Ok so black is not really a colour (...is it?) but there is nothing like a stunning black and white image.
Here are a few that stood out to me from my contacts on Flickr:
Monday, October 26, 2009
Why can't we all just get along?
Why can't we all just get along?
Why can't we all just support each other?
Why can't we just all be informed of the pros and cons and get on with it?
Short answer is obviously a resounding "no".
I would never suggest a mum go feed her babe via breast in a bathroom. Ew! I know what i do in there and it aint that hygienic! I'm so glad that that crap (excuse the pun?) doesn't happen here. I'm glad to see mums in our library feeding their babes at the computers and in the children's area and outside on the benches. I don't understand why people [in other countries] get upset at seeing a woman breastfeed.
BUT the same goes on the flip side. I don't understand why breast feeding advocates attack me for formula feeding. Why do they have a go at me over the counter at work? (No, I wont let that go because it honestly was hideous). Why do pro breast feeders go on formula feeding support posts and write nasty comments or just go on and on about the benefits of breast feeding and harp on about 'breast being best'.
Seriously? Like we don't know that?
Breast is best has been shoved down my throat since the second i conceived. There are posters everywhere. When i try to look up information on the formula i'm planning on giving my child all it says is that 'breast is best" and "consult your doctor", who then shrugs and doesn't give me any advice. My plunket nurse all but attacked me when I told her there was formula in the bottle I was feeding ZJ. I'm bullied at work about it by patrons who imply that I'm a bad mother.
How am I not supposed to get a little sensitive and feel upset about that all that? How am I supposed to feel confident as a mama? How do I NOT feel guilty when all i get is the spiel? Don't try and tell me that any guilt i feel is just because I know I'm doing the wrong thing. Its because of people like you who wont stop telling me I'm a terrible person.
Ergh. Im angry.
Why can't we all just support each other?
Why can't we just all be informed of the pros and cons and get on with it?
Short answer is obviously a resounding "no".
I would never suggest a mum go feed her babe via breast in a bathroom. Ew! I know what i do in there and it aint that hygienic! I'm so glad that that crap (excuse the pun?) doesn't happen here. I'm glad to see mums in our library feeding their babes at the computers and in the children's area and outside on the benches. I don't understand why people [in other countries] get upset at seeing a woman breastfeed.
BUT the same goes on the flip side. I don't understand why breast feeding advocates attack me for formula feeding. Why do they have a go at me over the counter at work? (No, I wont let that go because it honestly was hideous). Why do pro breast feeders go on formula feeding support posts and write nasty comments or just go on and on about the benefits of breast feeding and harp on about 'breast being best'.
Seriously? Like we don't know that?
Breast is best has been shoved down my throat since the second i conceived. There are posters everywhere. When i try to look up information on the formula i'm planning on giving my child all it says is that 'breast is best" and "consult your doctor", who then shrugs and doesn't give me any advice. My plunket nurse all but attacked me when I told her there was formula in the bottle I was feeding ZJ. I'm bullied at work about it by patrons who imply that I'm a bad mother.
How am I not supposed to get a little sensitive and feel upset about that all that? How am I supposed to feel confident as a mama? How do I NOT feel guilty when all i get is the spiel? Don't try and tell me that any guilt i feel is just because I know I'm doing the wrong thing. Its because of people like you who wont stop telling me I'm a terrible person.
Ergh. Im angry.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Feeding little Noobs
Baby Sunday Roast - mushed up!
I love making baby food.
There is something about the ritual that just calms me each Monday afternoon. I love washing and peeling (which is odd because i actually despise peeling in any other situation) and preparing the veggies for cooking. I love the way the kitchen fills up with steam from the pots boiling and the smells that waft around. Then there is the special something that calls to my anal retentive Virgo self when it comes to doling out the portions into little containers for freezing.
I especially love knowing that I'm making fresh good food for my little one to eat everyday*.
To begin with we were just cooking different fruit and veggies separately and feeding them to ZJ one thing at a time. This was to make sure there were no major allergies and because it was interesting to see him taste different things and see his reactions. Now that he has the hang of the whole eating thing we have started combining flavours and textures and making wee nutritious meals for him.
Here are two of our most used combos at the moment.
