graphics, and they show the comparison perfectly. The picture on the left where the infant is supported by the crotch and the legs are hanging down? Those are narrow seated carriers, also commonly called "crotch danglers" in the babywearing world. Too much time in that position can result in very mild to severe hip dysplasia. You can find one of my favorite blog posts regarding the dangers of improper babywearing, right here. In the babywearing community, facing a child outward while wearing them is highly discouraged. Boba said it better than I did, so you can read their post "Nine Reasons Not to Carry Your Baby Facing Out" for reasons why not to.

When supported properly - by the bum and knees, as seen in the image on the right- the spine naturally creates a "C" shape and the hip joints are properly aligned. "At birth, the hip joints are not fully developed. They are shallow joints with very little stability. As a baby grows and develops, the socket becomes deeper and more stable. With proper hip and leg position, the ball (head of the femur) will put pressure at the correct angle in the socket (Acetabulum). This is what changes the hip from a shallow joint at birth to a very deep and stable joint by the time your child is up and running around. If this joint does not form correctly and is left shallow, the ball has a greater chance of sliding out of the socket. When this happens it is called hip dysplasia." [via]

[via]

I googled this shit. It's everywhere, including my facebook page. 

Popular narrow seated carriers include: Baby Bjorn, Infantino Flip, Infantino Breathe, and the Chicco Ultrasoft Magic. They're widely available in big box stores like Target, Buy Buy Baby, and Babies R Us. 

Babywearing is incredibly beneficial to both baby and mama. Skin to skin with a newborn can help establish milk supply and regulate the baby's temperature. It helps calm fussiness and prevents overstimulation. It allows moms, dads, and caregivers everywhere to snuggle fussy babies whilst still keeping up with chores and other duties they might have. 

Happy Monday!

Babywearing Series: Types of Carriers // Where to Buy // My Favorites // Helpful Hints // Go-To Carries

Forewarning: Babywearing Series

I hope your weekend is going fabulously! Yesterday we celebrated J's moms birthday by eating tacos and way too much sugar. Today we'll be going to church and attending one of my best friends daughter's 1st birthday party. Fun and family filled, exactly how I like my weekends. :)

This is a tiny warning that starting tomorrow, there will be babywearing related posts on my blog three days a week for the next two weeks. I was going to try to squeeze them all into a week, but five posts turned into six and I'd rather space them out to be able to post other content in I want to.

If you are interested in reading those posts, you're in for a treat. I had a two posts up from December of last year that I took down and revised. I also added four new posts to give you insight on my favorites, helpful hints, and where you can buy a carrier.

I hope you're as excited as I am! :)

Being Passionate

Sometimes I forget why I'm here. Why I do the job that I do. Then there are instances that snap me out of my slump and remind me. Today was one of those days.

Lately I've been feeling very discouraged by the amount of schooling it will take me to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming an IBCLC. Then I read this today on one of the mommy blogs I follow. She's giving an update on her three-week-old daughter..."We are also going to start supplementing with formula because there has been a question as to whether or not my milk alone has been satisfying her. She still wants to feed OFTEN! Sometimes it could be every 45 minutes to an hour!" I know a lot of my readers don't have kids and you probably don't care, but understand that everything she's describing is common, and even normal! Breast milk is digested at a rapid rate, and her baby's tummy is tiny, only holding a few ounces at a time if it's completely empty.

I just printed out the sheet of required pre-requisites before I can even apply to the program. There are 14 classes. By the end of the semester, I will have taken 2. At least two of them are intense, almost full day classes, which would make it virtually impossible for me to hold a full time job while trying to do this. Again, this is BEFORE acceptance into the program.

If I take the classes how I guesstimated I will (unless something happens that allows me to go to school full-time), I will enter the program in the Fall of 2017 and pass the exam making me Board Certified in July of 2018. I will be 27 (almost 28) years old. I am very, very likely to be married with at least one baby by the time I enter the program. But by reading by what the above blogger has said, I snapped out of it, just like that. I don't care how many years it takes, I will do everything in my power to help those babies and mothers that fail at breastfeeding purely because they're unbelievably and incredibly misinformed by society and pediatricians alike.

For now? I continue the trek of trying to pass biology lecture and remedial math, but find comfort knowing that some day I will get to live out my dream. I'm also taking the course to become a CLEC starting in January. :)

What do you feel passionately about?

Weekend Shenanigans- Volume 1

So, I thought that sometimes, I'd share what I do on the weekends. Not every week, by any means, but maybe once or twice a month when I do exciting things. During the week my life is super scheduled and busy. And usually boring. I have a routine that I stick to. It is what it is and all I can say is that I can't wait for school to be over.

I currently have a bunch of family in town for my Oma's birthday tomorrow. Of course while they're here, we must do all the fun things! This is what we did last weekend...

