zen_mommy

      This month's carnival theme is “Prepared For Life."  I wasn't sure what that meant exactly, so I searched the recesses of my ever-lactating brain and came up with the following.  

       Enjoy!  (And also, don't forget to check out the other carnival participants, linked at the bottom of this post!)  :-)

 

There is, what seems like, boundless information out there that speaks of all the amazing benefits of breastfeeding.  To those of us passionate about breastfeeding, it is simply understood that mother’s milk is the very best thing you can give to your new little one.   Breastfed babies are given the very best start in life, right from the get-go with the amazing nutrients found in mom’s colostrum.  Any breastfeeding advocate can happily talk in length about this subject. 

 

So what can I add to this topic of how breastfeeding prepares a child for life, that hasn’t been addressed numerous times before? 

 

I still happily nurse my two year-old daughter. 

                My husband and I lead a very active lifestyle, and I knew that I was going to have to “get the hang” of this whole breastfeeding thing if I was to maintain that lifestyle, all while giving my daughter the very best start in life.  I quickly became really skilled at being able to nurse discreetly in public.  I’ve nursed in church, a courtroom, airplanes, and in many other places.  Nursing is just a fundamental and normal part of my daughter’s life.  Because of that, she knows of no other use for breasts. 

 

My husband has a framed poster of famous surfers.  Also, in this poster, are several bikini models.  My daughter looked at this photo one day and pointed to one of the models and said “nurse?”  She has done this with several other photos before—lingerie and swimsuit catalogs are simply a place where the mechanism to nurse, is on display. 

 My daughter doesn’t know that “boobs” are seen as sexy in our society—all she knows is that’s how she gets her comfort. 

 

It makes me happy to know, that at this early stage in her life, she is already being taught that our body parts have functions, and that they are simply not just visually stimulating objects.  She is also learning that we should not be ashamed of our physical form, and that the human body is actually a beautiful thing.  It can be sexually beautiful, as well as non-sexually beautiful.  The human body is magical and amazing. 

 

I am reminded of this every time I sit down with my little girl to nurse her, and my body responds, even two years later, by giving her the milk that my body has created, especially for her.   

                The other carnival entries are below...

 *HoboMama w/a touching piece about being prepared to breastfeed even in the event of crisis or disaster:  http://www.hobomama.com/2009/08/prepared-for-life-breastfeeding-in.html

*Deborah, Pure Mothers w/Marketing Away Real Milk:   http://www.puremothers.com/?p=1433 
                
                *Jenny, w/Tips for consistent and long-term breastfeeding success:   http://fabnaima.blogspot.com/2009/08/tips-for-consistent-and-long-term.html 
                 
                *Tanya/Motherwear™ Blog:   http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com/2009/08/the-world-breastfeeding-week-carnival-of-breastfeeding-prepared-for-life.html 
 
                *Blacktating:   http://blacktating.blogspot.com/2009/08/august-carnival-of-breastfeeding.htm
  

                *Angela/BlissTree.com w/Breastfeeding as a Lifesaver in Emergencies:  http://www.blisstree.com/breastfeeding123/breastfeeding-as-a-lifesaver-in-emergencies/

               *Deb/FusionParenting w/Breastfeeding, Prepared for Life!  http://fusionparenting.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/breastfeeding-prepared-for-life/
                
                *Sarah, w/"Three Moments That Made Me Thankful I Breastfeed" :   http://cavemother.blogspot.com/2009/08/three-moments-that-made-me-thankful-i.html 

The Tiffany has been the world's premier jeweler and America's house of design since 1837. Tiffany Jewelry creations of timeless beauty of Tiffany bracelets and superlative Tiffany necklaces craftsmanship that will be treasured always. Including great collections of Tiffany ring ,Tiffany pendants and Tiffany earrings.

--

For MONTHS now, I have been a devoted student of the Law of Attraction, trying like heck to manifest some badass Tiffany & Co. bling into my life. 

Today, in my email box, I got an interesting email from the TIFJewelryStore (I'm on their mailing list) saying that winning some of these fabulous baubles is within reach for people who blog about Tiffany jewelry. 

Really? Is that all? Just blogging? Heck, I do that in my SLEEP, practically!

So, here it is. My entry in a contest in which I plan to CLEAN house! 

Those pretties are as GOOD as mine! 

