Day 27: Myself, One Year Ago

Wordless Wednesday (Jackson Park)

An Ode To Babywearing

Ring sling, 16-months.

There are several things which I believe passionately in as a mother -- one of those things is babywearing.

I have been wearing Gretchen in a variety of slings since she was born and have always felt completely safe and secure in doing so. A lot of fear has been promoted against babywearing in recent months after the recall of the Infantino SlingRider, a bag sling, which was involved in loss of several sweet little babies. Since this recall, to the detriment of all, some people have assumed that all forms of babywearing must be unsafe.

I am here to tell you that babywearing IS safe.

Babies belong in our arms and it pains me to see loving mamas fearful of such a wonderful part of motherhood.

The benefits of babywearing are indisputable. Closeness, safety, bonding, breastfeeding ease, developmental benefits and more. Speaking for myself, babywearing has created an incredibly strong connection between my daughter and I. We have used some type of sling nearly every single day of her life -- when she's happy, when she's sick, during our first & only trip to the hospital, when she's feeling overwhelmed, when she just needs to be held, when she wants to help out, when we go for long walk, when we visit friends. Babywearing is a HUGE part of our lives and I feel that it has become a defining part of who I am as a mother. I am rarely without a sling on my shoulder, or in my purse (just in case). When Gretchen sees her slings or carrier she immediately asks to be picked up, arms high in the air, waiting to snuggle. I have and continue to have so many wonderful and beautiful moments with my daughter because of the glorious art of babywearing. I can't imagine living life any other way.

Wear your babies proudly and spread the word!

A refresher, from Steph of Adventures in Babywearing fame:
♥ Your baby should be in a position similar to holding them in your arms
♥ You should be able to kiss the top of their head
♥ Your chest, back, or sling fabric should not obstruct baby's face
♥ Do not wear a carrier that is too tight or too loose, or not properly fastened
♥ Read and follow your carrier's instruction manual
♥ Be aware of baby's temperature; don't let them get too hot or too cold
♥ Do not perform any activities that you wouldn't normally do while holding your baby in your arms

CuddlyWrap, 4-months.

Ergo, 7-months.


Ring sling, 19-months.

Some favourite babywearing posts from the past:
♥ Always My Baby
♥ This Mama Has More Slings Than Shoes
♥ A Year Of Babywearing
♥ We Just Can't Get Enough Of Babywearing
♥ Babywearing Love

Join the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance Facebook page to stay involved & read their position paper.
Also visit Adventures in Babywearing to share your own babywearing story.

Peace & love, mes amis.
Happy babywearing.

Always My Baby

No matter how big.

This is how we made dinner together the other night. "Up, up, up, mama," she asks as I stir the boiling pasta. "Hot!" she tells me, pointing at the stove. (Throughout the day she likes to run up to the oven, quickly poke the door and yell "hot!" whether it is or not. She's our resident safety expert.)

Gretchen is twenty months old today and eager to help. She wants to fold (re: unfold) the laundry, she loves to sweep & mop (leading me to believe she'd like her own pint sized tools of the trade). She likes to snatch up a baby wipe to clean the floors, tables, walls and her nose.

She likes to rearrange the fridge and cupboards, she wants to play with water in the "Sink, mama, sink!" She wants to turn lights on and off, to put things away and to chat about everything as we do it.

She's so clever, so smart, so eager & willing. And even when I know things would be much faster if I did them myself (says the stubborn, independent woman deep within me) I love that she wants to help & so I always let her.

She's growing up fast, dear friends.

And we're both learning so much.

Nineteen Months

Yesterday we spent the afternoon enjoying one our city's most fabulous events -- the annual Folk Festival! You may remember me blogging about the festival last year, as Gretchen was turning seven months.

Today the little miss turns nineteen months and it's incredible to look back at photos & videos from this time last year -- she was so different. This year she's my amazing, independent, busy, super-smart little lady. She's adventurous and curious, friendly and loving.

I can't even imagine who she'll be at this time next year.

So yes, the Folk Festival is just one of the many perks of our gorgeous neighbourhood and it's located about a block from our front door. It's perfect. I love knowing that this will be a tradition for our family, just like it was with my mother and I when I was small. I've been coming to this festival since I was eight years old -- not every year, but nearly every year -- and I want it to be something that Gretchen will always remember as a beautiful way to finish out the summer.

