Crown Jewels Run Dry

Just about a year ago I became familiar with the term "Dairy Queen." A homage to the breastfeeding mom who was filling her baby up with loads of healthy stuff to start life off on the right track.

My first week at it was rough but now it's like second nature. Only problem is that it seems that the reserves are drying up.

No, Hannah isn't going hungry but my every-other-night pumping sessions are rather lackluster these days. Back in the day 10 minutes of pumping would yield 4 ounces. A suitable serving for my hungry baby. But lately my 10pm pumps have trickled from 3 to 2 to 1 ounce(s).

Today I tried to bulk up on nursing tea (with multiple pee breaks throughout the day) and got a measly 2 ounces out of it.

Yes, I have a freezer full of 2 ounce servings but unfortunately two nights worth of pumping will be needed for one bedtime feeding.

I actually think the whole thing is pretty ironic considering that we just recently hit the milestone of someone other than myself being able to put Hannah to bed. So now that we actually can (and want to) go out, we have to pick our nights so as not to run out of liquid gold (or milky white).

At least Hannah's bedtime is somewhat accommodating at the early hour of 6pm. And we're just 3 months away from hitting the cow's milk mark.

So maybe it really is just my body's way of starting the weaning process.

Hey, if this body is willing to take its time (unlike the grand entrance 9 months ago), I'm all for it.

Olympian Mom

The olympic torch passed through Montreal yesterday creating quite a stir with young and old alike.

A few lucky hopefuls were selected to run with the flame and I just happen to know the lady you ran the 5:15 leg of the race.

A working mom of two, an actress, a singer and now an olympic torch bearer.

Lisa Rubin.

She was a guest blogger on Mommy Said What?. Her blog entry here is definitely worth a read.

Thanks Lisa for giving moms everywhere, a well deserved, pat on the back.

Heinz Recall

Thanks to Abigail's mom for passing along the link to the Heinz cereal recall.

I had just actually bought Hannah a bag but luckily it is not the cereal in question. Funnily enough though, Hannah hates it. I thought she would love the mango, pineapple, pear mixture but it seems as though she likes to start her day off best with Beech Nut Good Morning Cereal.

A warm bowl of oatmeal, on a blustering morning...guess I can't blame her.

Wonder Week 37

Hannah turned 39 weeks old yesterday (or 9 months old).

Since she was born two weeks early, that puts her in the perfect position for the 37th wonder week.

A good explanation for recent clinginess, hesitation towards strangers and a vehement dislike for having her diaper changed (or is it teething?)

So what is this wonder week all about?

It's called the World of Categories.

Humans, animals and objects all fit into their own "boxes". To get to this leap, a lot of examination is involved. Staring at and feeling all sides of blocks, sitting in deep thought, tons of food on the floor, trying to make sense of the world around her.

So what can mom and dad (or grandma and grandpa) do to help in the learning process? Tons of mirror time, playing copycat, naming everything we touch and trying to get baby to participate in tasks (handing us things).

According to the book, weeks 40 to 45 are supposed to be pure heaven full of cheerfulness, independence and progress.

Here's to a ninth month that will hopefully most definitely be noteworthy!

Protect-a-Bub Giveaway

As the temperature drops, thought I would pass this along for your chance to win a little warmth:

Okay, so here's the deal. We want to connect with more of our customers, so we're having a big fat giveaway to encourage people to become a fan of Protect-a-Bub on Facebook. For the next 4 Wednesdays in December, we're going to give away one Snuggle Bub (our fleece stroller bunting) and one Sweet Adeline (our fleece front carrier cover).

The catch?

You have to become a fan of Protect-a-Bub on Facebook to enter. We'll randomly select a winner (every fan is automatically entered) and post the winner on Facebook, our blog, and our twitter page.

*You can only win once and employees of Dynamic Brands, our parent company, and their family members are not eligible to participate.

Make sure to tell your friends and other parents in your network. Our Snuggle Bubs and Sweet Adelines are must-have cold weather items so get them before Old Man Winter really starts to get nasty! If you aren't fortunate enough to win one of these great items, they're both available on Target.com.

See you on Facebook!

Personalized Presents

I have previously mentioned Gwyneth Paltrow's website: GOOP.

Today's issue of the newsletter featured some super cool gift ideas, one of which I'd like to share with you.

To quote Gwyneth:

"Em Tanner’s personalized melamine plates quickly became a colorful basic in my kitchen this year. You can make a cartoon portrait of your kid, or even put a family friend’s entire gang on a set of say, six. Plates start at $24."

What a great gift idea for the holidays! Especially for that picky eater who needs an extra push to gobble up protein and vitamins. Best of all, they deliver to Canada!

And while you're there, be sure to check out other fun items including personalized hair clips, aluminum water bottles and more.

The countdown has begun...9 days till Hanukkah, 23 days till Christmas...time to get your shop on.

Status Quo No Go

Last week we visited Hannah's new school/daycare that she will be attending as of September 2010. It is a wonderful school with 3 teachers per class, homemade (kosher) meals and a slew of specialists on staff including a social worker, physical therapist and occupational therapist.

The visit really put my mind at ease about sending her off at 18 months to socialize, learn and give mommy some spare time.

In that spare time, being a stay at home mom would be a dream. Whipping up gourmet dinners, keeping a tidy house, greeting Hannah with a welcome home smile.

But why stick to the status quo?

Family vacations, a private education, summer camp, skiing...I want Hannah to enjoy all of the luxuries my parents were able to provide to me as a kid.

So Jobboom, Monster and hopefully some great connections will be on my mind (and search engine) this summer...on the hunt for a new job. Hopefully, one that offers flex hours and other perks to accommodate working moms.

In the 6 months post mat leave and pre-daycare, I have decided to take a stab at my freelance career. Marketing, public relations, copywriting and event planning. So while I still have 3 months to relish in the delight of my daughter and mat leave, please do pass my coordinates along to anyone you may think requires some creative services.

And maybe with enough hard work, referrals and luck, I just may be approving my very own flex hours.