MY DAZE

Listed below is what you would be asking of president-elect Barack Obama if you chose to sign this petition created by the United States Breastfeeding Committee.

Please take the following actions to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding, the foundation of lifelong health:

1. Instruct the Surgeon General to issue a statement in support of breastfeeding urging all sectors (governmental and non-governmental) involved in supporting women, children, and families to improve their breastfeeding policies.

2. Enact a national paid family leave policy.

3. Endorse the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes as well as the Global Strategy for Infant & Young Child Feeding.

4. Ask the Federal Trade Commission to monitor infant formula marketing.

5. Ask the Food and Drug Administration to include labeling on powdered infant formula warning that it is not sterile and providing instructions on how to properly reconstitute it.

6. Highlight the benefits for employers of workplace breastfeeding support programs as part of your program to promote flexible work arrangements.

7. Urge all insurers to cover lactation care and support services.

8. Approve an increase in breastfeeding support funds for the USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), especially to support the peer counseling program.

9. Instruct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to recommend that all hospitals achieve the Baby-Friendly designation.

10. Ensure that emergency management agencies are trained in breastfeeding support and have breastfeeding supply kits available for distribution in emergencies.

Riok turned two on November 4th, but I didn't have my photos ready. Better late than never. Happy Birthday Riok!! I hope you are enjoying your new bike! I love you with my whole heart and although things have been challenging lately, I couldn't do it without you. I love you, baby!

...on October 30th!!!
Happy Birthday Baby Girl!
Pregnant, a little over 12 years ago....*sigh* (I'm SO old!!!)

Beautiful new baby girl.

Mama loves you, baby

Look how big you are on your first day of school!!

This is one of my favorite all time pics. What a cutie!!

Mommy and Kyla camping.

This is one of Kyla's best friends. They have been together since he was born and he was also here for her 12th birthday party. How awesome is that?! Most of us, as adults, often have a hard time keeping friends for 12 years or more!!

I sewed this BEAUTIFUL creation for Halloween. The fairy wings that went with it are not in this photo, but I worked my butt off on this! I wish I still had the energy and positive thinking for undertakings of this grandeur. I suppose it truly is time to start exercising. *sigh*

Kyla, you truly are a SUPER GIRL!!!

We are a silly family. Thank goodness. I'm not sure I could get through this life sometimes without your laughter. So much of who I am, I owe to you.

You are so strong! You went through several levels of swimming during one season. The older you get, the more I enjoy watching you succeed through physical activity. I am envious of your natural ability at sports. Of course, I'm also a little shamed that you turned a former 'stoner' into a soccer mom.

People say you look like me. Don't worry baby, they're full of crap. You are so much prettier than your mama could ever hope to be. As you're nearing your teens, I am VERY nervous about how absolutely beautiful you are.

The girls on Mother's Day.

See.....SO PRETTY!!!

Kyla with Aunt Chelsey and her brother, Riok.

On Mommy's 30th birthday, just a few months ago...

As Kyla's birthday is so close to Halloween, we often have costume parties...Kyla decided to be a cheerleader for her party this year.

Earrings from Claire's. She also raked in a ton of cool stuff from Hot Topic.

She was equally thrilled and disgusted upon opening her tween gift of sports bras and a shaving kit. Think how shamed she'll be when she reads it online! *gasp*

Happy Birthday Kyla.