Since I am writing this ahead of time to automatically post, I don't know what the day will hold for you, my dear. But I hope it is full of joy, and that you will be incredibly blessed in this coming year. So much has happened in the past year, hasn't it, my love? I look forward to the future with you.
For the past couple of years, we have chosen as a family to give sustainable gifts when celebrating holidays. This often means purchasing something made sustainably, creating our own homemade gifts, giving "just" a card made with love, or learning a new skill.
This year, I decided to browse the vintage offerings on Etsy, as a sustainable option. Since Calvin wears a fairly "unique" size of clothing, he often ends up buying pants that are slightly too large in the waist. To address that issue, he wears a belt, obviously, but has often mentioned a wish for a classic pair of suspenders!
I was able to find a vintage pair, and placed my order. The seller ended up being from France, so we've all had fun seeing the foreign stamps on the package. (We plan on giving them to a young second cousin, who has just begun his stamp collecting hobby.)
I also included a bar of sustainably-made Oregon Soap Company's "Soapman Spice"-scented soap. Since our whole family just uses a bottle of liquid castile soap for our general hygiene, having one's own personal bar of soap is a special treat. This "manly-scented" soap (which includes cinnamon) is one that he is sure to enjoy.
We plan to celebrate tomorrow, actually, when my mom arrives. (Calvin is scheduled to work on his birthday, anyway.) But I know he won't be reading this anytime soon, so here is the sneak peek at his gift before I wrap it:
Remember, if you're wanting our new mailing address, please let me know. :)
Happy birthday to Calvin, and blessings to you, Michelle, and your family as you prepare for another special day, the birth of your precious little baby! My question to you is this...I know you are planning to nurse your baby, and I'm curious as to how to nurse in front of older children. I am expecting my third boy in november, and after an awful experience with my first baby, I was to discouraged to try the second. My concern is my 5 year old, who is a bit curious about the female body! How can I nurse modestly in front of him? My second son will be only 11 mos. old when baby arrives, so I am not worried about him so much. Any ideas? Thanks, Alexis
ReplyDeleteHi, Alexis,
ReplyDeleteI'm not really concerned about the "modesty" issue. This is a great opportunity to provide a healthy view of "what God made mommies' bodies for." (Obviously, you can toss a blanket/nursing cover over the top, so it's less apparent, if you want.) But this is a good chance to to answer your little one's questions in a healthy way, with honest terminology that he can understand, and not be ashamed of what God has intended for nourishing our little ones. :)
Blessings to you,
Michele :)
michele i hope i can also answer this question, as i've just had experience w/ it today!
ReplyDeletealexis, i have a 3yo, 19mo, and a 4wk old, i also have two nephews aged 5 and 2; these are all boys. w/ my own i was not the least bit concerned w/ breastfeeding as i hope to teach them both by example and word that this is the best nourishment as well as purpose for our bodies. that being said, my sister did not breastfeed and so her 5yo is very curious when he comes over and sees me nursing. i do not cover up, tho i also don't tend to let it ALL hang out either, lol. today he asked what i was doing and if it was "yucky" to which i said when mamas have babies they make milk for them and that i was just feeding A. he seemed very surprised (his 2yo brother still takes a bottle of milk) and asked why i didn't use a bottle. i just said that A likes mamas breasts b/cs they're warm and comforting. he dropped the issue. i imagine as he sees me continue to nurse he may/not ask more questions, to which i've just consigned myself to answering honestly and simply. my sister supports my desire to tell him the truth as well. hope that helps some!!
michele... i hope you are enjoying the end of your pregnancy, despite possible uncomfort and restless/sleeplessness!! i hope i have your correct address (the one you sent me in a recent email) as i mailed the sling earlier this week. sorry that's taken so long to get to you! i love your henna.. i also had it done, and it was so pretty and made me feel so special. i love the blessings and prayers you had at your shower! how special to know you are covered in prayer.
oh and happy birthday calvin, i forgot to say that!
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy late birthday to Calvin. He was on my mind and in my prayers as are you all. I just royally missed getting a card in the mail for him. So sorry Calvin.
ReplyDeleteI have breastfed my babies and have older boys. I generally wear shirts that I could pull up, but didn't expose everything. If I needed to I just covered up with a blanket. I am pretty upfront and honest with body functions and such. When they were younger-5 or so-it didn't seem to bother them if mama was covered or not. Pre-adolescent time seemed to embarass them a bit. So I just went with the blanket. My mom made me a wonderful nursing blanket. It was light weight cotton with an extra tab filled with buttons. You just flip the tab over your shoulder and the buttons weigh it down. I just threw it in the wash because the buttons could go through the wash. Perfecto!
It is good to be back online :)