I Will Carry You

I love that I can kiss your head

Just inches away from my lips

Our hearts beat together as I carry you

Perched up high you see my world

Then turn your head in and sleep

Resting on me you are safe

Your body next to mine you are secure

We are in tune in this external womb

In my arms you will be

Until you are ready to venture out

But until then, I promise,

I will carry you.

~ Michelle Abernathy 

via Peaceful Parenting

Sexiest Man!

Everyday People Cartoons

Babywearing 101...

The most common types of carriers for babywearing out there, are: Wraps, Mei Tai's (essentially a square with straps coming out at each corner), Ring Slings, Pouch Slings (just a pouch - no rings, buckles or anything), and Structured carriers (like the Beco Baby or Ergo carriers)

Personally, I loved the Wrap for when my daughter was an infant.... Ring Sling, once she got heavy for the wrap... and Mei Tai now that she's a toddler! - because it works really well for carrying them on your back (which we do primarily).

• Ring slings... The fabric of the carrier is threaded through a pair of (usually alluminum) rings. This creates a secure, yet adjustable, pouch for your baby.... ensuring a perfect fit no matter who is wearing the baby. An open tail is not only beautiful, but functional. It can serve many purposes: nursing cover-up, sun shade, and more. Ring Slings do have a little longer learning curve, but are more adjustable & versitile than a pouch is.
  
  Both of my Ring Slings are handmade. I have one of a cotton-type fabric... and one Solarveil (a very durable, yet breathable, mesh-like fabric. It blocks UV rays with its weave and treatment (70% in a single layer), and because the weave is so open, it allows for a lot of air circulation. It also dries super fast, making it great for taking to the beach or into the pool. Unfortunately Solarveil fabric has been discontiued by the manufacturer, making them a little harder to come by.)
  I have always wanted a Maya Wrap Sling, but just never got one. - Maybe with the next baby! :)
  
  
• Mei Tai.... Based on traditional Asian baby carriers, in a Mei Tai baby carrier, the baby can be worn on the wearer's back or front. The design is simple: a panel of fabric with supporting straps to go around the waist and over the shoulders. - Just tie it on, and off you go!! (Looks much harder than it is!!) Mei Tai baby carriers are easy to use and their two-shouldered design makes them comfortable with even the heaviest babies. I have the Babyhawk Mei Tai (I think I paid around $80-$100 for it), and I absolutely LOVE it!! My daughter is almost 21 months old, and 25+ lbs.. .and I use it ALL the time!!The Babyhawk has padded, backpack type straps, which I prefer.... however, some people prefer the wider, spreadable straps of Maya's Wrap's Maya Tie. Of course there are other kinds of Mei Tai'sout there... but those seem to be the two I most commonly hear about.
  

• Soft Structured carriers... Though there are others, the main two ones, are.. the Beco baby (very cute and made in USA - runs about $140) and the Ergobaby (a little sporty, looks like a backpack, is made in China, and goes for about $110 - or a little more for the organic.). I know these prices may sound a little steep... but I hear they are both worth their weight in gold - esp for heavier babies/ older babies/ toddlers. Both carriers have an infant insert, so you can start using with a newborn (note, you want to wait until your baby is 3-4 months old, before putting them in a... and you can use it all the ways up to 40-45llbs - so it will last you forever! The purpose of a Structured carrier, is to distribute the weight evenly on your hips, back and shoulders, instead of just on your back or just on one shoulder. Also I know a lot of dad's who won't babywear in a sling or a wrap... but love their SSC.
  
  Edit to add: While SSC 's look the most like the standard front carrier you would buy at Babies-R-us... they are a far cry from it! Unlike an Baby Bjorn, Snugli, or the like... where your baby's legs hang straight down, leaving your baby basically dangling from their crotch, and therefore lacking any proper support for your baby's spine & hips. (which also makes it more uncomfortable for the wearer).... a SSC is designed so the seat of the carrier goes completely under the baby's bottom and thighs, which then spreads the hips, and takes pressure off the spine.
  