Saturday we drove out the the Huntington Library and walked through the gardens and had a late lunch at the tea house there. It was beautiful but we spent a few hours there, and only saw about a third of what they had to offer. I think in order to get the most out of the experience, a full day trip would be necessary.

On Sunday, my mom took me to LA to go shopping for my birthday. I originally asked for a Photography Concentrate tutorial, but I ended up winning them so I had to come up with something else. I've been eyeing this bag from Vera Bradley for at least a year, and my mom treated me to one! 

We went to the Americana at Brand as well as the Glendale Galleria, which happen to be across the street from each other. This is the thing about the LA area, I have a love-hate relationship it. The shopping is absolutely amazing, but the traffic totally sucks. One of my other favorite malls is The Grove which is also in LA. 

Can we talk about that shopping bag? Gorgeous! Along with the Small Duffle in Heather, I also got the Zip ID Case and the Laptop Sleeve in the same print. I already have my eye on a few more items that I think would round out my travel necessities very nicely. I currently have a million and one bags, and would really like to streamline my "collection" before the year is over.

What's in your travel necessity collection? Do you have a million different bags like I do, or are you a "one and done" type person. Share with me in the comments! 

Happy Tuesday!

A Post on Tolerance

Today I was an event where I overheard some people discussing a friend of their family's who apparently, a lot of people suspect is gay.  No big deal right? Yeah, apparently it was.

Said persons father claims that he will not have a son who is gay. The people who I heard discussing this matter were being incredibly rude and talking bad about the boys mother, claiming that he was gay because she had raised him.

Is that really the way to talk about someone who has done nothing wrong? It was absolutely appalling and completely inappropriate. They, too, were saying all of this in front of their young daughter. Like really? No wonder this world is full of prejudice and intolerance. Because of people like that, who don't do right by their kids.

Children learn through example. Monkey see, monkey do. Not do as I say, not as I do. It hurts my future mama heart that children have to be raised in negative environments and won't know tolerance and real unconditional love until they're older and see it in other people's lives.

Disclaimer: I don't normally get this expressive on here, but that situation really rubbed me the wrong way and I needed to talk about it. This wasn't written today. It's been sitting it my drafts for a while and I thought I'd finally hit publish. I should probably start noting when I start posts, huh?

Vacation Makes Me Tired

I need a vacation after my vacation. Anyone else feel that way? So much to do and so little time! Not really, but that's how I feel.

Joshua and I had a "staycation" this year. We were planning on traveling up the coast a bit, but weren't able to get everything planned before school started, so we didn't end up doing that since we couldn't miss class. The three big things we did was go handgun shooting, see two movies and to the Disney Parks. We had a few other things semi-planned but we decided that it wasn't worth it to spend the money. I also totally didn't take any pictures except for at the shooting range. Because I'm the kind of person that takes Cora on vacation, then she sits in the closet the entire time.

I had my first day back at work with L today! He started walking while I was away and is so much more toddler-like than before I left. We went to a local outdoor mall to give him a bit more space to practice. Everyone thought it was super cute. He kept getting distracted by all the people around us! He also picked up the word "no", which totally sucks. But, we'll have to keep working on it and I just have to hope that he forgets it over time. Side note: my go-to discipline phrase is "that's not for you" or "that's not okay". Then I redirect him. He gets it on the first try about 90% of the time.

I am no longer be accepting side bar sponsors for the foreseeable future, BUT I will begin doing the occasional sponsored post soon. I was just accepted by Social Spark, which is super exciting! All sponsored posts will be clearly labelled as such.

I've missed Blogtember the past few days because I was gone and hotel internet sucks. Not sure if I'm going to jump back in because there are so many other things I want to share that are more personal and in the moment. I have a going list that's about twenty posts long. Anyone else have a blog notebook that contains all your ideas? Mine is a mess and always changing!

I also won a giveaway! A first for me. Jenni over at Story of My Life was giving away all of Photography Concentrate's tutorials. I asked my mom for Extremely Essential Camera Skills for my birthday a while back after I read about how much Jenni loved it. Of course when I told her I entered the giveaway, she told me to wait. Then, boom. I won! Awesome sauce. I'm slowly but surely working on them. I also may have double checked to make sure I really won and it wasn't a scam.

Wow. How's that for a life update! :)

Happy Tuesday.

Dressing L for Fall :: Part 2

Ready for round two? You know, because Polyvore is addicting and I couldn't stop at three outfits. It's like shopping without spending money. Genius!

Like the last one, you'll see lots of the ON Toddler Skinny Jean, because I really do love them that much. These three sets are more specifically styled, but I think I love them even more than the others. ;)

I love me a toddler in Metal Mulisha. It's J's favorite brand and this is exactly how I imagine our future sons running around. I love MM too, but don't wear it as frequently because it's not always work appropriate, in my opinion. My favorite winter shirt has a huge gun on it, see what I'm sayin?

