It can be hard

Sometimes I hear or see other mothers doing things differently than I do and I have to force myself not to judge. I wish it wasn't that way but it is. I keep my opinions to myself unless asked for advice and even then I hold back. For instance, breastfeeding my toddler is my choice and it is what I feel is best for us at the present moment. Do I enjoy the bond it creates between us? Yes. It literally sets aside 10-20 minutes every few hours where he is quiet, calm, pressing his warm skin on to mine, and taking in all kinds of nourishment that otherwise could not be provided. There are a multitude of ingredients that are not found in most other food sources on Earth (find some information HERE) Still, I get incredulous reactions to me still nursing him. He is 15 months old...not 12 years old. Leave me, and my child, alone. Please don't get me wrong, I really value others opinions but when something you say puts doubt in my mind about my parenting, I get really aggravated.
Speaking of touch...like I said, I enjoy cuddling with my son. My son sleeps with us. Insert gasp here. My husband and I agreed that it is what is best for us and our son. Let me show you some pictures of mammals...

Have I proven my point? In my instinct manual my gut tells me that my baby should sleep with me. Instinct tells me he needs my protection. Instinct tells me that when he wakes I should wake...Need I go on? This is not to say I think parents who do not sleep with their babies are doing a bad job...my point is that EVERYONE is doing a good job no matter what...so why am I (or we including my husband) the ones looked at or talked about when we are doing what is right for us? I don't see how the natural way (breastfeeding, organics, baby wearing (on my back or in front), sleeping with us, etc...is that 'abnormal' way.


So now that all of that is off my chest-in other news we are broke as a joke. Broke broke broke. We finally forced ourselves to sit down and look at our budget and as much as we hate it...it wasn't pretty. I won't go in to details because that isn't the point but if you don't see us much, that's why LOL. We have been doing really well eating at home, cooking our own food, etc. It saves on gas and is healthier all around. Bryce is very selective about what he eats (even though we did the ranges of food when he turned 6 months) he absolutely hates fruit...won't touch anything red or yellow, will only eat veggies sometimes (used to eat it all the time but like I said...very selective lately). I am hoping that eating at home and giving him more finger foods will help. I hope to eliminate crunchies and baby food pouched permanently. If only I could get him to eat some grapes or something while we are out! We did have success with a banana or two the other day. Progress!


It's my goal to update more often. I want to share my mothering adventures and also some recipes and health tips...we'll see how it goes. Bare with me as I'm still learning this whole blogging thing and so some of my posts may look wacky 'construction' wise. I'm working out the kinks. Thanks for reading and Happy 4th!