I think that special traditions like this are incredibly important in a child's life. I actually think a lot about creating memories for her that will last throughout her life. I look forward to the festival all year round -- it's something I can count on, and something I've always enjoyed. I hope Gretchen will feel the same way.

Have you started any traditions for your family? Or have you worked to preserve traditions from your own childhood? I'd love to hear what special moments and memories you are passing down to the next generation.

This Mama Has More Slings Than Shoes

My babywearing collection has grown again & if you're in the market for a ring sling, I would highly recommend visiting BabyEtte. I recently bought this batik beauty & I'm absolutely in love. The fabric is fantastic, the sling is superbly made & it's long/wide enough that I can wear her in every way imaginable.

This, of course, would be Gretchen's favourite way to be slung:

I can't tell you how many times this exact position has saved us while out running errands. I've done entire grocery shopping trips just like this.

Happy baby, happy mama.

Photos taken by the boy.

Happy Father's Day, Daddio!

Thank you for being such an awesome dad to the coolest kid we ever could have hoped for.

We make a pretty good team, you and I!

Happy Father's Day.

This Mama's A Ring Slinger

This is what nursing a sleepy 16 1/2-month-old in a ring sling looks like.

While I was off at a friend's birthday luncheon this afternoon, the little miss refused to nap for daddio and so this evening she only wanted to nurse & snuggle & doze off in the sling. Once again, babywearing solves every problem -- I even cooked dinner like this.

PS. I promise to share our IKEA finds from the other day very soon.
PPS. Dinner tonight = cauliflower/lentil curry with quinoa.
PPPS. Check out my latest Mom Ok'd post.

Babywearing Dads Make Me Swoon

August 2009

This photo of the boy & the babe made it on babywearingdads.tumblr.com. I love this picture so much. He wore her in the Ergo for about eight hours over the course of that hot, summery day.

PS. You can read my Organic Ergo Carrier review on Mom Ok'd.

She Walks, Ladies & Gents

My mind has been officially blown. In the last two weeks she's gone from a scooter to a strutter. She walks, almost all the time -- all around the house, in the backyard, through the park. She doesn't want to sit in her Chariot, but she'll still let me wear her. She really just wants to put her feet on the ground and go, go, go.

My tiny baby is a little girl.

Last night she slept through the night for the first time ever. From 8pm til 6am, she slept on her own little mattress at the foot of our bed. At around six she woke up and crawled into bed with us for some early morning snuggles & milk. She'll always be welcome in our bed, but it's lovely to see her feeling comfortable enough to sleep on her own.

Who knows what tonight will bring.

It's amazing what can be accomplished in just under sixteen months.

Babywearing Love

I've been loving the ring sling lately.

When it's really warm out I love being able to wear her with just a simple piece of fabric. It's lightweight, versatile, I can toss it in my bag or simple wear it around my torso while she walks hand in hand.

I've been getting excited about the idea of offering babywearing workshops to my doula clients in the future. I don't profess to be any kind of expert when it comes to babywearing, but I have learned a LOT over this past 15 1/2 months. Wraps, slings, mei tais, soft structured carriers -- I've got them all & I can't wait to share.

What's your favourite way to wear your baby? Is a babywearing workshop something you think you'd take part in? Any input would be really helpful in my planning. You guys are a wealth of information & I'm so grateful for your comments!

Thanks friends!

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Beyond So Fawned: Two new reviews on Mom Ok'd, here & here, as well as some bathtime fun over on Mom Spark.

Birthdays, Babywearing & All The Best

I just came across this lovely birthday post, written by my wonderful neighbour Caren & just had to share this photo:

I am so in love with this image!

Many thanks to Caren, and lots of love to everyone who sent their happy birthday wishes my way yesterday!

My birthday celebrations went off without a hitch (including Gretchen being put to bed by her babysitter) and I know that this year holds goodness & love, happiness and beautiful memories. I will enjoy each day & soak it all in. Many photos will be taken, many changes will be had and I look forward to it all! There will be good, there will be bad -- but all will be taken in stride, one day at a time, one foot in front of the other. You've all been so good to me and I thank you for being such a special part of my life.

Happy Sunday, little fawners!

Peace!

This Weekend

Where did the warmth go, my friends?? For the last three days it's been absolutely gorgeous outside -- springish, sunshine, neighbours riding bikes, Gretchen playing in the front yard, sweaters, sandals, long evening walks, strolls through the park to marvel at nearly snowless hillsides -- but today?

Today there were flakes of snow and a biting chill that had us all in a bit of a grump. However, I managed to combat the grumpiness with some serious thrifting and we even spotted our first yardsale of the year.