(And yes, I'll post pics once my goodies are in my hot little hands!) 

Thanks to those targeted ads that appear on the right hand side of one's FaceBook page, I came across a neat website called www.inspirationblvd.com  .  

Since I can't resist a chance to let the world in on how I am feeling, I decided to register and submit a post about what inspires me.  

I would like to encourage others to do the same, AND if ya feel like it, read my post and let me know if it inspires you or not!  

The most inspiring story could be worth a $100.00 reward!  

My post is located at:  http://www.inspirationblvd.com/moments/60  

(Naturally, it involves my love of work in the maternal services field.)

So...what inspires you???

 (In honor of breastfeeding!)  

On Friday May 15^th, 2009, I did something that some may find crazy or irresponsible or, crazy or painful, or crazy or all of the above. 

 

I visited a local tattoo parlor and walked out with two new piercings. 

 

Yes, as those who know me already know, I am one of those tattooed and pierced mommies who has sported every hair color known to man and refuses to officially grow up. 

 

I stood tirelessly in the front row at Emo’s in Austin, Texas, watching the likes of Clutch and Dub Trio as my five-month pre-born daughter swam about in utero. 

 

My son was with me when I got my navel pierced at age 24, and now my toddler daughter has been with me through two additional tattoos and now, these, my latest additions. 

(Note:  The piercings in question are NOT nipple piercings—they are dermal anchors, which are similar to surface piercings.  For more info, read on!)

 

For the past two years, I have pretty much, worn only tank tops, as I have found that nursing my baby is easier in a tank.

 

A couple of weeks ago I saw a girl with two VERY cute “piercings” on her décolleté area and was immediately intrigued.  After a little research, I learned that these little “sparklies” were technically NOT piercings—they are called “dermal anchors,” and are actually considered body modifications, not unlike sub-dermal implants. 

 

I thought about it, then thought about it some more, and after discussing it with my heavily tattooed hubby, I decided I wanted some of my own. 

 

The more I thought it over, the more I realized that the reason I liked these modifications so much, is that they adorn an area that has become sacred to me. 

 

(I have an eyebrow piercing for much the same reason; while everyone else was getting their noses pierced, I decided that I’d rather highlight my eyes, which, in my opinion, are some of my better facial features.) 

 

I have my daughter at my chest NUMEROUS times per day.  In public.  At home.  Here, there, and everywhere. 

 

My chest is a different chest than it was before I had her. 

 

So, why not decorate and celebrate it? 

 

The whole procedure was quick and relatively painless, and I am extremely happy with the results. 

 

My nursing toddler stares at them with intrigue as she nurses happily away. 

 

Almost every one of my body piercings, aside from my ears, I got for a “reason.”  My tattoos have meanings, too. 

 

I guess someday I will be a walking, talking story-book. 

 

Until then, I am simply a nursing mama who just gave her little nursling some interesting bling to look at! 

 

For info on Dermal Anchoring, see: http://tattoo.about.com/od/piercingsgeneralinfo/ss/dermalanchors.htm

--Please enjoy these other great blogs by fellow Carnival participants--

http://www.strocel.com/hannahs-weaning/   -- Amber on Hanna's Weening

http://bangerlm.blogspot.com/2008/12/weaning-toddler.html   -- Laura

http://offthespaceship.blogspot.com/2009/05/life-death-and-nourishment.html  -- Reiza, "Life, Death and Nourishment."

http://desireefawn.blogspot.com/2009/05/sticking-with-it-our-breastfeeding.html   -- Desiree

http://mommynewsblog.com/how-breastfeeding-changed-my-life/  -- Judy/A Mother's Boutique, "How breastfeeding changed my life."  

http://allthatsazz.blogspot.com/2009/05/flying-breast-milk-carnival-of.html  -- All That Sazz, "Flying Breastmilk."   

http://grudgemom.wordpress.com/2009/05/23/breastfeeding-failures-and-success/  -- GrudgeMom on breastfeeding successes and failures.  

http://www.baby-carriers-downunder.com/2009/05/25/kandy/ 

http://mfomnews.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/ben’s-story-the-best-breastfeeding-advice-from-the-least-likely-source/   -- Christina 


http://www.blisstree.com/breastfeeding123/the-i-told-you-so/  -- Breastfeeding 1-2-3: The "I Told You So" by Angela

http://fabnaima.blogspot.com/2009/05/breastfeeding-is-not-easy.html   -- Chronicles of a Nursing Mom by Jenny. 

