Mmmm....strawberries

We are the NORM

Breastfeeding your child past infancy is NORMAL

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child... Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother... There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (AAP 2005)

• The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that breastfeeding continue throughout the first year of life and that "As recommended by the WHO, breastfeeding should ideally continue beyond infancy, but this is not the cultural norm in the United States and requires ongoing support and encouragement. It has been estimated that a natural weaning age for humans is between two and seven years. Family physicians should be knowledgeable regarding the ongoing benefits to the child of extended breastfeeding, including continued immune protection, better social adjustment, and having a sustainable food source in times of emergency. The longer women breastfeed, the greater the decrease in their risk of breast cancer." They also note that "If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned." (AAFP 2008)
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  Breastfeeding children benefit NUTRITIONALLY 

  • In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:
    
    • 29% of energy requirements
    • 43% of protein requirements
    • 36% of calcium requirements
    • 75% of vitamin A requirements
    • 76% of folate requirements
    • 94% of vitamin B₁₂ requirements
    • 60% of vitamin C requirements
    -- Dewey 2001
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    Breastfeeding children are SICK LESS OFTEN

• "Antibodies are abundant in human milk throughout lactation" (Nutrition During Lactation 1991; p. 134). In fact, some of the immune factors in breastmilk increase in concentration during the second year and also during the weaning process. (Goldman 1983, Goldman & Goldblum 1983, Institute of Medicine 1991). 

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Camping in Lostine

Bees say Buzzzzzzzzzz

Watching the bees. Singing with them.

Cupboards = opportunity to reorganize floor decor

How to sneak into cupboards

How to sneak into cupboards without mom noticing: Close the cupboard door so she can't see you..

Dogs chase cats

Nap buddies

I scream for ice cream.

Oh! That's cold!

But, oh so yummy!

It's okay if you drop it. Grass makes it yummier.

or not.

Garden helper

Labeling plants.

Dumping dirt.

Sprinklers are the BEST!

Until someone turns off the water!

How to dance at a wedding.

Grab a drink or two.

Grab a friend or two.

Had a great time? Time to relax!

Dot, dot, dot

Did you blink? I did.

This cute baby face is gone. 

It has become the face of the guy who fixes my car.