  
• Pouch Sling... this is the carrier of which I have the least experience. I actually bought a pouch when KB was brand new... but it was too big. Most pouch slings are not adjustable (like a ring sling), and therefore need to be fitted and bought in just the right size, formaximum comfort. Pouch slings are very compact in size and fits slimly in most diaper bags. Some people love the quick, easy-to use, convenience of a pouch.... I was personally not a fan.
  

Anyway, that's the low down on the different types of carriers! I hope this helped some, and didn't confuse you too much! Good luck with it all! Babywearing is really not that complicated, and SO wonderful once you get the hang of it!!

"What's Your Parenting Style?"

Ok, so for kicks, I decided to take one of those Facebook quizes this afternoon. This one was called "What's Your Parenting Style?" It asked questions like: Where is your baby most seen? a) stroller, B) often in a sling or wrap, but sometimes in a stroller or C) always in a sling or wrap.....

Anyways, here is my result. As usual, there were a few things I disagreed on (duly noted) but overall found it to be quite true, and also semi-comical. What a long way I've come...

Result: Extreme Granola Parenting.

You believe in going back to cave-mom parenting styles. You tend to be untrusting of doctors (They have their place in major medical emergencies.... but in general, are followed way too blindly. I don't think they have all the answers, and definitely are swayed by the influence of the Pharmaceutical companies!) and hostile toward mainstream parenting. (not hostile, but I they do have my condolonces!) You believe cribs and playpens are prisons (lol) pacifiers are evil (not necessarily. I always offered the breast first... but as much as I hated introducing the paci... KB was one of those babes who needed to suck to soothe, and did NOT want milk to always come with it!!) and swings and bouncers are "neglect-o-matics". (they definitely can be (and usually are)... but can be useful when used in very strict moderation!) You gave birth to your kids in your own bed (Actually my own kitchen... lol!) and think hospitals are too interfering. (Amen! Hospitals are for sick people. Birth is not a illness, it's a fact of life... and other than extreme & rare cases, birth doesn't belong in a sterile hospital!) People see you as a tree hugging granola mom and might raise their eyebrows when your 5 year old asks to breastfeed. (I hope so!) But that doesn't bother you! You feel strongly about the way you're raising your kids. (Amen!) Saving the earth is one of your main priorities. You grow your own food and make your own slings, cloth diapers (if you're not doing elimination communication) and wipes. (I believe we should be good steward of the place God has given us to live. I don't make/grow *yet*... but would love to!!! However, we do use cloth diapers & wipes, eat as healthy as possible, and EC.) When people see you with your baby you're always wearing her in a sling or wrap. Your kids don't have beds because they always sleep with you and you wouldn't have it any other way. You're wary of the public school system and believe that the only way to educate your kids is to do it yourself so you can instill in them the same principles you feel strongly about. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!)

I also kinda like the "Kind Of Crunchy" answer, too.. again with a few slight modifications....

"You lean more toward Attachment Parenting, natural births, homepathic remedies, and living green! You tend to question modern medicine and mainstream parenting. (explained above) You tend to delay vaccines or use an alternate schedule. (yup... like, none at all!) You aren't bothered by the fact that people tend to question your parenting style. (heeehee! - I thrive on it!). You feel strongly about the way you're raising your kids. (Amen! If I didn't I wouldn't be doing it this way!) You believe that it's our duty to make the earth a better place for our children by being more eco-friendly. (Good stewardship!) You buy organic foods whenever you can (it's all a balance!) and you use cloth diapers or seriously considered it. (I seriously do!) You've also considered homeschooling. (Planning on it!) When people see you with your baby you're usually wearing her in a sling or wrap. You tell new moms who complain about lack of sleep to try co-sleeping with baby and let them know how much you loved co-sleeping (it's awesome!!!). You believe in breastfeeding and baby led weaning, (Breast is best!) but to a point. And you'll nurse in public but modesty is important to you. (I am not going to purposely flash you... but I am not going to hide, either!) You aren't afraid to disagree with your Dr about delaying solids or vaccines. (Amen!! Solids not till after 6mos - at the earliest!!) You don't like to let your baby cry and cry-it-out methods make you cringe. (eek! ::cringe::) However, if nothing else is working you are willing to try it once the baby reaches a certain age. (A huge, No way!!) You read different books about parenting and take what you feel will work for you and your family. (everyone is at different parts of their journey... as long as you do you research, that's what's important!!) You tend to believe in trusting your instincts when it comes to raising your kids. (there is nothing like it!)"

