I have a booby baby.

I breastfeed my daughter. I believe that it is the best thing for her. I also believe that in America we have a problem with breastfeeding. It seems that many American's have bought into the idea that spending money on their child means better care for their child. That some how the TV is right and formula is just as good as breastmilk so the more expensive the formula the better for baby and the better parent you are.
I don't want to be militant about it. But we are a country of extremes. Either things are all good or all bad and if you have a voice in the middle you are basically lost. I do know there are women that for one reason or another cannot breastfeed but formula is still not the next best choice. However, I also understand that the next best choice, someone else's milk, can be difficult to find.
Formula is so easy. You go to Walmart, or where ever, pick it up, put in a bottle, add water and shake. Feeding can be accomplished. If that is too difficult, you can buy premixed formula that you just add to a bottle.
For me, breastfeeding was the only option. Why should I line the pockets of formula manufacturers? Formula is expensive! I'm not poor, thank God, but I'm not rich either and spending my hard earned money on formula when I can make milk for free just make sense to me.
I have the right and in my own opinion the obligation to breastfeed my child to the best of my ability. Even just an few ounces of breastmilk is better than no breastmilk. I say stick to the man and booby feed your baby. Come one people if Kendra from Girls Next Door can do it with implants then those of us with real jobs and real boobs can do it too!

Babywearing, it's not just for hippies!

I'm a babywearer. I didn't know it was a thing. I just figured that I didn't want people touching my baby but carrying her all day just didn't seem like something I could do so I discovered babywearing. I wrap my Moby wrap around my body, I place my baby in the hug hold and off we go.
I didn't think that people would think it was weird or that it was a new concept. I've seen lots of pictures of Mexican and African women with a baby strapped to their backs so babywearing isn't anything new. I guess it's not been a very big thing here in the US.
I love answering questions about my wrap. People stop and ask where I bought it. I think the funniest question I've had was, "Do you do it because of your culture?" I'm glad that people feel comfortable enough to ask me. I want more people to see just how wonderful babywearing can be.
I have also noticed the jealous looks I get when I have Audrey in the Moby. This is especially true at church and the mall. I see women with a baby in their arms, plus carrying their purse and diaper bags. They see me with my hands-free. Trust me, having my baby in a wrap is the only way to go. I know exactly where she is and how she is doing. I love it.
Maybe babywearing isn't for everybody but it definitely the way for Audrey and me.

Who's baby is it anyways?

I've heard it many times that advice is people just remembering their own struggles but it is getting out of control! One wise teacher told me at my shower that I had to keep in mind that I was raising my baby not the doctor's or anyone else so stick to your own instincts. I think I'm doing a pretty good job of that, so far but I have lots of people trying to tell me that what I'm doing is wrong! That I'll be sorry later. So here is the list of my parenting sins according to "people who know."

1. Co-sleeping - I have to admit that co-sleeping just happened. I didn't plan on it but now that we do co-sleep it is the best thing in the world! I don't get to spend much time with Audrey during the day since I work but night time is our time. I can hold her and nurse her and just in general be close. Maybe I will regret this decision in the future when she needs me to help her go to sleep but I'm willing to find out.

2. Breastfeeding - While no one is telling me not to breastfeed they do tend to have an opinion on my wanting to breastfeed for at least 2 years. And the fact that I'm not giving my baby cereal yet is just appalling. Sort of goes with the co-sleeping thing, "No wonder the baby isn't sleeping thur the night! You need to have her in her own crib and feed her rice cereal!"

3. Daddy-day-care - We are lucky enough that my husband can stay home with the baby. Rather than put her in day-care, Ray gets to keep her. He is a wonderful father and I think the extra time for bonding is good for both. He'll be starting graduate school in the fall so his time with her will become more limited. I am jealous of his chance to be with her all day but I'm proud of the fact that he does. I don't care what other people say. A man can actual take care of a baby.

I'm sure there are other sins but those are the three I hear the most about. I'm nice about it. I let people say their peace and then do what I think is best besides what was best for their child is not what is best for mine.