http://breastfeedingmums.typepad.com/breastfeedingmums_blog/2009/05/breastfeeding-made-me-the-mother-i-am.html -- Breastfeedingmums / "Breastfeeding made me the mother that I am." 

http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com/2009/05/guest-post-1.html   -- Motherwear™ Blog.

http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com/2009/05/can-early-public-breastfeeding-sightings-shape-ones-future-breastfeeding-practices/   -- Breastfeeding Moms Unite!  

http://www.thetowells.com/2009/04/for-women-in-my-situation/   - Lori, breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery.

http://blacktating.blogspot.com/2009/05/may-carnival-of-breastfeeding-nursing.html   - Nursing in Public w/Blacktating.

http://cfoutz.blogspot.com/2009/05/found-memory.html   -- Crystal

 (The anchors 72 hours post-procedure)

 

 

An Important Breastfeeding “How-To” with Zen_Mommy!  "Using YouTube to STOP nosey questions!"  

Have you ever noticed that people LOVE to offer you their opinions (usually in the form of “friendly advice,”) about what you should do when you’re pregnant, when you’re breastfeeding, (or NOT breastfeeding!) when you have a grade-schooler, a high-schooler, or a college graduate? 

 

The point is, is that people just love to give you their opinions on child-rearing, solicited or otherwise, and sometimes such opinions rub us the wrong way.

 

I, myself, hear one of these “opinions” on a semi-regular basis. 

 

I sometimes hear the dread “How long are you going to continue to do that?” 

 

(‘That’ meaning breastfeeding.) 

 

My daughter is almost 21 months old.  It’s not like I’m nursing a 7^th grader. 

 

But, I do get that question from time to time, and now, will share my “answers” with everyone reading here today. 

 

A simple “She’ll stop when she’s ready and right now this still works well for both of us” is what I start with. 

 

Usually, that’s not enough to fully satisfy—especially a person who is asking because they think I’ve nursed her for too long already.

 

They’ll press and say something like “When they kin ask fer cookies with their milk, they need ta stop.”   (Yes, I spelled it that way on purpose.)  

 

I simply repeat what I said before. 

 

Sometimes they’ll even press some more! 

 

At that point, I get real crunchy on them and say “Did you know that the human body is capable of lactation for up to 8 or more years?”

 

That usually re-routes the train of interrogation that they had been on and forces them to start talking about the YouTube video of the British woman breastfeeding her 8 year old, that made email rounds a year or so back.

 

They will typically say something about what a “kook” she is, and in doing so, the heat is thereby, taken off of me. 

 When they compare nursing a third grader to my nursing a toddler, that usually shuts them right up. 

 

Now, I am not in any position to call this British woman a “kook” although I know of a lot of people who have.  All I know, is that a quick reference to this video has worked like a charm for me as I politely attempt to pry nosey friends or relatives off of my back and let me nurse my toddler in peace. 

 

(For those who still press me and aren’t aware of the video, the point in which I mention that humans can lactate for many consecutive years is when I bring the video up.  I even offer to send it to them!  It’s in my favorites!) 

 

Again, it is not my intention to pass judgement on this woman.  I am sure that her heart is in the right place and her daughters actually seem very well-adjusted.

 

Would I breastfeed for 8 years?  You know what?  I can’t answer that. 

 

I don’t THINK that I would, but who’s to say? 

 

I suppose that if I do, I’ll have to come up with another way to quiet those who ask too many questions!

 

I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it…

 

For the convenience of those reading this, I have provided a link to the video, below:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxv6R9fUO74 

-- Please check out the other Carnival participants!!!