Finally going home!!

Bryce Eric's x-ray looked fantastic this morning - MUCH better than last night, and no more pneumothorax! - and he was able to be discharged this afternoon! ~ Praise the Lord!!

Snuggled happily in the ring sling we gave them!!! <3>

Win a free Mai Tei!!!

Win a Free Contoured Mei
Tai Carrier by Uppy Me Mama

You can't have too many baby carriers, right? :)))

Rant: Mainstream - NOT the only way!!

**Warning: rant ahead!!***

I really don't understand these people, who are always trying to push the mainstream way as being the ONLY right way. Or why they think they are doing me any favors by constantly trying to force their conventional methods on me & my family! It annoys me, that they think our choices & decisions are so shallow, that we will just throw them to the side for their "convenience" (or rather laziness & unwillingness to step out of ones comfort zone).... I.think.not!! ~ ARG!! While I understand that much of what we have chosen to do with our family, is beyond that of society's 'norm'.... it DOESN'T make it wrong!! And much of what we do, is "all part of raising them up in the way they should go - we try to start things as we intend [them] to go on." (yes! Well said, Kate! ~ Thanx!) So, YES, I am STILL breastfeeding... and YES, I DO breastfeed in public... and NO, I am not depriving my child, by not letting her eat sugar & crap.... and YES, I wear my toddler, just like I wore her as a baby... and NO I WON'T put my daughter in the nursery (unless I have to - again, forced!)... and YES I use cloth diapers... and NO, I won't waste my money to buy/use disposables for your convenience.... and YES, we plan to homeschool our child(ren).... and yes, we encourage imaginative & creative play, by offering simple toys & everyday items, vs overstimulating toys & tv/videos... and NO, we're NOT overly strict, mean and antisocial parents who expect too much for the age/maturity level... and NO absolutely not, will we go against our hearts, to do what YOU think we should be doing with OUR family!!

Grr....

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... December 22, 2008 (three days before Christmas!)

Outside my Window... It's getting chillier by the moment! (mid 50's and dropping) - I also see some smoke off in the distance (brush fire) - and two crazy dogs, that think they want to come inside.

I am remembering... putting up Christmas decorations last year..

I am thinking... I wonder what this Christmas will hold?

I am wearing... Royal Blue tank... black skirt with sequin detail... barefeet... hair pulled back in a clip & then a messy bun... bangs clipped back out of my face. (I might need to go put a sweater on, if it gets too much colder!)

I am reading... Nothing... I just finished the book I was currently working on.

From the kitchen... It's all cleaned up! (except for the floor - I need to buy a new mop!!) Spent much of the afternoon doing a much needed deep clean. Then made Ziti for lunch (something filling, since B will be working late)

I am creating... I just finished creating a beautiful Christmas atmosphere around the house...

I am hearing... The dogs while outside... KB playing with random objects around me.

One of my favorite things...
My Willow Tree Nativity...
Around the house... I [finally - it only took me several weeks of working on it here & there] finished putting all my Christmas decorations up... it looks SO pretty!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Need to buy some Coca-Cola... so I can finished my bartering deal, and get B's Christmas present! (heehee) -- James flies in tonight, so hopefully we'll get to see him sometime while he's here! -- Wednesday night we have a Christmas Eve Service at Church, during which I have to work in the nursery -- Thursday is Christmas, and [honestly] I don't know what all is planned -- Thursday night we are going over to Nouna's house for Joy's Birthday! -- Sunday I have Special Music in the morning.. and offertory in the evening.. there is also a Chalk Artist guy coming for the Evening Service! -- Meanwhile, I am sure B is going to continue to have to work late nights, to keep the lights maintained and the rich folk happy!