Today I also bought a new mattress for Gretchen so that we can start to think about the idea of slowly, slowly, slowly moving her out of our bed (more on this soon too). Today Ryan also put G to bed for the THIRD night in a row.

This mama's a happy mama.

I suppose the cold isn't getting us down so much.

Tomorrow Ryan's brother is coming to visit which will make a certain 13-month-old incredibly excited. Things are always busy in the house of fawn.

I hope you're all having a peaceful yet exciting weekend. With love.

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PS. I'm nearly in tears after all of your nice comments on my last post. I feel so honoured to have such caring readers as yourselves. I'm simply stunned with love. Peace, mes amis.

Late Afternoon Haikus In The Park

Spring will soon be here

Brought by late afternoon sun

Streaming through the trees

The snow is melting

Everything smells fresh and new

Today I wore birks

Does she remember

The warmth of the sun on her

Cheeks and in her soul?

Goodbye long winter

And welcome dear springtime with

Your new sights and sounds

Strengthening our bonds

Cultivating our friendships

Remembering love.

Everything's Better When The Babes Are Together

A couple nights ago, the little fawn and I spent an evening with friends -- eating delicious curry, savouring homemade red wine & enjoying the interactions between 17-month-olds and 13-month-olds.

There's nothing like getting the babes together. The age gap between Gretchen & Ezra is quickly shrinking.

He took her hand all on his own.

Babes in arms! Maybe I do want a second, haha.

This photo basically sums up mamahood. Do you see Mister Ezra heading for the goods? Babies tend to treat me like a buffet.

The next day we took our slingbabes out for a walk. Do you like their new hats? My newest endeavour -- more to come.

Thank goodness for beautiful friends, chosen families & the warmth that comes from deep in your chest.

Photo cred: Gretchen's godmother, Elena & her husband.

Rucksack Babe

Last night, while making dinner, I wore Gretchen in a rucksack type carry using our CuddlyWrap. This definitely isn't tied as tight or as nicely as it could have been -- but it did the trick while I cooked up some noodles.

I've been meaning to get an actual woven wrap for months now, and after trying some of the more traditional wrapping styles, I'm convinced I'd really love it. I do heart my Ergo like crazy, but it's nice to switch it up every once and a while.

I'm sure Gretchen appreciates the change of scenery.

Also, she can pull my hair.

Winter Time At The Zoo, Part Three

Two weeks ago, on a chilly, chilly afternoon, the babe & I took a trip up to the zoo. G stayed bundled and snuggled in the Ergo while I squired her about through the park.

Here's a little peek into the monkey house:

Definitely one of my favourite exhibits. It's also so neat that she watches the animals now -- she can't always see them, but it's obvious when she does. So sweet.

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PS. For parts 1 & 2 of our zoo trip, click here & here.

A Year Of Babywearing

I have been wearing Gretchen in a number of different carriers/slings since she was a day old & we both still love it. Without babywearing, I'd feel naked.

CuddlyWrap, Heart2Heart.

CuddlyWrap, Ergo.

Ergo, SugarBugSlings.

Ergo.

Happy Birthday Gretchen Fawn

To my dearest baby girl on her very 1st birthday,

This year you made me a mother. No matter what else I'm given in this lifetime, know that this will always be the most special gift imaginable.

You've accomplished so much in the last 12 months: you were born at home; you cried your first little cry & then stayed so quiet on my chest; breastfeeding was hard, but we figured it out & we're still going strong; you smiled your first smile; you learned to say "dada" & "mama" & it was music to our ears; you rolled over, you sat up, you crawled, you scooted & now you can stand on two wobbly legs, so eager to run, not yet able to walk; you ate your first food; you got your first cat scratch; you fell off the bed; you bonked your head on the coffee table; you went to the zoo; you saw five parades; you had your first swing; you learned to do a little baby dance; you played with the dog; you went to emerg; you grew six teeth; you loved being worn; you slept with us; you wore some cloth diapers & some not-so-cloth diapers; you peed on your parents; you pooped on the floor; you had a bath in the tub just hours after being born; you know where my nose is & where your hair is; you had your first Christmas; you learned how to hug & kiss; you met new friends; you snuggled a lot; you taught us so much; you made your mother & your father fall in love in an instant.

We love you more than we can express, but we will try, every single day of your life.

You mean the world to us.

Happy birthday, baby girl.

Winter Time At The Zoo, Part Two