How I Explained Breastfeeding to My 3 Year Old

Well he finally asked. Whether it was prompted by the snack we were eating at the time (granola bars) or by my friend's new baby she was nursing at a playdate yesterday, or simply me talking about it for the last few weeks, his interest peaked. He asked, "How is baby Miles going to eat?"

I had pondered this response for months without any revelation. How do I explain something so intimate and private, yet natural and necessary, to a young child? Yet in the moment the words came to me almost unbidden:

"Mommy makes a special milk only for the baby to drink. I make it right here next to my heart. I hold the baby, and when he sucks right here the milk comes out. That's how baby Miles will eat."

For almost a minute there was silence in the backseat.

"You used to eat like that when you were a baby too." I tell him.

"Oh yeah." He says, as though suddenly recalling this.

I'm still not sure if he "gets it," but I believe that this was a teachable moment which I tried to make the most of. I have to admit I was happy to come up with a response that did not use medical terms. Not only would this have been thoroughly embarrassing, it would have gone completely over his head and no learning would have occurred.

Next step: Actually carrying out the process in front of him without either of us getting wierded out.

What I did on my Fake-cation

Sunday we went to Church and then out to lunch at Wendy's. Complete with a frosty! Then on to the Public Market where there wasn't a lot of food but I got some fresh green beans.

Monday we went to the eye dr, and then to Split Rock Elementary playground, someplace we can't go during the week normally. I also had an ob appt. later that day. After dinner we went to Target and Mark bought the baby a birthday present.

On Tuesday we went grocery shopping at Wegmans. In the afternoon the boys went for a picnic at the beach with my in-laws while I cleaned the house.

Wednesday morning we went for a wagon walk and then to a playdate with some of Mark's friends. Later on we played in the sandbox and I did some sewing.

Thursday we went for a waterfall hike at Pratt's Falls Park, and then watched a special Bob the Builder movie.

Not sure what tomorrow holds, but we will think of something fun! I think I should live every day like this- without any regard for the time of day, and only thinking of the fun activities that we can do. Each day I remind myself that it may be the very last day with my little boy before our new baby comes home. Living each day fully and full of fun leaves us both satisfied and looking forward to the next morning.

Overwhelmed

38 weeks pregnant. 3 hrs of sleep. Demanding toddler. No break at all in the coming week. It doesn't take much more for me to lose it. But yesterday was a new low- even for me.

I realized there is nothing that anyone can take from me, nothing material anyway, that actually would move me. The one thing I wanted is already gone. On the one hand I can't imagine life any other way, but the loneliness is overwhelming and I can't help but dream.

All this time I had a notion in the back of my mind that someday it would be over, and when it was things would be better. But I really thought about it and realized this is not at all what I want. I want it to work, to get better.

How do I work to fix something of this magnitude when I myself feel so useless and broken?

Book Review: Stones Into Schools

In the past few weeks I have started several books, but only actually finished one. "Stones Into Schools" by Greg Mortensen captured my interest from the synopsis I read on Amazon.com.

It is the story of one man who makes a difference in thousands of people's lives by building schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Although most of the time books like these leave me feeling unaccomplished and useless, like I'm not doing anything with my life, this one gave me a sense of hope.

The scope of which Mortensen had to involve others to achieve his goal was tremendous. From the poorest children of the world to the highest ranking officials of the United States Armed Forces. His pursuit for education knew no limits and his perseverance had no boundaries. He had a way of making friends in all the right places and making people believe in his goal.

Through his efforts many more children will be educated even in the poorest most remote areas of the world. Achieving a higher standard of health care, more community involvement, and ultimately peace. As love is the cornerstone of Christianity, peace is the true tenet of Islam, although because of the violence of others this may not be the way it is perceived.

Mortensen met much opposition when he informed authorities that his schools were to include the education of young women. Many staunch conservative Muslims do not believe that women need to learn to read, to become doctors and lawyers and teachers. They are not allowed to have those dreams and certainly not permitted to see them come to fruition. It is heartbreaking, but Mortensen and the Central Asia Institute work tirelessly to ensure that as many girls as possible see their dreams come true.

One criticism I have of this story is that it seemed a bit shortsighted. The CAI did not foresee the need for girl's graduate programs and training. The issue of female employment has not been addressed: these girls may get their diplomas and be unable to work because it is forbidden in many provinces in Afghanistan. Many well-qualified girls are not allowed to attend school (even with a scholarship) simply because a male figure in the family has vetoed it. Although the idea of female education in this area is exciting and novel, it may not be done as thoroughly as it could be.

I would recommend this book to educators, leaders, women, students, and those interested foreign policy. It is proof that one person, one promise, and fierce dedication can instill hope in those most desperate and plant a seed of peace among the stones of violence.