Babies and Boobies

Strange title? Not if you know what I've been up to in my sewing room! Check out my post on the "new job" I've started to find out what it's all about. :) Or, better yet, take a look at my new shop! In addition to creating my crafty schtuff, I've been doing crazy research on all things boobie since Anthony's birth. So, you'll be seeing lots of new info on babies, boobies, and how to make those two things go smoothly (or, at the very least, how to calm down the crazy just a little bit!)

Hope you'll stick along for the ride! To start you off, here's a really cool infographic I found:

These statistics are crazy! I had no idea that 1 out of 4 mothers don't breastfeed. But - I wonder if that accounts for those who can't, or merely those who don't? Keep in mind, and stay tuned for info on, that many instances of mothers who can't breastfeed are simply those situations in which help was needed! I know many people who didn't breastfeed simply because it didn't work the first time, so they assumed it just wouldn't. Get informed, loves! Hopefully I can help with that. :)

Thanks for reading!

Formula

There are two reasons for the title to this post. The first is in regards to the newest Aguayo.

Anthony (my 7 week old) has not been doing well on any of the formula brands and types we've been trying. Two weeks ago, I decided to go ahead and stop supplementing my nursing with formula, and make the permanent switch. He wasn't eating enough with just me, and additionally seemed to be having some gastrointestinal issues even when I pumped it to bottle-feed. My production was steadily decreasing, and the stress was probably not helping with that.

Depressing though it may be, I thought the choice was a good one. Now, if we could only find food that doesn't hurt him! After seeing the pediatrician, we are giving Anthony Similac Alimentum, which is pretty much the end of the road as far as formula goes. It's predigested, so if this doesn't work, then obviously there's something else going on. Or, so I've been told. We will wait until Monday, and see if the diarrhea and crying after feedings continue.

I feel so sad for the little guy. He just wants to be able to poop normally, eat enough, and sleep peacefully. Is that so much to ask? I cry with him just about every day, though today his cries don't seem to be as related to feedings, and moreso to the fact that I'm not holding him. (Which is normal baby stuff...and I can handle that!)

So...yay for formula! Not. Overall, he is gaining weight, and not "sick" per se, so very grateful!

The second reason for a post entitled "Formula" is in regards to this 30-day journey of mine. I have been on the hunt for a formula. A secret ingredient that, when sprinkled into my life, will allow me to have some magical relationship with Christ. What I'm finding is that there IS NO SECRET INGREDIENT.

(I LOVE Kung Fu Panda! And didn't remember this phrase was in the movie until I did a google search for images related to the phrase haha. Fits perfectly!)

There is no formula. I already HAVE a relationship with Him. It just isn't what I presume it to be. So many people indicate that a relationship with Christ is meant to be super-personal and like a best friend. But, I'm learning the contrary. How in the world can we expect the creator of the universe to have a one-on-one relationship with us when He isn't visible or audible? God isn't. But the Holy Spirit is. In a sense. The formula isn't that I'm going to have this great relationship and back and forth thing with Christ here on earth. The difference between the way I approach life and the way a non-Christian approaches life is in my view of the afterlife.

I believe there is one - and I live as though I believe that. I believe that God will reward me for trusting Him, searching for Him, and obeying Him once I arrive in place He has prepared for me (John 14:6). But, for now, I'm merely meant to live my life normally. Making good choices, yes. Asking for God's input, yes. But not pretending like he's my bestest friend in the whole world (despite the fact that I need one). He's my parent. Sometimes you can go to them as a friend, but that isn't what they ultimately are. He's there to guide me in honorable lifestyle choices. No, I won't always make the correct choices, but He is there to point the way and say "Good try...now give the right choice a go...".

In both cases, formula is not having an uplifting impact on my life. ;) However, I am FAR less stressed realizing that the secret ingredient I assume others have is non-existent. I'm breathing a bit easier, which gives me some wiggle room despite the stress of baby formula. It's comforting to realize, after typing all this out, that I'm actually handling all the stressors in my life better than I would have a couple of years ago. I haven't thrown any dishes, punched any pillows, or screamed at any cars on the road haha!



