Weekend? What weekend!?

It's already Tuesday, and I swear I can't even remember it being Thursday yet from last week!  Where does the time go, and who is making it go so quickly??

We had a fabulous treat this weekend with the surprise arrival of our friend Whit.  It was seriously a surprise.  We had no idea he was coming and he didn't want to make us feel obligated/overwhelmed (his words) by telling us he wanted to come hang out, but of course we wanted to hang out!!  It was great but just a tad stressful trying to fit everything in (per usual).  I keep saying that we're going to get less busy, but I guess we're too busy to figure out when that will be!

Friday night we enjoyed a fun supper group dinner at Bri and Howie's (complete with Bri breaking out her flute from middle school and Benjamin trying out a saddle on sweet Oscar).  Too bad I didn't take any pictures of anything else, because it was fun :)

 

Saturday morning I met up with my mentees from last year (who both did super great during their first year of college!) while Matt joined Whit and Amber on a hike in Boulder.  Not too surprisingly, he got VERY hot and sweaty, and I'm pretty sure Benjamin ended up on the back of Whit for most of the hike ;)

That afternoon Matt, Benjamin, and I stopped by a bbq in Broomfield at the home of my old Student Venture Leaders for a "reunion" of sorts with some of the people from our bible study way back in the day (like 15 years ago!).  A few folks were in from out of town, a lot of folks were missing, but it was great to catch up and see all the kiddos we've all managed to produce over the years :)  I'm so thankful for this group of people - though we may not keep in touch often, my life was forever changed by/with them all those years ago.  God definitely is good :)

Here Benjamin, try chewing on my hand for a change

Saturday night we enjoyed a tasty Mexican dinner in Amber's new 'hood and helped her get ready for her housewarming party, but Benjamin's fussiness and extreme displeasure with being away from home forced us to make an early exit before the party got too crazy.  I was sad to miss the party (her place is awesome!), but it was good to get BW to bed and get ready for another busy day on Sunday!

Sunday morning (while Whit and Amber took a hot air balloon ride over Boulder - jealous!?!?!?), Matt packed up for his work trip and we headed to Louisville to squeeze a family band practice in.  Benjamin enjoyed some of the tunes but inevitably got a little cranky being away from home again.  Sadly, we had to bail on City Park Jazz that night as I just didn't have it in me to take him out one more time, especially since Matt was off to New Jersey and Florida for a long work trip.

 Family Band Groupie:

Thanks so much for coming to visit, Whit!!  We love you :)

Matt's away till Thursday night so it's back to the grind for me - school, work, and a crazy busy baby boy! And to shake things up a bit, I even had jury duty yesterday :)  Thanks to Amber for watching the little man while I was performing my civic duty!

We miss you dad!

What is best?

Yesterday was Benjamin's 6 month checkup; a chance to visit the pediatrician we love, find out how BW is faring, and chat about the little man (and his tummy).  We have been so blessed with a phenomenal pediatrician whom we met when Benjamin was just one day old.  He has a closed practice but graciously agreed to take us in and essentially held our hands as we anxiously awaited word on CF.  After getting the great news about Benjamin's health, our doctor has continued to be a terrific resource (and therapist at times) for us as we dealt with things like not being able to breastfeed and later BW's milk colitis.  In a huge practice in Denver, it's been nice to build a "real" relationship with our pediatrician.

Our visit yesterday was no different.  We talked about Benjamin's development (he's a rockstar), his growth (best two months yet!  He's up to the 41st% in weight!), his tummy (we're cautiously moving forward hoping to kick the colitis in the next 6 months if possible), my concerns (silly things that nag at a new parent, like "should he be saying consonants yet??"), and all sorts of things.  We talked about how Benjamin got croup back in June and how he also had a little cold this week... and the snappy pessimist in me snarked "oh, you know, probably because I can't breastfeed".  And while I don't really mean it, it's hard not to have doubts and fears when you're not doing what is best for your baby.  So, I guess, in a way, I did kind of mean it.

