Since I seemed to be asked A LOT....

....no, I'm not nursing. I'm not sure when it became common place to ask just anyone if they were, but apparently it has. I don't mind if people I know ask (as long as I don't get the judgement), but when complete strangers do, it throws me for a loop. The thing that bothers me the most is the amount of distain I get from people when I answer them. This is my 3rd child, I've heard all the reports about it being better. I don't need you to tell me. And I don't have to tell you my reasons. Quite frankly it's none of your business. And when I tell you my child is sleeping through the night, please don't make the assumption that it's because he's formula fed. I have a friend who nursed her son up until his first birthday and he was sleeping through the night at 7 weeks, so being formula fed doesn't have *that* much to do with it.
It comes down to this - I did what was right for me, my baby and my family. It's working for us, so don't knock it. And I have 3 healthy, beautiful children who except for the minor cold now and then, are pretty darn healthy and were all formula fed.

There are a few debates in parenting that I'll never get. The competition (for lack of a better word) between stay at home moms and working moms is one of them. Breastfeeding vs. formula feeding is another. Why is it so hard for mothers just to support eachother regardless of the decision we make, when on both sides the baby is just fine? In the end, isn't having a happy mom and a happy baby what's most important?

Congratulations

I just wanted to take a minute to congratulate my friend Christy and her family on the birth of their baby girl. Welcome to the world Bonnie Elizabeth - you are joining an amazing family. Enjoy your new family of 5 - there is nothing like it!

Ok, so I'm biased

It's my blog. I'm allowed to be! I've got the most beautiful children ever! They are sweet and generous and everything a parent could hope for.

The Best Valentine's Present

I was sitting at the table tonight when Samantha walked up to me and whispered in my ear, "do you want to know what I am giving you and Daddy for Valentine's Day?" I said "I sure do", intrigued because they had already brought home the cards they made us in school. She then whispers to me "ok, but you can't tell anybody. I'm giving you lots and lots of hugs and kisses. I'm giving my sister and brother the same thing." I melted on the spot.

Seriously, the best Valentine's Day present I could ask for.

We've got us a chunky-monkey!

Jack had his 2 month appointment today and he's a biggun' (still!). He weighs 13lbs 6oz (77%), is 23 3/4 inches long (75%) and a head circ. of 16 1/2 in (90%). I knew he would get the Kane head too! By comparison to his sisters at this age (which isn't really fair I realize because he was bigger at birth (although he and Lu were the same length) and the % are different for boys and girls) - both girls were around 12.5lbs (55%) and 22 1/2 long (65%). They both went into 90th% at 4 months, so it will be interesting to see if he's the same.

His appt. went well, he's hitting all the milestones on time and the doc is impressed he's sleeping through the night so well (9-11 hours). He does have a noticable flat spot on his head because he favors one side. The doc thinks that was probably the way he stuck in utero - big boy and littl room to move - and that he will start "unfavoring" it. In the meantime, we just need to turn his head for him when we notice it.

He did get his first set of shots and can I tell you, it doesn't get any easier the 3rd time around. He cried so hard he forgot to breath. You know what I'm talking about - the bright red face where no sound comes out. It was horrible. But luckily he stopped crying almost immediately is now happily sleeping in his crib.

Can't believe we get to do this all over again in 2 months.

The most precious thing

As I was just telling a friend about her kids, there is nothing more precious than a little sibling looking at the older one(s) like they hung the moon. And that is exactly how Jonathan looks at his older sisters. He likes Nacho and I just fine - I can get him to smile and coo the most, but he looks at his sisters with such awe it amazes me. When we get in the car to go get the girls from school, he looks at either side of his seat and seems genuinely confused when he doesn't see them. The minute they get in the car, he starts smiling & cooing at them and will do this the whole way home. And in return, the girls are as equally in love with him. I couldn't have asked for a better transition!

Super Bowl!!

I have to admit that I didn't really care who won this year, seeing as our teams weren't even it. But I was missing the get togethers we used to have when I was growing up. I mean we had huge Super Bowl parties, but we als had everyday Sunday football get togethers too. And I miss those. I guess as we all get older and move away and on with our lives it's hard to keep those things going. And I'm apparently getting nostoligic as I get older. I want those things for my kids.

So I was thrilled when our neighbors invited us to their house for a Super Bowl party today. It's the first time ever I think we've been friends with our neighbors, so it was a good and really entertaining group, with a few who are true Steelers fans and a few who are true Cardinals fans. The last quarter (especially the last 5-6 minutes) were hilarious to watch. So we spent the afternoon with good friends, watching a good game, eating good food, drinking really good wine (!), but most importantly making good memories for our children, who had a great time themselves.

So while, I'm still sad to not be getting together with the group we had when I was growing up, this was a pretty good way to spend the day.