Oh, the camo! I can't handle the cute. I may have to gift this outfit to a very special toddler I know, minus the boots because he already has some. Duh. That shirt just kills me. 

This outfit reminds me of the main character (Jay) in Chasing Mavericks. I feel like the hoodie is totally his style, beachy and relaxed. Can't go wrong with jeans and a pair of Vans. 

Outfit 1 // Outfit 2 // Outfit 3 

Which one is your favorite? I'm really loving the camo set. :) 

While you're visiting, be sure to check out the other post I did on toddler fall fashion! The outfits are completely different and too cute to boot. 

Not a Turn, a Curve :: Blogember Day 6

Prompt: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.
It was definitely more of a curve that a turn, but I had the choice of going to two different high schools, OHS and CHS. My mom made me a deal that if I got straight As in 8th grade, I could go to CHS. Well, low and behold, I didn't. 

Now that I look back on it, there would've been so many things I wouldn't have done, or been able to do if I went to that other school.

If I went to CHS, I wouldn't have: been in FFA, been a starter on Varsity Water Polo, met my best friend, or dated Joshua. Some of the best things that have happened in my life wouldn't have happened if I would done something as simple as go to another high school. I'm so glad that my mom made such an important decision for me and didn't let me get my way. 

Dressing L for Fall :: Part 1

I'm really, really looking forward to dressing L for fall. Last year he was still itty bitty, so he often wore sleepers or bodysuits & sweatpants, but this year he'll be big! A toddler who can wear jeans and shoes. I can barely contain myself, y'all. Also, Polvore is dangerous. It makes me want to buy everything!

You'll see lots of Old Navy Toddler Skinny Jeans in these sets. They're my absolute favorite! They're more of a slim fit, which I find flattering since a lot of toddlers have skinnier legs. I think regular jeans look really funny so I opt for something more fitted. They also have the adjustable waist which is a huge plus for a lot of moms. 

I've been eyeing that Capt. Adorable tee since it came out earlier this summer. L is definitely a beach baby and this would most definitely suit his style. The hoodie caught me off guard, as I don't normally like DKNY, but I love the v-neck. I feel like a bit of the shirt would peek out which makes the outfit that much cuter!

I'm loving these two toned, long sleeved tee shirts. LOVE. I actually found them on accident, but I can't get enough! But then I looked on the store website and found these, these, and these. You're welcome. ;) Added the red Chucks for a pop of color to keep the outfit exciting.

I think this may be my favorite outfit. L looks SO cute in cardigans, so it totally makes the outfit for me. I was introduced to Native shoes by AP from ILYMTC. Her son Carter wears them a ton during the summer and he looks too cute in them. They're essentially the cute version of Crocs. I think they would really come in handy for us on swim lesson days. Easy on, easy off & quick drying!

Outfit 1 // Outfit 2 // Outfit 3

Whoever said there are no cute boy clothes lied. I love dressing boys! 

Which outfit is your favorite?

ESFJ :: Blogtember Day 5

Prompt: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)

My personality type is ESFJ. You can find my detailed profile here.

I definitely agree with everything the test said. I thought it was so funny that it said I have a strong preference of Judging over Perceiving, which it SO true. I definitely have strong opinions about certain things, especially relating to things I know about, ie- parenting and being crunchy. I purposefully surround myself with people who have the same opinions as myself because if I didn't I would just be in a pissed off mood all the time. 

I'm passionate about several things- breastfeeding, extended rear facing, and always treating children as an equal. I'm not a "we're all doing our best as parents" type of person and believe that there are okay ways and the best ways when it comes to certain things. I've been told more than once, that when I become a mom I'll see things differently. I laugh at that statement because I know that's not who I am and will always judge if I don't think someone is doing something the best way possible. #sorrynotsorry

What's your personality type? Does it hold true to what you think about yourself? 

Calm During The Storm :: Blogtember Day 4

Prompt: A story about a time you were very afraid.
During and after my accident. I knew I was going to rear end that truck and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I remember having to push my door open with all my strength, and stumbling out of the car. The other driver asked me if I was okay, physically I was. But holy freaking shit if I wouldn't have been wearing my seatbelt I probably would've been at least partially ejected. My injuries (there were none) would have been a lot worse. 
I am definitely calm during the storm, but break down after things, and my adrenaline, calm down. I've always been that way. So when everyone else is crying, I am calm and mostly focused. Then after everyone else is calm, I'm bawling my eyes out. That how I was at my accident. I got out of my car and managed to make small talk with the other driver to make sure he was okay. Then I freaked out as I called Joshua and told him what happened and where I was. I also told him the wrong freeway at first, by the way. 
When we had the incident where my Oma passed out earlier this summer and had to be taken to the ER, same thing. Calm during the craziness. Then someone asked me if I was okay. Rule #1 if things are happening, DO NOT ask me if I'm okay. Yes, I was fine until you asked me. I ended up calling J because I was scared and asked him to stay over because I just wanted him. We both slept like rocks. She got home at 2a and all has been fine since. Turns out the only reason my Oma consented to the ER visit was because she didn't want to pay the ambulance bill, which totally makes me laugh now. 

