Baby Doll's Bottles

As a young girl with many younger siblings, my mom nursing a baby meant nothing to me.  I knew that is how babies ate, and left it at that. When my mom diapered a baby, I diapered my doll. When she breast fed, I lifted my shirt and pretended to do the same. I never had a bottle for my baby dolls, which I later learned my mom tossed - and rightfully so. I will do the same with my daughter, as I want to set an example for her.

The media primarily portrays babies eating from a bottle. This is not natural, and the media is doing a diservice in teaching our children that that is the normal way to feed infants. Unfortunately, it is partly my job as a parent to teach my children about deceptive practices of formula companies. 

Today I saw this article about a baby doll that nurses. The little girl wears a bib type thing and the baby nurses from a flower. The flower was probably the best substitute found for a nipple. Odd, but little girls probably don't want to think about a dark and large areola caused by pregnancy hormones. 

It is misleading that the flower changes when a "nipple becomes cracked." Nipples rarely become cracked if feeding is done correctly. This perpetuates the false notion that breast feeding hurts. 

The manufacturers of this doll had good intentions. It is sold in Spain, so a cultural difference probably exists. Promoting breast feeding to little girls is healthy for their futures and smart for society. The doll maybe needs a modification or two, but it is a welcome change from dolls with bottles. 

The Jessica Bag

I had lunch two weeks ago with a friend from high school. She is a more experienced SAHM, so I was eager to mooch ideas. She came into the restaurant with a great one: a bag filled with crayons, coloring books, books, and just little stuff to occupy the kids while they wait to eat.

That is so simple. Why didn't I think of that? (I'll catch on more, after awhile). She told me she leaves the bag in the car so she can pull it out when they go in somewhere. 

So, I made my own. We have a five hour trip to Michigan, starting Saturday, and I wanted my Jessica Bag before I left. I spent $10 at Target in the $1 section. I wrapped all the "gifts" with scraps of birthday and Christmas wrapping paper. I'll let Ty open one every so often as we travel. Then they will go in the bag. Organized me!

SAHM successes are important, and their value will show in our children. 

School Supplies

I was in Wal-Mart yesterday and I got down on myself for two reasons. One, I don't like Wal-Mart.  Two, Ty threw himself down (on the floor) in front of the toy section and screamed and kicked his feet. I suggested to the hubby that we take both kids and shop together, so I blamed myself a little. Hubby completely blamed me, but he did agree to it.

Also, I realized I am not a teacher anymore.

Back-to-school supplies adorned end-caps and jealousy overwhelmed me. I want to buy and organize them. I want to feel the promise of a new school year and of lesson plans. I want to do so, but know a new person has probably decorated my old classroom. I also know that quitting my job will help my children. I couldn't do both jobs well. I am mourning the loss of some of my identity.