Winter is Coming

I'm typing this as I watch the snow fall outside my window, thinking "I should have taken the kids to the park more" and "Why didn't we go camping one last time?"
I don't want to admit that the days of darkness and temperatures down to -60 are on the way. Last year it snowed the day before my daughters birthday, May 12. It will be a long time until we have warm weather here again.
So to make myself a little more excited, I'm going to share some of my favorite things about winters in Alaska.

 The World Ice carving Championships

 Ice Slides

 Ice Tunnels

More Ice slides, this time with sleds

 Mosquitoes that don't bite

 Sled Rides from my kids

Cool, although a bit depressing time lapse photos of how much sunlight we get in the middle of winter.

Photo courtesy of UAF

And of course, last but not least, the northern lights. I'm pretty sure this right here makes up for all of it.

Image credit: http://joey-holliday.com/

Does anyone else already have snow? What are some of  your favorite winter activities?

The Forgotten Holiday

  This probably isn't the first hand-turkey you've seen.  And it's probably not the most impressive- but when I walk past this roughed-up piece of scrap paper hanging in my kitchen, I can help but feel a little burning in my nose and tears forming in my eyes as my heart swells to three times the size like the Grinch on Christmas day.

When we left church this Sunday I only thought briefly of the piece of scrap paper secured under my arm as I passed-off the baby to my husband and led our 2 and a half year old out to the car.  A puddle caught his eye and he wanted to jump in it.  (...in his church clothes)  I kind of let him briefly as I was having a moment of "Hey- This is a memory!" before I remembered I didn't want to deal with the sopping wet child on the drive home.

So I led him the rest of the way to the car and after he was strapped-in I settled into my own seat and glanced down at the paper now in my lap.  I hadn't noticed the little orange hand before.  Someone had obviously helped him trace it (he can use a fork but I'm pretty sure hand-tracing is well beyond his current dexterity skills) and they had also quickly sketched a little turkey-face on the thumb.

While I'm sure my son was more in awe of the process than the end product, (Orange and green ARE two of his favorite colors right now and those scribbles are definitely his.) it was still a tender moment for me as a mom realizing that he's starting to get to that age of awareness- where holidays are actually a thing.  An exciting period of time where things are special.  He may not remember THIS turkey-hand, but he will remember making them.  And he will probably make plenty of them.  Then one day- when he's a father with his own children... he will probably get that same butterfly-feeling I'm having when he realizes that his children are old enough to grasp the concept of "This is your hand- and now it's a turkey!"

Halloween was fun this year.  He is pretty much OBSESSED with pumpkins right now.  He's recently learned the word "scary" and he loves being a monster/dinosaur/lion etc... in the mirror making the scariest growls and snarls with his hands up like claws.  But once Halloween was over- so was the holiday-high and I found my brain on auto-pilot towards Christmas.

While part of this is the fact that we are making travel plans, budgeting shopping for presents, and being bombarded with Christmas commercials- part of it is the fact that that I feel like Thanksgiving has pretty much become a forgotten holiday.  Sure- we make plans with extended family or friends and we eat turkey...but that's pretty much it.  Almost like a pre-Christmas if you will.

This year my husband and I will be celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving!  We were married on Black Friday in 2008...and we may or may not of had a friend buy our tv set using my husband's smart phone while we were having our first dance. (In our defense it was a good deal and it's still working great!)  We thought the thanksgiving anniversary was pretty cute- because we're "thankful" for each other and all... but the holiday still wasn't making the "special" status in my book that I remember it reaching when I was a child.

And I don't think I'm alone.

[Image Source: Here]

On one hand we mourn the loss of that glorious holiday from our childhoods... and yet we skim right over the month putting up Christmas trees and looking for shopping deals. In reality- no one is really blaming you, Christmas is AWESOME.  It's only human nature to want to get to it as soon as humanly possible.  And you're not alone.  We complain that stores are putting out Christmas stuff earlier and earlier- yet someone has to be buying it or they wouldn't have it out so early. And that someone is us.