Baby Sunday Roast
1 medium Kumara
1/4 pumpkin
3 carrots
Chop into small cubes and roast/boil/steam until soft and mash to desired consistency.If boiling - save the excess juices. This is great for adding back to veges that need more moisture when mashed (such as potatoes!) or add back to mix slowly while mashing if you want a more pureed consistency.
To really make a 'roast' meal out of it, add some chopped up roast chicken to the mix.
This one apparently also works great for adding to baby cereal or porridge.
Pear and Banana Mush
3 pears
2 bananas
Steam or boil the pears until soft, mash the banana and mix together once cool.
Both recipe amounts together feed ZJ for about a week, so its pretty cheap too!
I stumbled across this great blog a while ago called Feeding Little Foodies which has some pretty neat recipes on there. I can't wait to try the cumin sweet potato chips!
*Especially since Im one of those selfish cows who poisions their kids with formula and all.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Gone are the days
Gone are the days when our shopping cart consisted of only sugary, salted, processed to the eyeballs kit meals and chocolate. Now our cart contains more fruit, veggies and fresh meat than i would of eaten in 3 months before. Our weekly treat consists of a couple of bottles of coke that will last us the week or..if we are feeling particularly naughty (and our budget allows it) we will get a apple and apricot crumble.
Gone are the days when we used to chuck away the 4cents a litre petrol coupons we got with our supermarket dockets. Now I scrummage through the rubbish for them if I think there is any chance i accidentally threw one in there.
Gone are the days when we would buy food stuffs just to throw it away a week later. Everything gets used in this house.
Gone are the days when, even though the cupboards were full of junk, we would just go to Wendys and buy up large.
Gone are the days when I used to buy packet biscuits. The man makes far better and tastier (not to mentioned less processed to the eyeballs as above) - and more importantly CHEAPER - treats.
Gone are the days where i would wander the village to buy some extremely expensive sandwich or sushi. I allow this treat once a week tops and it comes out of my Lady's Nice Things Fund.
These days, we scrimp and scrounge and save as much as possible. We use up those coupons. We shop for good deals and if something is on special we will buy more of it and save the next week. I buy nappies in bulk online. Never before has my fruit bowl been full of stuff i actually eat and never before has the items in my vegetable bin in the fridge been actually USED.
But I've never eaten better, been happier or been healthier than i am right now.
Gone are the days when we used to chuck away the 4cents a litre petrol coupons we got with our supermarket dockets. Now I scrummage through the rubbish for them if I think there is any chance i accidentally threw one in there.
Gone are the days when we would buy food stuffs just to throw it away a week later. Everything gets used in this house.
Gone are the days when, even though the cupboards were full of junk, we would just go to Wendys and buy up large.
Gone are the days when I used to buy packet biscuits. The man makes far better and tastier (not to mentioned less processed to the eyeballs as above) - and more importantly CHEAPER - treats.
Gone are the days where i would wander the village to buy some extremely expensive sandwich or sushi. I allow this treat once a week tops and it comes out of my Lady's Nice Things Fund.
These days, we scrimp and scrounge and save as much as possible. We use up those coupons. We shop for good deals and if something is on special we will buy more of it and save the next week. I buy nappies in bulk online. Never before has my fruit bowl been full of stuff i actually eat and never before has the items in my vegetable bin in the fridge been actually USED.
But I've never eaten better, been happier or been healthier than i am right now.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Confessions of a bad parent
I have a bit of a crush on Nigel Latta. Ever since he charmed me while I watched one of his Non Politically Correct Parenting Show and he spoke about how intense 'Boob Nazis' are and information about formula feeding at antenatal classes is hidden away like cheap porn.
He made me laugh, and most importantly - he made me feel normal and that I might just be doing an ok job.
Today i stumbled across this article he wrote for Listener magazine and thought i would share it.
I just love his no fuss, no muss outlook on parenting.
...Plus, he have me LOL-ing all through my lunch hour with the Road Runner story :P
He made me laugh, and most importantly - he made me feel normal and that I might just be doing an ok job.
Today i stumbled across this article he wrote for Listener magazine and thought i would share it.
I just love his no fuss, no muss outlook on parenting.
...Plus, he have me LOL-ing all through my lunch hour with the Road Runner story :P
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Fearless Formula Feeder!