Moreover, I'm feeling less guilty. I have walked through life for years feeling guilty for not following a set schedule/pattern for a relationship with Christ. I'm not going to cultivate an earthly one because I go to church, do my Bible Study, and pray. I will, however, benefit from the relationship that does exist by doing those things.

I feel a bit rambly today, so I'm sorry if this post sucks! Haha. It's nice to get these two topics off my chest, and hopefully sleep a little easier. (until my cutie wakes up, that is) Now, despite the late hour, I'm off to sew! Because nitetime is my time ;) Here's the burp cloths I've been working on for my Etsy shop. Makes me wish I had a baby girl to use them!

Shared with these beautiful blog people: Missional Women
Till next time...

-Heather

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Disclosure: I am not a medical professional, and all information on this site is strictly opinion. If you aren’t sure about your situation, please seek professional medical advice from your doctor. This post contains affiliate links, which allow me to obtain compensation on products that visitors purchase. That said, I do not link to products that I would not personally recommend.

New Job

Are you ready for it? I'm an Etsy-ite! Or whatever they're called ;) In my quest for something to use as a heat compress during breastfeeding, I found there to be no great options! So, I made them myself, and I love them. I decided that if other people can sell their ideas, why not me?

If you or someone you know could benefit from this cute and practical item, please visit my store!

Now, don't be confused by the name. My last name is Aguayo, right? Agua Yo. Water Yo. Haha ;)

Thanks friends! Leave a comment if you have thoughts or opinions about the compresses; I'm all ears!

Gone Fishing!

So, my little man has a fishing pole. One of those kid kinds that actually has fishing line and a reel attached. He's had this fishing pole for about a year and, up until now, he's had a plastic frog attached to the end. He would cast the line and then reel the frog in. Well that seemed a little boring to me so I decided to make some fishes for him to catch! 

After some research, I decided fabric was the way to go! (Plus I have so much fabric that I never know what to do with) They turned out to be about 7 by 3 1/2 inches. I used a pattern that I made cut out from cereal box cardboard, haha! But if you happen to have a printer, this pattern is the way to go since it has options for you advanced crafters. I used one layer of batting inside just to give it some definition, but you can stuff it and have a puffier fish too if you like!

Magnets seemed to be the way to go as far as finding a way to "catch" the fish, and I got some pretty strong craft magnets at Joann's. After putting the fabric, batting and magnets together, I stitched the fishes around the edges and called it good. Then, I stitched one magnet inside a circle fabric pocket, attaching it to the fishing pole's paper clip "hook! 

Ricky and Ricardo had a blast fishing on the stairs. Playtime success!!

Apparently as a bonus, they stick to the corners of walls!! :) 

Superman!

Or rather...superGIRL. Perhaps we'll stick to superhero. My friend Krystle has been my superhero of late! She is always rescuing me from mini-crises, the first of which was a desperate need for doughnuts! Yes indeed, doughnuts. It was National Doughnut Day, and since Ricardo was at work (we only have one car), I could not participate in the fun. Krystle my superhero brought me delicious circles of richly baked dough all the way from Victorville. :D I told her I'd make a superhero cape to commemorate my appreciation. Sadly, Doughnut Day was in June!! It took me 5 months to get around to making this cape.




I found this fabric at Wal-Mart and immediately knew that THIS was Krystle fabric :)






I found a really easy superman cape youtube video and used it to make this cape.



I sewed two squares of the fabric together (3 yards folded over itself to make the square) so that both sides were exactly the same coloring. Using the video I cut the holes and then (because it's regular fabric, not fleece) sewed buttonholes around them. I threaded the cape with a red feather boa "for funsies" :D

I love these pictures! Fear not, blogger friends, I will get better at
taking pictures, adjusting lighting, etc.
Thank you Krystle!!!!!