Thankfully, our doctor rolled his eyes at me and said, "Ali, you're right.  Clearly Benjamin is going to turn out terribly because he doesn't get breastmilk."  And I laughed, and he continued, "You need to not let those thoughts make you feel bad or guilty, the reality is that the medical findings about breastmilk do show some increase in health benefits for babies, but in reality, those increases are often so minutely small that it could end up in one breastfed baby getting 1/2 a cold less than a formula-fed baby over the course of a year.  Yes, of course breastmilk is the best option, but it's not your best option, and I don't think it will make much difference at all to Benjamin.  He's clearly a very happy boy."


{sigh of relief}

Now, I know this debate happens all over the place: breastmilk vs. formula.  And as I talked about at length in previous blogs, I was absolutely heartbroken and devastated when I wasn't able to breastfeed Benjamin.  For Benjamin, and for myself.  And it's no doubt a difficult thing listening to other moms who have had no problem breastfeeding and seem to almost take for granted how difficult it is/was/can be for other moms.  Like, duh, everyone can breastfeed.  I have a few friends who have had incredibly tough times with the whole process and continue to feel like failures when they begrudgingly have to turn to formula.  And when people ask me how breastfeeding is going, I have to muster up a way to sheepishly say that we just weren't able to.  And yes, my son is formula-fed.

Anyway, I'm writing about this today because a friend recently sent me this interesting article that coincidentally fit perfectly with what my pediatrician and I talked about yesterday.  It's not often you hear about a case against breastfeeding (and no, it's not even against, it's more about not putting it on such a pedestal), so it was quite intriguing.  The fact that it comes from a reputable magazine with well-documented research didn't hurt either.  If you're interested in reading it (and I'd encourage it if you're needing some non-negative words about formula), you can find it here: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/04/the-case-against-breast-feeding/7311/1/.

Yes, I know that breastfeeding would be the ideal situation for me and Benjamin (so please don't get upset with me if you happen to be a breastfeeding nazi), but I also know that whatever he lacks from the "perfect food" (which, incidentally, could be very little according to the article and some research), I know I make up for in time cuddling with him, reading to him, encouraging his development, loving him unconditionally, exposing him to the world, and simply enjoying life with him.  You can breastfeed a baby all you want, but in the end, breastmilk won't reassure a little boy that he's loved, teach him about right and wrong, and help him experience grace and forgiveness.  That's what his parents are for, and I am thankful to have a partner than can not only do those things with me but can also help feed him whenever I am stressed and exhausted (which is often!) - one benefit to formula feeding that should not be overlooked!  An extra cold here and there?  Well, I think we can handle that.

I am thankful to have a baby who is growing well, getting smarter every day, seems to absolutely love people, and is generally happy.  I don't want or need to feel embarrassed or ashamed (anymore) that he is formula-fed.  I want to feel proud of all the great things he is and will become. 

(Btw, he was a trooper with the shots, and even gave me some nice big grins when we got home)

Independence Day!

Though it was almost a week ago, I didn't want to forget posting my pictures from 4th of July!  We had a great day with great friends and even ventured out in the evening to try and catch some fireworks. 

Most of Independence Day was spent at the Westras enjoying a bbq in their backyard before heading to their neighborhood parade.  The babies enjoyed the shade and the adults enjoyed some time together!

Hitching a ride in Boaz's fancy stroller - I love this pic with the flags!

Walking to the parade - we even brought the portable Bose speakers to share patriotic tunes with everyone along the way :)

 Catching a little relief in the shade:

 A marching band from Minnesota was the highlight of the parade! :)

On our way home, we decided to try to see some fireworks.  So, we grabbed some delicious Mexican food to go (a perfect meal on Independence Day to represent the contributions other countries have made to our great nation ;) ), and we headed to Barnum Park to see if we'd get a good view of the show that would be happening at Sports Authority Field.  Apparently we were not the only ones with this idea, as there were about 1000 people there... but it was fun nonetheless!  Sadly, the fireworks started super late, Benjamin was not feeling the whole scene (especially so late after his bedtime), and to top it all off, the fireworks ended up being pretty lame.  But, it was an experience to say the least!  Overall, it was a terrific first 4th of July for our Future President :)