Embracing Everyday

Having breast fed Sky for 12months and 3 weeks, I have strong beliefs in the benefits of Breastfeeding.

So when I found out about the Mommy Milkshake Marathon (Fun Run) held last August 10, 2008. Sky and I joined the number of women, families and kids that joined the event.

You may read  more about the BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING here from Dr. Greene’s website.

After the Mommy Milkshake Marathon last Sunday. I was off to Cebu to meet up with D and hopefully iron things out between us. It was my first time to be travelling alone again for the longest time and I was able to read on the way.

I read this one by Khaled Hosseini, the same man who wrote "The Kite Runner", I wasn’t able to read the book, but I was able to see it on film. It’s a beautiful film that was only shown a select cinemas in Manila. I think they had to do that because of the "depth" of the film. I was able to finish "A Thousand Splendid Suns" in a day and a half. I had a hard time taking a break from it. Read it if you have strong sentiments on the war in the Middle East and if you’re a MOTHER.

While waiting for us to board, I saw a  a young mommy and her toddler traveling by themselves. I had to take a photo because it reminded me of Sky and myself when it’s just the two of us…

And coincidences of coincidences, the mother and child sat across me from my seat! I just had to talk to her and I told her that if she needs a hand, I can watch her little boy for her We talked most of the way about toddlers, breastfeeding, sleeping straight, how to get a decent bath – with a toddler on hand. She’s like me – a full time hands-on mom. Barely have the time to brush our hair – but loving every minute of it! I didn’t have any bags checked-in (I’m a backpacker wen traveling alone), so, I offered myself as her personal assistant to get their bags and push the trolley for her too. I was glad to be of help. Her name is Sheriemee and her son is Enzo. I promptly delivered mother and child to the waiting husband outside. We exchange numbers and met a new friend.

It has been 5 days now since Sky last nursed from me. I was suprised he just quit cold turkey with breastfeeding. But, when I think about it now (and after reading Kellymom) – what we had was a “gradual” weaning process. Sky eats like a grown up! He even likes Ampalaya, sardines and fried fish – with rice. A typical 8-12month old would NOT even taste ampalaya. But, he loves it! My sister even said that his tastebuds must be screwed or something, because he will eat anything that you give him. He’s like a dog. Although there are times he declines a food staple otherwise he’ll throw up.

Milk supply for Sky and cousins. Fresh milk instead of Formula. No sugar added.

And no, he’s not obese. He loves to walk and walk around eversince he discovered this fantastic use for his legs for exploring! There are lots of ways of HOW TO WEAN. Here are some of mine that was helpful for me:

1. When Sky started to eat solid food and took milk from a bottle, that was the beginning of my weaning process. He was getting nutrition from other than me.

2. I started giving him 1 bottle a day in the morning or a bottle in the afternoon. And snacks in between. Try yoghurt, wheat bread with cheese or graham crackers.

3. I did my best to offer him a bottle when he wakes up in the middle of the night. If he refuses, I cuddle and sing him a song instead. And he goes back to sleep. This may sound easy, but it’s not. Specially when I was half-asleep too.

4. Now, after dinner, I offer him a bottle or two before he goes to sleep. So, he’s full when he sleeps into the night. But, lately he wakes up because of NIGHT TERRORS and not because he’s hungry. I just cuddle and sing him a song to make him sleep again.

And now, I am free! I’m having a bottle of Vodka Ice now as I type away. My first after a VERY LONG TIME.