Monday, April 30, 2007

I know, I know, I haven't been much of a blogger lately. I actually have somewhat of a valid excuse this time. I have been down and out with the flu for the past 2 weeks. Who knew that influenza was such a big ordeal? I think I am finally getting back to functioning at 100% though. We went to the lakehouse this weekend and it was SOOO Realaxing! Exactly what we all needed! I am sure that I have got something more intersting and contraversial to talk about but I am going to have to think about it and post in a few hours. Let me get my my controversial juices flowing. :) I will post in a little bit. Maybe I will post some pictures. :)

37 comments:

Elizabeth F. said...

Finally! You're back! I'm soooo missing you these days. :-(

Mrs. Sara said...

Controversial pictures?

Sarafu said...

LOL!!! No not controversial pictures! If I cant think of anything to write I will just fall back on posting some pictures. :)
Anybody got any topic ideas. My brain doesnt work these days. Does having kids really stunt your intellectual growth? I'm feeling stuck in mommy land!

Anonymous said...

hey sara, this is kimberly. if you will send me your e-mail address, i will send you some of our pictures. my e-mail address is kimberlyakridge@hotmail.com
heard you got to hear papaws letter today...that was neat wasnt it?!?

Nothing said...

Glad you are feeling better...I had the flu thingy too for about 2 weeks after Easter ......it sucked!

Elizabeth F. said...

Kimberly,
Hey! Papaw's letter? We didn't hear it...What's that all about? Kimberly you can email us at john@thefusonfamily.com or eLLLizabeth@thefusonfamily.com

Hope to hear from you soon!

Anonymous said...

FU! Guess what I just printed! Go ahead....guess!!! No guesses? Alright...Our tickets to see
**RENT** in Seattle! I know...I know...we should have "rushed" for tickets, but they don't do it the same anymore....you can't camp out...so the experience is kind lame now...so we did the "adult" thing and bought tickets on ticketmaster :) LMAO! Oh just hearing about it makes me think of you! I wish you could fly out and come with us. I love you girl!

Netta

Sarafu said...

LUCKY!!!!! You Suck!
Yah, I heard that they do the whole Rushing thing different now and it lacks the fun of sleepimg on the street or staying up all night with a bunch of Rent Heads!
You have to tell me All about it!

Unknown said...

Nathan had the flu for like 2 weeks about a month ago! I've never seen him sick for that long. Hope you're feeling all better now.

Yes post some pictures! I love seeing pictures.

And I'm ready for the next Fu Controversial Topic! :) Something maybe that will give us 150 comments....

Elizabeth F. said...

what about President Bush not making the "Top Influential People in America" list...

should he have just out of "respect for the office" (an argument that I heard this morning? Opinions?

Alli said...

Hi Sara! It's Alli Carter (Sara's sister-in-law) Question that could potentially be a blog topic for you... Do you know where I can find info on how to increase the amount of milk I pump? Currently, I don't pump enough for Lucy during the day, and we have to supplement with formula. I don't have any problems when I get home from work or during the weekends. I've tried drinking more water, taking more vitamins, but nothing seems to work; I only manage to get 8 ounces in a 8-9 hour period. I know you're a breastfeeding guru, so if you can give me some tips, I'd be much obliged. Thanks!

Elizabeth F. said...

Hi-Sara's SIL here. I also am known as a Breastfeeding guru. LOL! I'm not sure how old your baby is...It sounds to me like your body is experiencing reverse-cycle milk production. basically, you are away from baby during the day and not being used as much so it doesn't produce as much. But, your body being smart has adjusted to being used alot more at night. Therefore, stubbornly producing during those times. Also, maybe you are not letting down well to your pump. Not sure what kind you are using. The only real recommendation I have is to try to pump more during the day if possible or to pump some at night or on weekends to store up to give baby during the week. I have heard of specific herbs that can increase milk production like Feenu Greek. If I spelled that correctly. I can get more info on that if you'd like. And some Dr's will prescribe meds that can increase your supply as well if you feel very strongly about it. Otherwise, maybe I would recommend trying to get more rest. Stress and lack of sleep can inhibit production as well. I've seen alot of working mothers with the same issue. Hope that helps. You can email directly if you need further assistance. eLLLizabeth@thefusonfamily.com
:-)

Jenny W said...

let's see... the lake house, controversial pics, breastfeeding advice...never a dull moment on the ol' mommy blogs :)

Mrs. Sara said...

Luckily, Alli, soon you won't have to worry about pumping during the day!

WOO WOO! Stay at home mommyhood in less than 2 months!

Love,
Your favorite Sara-in-law

Mrs. Sara said...

Oh, and Jen... 150 comments? That sounds like a challenge!

Unknown said...

I know! I think we're up to the challenge, don't you?!? (By the way, I'm not sure why it's calling me Jen all of a sudden. I mean, that's me, but it used to call me birdietwoshoes...)