I woke up to such a lovely thing this morning.
No, not ZJ crying his head off at 2, 3 and 4am (at which point i dragged him into bed with us) who is nursing his very first real cold.
But two lovely comments on my post confessions of a formula feeding mama which I wrote a while ago.
When i wrote that post way back when i was terrified. Terrified of all the nasty comments and hate mail i was sure to get (and did) terrified that my lovely breast feeding mama contacts out there would dis me (and probably did) so it was really nice to see two gorgeous comments from two lovely people.
On top of that, it also pointed me in the direction of a great blog The Fearless formula Feeder and i can't even begin to express how wonderful it was to see it. To see someone so like minded and far more able to articulate it that i ever could.
I'm gushing aren't I?
But... SERIOUSLY YOU GUYS!
Here is a couple of favourite excerpts that totally sums up how i feel.
No, not ZJ crying his head off at 2, 3 and 4am (at which point i dragged him into bed with us) who is nursing his very first real cold.
But two lovely comments on my post confessions of a formula feeding mama which I wrote a while ago.
When i wrote that post way back when i was terrified. Terrified of all the nasty comments and hate mail i was sure to get (and did) terrified that my lovely breast feeding mama contacts out there would dis me (and probably did) so it was really nice to see two gorgeous comments from two lovely people.
On top of that, it also pointed me in the direction of a great blog The Fearless formula Feeder and i can't even begin to express how wonderful it was to see it. To see someone so like minded and far more able to articulate it that i ever could.
I'm gushing aren't I?
But... SERIOUSLY YOU GUYS!
Here is a couple of favourite excerpts that totally sums up how i feel.
"As I've said before, my stance is ardently pro-breastfeeding - when it is right for mom and baby. I don't see supporting formula feeders as hurting the rights of my breastfeeding sisters. I would be happy to campaign on your behalf - I would gladly attend a nurse-in and flash my non-lactating breasts in support of you all (hell, I have flashed them for far less noble causes) - but the extreme faction of your group has alienated me to a point where I feel like I need to equally militant to defend my formula feeding sisters. It's like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but over milk instead of land. (Although isn't that "the land of milk and honey"? Hmm...)"
(from Why it is not irresponsible to support formula feeding mothers.)
"But I do think this study brings up an interesting point. Breastfeeding advocacy is great, but at what cost? Where should we draw the line between supporting women who want to nurse, and alienating those who don't?"
(from A dangerous side effect of Bottlefeeding guilt.)
"Why was I so excited to find this piece? To start, the writer, Jennifer Graham, is the first person I've seen that considers the choice element in all of this craziness. I still can't understand how the same people who want laws off their body when their child is in utero can turn around and insist that laws be put back on our bodies once that kid is out. For the record, I am ardently pro-choice, but I hate hypocrisy, and I am finding a lot of it in what I once considered "my camp". Strange bedfellows, indeed."
(from is Formula the New Cigarette)
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Baby Book Worm
I brought this wonder of literacy (its called 'the Sicilians Virgin Bride' - awesome no!?) home to give a go. Not because I'm into romance - far from it. But the romance section in the library is my section to look after and really? who could resist a title such as that.
I got about 2 pages in before throwing it on the floor. I just can't handle reading books that have some much cliche chucked into 2 pages and characters that are named 'Rocco' and Franchesca' Ew. I can understand everyone needs a bit of light reading but this is definitely not my kettle of fish. Saying that, people look at me like IM nuts when i read Sci-Fi or fantasy [crap] so each to their own.
ZJ had a good time nom-ing on it though so its not at all a wasted.
ANYWAY. I recently read in an article that you should try and read 1000 books to your babes before they are 5 (I'm a librarian and i didn't even know this) Woah!
Turns out its only like 1 book a day for 3 years so that's not really that bad at all but it sounds like alot, and as my partner said 'oh great so we still have a year and a half to get started' :P
But even the littlest of babes get good stuff out of being read to (that i knew :P) as much as the bigger babes.
Here are some of the benefits:
- helps babies develop their eye muscles by focusing on pictures
- exposes your child to new sounds, rhythms and language
- which also helps develop his/her language skills
- research shows that pre-school children who are exposed to plenty of language (books and conversation) tend to do better at school
- its very calming and often a great thing to incorporate into a bedtime routine
- its a fantastic way of introducing your child to something that could be a lifelong passion.