Three Months :: Blogtember Day 2

Prompt: If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do? Bonus points for fun photos from Pinterest, but don't forget to cite the source!
This might be the hardest question I've ever had to answer. For real, y'all. I definitely couldn't do just one thing. Ready for this? Here goes nothing...

1. I'd go on a missions trip to India. My church made this movie to bring attention to the Dalit people as well as human trafficking, not just in India but around the world. To go and spend time there would be so incredibly powerful. 

2. I'd vacation. I'm definitely a topical beach kind of girl. Tahiti. Bora Bora. Turks and Caicos. Hawaii. I'll take all of the above, please. I'll also need an assortment of bikinis and bottomless Cape Cods. This is all in the understanding that my mister gets to go too. Because what's a vacation without the one you love?

3. Volunteer. Somewhere, doing something with kids. I have no idea. But working while not really working sounds like my idea of a good time. 

4. Read, a lot. I used to read way more than I do now. As in, a book a week. Real life called, it told me I don't have that much time anymore. I totally buy a lot of books, a recliner and warm blanket and read until I couldn't anymore. But I'd probably run out of books first. 

What would you do with your three months off?

What I Come From :: Blogtember Day 1

 Prompt: Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are.
I think my childhood has a lot to do with who I am today. I come from a "broken home" and moved around a lot as a kid. When I tell my story, people are sympathetic. But, I don't feel like I was negatively affected by the situations I was in. Maybe other people do, it's whatevs. 
We were low-income, we faced homelessness more than once, and we moved a lot - but I still wouldn't change it. I just saw the real world sooner than everyone else my age. I knew what happened when you couldn't pay school tuition by the time I was in 2nd grade. They really do kick you out, but I was homeschool for a semester and thought it was totally awesome sauce that my mom got to teach me. 

I say "broken home" because my parents got divorced when I was two. I don't remember it. Even now, at 23 years old, to think that they were ever together is so weird. My mom has only shown up to pick me up from my dad's with cops in tow one time. A lot less than some other people I know, who also came from broken homes. I don't even think I noticed at the time. 

I feel like I adjust to change easily and make new friends quickly because of the many moves that took place over my childhood. The longest I ever attended one school was in high school, so for four years. I'm not afraid to speak my mind and have no problem disagreeing with the majority. Favorable traits in the adult world. 

Do I want different things for my children? Of course. Just because I liked my childhood doesn't mean I want to follow in the same sort of path. Joshua and I have discussed the fact that we both came from broken homes, and we whole-heatedly agree that it's not something we want for our kids. Divorce is not an option. 

Do you feel bad for me? You shouldn't. :) I like my life and the way I grew up wasn't a big deal to me. 

Was the type of home you came from similar to mine, or complete opposite? 

Fall, Are You Here Yet?

I am SO ready! Normally I try to soak up as much of summer as I can. I don't think I've ever been so ready for the cold weather, because this summer was horrible!  The heat waves + humidity have been insane. We've had two heat waves that have been at least a week long. We actually had an incident during the first one, where my Oma passed out and had to be taken to the ER. We don't have air in our house, so there's just no escape from it. We have fans, but she's so technophobic (which is totally a real thing, btw) that she won't use them, even if they're there.

Not only am I ready for the cooler weather, but the all fall things are starting to come out. You know what I talking about. Leaves candles from Bath & Body Works. Pumpkin Spice Lattes; even though you won't ever catch me drinking one. Fall wardrobe hauls. Family get togethers. Gift giving. Sweaters. Boots. Scarves. Leggings. Stoked girl, right here.

I think now that I'm an adult, fall and/or winter may be my favorite season(s). I used to love summer because it meant no school and my birthday. Now it means trying to keep babies sunburn free, trying to get some relief from the heat in some way, and always thinking about sun protection. Definitely not as fun as when I was a kid. Now fall? That means venturing out on more adventures, not worrying so much about water intake, and wearing hoodies! I love hoodies.

I've also decided to do Blogtember! It's the same concept at Blogging Everyday in May. There will be a few days where I double post, but I'm sure you don't mind - right? I haven't been doing 52 Weeks of Blogging with a Purpose because they're in the Motherhood portion right now, and even though I know a lot about raising kids, I'm not a mom and I think would be weird if I wrote about it.

What's your favorite season? I hope you'll join me in doing Blogtember! :)

Happy Labor Day!