Could I start the comments back up by telling you all that I'm going to be done breastfeeding soon? ;) Rachel is 6 months old and I said I'd do it 6 months and yay!!! I'm so proud of myself 'cause I REALLY was ready to quit after the first month. But I stuck it out and I'm so glad I did. Rachel has excema (which I have really bad so I figured she might have it) and she seems to be sensitive to other things. Hopefully by breastfeeding, though, she won't be as bad as I am.
Anyway, I'm in the process of... stopping. I'm not sure the correct terminology. Basically I nurse early am, late afternoon and before bed. Hopefully this week I can get down to just am and pm.
OK, so now you're all supposed to comment about how I should keep going. ;)

Unknown said...

Testing. Testing. Am I back to birdietwoshoes now?.....

Unknown said...

Yay! :)

Elizabeth F. said...

Birdie-
Well, of course, it makes me sad to think that just when things get easy with nursing now you're going to WEAN! What in the heck are ya thinking? The beginning is sooo rough and you really stuck it out. 6-12 mos is really the sweet spot, but do what you wanna do. LOL! No, really most moms do not make it to 6 mos, so good for you! I think only 30% or so of moms who start out breastfeeding make it that far!

And, you do know that the longer you nurse, the more protection she will have from allergies, excema, and MANY other things, right? Breastfeeding has a "Dose Effect" response, which means that the more you do it, the more protection you receive. If excema is really a concern, I'd consider doing it longer, b/c formula can increase the risk of excema.

And just so I do my duty: The AAP does recommend nursing for a minimum of 1 year,and the WHO recommends 2 years of nursing. But, again...do what's right for you...no condemnation here! :-)

I do remember how exciting it was to think I'd be done nursing soon, and have my body back...but when you are done, you're done, and it's kinda sad. Near the end, every time they nurse you wonder if this time will be the last time. Cherish these last weeks.

Jenny W said...

i'm all for "let the baby decide when you're done." for some that'll be 4 months, for some it'll be 24 mos. every baby and every mommy are different; my baby was DONE DONE DONE at 11 1/2 mos. i mean done. too busy walking and gettin teeth and stuff to have to lay around with my boob in her mouth...give me a sippy cup mama so i can GO :)

Elizabeth F. said...

Boy, I'm surprised that Sara is letting Birdie off this easily...

Where, oh where are you Sara?

Sarafu said...

Yah, Sorry! We have had some cable isues that has inhibited me from being online.
I know, Excuses, Excuses! :)
My own personal opinion is similiar to Elizabeths (of Course). First, I really never understood weaning early after spending the first few months of hell trying to figure out the whole thing. After I made it through the first 3 months and it no longer hurt like hell I tought why would anyone stop now??? Of course some dont have issues in the beggining like I do. My other huge thing is that if you wean your child and then have to replace that breastmilk with formula then its too early. Formula is a REPLACMENT for breastmilk (and comes NO where close in nutritional value)so if you are weaning at a point where your child still needs formula then why wouldnt you just continue to nurse since breastmilk is the superior food. I have a TON of things that I could bring up and say why I personally dont agree with weaning before a year but like E said Kudos for at least making it 6 months. I feel sad for the babies that Never have that bond.
Again, there is No condemnation here! We just feel like we wouldnt be good friends if we didnt educate you. :) LOL!
Holy Crap, I cant beleive that Rachel is 6 months old!!!!!

Sarafu said...

Hey Ali, sorry I didnt answer your question! I havent been online in a while. I am so glad that E was able to answer it though! Hopefully that helps! Do you have a hard time letting down to the pump at all? I know some people dont pump well, especially without looking at their baby. I dont know if that is the case at all. Also, what kind of pump do you have, because that makes a HUGE difference!!!!
Keep it up though becasue only 2 months till summer vacation'!!!!

Unknown said...

Yeah, Sara come yell at me. :)

Also, can someone tell me the easiest way to wean so that my boobs don't feel like they are going to explode?! :) I'm sure Liz and Sara can give me some expert advice.

Elizabeth F. said...

Birdie-
About weaning...I would do it very gradually, like cut out 1 feeding a week or at least every 3-4 days. You want to avoid plugged ducts and mastitis. They are not so much fun. Even weaning gradually, you still may need to manually express some milk-just enough to relieve yourself if things get out of hand. I did find with my 1st born (that I weaned at 3 mos) that I still "had" milk for at least a month after her last feeding. It wasn't much, but I could express a few drops. It does dry up eventually. :-) Good Luck! And if you need any advice along the way, you know we're here for ya.

Nothing said...

Okay, I gotta ask a question. I hope I don't hurt anyone's feelings or anything, I really just want some understanding about a particular thing. I know that breastmilk is better for the baby healthwise. But Sara mentioned that she feels sad for the babies that Never have that bond and I have heard other women say the same. What is it that makes you sad for a baby/person that is/was fed from a bottle rather than a breast? In what way does the act of breastfeeding contribute to a bond that is otherwise not had?