Candace/MamaSaga:   "How to Breastfeed (Or Just Look Like You Know What You're Doing) "
http://mamasaga.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-breastfeed-or-just-look-like-you.html

The Marketing Mama:  "How to Pump Successfully at Work"
http://www.themarketingmama.com/2009/04/how-to-pump-successfully-at-work.html 

Samantha Leeson:  http://blog.babyready.ca/2009/03/how-to-get-baby-to-take-bottle.html

Tanya/Motherwear™ Blog:  "How to help your baby kick the nipple shield habit."
http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com/2009/04/the-how-to-carnival-of-breastfeeding-how-to-wean-from-a-nipple-shield.html 

Amber Strocel:  "How to Get Breastfeeding off to a Good Start"

http://www.strocel.com/how-to-get-breastfeeding-off-to-a-good-start/

Steph/Baby Carriers Down Under:  "How to Breastfeed Hands free"

http://www.baby-carriers-downunder.com/2009/04/20/how-to-breastfeed-hands-free/

Melodie/Breastfeeding Moms Unite!:  "How to become a breastfeeding support professional." 
http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com/2009/04/how-to-become-a-breastfeeding-support-professional/      

Stephanie/MilkAct:  "How to care for a sick nursling."

http://milkact.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/how-to-care-for-a-sick-nursling/

Kimberly:  http://maherfamilygrows.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-increase-breastmilk-supply-using.html

Sinead/Breastfeeding Mums:  "Weaning a breastfed toddler."
http://breastfeedingmums.typepad.com/breastfeedingmums_blog/2009/04/the-how-to-carnival-of-breastfeeding-how-to-wean-a-breastfed-toddler.html

Blacktating:  "How to treat a cold while breastfeeding."
http://blacktating.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-treat-cold-while-breastfeeding.html 

Heather:  "How to be comfortable around a breastfeeding mom."
http://itsallaboutthehat.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-be-comfortable-around.html   

Andi/MamaKnowsBreast:  "How to Get a Spouse to Help With Breastfeeding.
http://mamaknowsbreast.com/2009/04/how_to_get_a_spouse_to_help_wi.php

Diane/MoBoleez:  “How to (Naturally) Increase Your Milk Supply - Try Seaweed!” 
http://www.moboleez.com/not-enough-breastmilk/ 

Angela:  http://www.blisstree.com/breastfeeding123/how-to-teach-your-baby-nursing-manners/

Natural Birth & Baby Care:   http://blog.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/how-to-improve-milk-supply-through-nutrition/

And even more Carnival entries...!  Read, Read, Read!!!  :-)

Happy Bambino:   http://happybambino.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/carnival-of-breastfeeding-how-to-deal-with-unsupportive-family-members/  

Trish/Tiny Grass:  

http://www.tinygrass.com/2009/04/tandem-nursing-how-to-do-it-without-driving-yourself-and-your-nurslings-crazy/

 

 

 The following is a list of things that I, Zen_Mommy, really, REALLY like and therefore invite others to enjoy as well!  

* "B'Mums Breastfeeding Relaxation CD"  

Sinead Hoben of B'Mums was kind enough to send me a copy of this uber-relaxing CD all the way from Ireland!  

I promise you this!  If the music and overall vibe of the CD doesn't relax you, then her hypnotic and soothing Irish accent will!  I swear, I could listen to her ALL DAY LONG!  She could order me to take out the trash and I'd do so in a most relaxed state.  

This CD is totally affordable!  For ordering info, please see:  

http://www.breastfeedingmums.com/pregnancy-relaxation-cd.htm

(Check this one out, too!)

http://www.breastfeedingmums.com/breastfeeding-relaxation-cd.htm  

 

* "Xocai" CHOCOLATE!  

My friend Karen is a distributor for this heavenly goodness.  Just saying her name gets me all twitchy for chocolate.  It's no coincidence that Karen also does Passion Parties...and is a massage therapist...and a dancer.  It is clear she is drawn to the GOOD (fun!) things in life, and I, therefore, am drawn to her!  

Her website is located here: 

http://www.eatmychocolate.net

If learning more about this nectar of the Gods interests you, check it out.  She can also tell you how to earn money as a Xocai distributor!  

* "Avon's Anew Clinical Expression Line Filler"

I am not exaggerating when I say that using this product on the fine lines that crop up on our skin as we age is like using a really good photo-editor on your face.  It just softens everything up so nicely!

It's pretty reasonable for all it does!

Don't have an Avon lady?  Never fear!  Zen_Mommy is here!

http://lmunk.avonrepresentative.com/ 

* Twitter.com

It's official.  Twitter is my latest addiction.  

Don't Tweet?  Well, you should.  It's easy and fun.  Give it a whirl!  You can follow yours truly at:  

http://twitter.com/LaylaBeth

--

And there you have it for now.  

Until next time, Namaste!!!

;-) 

I welcome your questions and comments!  