I want to say once and for all- that there is nothing wrong with being excited about Christmas.  But we can't have our cake and eat it too.  You can't be upset that there's no Thanksgiving if you're not making an active effort to make a Thanksgiving.  Holidays don't celebrate themselves.

So, as I've been staring at this hand-tukey for the past couple of days, I've come to a personal conclusion.  Thanksgiving is back on.  The stores may not agree with me- some of my facebook friends may not agree with me- and the media may not agree with me- but in our house, we are celebrating!

Here are Eleven ways to celebrate this Tukey-rific time of year:

1.) Draw a Hand-Turkey!

A classic.  Make it simple- make it intricate.  Go big, go small.  Hang them up- hand them out- let those turkey-hands shine!  I am a firm believer that these childhood memory-boosters can turn any cold turkey heart warm and toasty.

2.) Spread out the joy

You may think I'm referring to cranberry sauce or butter- but no- I'm looking at the bigger picture.  Some of the most well-loved holidays (think Halloween, Christmas, etc...) are celebrated ALL MONTH LONG!  Thanksgiving is so often limited to a one or two day event.  (Or less if you count the fact that most of us sleep nearly all day after stuffing ourselves silly.)  Try and get in the spirit now while November is still new.  Some of the best holiday memories are the activities you do in anticipation of the actual event.  

3.) Make Plans

It's really tempting to sit at home doing nothing- especially if you don't have kids at home.  You have the day off work, most people are busy with their families, the air is nice and cool... sounds like perfect napping/lounging conditions.  And while that may be ok for some people- we are celebrating!  Make an effort to find something fun to do.  Even if you don't have family in the area, there are often lots of "orphan thanksgiving" events you can attend.  Consider asking around at work, church, or finding a group through meetup.com.

4.) Dress-up

When I was little my family would always dress-up for Thanksgiving.  I'm not talking khakis and nice sweaters.  I'm talking construction paper pilgrims and indians. And of course- someone always had to dress-up as the turkey. (Sorry dad!)  This doesn't have to be limited to a childrens-only event.  It can be a lot of fun for the laid-back Thanksgiving environment (although khakis and sweaters are fine too).  Try checking out Pinterest for ideas on how to make some DIY costumes.

5.) Watch some holiday specials

Christmas isn't the only time of year with holiday specials!  Try watching some Thanksgiving episodes of your favorite television shows to help set the mood.

6.) Count your blessings

There are about a thousand and one ways you can do this.  One of the easiest/most popular that I've seen is to write a daily facebook status post with something that you are thankful for.  While this can be slightly obnoxious for your more bah-humbug facebook friends- there are bound to be a few who appreciate your positive attitude. (and you're doing this for you!)  When I was a child I remember my mom making a paper turkey and each day in November my brothers and I would add a paper tail-feather to it with something we were thankful for written on it.

7.) Make some holiday-themed treats

Have some pumpkin pie or make some turkey-shaped cookies anytime this month.  The treats don't have to be limited to the day-of. (You can always work out before swimsuit season anyway.)

8.) Decorate

Many of your halloween decorations can be re-utilized for thanksgiving.  Turn those plastic jack-o-lanterns around for some plain pumpkins to help set the harvest-mood.  Print some thanksgiving-printable subway art to hang around the house to remind you what Thanksgiving is all about.

9.) Accessorize

Paint your nails with a turkey or autumn-leaf theme.  Make a seasonal t-shirt or some onesies for the littlest turkeys in your family.

10.) Have a Party

Many people are busy with their families on actual thanksgiving.  If you want to extend the holiday-fun to more than just family you could consider throwing a pre-thanksgiving party.  This is bound to be a hit with kids who love any excuse to play games and eat goodies. (...did I say kids? I meant me.)

11.) Check out our Pinterest Page!

