Dalia's 1 Year Photos-Sneak Peek!

We were fortunate to work with Crystal Hardin of Lily B Photography for Dalia's 1 year photos (side note: you should totally book her asap).

Dalia loved playing outside in the leaves.

Example follows:

I can't believe she is ours! Don't you just want to squeeze her!?

Crystal was amazing to work with! And she was a fabulous person, too! It was so nice to be outside in the beautiful, crisp weather with our little soon-to-be toddler (jaw hitting the floor yet??). I know I know, we can't believe it either. She is so big already. She has an amazing personality. She is the love of our lives.

*Keep in mind that these are copyrighted images. Do not print them or alter them in any way, including removing the watermark.

Dalia Plays

Play time after a bath is one thing Dalia seriously loves. I love the beautiful name bench from my friend Linh in Chicago. This girl loves toys!

If you watch long enough you will see Dalia cruise... what a treat!!

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Happy to be Home

Watch Dalia laugh with (and at) daddy.

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Nearing 1 Year of Exclusive Nursing

We are nearing our 1 year mark of exclusive breastfeeding and it feels like such an accomplishment! We have calculated that I have produced about 100 gallons of breastmilk for our baby girl (so far). Now that is a lot of milk. Think of how much money we have saved...

Despite not having a huge breastfeeding and natural childbirth support system (oh, but let me extend a big thank you to my husband, our amazing doula, our midwives, and our bradley teacher), we have managed to have a wonderful year.

It took about 1 month for Dalia to learn how to nurse and for my tatas to produce what she needed. It took about 3 weeks of excruciating pain for my girls to get used to a suckling little baby. Ouch! They say proper latch=no pain at all, but I seriously think that is a lie. I mean someone is tugging on your tata all day and night! One reason I was able to get through the really tough days (and the labor itself) was preparation for pain. My go to person for everything baby and attachment parenting, Dr. Sears, emphasizes preparation as a method of pain management.

Anywho...

Not everyone decides to breastfeed and some people are unable to for medical reasons, but almost everyone can. Our country needs more people who are informed about the benefits of breastfeeding. We need to see more women nursing in public, and we need more people who are educated about breastfeeding. A couple of our doctors at our pedi office nursed for 18 months! Now that is an accomplishment (so is 1 week for those mommies who stopped earlier)!

Many women choose to breastfeed while pregnant. Many women choose to tandem nurse. Whatever your decision is, I think this YouTube video (posted on fb) is fantastic!

ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcjKeDyTZP8

Natural Healing

With the recent recall of my favorite teething tablets, it truly is the case that nothing (not even the natural stuff) is always 100% safe. Of course the moment the recall happened, thousands and thousands of parents went on-line and to brick and mortars to buy up each and every single container of these miracle pills (natural parenting people, go figure). In fact, many natural parenting parents view the recall as nothing more than the FDA trying to come down on natural remedies for the sake of big pharmas. The "problem" with the pills, according to some, is the inconsistent amounts of belladonna--many docs believe this is nothing to be concerned about.

Side note: Eating 6 bottles may cause a problem. Imagine 1 bottle of Tylenol.

Still I have to admit that I have used them less, if only because Dalia seems less upset by her teething pains. Oh, and because of my recent purchase!

After reading, researching, talking, debating, and doing some general thinking about other teething/discomfort remedies, we decided to purchase a baltic amber teething necklace for Dalia. The jeweler, Inspired by Finn, is an entrepreneur who showcases her products at HyenaCart, one of my favorite on-line shopping destinations.

Read up on amber as a natural healing remedy:

http://hyenacart.com/inspiredbyfinn/index.php?c=63&p=14913

http://www.viewpoints.com/No-Brand-Amber-teething-necklace-review-00b92

http://www.mamapedia.com/article/amber-teething-necklaces

Side note number 2: the above is a quick google search and not my serious research!

Does it work? Who knows.

I will have to let you know, though it may be the placebos talking :)

Dalia eats beans

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Teeth

And I thought labor was hard!

Teething is really a crazy thing. One moment our child is blissfully happy, smashing B's Wacky Balls with the yellow, squeaking hammer (their website is really cute, check it out). The next moment our little munchkin has tears rolling down her face. So long as mommy and daddy are holding her (for the most part) she is fine. The moment darkness rolls around and that little b-word (bedtime) starts emerging from our lips, she is a totally different child. Unhappy, to say the least!

So Dalia has four teeth so far. Right now she is getting four more--all at the same time. Imagine that! And while these nights are difficult, I really cherish the time she needs us in the middle of the night. Soon this stage will pass and she will be telling us to go away. We relish it while we can :)

Dalia is also very interested in walking. She always wants us to hold her hands so she can practice. She doesn't like sitting down and she really doesn't like diaper changes. I can barely get the diaper around her little white round tushy before she is off! Sometimes I don't get that far and her little tushy goes racing down the hallway. Well there goes those last few pounds holding me back from my favorite pair of pants. Maybe they will see the light of day in 2010 after all.

Crafty Stuff

So many of you know I am a serious crafter. I like knitting, scrap booking, cooking, sewing, and anything artsy. Some of my favorite websites (Hyena Cart and Etsy) sell hand made, eclectic, and artsy things. I love supporting small business and individuals so if you do, too, please visit the sites!

I am currently working on a project of my own: mod-inspired barrette holders for girls. These are hand crafted items where parents can store hair accessories for their little munchkies.

This is my first attempt so it is not good, but take a look:

All of the edges are hand sewn.

See this one showing the barretts:

AND... the whole thing:

I know it isn't the most beautiful thing in the world, but I am just getting started with these.

I will be posting updates as I make more. I am going to do some vintage inspired ones using organic prints and combine both styles using a variety of textures. Stay tuned! And moms of little girls, you will be getting one on the house!