Welcome!  This months' theme is about saving money, something we can all benefit from!                   
         
~ZenMommy on nursing and saving money~

I’m all about saving money these days. I would NOT call myself a “tightwad,” but I am proud to admit that I am indeed, “thrifty.”

My penchant for saving money compliments my breastfeeding lifestyle just beautifully, if I do say so myself.

Obviously, as a nursing mommy, I am spared the expense of purchasing formula.
(My STARS, what do they put in that stuff? GOLD?) It’s SO expensive!

I was once given a box of formula and had no need for it. I placed an ad on Craig’s List to just give it away, and within ten minutes, had an inbox full of interested inquiries.

I am beyond thankful that I do not have to fork out my hard-earned cash for formula, of course, but did you realize that there are other ways a lactating baby-mama can pinch pennies?

Allow me to explain!

First, I need to set the stage…

My name is Layla and I am a shop-o-holic.

(Hi, Layla!)

I like to buy things. One of my favorite things to buy is clothing.

Clothes, clothes—pretty, designer clothes.

So what if I get this trendy little number home and wear it only once? I paid for it with AmEx!

THAT was my mentality years ago before I got a handle on my affliction.

Now, although in remission, I am still tempted by pretty things, but ALAS! I cannot just go and haphazardly purchase something sparkly and pretty just because I MIGHT wear it someday! As a breastfeeder, I only buy things that are conducive to…well, breastfeeding! I don’t know when I will stop nursing, and therefore cannot plan for what I may wear, later on down the road.

And, even though nursing wear has come a long way, it’s not what most women are buying on a regular basis, thereby making our selections limited—at least in regard to what we readily see when we walk into a store.
(If we want nursing wear that we haven’t sought out online, we are usually directed to a tiny section in the department store, wedged somewhere between “Maternity” and “Granny Nightgowns.”)

My shopping trips are much shorter than they used to be.

And in this rough economic time, that’s okay!

Another way members of the Mammary Mafia can save Moolah is a pretty obvious suggestion, but an important one, just the same.

I used to LOVE my appletinis. Vodka and Apple Pucker. It was like biting into a very magical apple.
(Unless you bit into too many, then it was like liquid death, but that is a whole other blog.)

I have not had an appletini in…wow—let’s just say a VERY long time. And you know what? I do NOT miss them! I will admit to having a glass of wine or two, here and there as a nursing mom—I know some frown upon that, and some say that in moderation it’s okay. At this point in my life, now though, I choose not to imbibe at all. Neither does my husband.

The money we save on NOT buying alcohol is amazing! We look back and marvel at the amount of cash that went toward buying this stuff earlier in our relationship.

Also, I love the fact that my little girl is so healthy as a breastfed baby! She is eighteen months old and has never had an ear infection, or ever needed antibiotics. She is the epitome of healthy, both physically and emotionally. As a bonus, so am I!

I adore nursing! It is so soothing and relaxing to me! I get to unwind with my sweet little angel in my arms—I don’t know any “therapy” more effective than that!

I also watch my diet because what’s going into me, is ultimately going into her, so when I feel a real jones for some junk food, I think twice now.
(Although I do NOT regret for one minute the chicken nuggets I had the other day.)

Nursing has been so healthy for me, be it physically or even financially.

I am extremely grateful for this experience—and so is my baby.

I wouldn’t trade it for the world, even if you tempted me with a hangover free vodka-fueled shopping spree courtesy of American Express, Mac Cosmetics, Tiffany & Company, Dolce & Gabbana, Neiman Marcus, and on and on and on…

…and on and on!

Be sure to read these other fabulous Carnival of Breastfeeding entries!!!

Christina - MamasWorldWide.com - converting a regular bra to a nursing bra.

Tanya - Motherwear Blog - inexpensive home remedies for breastfeeding problems.

Lauren - HoboMama - general money saving tips.  

Stephanie - Milkact - living more frugally.

Elita - Blacktating - "Do it Yourself."  

Angela - Breastfeeding123 - Homemade "Pedialyte."

Sinead - BreastfeedingMums - Alternative $$$-saving uses for breastmilk.

Zen Mommy’s 2009 Breastfeeding Resolutions!