- You probably would cover subjects that may not come up in everyday life (good for the older ones!)
- and best of all, its a great way of bonding with your child. Which as the parent who goes to work everyday - very important to me.
Its amazing the sheer amount and types of books catered to littlies these days and most of these you will have free access to by joining your local library! (just a little plug for my profession there...)
My favourites to bring home to share with ZJ are the 'touch and feel' books (as they are obviously made to be chewed on and touched) and the ones that have pop ups or flaps that you can open.
We have a couple of doozies on floor at the moment which not only have a great story that rhymes (great for developing language) but have a game where you have to find the babe in the book's missing toy. When you do find it and lift the right flap, the noise of that item sounds. The duck kind of sounds like its been beaten over the head with a frying pan a bit, but ZJ gets the idea.
When ZJ was even smaller than he is now, and i was staying home with him, I used to just read to him out of the book I'm reading. It didn't matter about the content. It was calming for him to hear my voice and good for him and his language skills and also meant i could catch up on my reading!
So go on everyone, make sure you pick up a book and read it to your babe today...
Even if it is a crappy romance book where some silly yet stunningly beautiful (in an understated way) thing doesn't want to return home to her remarkably hansom and rich foreign husband :P
I got about 2 pages in before throwing it on the floor. I just can't handle reading books that have some much cliche chucked into 2 pages and characters that are named 'Rocco' and Franchesca' Ew. I can understand everyone needs a bit of light reading but this is definitely not my kettle of fish. Saying that, people look at me like IM nuts when i read Sci-Fi or fantasy [crap] so each to their own.
ZJ had a good time nom-ing on it though so its not at all a wasted.
ANYWAY. I recently read in an article that you should try and read 1000 books to your babes before they are 5 (I'm a librarian and i didn't even know this) Woah!
Turns out its only like 1 book a day for 3 years so that's not really that bad at all but it sounds like alot, and as my partner said 'oh great so we still have a year and a half to get started' :P
But even the littlest of babes get good stuff out of being read to (that i knew :P) as much as the bigger babes.
Here are some of the benefits:
- helps babies develop their eye muscles by focusing on pictures
- exposes your child to new sounds, rhythms and language
- which also helps develop his/her language skills
- research shows that pre-school children who are exposed to plenty of language (books and conversation) tend to do better at school
- its very calming and often a great thing to incorporate into a bedtime routine
- its a fantastic way of introducing your child to something that could be a lifelong passion.
- You probably would cover subjects that may not come up in everyday life (good for the older ones!)
- and best of all, its a great way of bonding with your child. Which as the parent who goes to work everyday - very important to me.
Its amazing the sheer amount and types of books catered to littlies these days and most of these you will have free access to by joining your local library! (just a little plug for my profession there...)
My favourites to bring home to share with ZJ are the 'touch and feel' books (as they are obviously made to be chewed on and touched) and the ones that have pop ups or flaps that you can open.
We have a couple of doozies on floor at the moment which not only have a great story that rhymes (great for developing language) but have a game where you have to find the babe in the book's missing toy. When you do find it and lift the right flap, the noise of that item sounds. The duck kind of sounds like its been beaten over the head with a frying pan a bit, but ZJ gets the idea.
When ZJ was even smaller than he is now, and i was staying home with him, I used to just read to him out of the book I'm reading. It didn't matter about the content. It was calming for him to hear my voice and good for him and his language skills and also meant i could catch up on my reading!
So go on everyone, make sure you pick up a book and read it to your babe today...
Even if it is a crappy romance book where some silly yet stunningly beautiful (in an understated way) thing doesn't want to return home to her remarkably hansom and rich foreign husband :P
My crawling big boy
Long time no update.
I know I know...
But we have been busy!
In the last week ZJ has learned to crawl backwards.
Yes thats right...backwards, not forwards... but crawling none the less.
<3 my little boy.
I know I know...
But we have been busy!
In the last week ZJ has learned to crawl backwards.
Yes thats right...backwards, not forwards... but crawling none the less.
<3 my little boy.
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