Liam's newest toy

I had been wanting to get Liam a push-walker for a few weeks, after watching this adorable video, I just had to try to get this one.
It is the "Chomp and Clack Alligator" push toy by Melissa and Doug.Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Chomp and Clack Alligator Push Toy.

Liam is not quite as proficient as the baby in the video. In fact, when he decides to take a step or two with it, I like to keep an arm near for when he goes down. So far, he has only gone down on his knees and not his face, so that's a plus!
I like it because I like wood, and the sound of the "chomping alligators" is more soothing than annoying. Remember those old push "popper" toys? It isn't nearly as annoying as that.
I wish Tierney's camera had worked better, because it really is a gleaming, bright, and lovely toy.

Home is where the baby is

Yes, I am off of work again. This time has led me to realize how much Liam needs me at home. It isn't that Karl doesn't love him, it's just that Karl is a man. He doesn't do all those little teachy things moms do. Half the time, when Karl is sleeping, he doesn't even hear Liam crying three feet away.

I feel torn. For all my wanting to be home, even if we figured out a way financially, I worry about staying home. I worry about getting hired somewhere when I am ready to work again. I also worry A LOT about disappearing. I already feel like I am on the very fringe of life. I usually like that, but without work, I worry that I will completely disappear. I have been a stay-at-home mom before. I know how easy it is to get lost and become a mommy machine that noone sees. And Karl doesn't bring people home either. He says most of the guys at work use drugs (he works in the restaurant industry). It would be a lonely life.

Eh well. I believe in signs, so we'll see what comes of it.

On the brighter side, Tierney gets her braces off at the next visit, and the ortho said Taryn is ready for braces. Exciting! I can't wait to throw another six grand at that! A beautiful smile is worth it, however.

His Mom's Milk was SO Good

I was talking with my nephew yesterday at my mother's house. I was nursing Liam and somehow the topic of breastfeeding came. Rowan, my nephew, said he used to beg and beg his mom to nurse him (as a toddler/preschooler I presume). We asked why and he said," The milk was SOOO good." Then he got a dreamy look on his face and rolled his head back.
I am glad I can give that to Liam.

Real Food for Baby review

I bought this book because I was looking for advice on how to improve the quality of my breast milk. Nina Planck writes that we need to get back to eating "real" food in its more natural state. That means, whole milk, preferably raw, grass-fed beef, along with fruits and veggies.

After reading this, I did buy whole milk. Yes, it does have saturated fat nearly twice the calories as skim milk. It has something else, taste. I am sold on whole milk. After drinking a glass of whole milk, I really do feel satisfied for a couple hours. I don't have that munchy feeling. Now, I haven't tried raw milk. I am not opposed to it (though I probably wouldn't risk it on a toddler), but I am not going to drive around to local dairies trying to find someone willing to sell it (I think it's illegal to sell  in Missouri). If it's ever an option (it is the UK), I will try it. I do want to actually see the cream rise someday. So I will stick to my hormone free whole milk for now.

Next, is the subject of grass-fed meat. I suspect this will lead to smaller, leaner cows, and higher beef prices. I am not opposed-just need to find a source. However, wild salmon and nuts are a great way to get those healthy baby fats and proteins.

Planck isn't too big on grains, I think she advocates a more "caveman" sort of diet, but personally, into each life a little cous-cous and quinoa must fall, I think.

I doubt I will lose weight on this diet, but is fun to eat like the farmers of old did (now if I could just stop eating out and stay away from those damned pop-tarts).

Diapers!

Okay, I admit, I am just playing with the Amazon Associates buttons. But I use Kushies with Liam quite a bit, and I LOVE Amazon. Yes, it is a huge corporation destined to take over, but hey, I love them anyway.

I mean, even if they don't offer something, they usually have a picture to show it exists. Their recommendations are great, because I can find something new, then go search eBay for it. But I admit, I do by more books from then than Barnes and Noble. For one thing, they have a huge selection. I realize my carbon footprint is bigger when I have my books shipped, and I hate waiting 5 days for the super saver shipping, but then I remind myself, that in the past, mail order catalogs would take ages. Imagine if I were living in a remote area of say, Alaska. How long would shipping take then?

Finally bought a high chair

This is the high chair I bought for Liam. Overall, I love it. It is smallish, folds in half, with the tray on it, and isn't a big honking piece of plastic. The only drawback, is the back is all fabric, which means it slumps a bit, so it really is for an older baby. If you are the type who likes to prop up your four month old while you eat (because of course he isn't ready for solids at that age), then you might want the big honking piece of plastic.
I WANTED a cherry finished Jenny Lind wooden chair, but while Amazon has a photo of one, it was never available. This works though, and with free shipping, it was a great deal!