Our authors will be busy pinning some of our favorite Thanksgiving-related pins (Including the pictures above with their related links) onto our Thanksgiving page: 

(Clicking this will take you to our Thanksgiving Pinterest Page)

Happy Turkey Day!

A Girl and Her Pump: A Tale of a Working Mother who Breastfeeds

Did you know that roughly once a day I'm hooked to a mechanical device that vacuums the mother's milk from my body?  Oh really-no you didn't?  Because the greater majority of my coworkers, friends, and family all do.

[Image Credit: Here]

It truly doesn't sound very glamorous the way I described it, but anyone who has been tethered to a breast pump will know where I'm coming from.  When you're suctioned to that device willing the clock to move just a little faster- glamorous is the last thing you're feeling.  Uncomfortable would probably be an understatement.

Imagine you're sitting in a storage room at work.  Surrounded by discarded odds and ends, a broom without a handle, a generic box of maxi-pads, and an old dusty box television on a cart with wheels. Now add the part that you're essentially naked from the waist-up and hooked-up to one of the most awkward-looking devices involving suction cups known to man.  The storage closet is barely big enough for you to stretch your legs before they hit the door, which has a nice-sized gap under it.  A big enough gap that you can see people's shoes as they walk past you.  The people who you're praying are legally deaf because the hallway outside is silent aside from the scuffling of their feet and the device you're clutching in both hands is making a sound comparable to Niagara Falls.

The fun part is every once in awhile when someone in need of one of those supply-closet supplies comes along and their shoes stop right in front of the door.  And you freeze like a squirrel in the middle of the street when a car is coming.  You locked the door right? Maybe you accidentally unlocked it when you thought you were locking it.  What if you locked it- but they have a key?  Should you start scrambling now?  Should you just call-out and tell them not to come in? Should you stick out your legs in that teeny storage room and wedge the door shut when they try to open it?  Because they're totally going to open that door.

Thankfully- they never do.  (Ok maybe it happened once but that's another story)  But in that moment you really are convinced it's going to happen.  And it's a terrifying moment with your heart in your throat when you start to wonder if your personal choice to breastfeed after you go back to work is about to become a lot less...personal.

It's unnatural- and anyone who says it doesn't feel a little... well weird, is lying.  And as if the physical discomfort wasn't enough- the knowledge of knowing that everyone else knows doesn't help.

Making the choice to breastfeed can be like facing a hurricane.  If you don't- you're seen as selfish, incapable, or lazy.  If you do- you're seen as an extremist and holier-than-thou.  A storm of judgement, comments, unsolicited advice, and emotions of all kinds.  I've breastfed both my boys- with formula supplements when I needed a break or when I was at work. (Let the judgments fly)  And I've felt almost every range of emotion you can feel in relation to feeding your baby.  Everything from joy to guilt.

Even after I'd made the decision to breastfeed- my emotional roller-coaster wasn't over.  Going back to work had me facing another decision: to stop breastfeeding during the day, or to pump while I was at work?  In reality- I had already made my decision.  I wanted to breastfeed as long as I could, and pumping would help ensure my supply didn't dry-up.

Unfortunately- while I was comfortable with my decision, not everyone else was.  Not being available during lunch is not something that goes complete unnoticed when you're working in a highly collaborative field like teaching.  And unfortunately- my classroom is not always a realistic location to get the job done.  I've found myself cornered in more than one awkward conversation with a coworker (often male coworkers) about why exactly I can't make that lunch meeting- or where in the world do I go?

