Monday, July 26, 2010

"Wow, she's like a little person now!"


^ quote courtesy of Reagan's daddy :)

What he meant by that is Reagan is no longer the little bundle we brought home from the hospital, she's developing a very distinct personality! She is one of the most care-free and happy babies I've known. Instead of crying when she's hungry, she "yells" at us, and I tease her because she kind of sounds like a little cow when she does!! "Moooo!!" Every morning she wakes up smiling and laughing; I love waking up to her happy face!

She's also become much more aware of her surroundings, and has taken an interest in a few of her toys! She'll talk to them, laugh at them, kiss or slobber on them, and even yells at them when she's displeased (usually if they become out of reach). She enjoys playtime with mommy and daddy too, and likes to be tossed in the air or tickled. Her hands are becoming more coordinated, and she likes to chew on her fists, grab anything close to her, including daddy's face when he's close enough to her!

I also can definitely see Reagan being a bit of a flirt. She smiles at strangers and laughs out loud when anybody talks to her! She's not shy! We are so blessed to have such a pleasant baby.

It's amazing watching her develop. Every day I notice something new she's learned, and I get a front row seat watching her practice new things and learn her likes and dislikes. I'm so lucky to call her mine. :)

Monday, July 12, 2010

I love my chubby, healthy baby!

I was on Twitter this morning and read a very disterbing article about infant-formula posted by @TheNewbornBaby... I chose to breast feed for several reasons, none of which were because I thought formula was dangerous... but now I'm especially glad I did not!

For me it seemed natural to breastfeed; 1) my mom breastfed all 8 of me and my brothers (so did all of my aunts), 2) it's obviously more cost effective than formula, 3) plus I am a hippie at heart and anything natural I almost always assume is healthier.

I am a believer in convienence, but not at the cost of my baby's health. It would be easier on my schedule to formula feed Reagan because I could work and leave her with a qualified care-taker, go out for the day, or go on a vacation even.. That might seem "good" for me, but is that good for my baby? I was never convinced it was.

In defense of mom's who've chosen to formula feed, I'm sure they made the most informed decision they could with the information available. What I think is wrong is that the information moms really need to know is NOT available because the formula industry is a multi-million dollar industry that could collapse if more woman chose to breastfeed instead. And I honestly can't imagine ANY mom wanting to formula feed her baby after reading this...

All mommies, future moms, and even women who know other moms should read this article!!!

Click here to read the full article on the serious and deadly risk factors directly due to infant formula.

p.s. I would have organized this article differently, although all of the info presented was eye opening, the most shocking and damning information came in the second half towards the end of the article... so keep reading!