As someone who has been successfully nursing since July of 2007, I do NOT have plans to stop at this stage of the game! My baby girl, Chevelle Noir, and I got off to a bit of a rocky start with this whole nursing thing, but now that we’re old pros I am more resolved than ever to continue nursing, as well as helping other mommies with the often times difficult task of learning to successfully breastfeed.

How LaylaBeth, I mean, Zen Mommy, do you plan to do that? You may be asking!

Glad you asked! Allow me to explain:

First, I need everyone to relax and take a nice, deep, cleansing breath. Are you familiar with the ancient healing art of Reiki?

According to Reiki.org, Reiki is “…a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It’s administered by laying on hands and can be easily learned by anyone.”

My husband, (Zen Daddy) and I became certified in Reiki I in early December, and will be receiving Reiki II training in January. (“Zen Baby,” Chevelle Noir, was present during our training and even received her Reiki I “attunement” at the same time we did! How many other toddlers are certified Reiki healers? She was actually nursing during the blessing. It was truly a special moment.)

As a HypnoBirthing® Certified Educator, I was very curious about learning how to use Reiki during pregnancy. Since Baby Chevelle was nursing happily throughout our class, we started discussing Reiki for nursing moms! I thought back to the tough time I had figuring out the art that is breastfeeding, and decided right then and there that I would commit to learning how to utilize this amazing healing technique during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

I have other goals, of course, one of which is to start my training in lactation educating/counseling. I will also continue to blog and write about maternal health related topics (among other things) and be an advocate for…you guessed it, my FAVORITE topic of all, breastfeeding!

As I write this, my goal to advocate for nursing is going strong, as I am part of the “Hey, Facebook, breastfeeding is not obscene! (Official petition to Facebook)” group. It seems the popular social networking site likes to delete photos of nursing mommies, then threaten the offenders with having their profiles removed.

NICE.

Thank Goodness I am not running out of good Zen-Mommy-breastfeeding-blog ideas! And thank heavens Zen Daddy likes to take LOTS of nursing photographs! We’ll not run out of nursing advocacy material anytime soon!

So there you have it! Just a sampling of the goals I have for myself in the upcoming New Year. It gives me such inspiration to think that I might, in some small way, help someone learn a little something about breastfeeding that they didn’t know before, or help a new, unsure mother, choose to breastfeed her baby instead of going the “formula route.” If I can do that much, then my 2009 is already a success!

~~

Other Carnival Blog Entries: *Please Read--this is a WEALTH of information!* :-)

Misty/SecretsOfOrual: http://secretsoforual.blogspot.com/2009/01/motherwears-breastfeeding-carnival.html

Tanya/Motherwear™ Blog: http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com/2009/01/januarys-carnival-of-breastfeeding-breastfeeding-goals.html

Lauren/HoboMama: http://hobomama.blogspot.com/2009/01/breastfeeding-resolutions.html

Casey/BeautifulLetDown: http://www.beautifulletdown.net/my-breastfeeding-goals-january-breastfeeding-carnival/

Stephanie/MilkAct: http://milkact.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/breastfeeding-goals/

Angela/Breastfeeding123: http://www.breastfeeding123.com/the-goal-of-exclusive-breastfeeding-for-the-first-six-months/

Elita/Blacktating: http://blacktating.blogspot.com/2009/01/januarys-carnival-of-breastfeeding.html

Andi/MamaKnowsBreast: http://mamaknowsbreast.com/2009/01/breastfeeding.php

Sinead/Breastfeeding mums: http://breastfeedingmums.typepad.com/breastfeedingmums_blog/2009/01/january-carnival-of-breastfeeding-breastfeeding-goals.html#more

~~

Please visit my NEW website!!! It's still in need of a little bit of work, but it's finally up and running:

http://www.thezenmother.com

What a nice day! My family had a sweet little holiday--I am truly blessed.

Naturally, I have a series of goals and resolutions for the New Year--one of which is to maintain this journal much more regularly. I was once a PAID blogger, for Gosh sakes! This should be a cakewalk for me!

So...

In the words of The Terminator, I'll be back!

You can count on it!

Until then...(you guessed it)...Hasta La Vista, Baby! :-)

A no-stress, just plain HAPPY Christmas, and if you MUST spend cash on me, put it toward the costs associated with my becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant!

What is the most common compliment you receive? <---asks LiveJournal!


How PATIENT I am...! <---says Zen-Mommy, as she wolfs down the third chocolate bar of the day!!!