Ode to the breast pump

Sorry if the title makes any of the male readers uncomfortable. Feel free to skip this entry - you've been warned.

Since I started back to work after having Dane I have had to pump 2-3 times a day. I wanted to breast feed as long as possible so with that meant pumping for that whole time. While i've loved breastfeeding, I HATE pumping. Maybe it's because I feel like cow or because it's not natural to hook your breasts up to a machine. And then to haul your pump down the halls at work and have people make comments cause they know exactly where I'm going and what I'll be doing while locked in a closet. Oh how I'm glad those days will be over.

Not many of my friends have been working moms so I don't know if they fully appreciate the pumping process and fitting it in where possible. While it might not seem sanitary, here is just a sample of some places I've had to do the deed to make sure either my baby was fed or i wasn't in complete pain. Don't judge! You don't know...

1. Orlando FL - catalog conference (oversized handicap stall bathroom)
2. Reno NV - conference bathroom
3. Lake Tahoe - lake cruise
4. Denver, Co - on a press check for work (bathroom)
5. airport bathrooms
6. driving (i know not safe but I had one hand free)
7. closet at work a.k.a napatui
8. mall parking lot

I started Dane on cow's milk this week so tomorrow is the first day in almost 12 months that I won't hook myself up to that loathed machine and hear the hmmm that I so passionately detest. Yippee!!!

help mom

Luckily I had my camera close by while playing with Dane. His car went under one of his toys and he dove in after it... He retreived the car - mission accomplished. And then he got stuck. I just kept taking pics instead of helping. I'm so mean! I should have taken a video... next time.

Paul has been after me to cut dane's mullet. I finally gave in. Here is my little man.

more bday party pics

birthday party

Dane's birthday party was a big hit. Thanks to family and friends for coming and making it so memorable!

I had to take separate picture of the cake. I decorated them all by myself! Not too shabby for a first attempt (and possibly last!). :)

Thanks auntie jennifer for taking such adorable pics!

"I'm done, mom! Take me home, i'm ready for my nap."

Happy Birthday Dane!

A year ago our lives were forever changed. I walked into the hospital terrified. And I walked out feeling a love so intense i could physically feel it growing inside. With a beautiful baby boy in my arms, Paul and I began a journey we weren't sure we were prepared for but one we looked forward to.

We are so grateful that this little spirit found his way into our home. Dane, we love you!

And a year later, you're still just as cute as the day you were born!

many faces of dane

Dane has started to make this face a lot whenever he gets excited about something or wants to point something out to us. And then he makes a "whoo, whoo" sound at the same time.

OCD

Paul has OCD. It only manifests itself in certain situations though. He can't stand to have things just haphazard on the counter or table. For example, if I've sorted through the mail and left a few things slightly turned, he'd come along and straighten them. Now, if there is something on the floor that needs to be picked up, he can't even see it. But a pen not in alignment with another pen... well, that's just not acceptable.
So sometimes I like to play little tricks on Paul. If i notice him straighten papers or pens I'll mess them back up again when he's not looking. And without even stopping to think, he straightens them again.
On Sunday we were running a little late to church but Paul found time to do a little straightening before leaving (and notice that he didn't put them away - i guess too much effort!)
Before (I'm guessing this is what i looked like before - I had to recreate since it wasn't planned)
















After...