Being shy the first time around while I was pumping for my first son was a lot more realistic.  I was a new teacher- and didn't know too many people. I was also teaching 3 grade levels so I didn't have common planning or lunch time with many of my coworkers.  My absence wasn't nearly as missed.  (Although to my horror I did find out last year that I was the butt of several breast-milk jokes around campus...awkward.)  This year I've had to face the storm head-on. I've had to learn how to be comfortable with being comfortable...when I feel...uncomfortable. lol

I remember one conversation in particular where I was discussing with a non-nursing mother how/where I planned to pump during the day.  Trying to be helpful, she suggested that I go to the restroom.  When I seemed less than enthusiastic about that idea (...the bathroom? I should sit for approximately 15 minutes on an open toilet seat in a smelly cubical where people poop and pee while I handle my newborn's food? No thanks.) She then explained to me about a teacher she once knew who locked the door, turned-off the lights, and sat on the floor under her desk while she pumped.  While I agreed about the locked door and lights out- the mother was shocked when I told her I planned to just sit at my desk rather than uncomfortably huddled on the floor under it.  Despite explaining that my desk is well out of view of the door and/or any windows- she seemed appalled that I would sit there at my desk "like normal" while doing that.

I guess I could see where she's coming from.  As I mentioned before- it's not "normal"... but is it really such a big deal?  Is breastmilk really so gross that it goes in the category of things that belong in the bathroom?  Am I being too liberal in thinking it's closer to being compared to eating my lunch at my desk than some kind of unsanitary biohazard?

I honestly really don't know.

I'm not sure what makes the pumping at work scenario so uncomfortable- but I have a sneaking suspicion it's closer to the fact that everyone around you is uncomfortable about it (or you think they are uncomfortable) rather than the actual nursing mother being uncomfortable with it herself.

While I'm comfortable with own pumping... maybe I wouldn't be so comfortable if the roles were reversed with someone else.Or maybe it just has something to do with the secret vs. sacred debate.  Breastfeeding is natural, but it is also private- and not something most women are 100% open about all the time.

But enough with me type-talking to myself- and on with the (hopefully) helpful part of my post:

TIPS FOR PAINLESS PUMPING AT WORK:

While pumping isn't all daisies and roses- there are a few tricks and tips I've learned along the way that can make the process slightly less unpleasant- and maybe even a positive empowering experience.

1.) Be familiar

• Get to know your pump.  Read the manual, test putting it together and taking it apart.
• Try it out at home.  Even if you're home with your baby and you don't "have" to pump- it's a good idea to try it a couple of times to get an idea of how long it's going to take and the general process from start to finish so you aren't feeling so anxious when you're in an unfamiliar setting and a time-limit.
• Using a breast pump for the first time can be an unsettling surprise.  I would suggest trying a hand-pump first if possible.  You have a little more control and it can help you get used to the process without the automatic suction of a mechanical.
• Talk to other moms who have pumped and/or read up on some personal experiences and tips.  (Oh wait- you're already doing that!  You rock mom!)

2.) Be Prepared

• Breast pads are a must especially the first few weeks while you get used to your pumping schedule.  Nothing like an unexpected leak to put a damper on your pro-pumping attitude.
• Check your pump bag before you leave your house. (Even if you packed it the night before)
• Extra things I like to have in my pump bag aside from actual pumping/storage supplies include my smartphone, chapstick, a snack, hairties, hand sanitizer, and back-up breast pads.  
• If you're really prepared and space in your bag allows- you can even throw-in an extra back-up shirt.
• I like to keep a receiving blanket in case I find myself needing to pump in the car or somewhere that doesn't have 100% guaranteed privacy to give me a little bit of back-up modesty.

3.) Storage

• Find a storage method that works for you.  
• Keep in mind the guidelines for safely storing breast milk- and make sure that whatever method you're using is keeping your baby's milk safe.
• I prefer bags like the Lansinoh brand for long-term freezer storage.  These bags are bigger so you can fit more than the usual standard 5oz inside if you pump a little more than usual one day.  You can also freeze them flat then stack them to save room.
•  
• For short-term storage I'm a fan of Philips AVENT BPA free containers.  They have a wide opening for easy pouring- and because they are bigger than other milk-storage bottles (like the medela ones) they are fairly easy to wash and you don't have the issue of having the separated fatty-milk getting stuck inside after being refrigerated and being unused.  Plus bottles are reusable! Go green! 
• 

