Co-sleeping

As a parent there are the common/typical questions That you probably feel like you are always being asked, at least that's how i feel.mi think we need to make a sure with all the answers, so when anyone asks those redundant questions, you can just tell them to ready your shirt. Kind of like the shirts I have seen pregnant women wear. Like this. Considering I work in the childbirth/ lactation field, I definitely get a lot of questions from friends, family, and clients. I am very open with the fact that we use the attachment parenting style with our children. I exclusively breastfeed ( yep even at age 1 my baby is still nursing *gasp*), I cloth diaper, made my own baby food, co-sleep, baby wear, we don't spank, and try to use positive reinforcement . I say try because we do use time-out/cool off time and take away toys as part of consequences for Kailyn. The question "do you co-sleep" comes up often. When I answer questions, I emphasize that our choices we make work for our family. They may not work for someone else's.  I try to never judge or make someone feel bad if I disagree with the parenting decisions they are making. Unless you are a lazy, selfish, non-involved, abusive parent, then yes I will judge you.
The easiest answer I can give when someone asked me why I co-sleep is, it works for us. Plain and simple, and to the point. Usually I don't leave it at that because that answer doesn't always satisfy someone's question. Here are the main reasons why we choose to co-sleep.
1. It works for us
2. Breast feeding in the middle of the night is convenient.
3. I feel more secure knowing my baby is right next to me
4. Mommy gets more sleep!!!!!
5. Bonding- not just for mommy but daddy too. Daddy has the opportunity to snuggle with Colton right when he wakes us in the morning without having to get out of bed. They get to just lay together and hang out for a bit.
6. Helped mommy with the baby blues right after birth
7. Helps with my milk supply
8.  Helps with attachment
9. Saves money since we don't need to buy a crib
10. Most of all I enjoy i
I could go on and on about the benefits and joy of co-sleeping. Colton does not sleep through the night. I can say without a doubt that putting him in a crib would not solve that issue either. We don't use the crying it out technique, I respond to his needs. So until he learns to sleep through the night on his own, I wont force it to happen. As he gets older, I may use some gentle techniques to encourage sleeping thought the night, but right now I am enjoying all the time I can get with my "baby". They aren't little for long, so I try to enjoy every minute I can get. If that means waking up 2 times a night to nurse, well then that's what I am going to do. I am his mom after all, its my responsibility to make sure all his needs are met. I will have the rest of my life to sleep thought the night.
A friend shared an article on co-sleeping that I want to share with my "millions" of readers. Its a very informative article regarding the benefits of co-sleeping. It also has a link to another article that gives information on how to safely co-sleep and in turn decrease the chances of accidents . Read and enjoy!
Benefits of Co-Sleeping

Happy 1st Birthday Boo Boo

When I found out I was pregnant with our second baby, I have to admit I was a bit surprised. I knew there was the possibility, but we had some trouble getting pregnant with Kailyn, could it have been so easy this time around? Well then the panic and worry set in. When we first started trying to have a baby, we were successful the first try. Sadly we lost that baby, which was devastating. So for me, getting pregnant our first try again was very scary. Fortunately everything progressed as it should. Baby was growing right on schedule, if not ahead. At 14 weeks we found out the baby was a boy. I was a girl mommy, and all I knew was how to raise a girl. I was so sure that we would have two girls, I never really gave it a thought that I would have a boy. It took 10+ ultrasounds. ( I have complicated pregnancies so I had weekly ultrasounds) before I was able to really grasp the concept that we were having a boy. I just couldn't picture myself with a baby boy. It was a foreign thought. On August 28, 2011 at 9:55pm, Colton Ryan was born. My life again was forever changed. I was completely in love and overwhelmed with emotions. Here was this precious baby boy, that up until this moment, I could not picture ever having. I am so in love with this little man, I can't put it in words. He is the sweetest, cutest, most lovable baby boy ever. He brings so much laughter and joy to our family. It melts my heart to see Colton and Kailyn interacting and loving on each other. Colton is sweet, and affectionate, but at the same time such a dare devil. He climbs/stands on anything and everything he can manage. He wants to do everything his sister does, and often surprises us with what he can do at his age. He has mastered the biggest slide at the park!!! He is definitely a mama's boy and often has a hard time being without mommy. I can't get enough love and kisses from my handsome boy. The love for him and his sister sometimes overwhelms me. I am so incredibly lucky to be the mommy of these two absolutely amazing kiddos. These past 12 months have gone by faster than any other time in my life. I wish I could just slow time down. I want to cherish every minute I have with my baby. But yet, with every new stage brings a whole new level of joy and excitement. I love you more than words could ever try to explain Boo Boo. I can't imagine my life without my baby boy. Happy 1st Birthday Colty!!!!

Happy 6th Birthday Sugar Bear

August 23rd 2006 we welcomed our first precious miracle into the world. Kailyn Rose was born at 2:32 am after a 23.5 hour labor. There really are no words to adequately describe the love and emotions I felt when she was placed in my arms. We suffered through a miscarriage and 1.5 years of infertility to get our precious baby girl. We never take for granted how lucky and blessed we are to have her. She has brought so much joy to our lives. She is a funny, sweet, affectionate, loving, caring, spunky,and beautiful girl. She has grown so much before our eyes. I can't believe my baby is 6. Where has the time gone? She started 1st grade this year, kind of makes me feel old haha. I am so excited for what the future holds with our amazing Sugar Bear. We love you Princess!!!