Like I said I understand that the milk itself is better than formula but I don't understand how the act of breastfeeding causes a better or stronger or whatever bond between mother and child. I have been sitting on this question for a long time, so I finally just had to ask.

Alli said...

Thanks, Sara and Elizabeth. I'm going to look into that herb you mentioned. I'm also going to try getting replacement parts for my pump (Medela Pump in Style) to see if that helps. Lucy is 6 months and she is on solids now, so we have been giving her solids instead of formula for the past few weeks. I also will be done working (yes!) starting this summer, so it will be a non-issue as far as Lucy is concerned, but I had wanted to start donating my breastmilk, and my pumping issues seem to be hindering that goal. I can't pump ANYTHING in the evening. It's like my body is saying, "Aw, hells to the no. The baby is right there, yo. I ain't doing a thing with that evil contraption if I don't have to." My pediatrician said that some women just don't pump very well no matter what. I'll be sad if that is the case, 'cause I wanted to help out some African orphans. If you have any other ideas, I'm open to them and thanks for the advice.

Sarafu said...

Ali, It is true that some women dont well but I think normally you have ot train your body to if it is a case where it is a must. Also I meant to tell you this morning that another option for supplementing is goats milk. APparently it is the closest thing to breastmilk. I actually had a woman come in to the studio today who was giving her daughter formula as a supplement as opposed to formula. She was actually having the same problem with working and pumping but she said that she knew that it was from a stressfull week and not drinking enough water, etc... Anyway, hope that helps a bit. Hey, Once summer comes you need to come to some LLL meetings. OH, and Hey, you need to bring Lucy in for some pics!!!

As for your question Tammy, I will explain to you what I meant and why I feel the way I do but it will have to wait a bit until I can feed my kids and myself! :)
E, Feel free to answer because I know that your and mine are typiclly one and the same.

Mrs. Sara said...

"Aw, hells to the no. The baby is right there, yo. I ain't doing a thing with that evil contraption if I don't have to."

Alli, your boobs are ghetto! Except I'm relatively sure that ghetto boobs would say "with that damnz piece" instead of "with that evil contraption."

Elizabeth F. said...

Tammy,
Read my response in Sara's next post for more on why the bond is deeper with BFing vs. Bottle. Also, think about if your food comes from 1 person all of the time, naturally you are going to like them, trust them and depend on them. With Bottle feeding, anyone can feed the baby. And usually moms do bottle feed so that others can feed the baby for them while they are away or so that Dad can bond with baby etc...

I think that the Bond experienced with BreastFeeding is almost indescribable. I think you could compare that to carrying a baby inside of you. There is something special, intimate, close, etc...that no one else can experience. Breastfeeding is kinda like that too. Yes, you can adopt and love a baby, and even bond...there's just a deeper connection that will never be achieved. And, if you have never felt it you may not even know it exists. So, therefore you may not feel like you are missing out on anything. I think that's why Sara says it makes her sad...cause she knows the deeper connection that is possible for moms and babies who Breastfeed vs. bottle. There's no condemnation in this statement at all. We understand that moms choose not to nurse for a variety of reasons. That choice in itself does not make you a good or bad mom. My goal is to help any mom who wants to breastfeed her baby by lending my support, advice or encouragement...not push my personal beliefs onto anyone. I hope that helped to explain where Sara was coming from. Did I miss anything Sara?

Mrs. Sara said...

You guys make me cry every time you talk about a mother's special bond with her baby.

Seriously, I'm sitting here in my office wiping tears away at how awesome it's going to be to get to carry a little baby in my body and then feed it from my body.

I am SUCH a weirdo! LOL.

Come on, Dan, let's get to it!

hahahahaha

Sarafu said...

Awwww! You need to hurry up and start working on that!

Elizabeth F. said...

what's the deal...? (Mrs. Sara) What's taking so long? And why aren't you blogging?

Mrs. Sara said...

So long? We've only been married 6 months! You sound like my dad!!! ;)

We're waiting for Dan's situation to be sorted out and preferably for him to finish his Masters degree so that I can stay home with the widdle baby.

Our original plan was to wait a year, but I can't see us starting to try in 6 months, since Dan's losing his job in August and has no solid leads yet on a new job.

Sigh.

I know it's all in God's hands, it's just hard not knowing when things are gonna happen! LOL.

Mrs. Sara said...

Oh, and I haven't blogged in a while because I've had nothing to blog about. Hopefully that'll change soon though.

Elizabeth F. said...

Oh, I see. It will all work out girl! God's got a better plan for you guys, just wait and see. It does seem liek you've been married longer than 6 mos. though. Now, married life can't be that boring that you have absolutely nothing to blog about. :-)

Mrs. Sara said...

Haha, well I think it must also seem like more than six months to the people who were spreading rumors that Dan and I were living together before we got married!

Lovely thing, the church rumor mill, isn't it?