4.) Ambiance

• You have to own your choice to breastpump.  Feeling overly uncomfortable or intimidated is going to make you tense and make it more difficult to pump as much as you could if/when you are relaxed.
• Don't check your e-mail.  Along with the stress-minimizing effort, you want to avoid doing anything "work" like.  It's tempting to try and be "productive" while you're sitting there for a good chunk of time every day- but just remember that you ARE being productive.  You are feeding your baby (and saving your family some money!).  Set that time aside and try not to worry about anything else.
• Try and replicate your regular breastfeeding environment as much as possible.  Do you put your feet-up when you're breastfeeding your little one?  Do you browse Pinterest on your smartphone? Try and replicate the experience as much as possible to help remind your body that even though the baby isn't there- it's time to produce some milk.
• "Bring" your baby to work.  This is another great reason to bring a receiving blanket.  If it's one your little one used that morning it may smell like them, or seeing it will remind you of seeing them wrapped in it's soft fabric.  A favorite for many pumping moms is to bring a picture of their little one with them.  You could even take it a step further and have several pictures or videos on your smartphone of your baby to look at while you pump.
• Turn the lights off-check to make sure the door is locked- grab a snack and put your feet up.  Even though you don't have your baby with you- this is still your time together.  You are doing this for the soul purpose of nourishing and sustaining them.  Even if you can't be together for breastfeeding- it can still be a bonding experience to know that you are doing what you can for them while you're apart.

5.) Go Easy on Yourself

• If you are lucky enough to be able to breastfeed your little one for any amount of time- it is a blessing.  Even if you have to quit earlier than you had planned or you end up breastfeeding less often than you would have liked.
• Pumping (like actual breastfeeding) is HARD!  You may feel discouraged from time to time... and that's ok.  
• Remember to keep your personal emotional and mental health in check.  If pumping becomes a stressful obligatory burden- you may want to weigh the pros and cons of pumping at all.  
• Every baby, every mother, and every breastfeeding/pumping experience is unique.  Remember that even if you can't pump and your baby needs to be on formula during the day, you still have the option to try to continue breastfeeding when you're home at night and on the weekends.  
• Some breast milk is better than no breast milk.  And even NO breast milk is better than a stressed-out mother.  
• You know your body and your baby best- so be sure to make the best decisions for both of you.  

Happy Pumping!

A Bittersweet Farewell

We have been experiencing some changes at To Each Their Own. With the school year returning and the holidays setting-in, our lives have been picking up and our posts have been slowing down.  After some heart-to-heart talks between all the authors, two of our sweet writers have had to step down and refocus on their families.

Bianca started To Each Their Own a couple weeks later than the other authors, but her posts have been sweet and inspiring- full of sunshine and heart-warming thoughts.  While she is leaving to focus on her cute little family, she will also be continuing her Etsy business Guavaloo.  Feel free to click the link and enjoy some of her "unpredictably fun" clothing and accessory pieces.

 

Sarah has been one of the founding-"mothers" of To Each Their Own from the beginning.  It was Sarah who originally brainstormed our name after hearing the concept behind the blog, and she was responsible for initiating and running our facebook page.  Sarah's posts have been both raw and touching on a personal and spiritual level.  She opened her heart to us and we are sad to not see her thoughts regularly gracing our page anymore.  Sarah's husband and three handsome little boys are lucky to have such a beautiful wife and mama.  We wish them all the best.  

Bianca and Sarah will be deeply missed on To Each Their Own, but we are excited for what the future holds for them and we look forward to seeing where life takes these stellar mothers and wonderful women.  

Please click their pictures to read through some of the posts they have written for us here on To Each Their Own- and remember to comment with your words of encouragement as Bianca and Sarah make "their own" way.

-To Each Their Own