Quote...

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
- Dr. Seuss

Verse...

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

At the TnT (youth group) Christmas party...

she didn't feel good, can you tell? :-(

Still LOVE it!!

Still love the Mai Tei!! KB was getting fussy earlier, and I wasn't a place where I could stop to tend to her... so I put her in the Mai Tei.... and as you can see, we were BOTH happy campers...

Sarah Palin!

Seems that the vice-presidential nominee, Gov. Sarah Palin is not only extremely pro-life... but she's also a babywearer and an Breastfeeding (& pumping) mommy!!! Meaning that for at least for a few months, breastfeeding and babywearing are going to be front and center for people to see!! Yay!!

(photo courtesy of AP)

(photo courtesy of AP)

(photo courtesy of the State of AK)

(photo courtesy of the State of AK)

(photo courtesy of the State of AK)

Article: Palin Will Indeed Bring The Breast Pump

Any publicity for AP is sweet, I love it when celebs and politicians come out and show that it's great and entirely possible to keep baby close!

I am in love!!!

I wore the Babyhawk Mai Tei last night and loved it! The padded, more backpack-like straps are so awesomely comfortable!! (vs. the Maya, which have more fabric so you can spread them). Of course, of I ever find a Maya-tie for a a really good price... I will probably get one of those, too... (just because I am a babywearing-aholic! lol) But I no longer have any hesitations as to why I picked the BH, or the $$ I spend on it! It was SO worth it!!

Babyhawk Mai Tei!!

As I've briefly mentioned before, I have become a sort-of babywearing-aholic these days! :-) Since KB is getting older, I have been looking for an easy way to carry her on my back. I tried a wrap, and liked it *ok*... but it's been slightly difficult to get used to on my back - for both me & KB. After trying on both Babyhawk Mai Teis and Maya Ties... I decided that's the route that I really want to go. I have been on the lookout for one (preferably a BH) ever since - watching them on eBay, etc. - but was yet to find a pattern/color mix that I really loved. (for that kind of money, I needed to *love* it!) Well, this morning at babywearing group, one of the gals had four Babyhawks that she was selling for a really great price. I debated whether I should even look at them, when someone showed me this one (the straps are olive green, with this pattern)...




Isn't it beautiful?! The colors & pattern are ME through & through!
I was instantly in love... and so I did the only logical thing I could think of... I bought it! I am SOO excited (I finally have a Babyhawk!! yay!!)

I will try to get pictures of me wearing it, soon!

What an awesome day!

As you know, babywearing has become of my hobbies (& passions) since I had KB. I am always looking for new ways to comfortable carry my baby, and new carriers to try. I typically wear KB on my front, in the ring sling (which she *loves*!!).... but with VBS starting tonight(!), was looking for a technique/carrier (like a wrap), so that I could carry KB on my back. While we were out with my MIL today (She likes to kidnap us occasionally - which I appreciate getting out of the house!), and when I mentioned my mission.... she just so happened to have Pitter Patter (one of our lovely baby/children's consignment shops here).'s number in her phone. I called, and sure enough... they had a wrap! I was able to get lovely heather-grey wrap for right at $20! They had a beautiful, (used) Natural colored Maya ring sling... which brand new run $45-$60..... marked $22, and then reduced (hence the red line through it) for only $11!! ::amazed look:: Given the awesome price, I *almost* bought it... but then decided against it, due to our current finances. But I did let the ladies know in my baby group, in case it could bless someone else!!

The other cool thing about my trip, was that I also was able to talk with/educate the gal working today, *all* about babywearing - complete with demos! :-) I gave her the info for one of the local babywearing groups, for when mommies come in with babywearing questions. (she says she gets a lot of them, and doesn't have clue as to what to tell them!). and even found the clip in "Mommy Magazine" which also gave her the gal-in-charge's number, reference! She was so happy to have met me... and I was so glad to be able to share & help! :-)