Attached at the Boob

I should begin by saying that I hope I don't offend anyone with this blog. I have had a few criticisms for my decision to nurse Isaac beyond one year, and this blog is mainly meant to educate those who are critical of my decision. Also, if Isaac ever says "EW, MOM! Gross! You nursed me until I was 2???" I can just refer him to this blog to show him what a gift it was (because of COURSE then he'll see it my way.... ha!)
I absolutely do not want to judge others for their decision (or because they are physically unable) to breastfeed for shorter periods of time, or to solely use formula, and on the same token, I don't feel it is okay for others to judge me for choosing to breastfeed longer.
I had intended to ween Isaac at approximately 12-15 months of age, but now that he is 14 months old, I absolutely have no intention of stopping just yet, unless he weens himself, of course.
I'll probably nurse Isaac up until he is about 2 years of age. With that being said, here is my little spiel, which details the reasons why I have made this decision. I certainly did a lot of research and, like Isaac's birth and Isaac's diet, I have armed myself with a whole lot of education on the subject before making my informed decision.
-First, the AAP (America 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."
And because frankly, I think the USA is behind in progressive childbirth and breastfeeding information, I think it's important to note that the WHO (WORLD Health Organization) reports "Breastfeeding is an unequaled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond.
-Second, there are 101 additional reasons to breastfeed. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit the link just posted. It's one of many, but I love this one. It is all research based and makes me feel quite good about my decision.

Boof!, Dong! and other Tidbits

These are two words made up by Isaac and reserved only for very specific occasions.
Boof! This is a word that Isaac uses only when he is trying to scare Abbie or Day-Z! He comes around a corner, spots one of them, and "BOOF!" He thinks it's hilarious. Abbie and Day-Z? Not so much.
Dong! [dawng] This is a word that has reared it's head a bit too much lately. Isaac thinks it's fun to gently head butt everything, especially, but not limited to his parents foreheads. As he head butts, he shouts, "Doooooong!"
Isaac's vocabulary really seems to be exploding lately. He still only says one syllable of the words he's learned (usually the first syllable,) but it seems like he is adding several words daily to his repertoire. It's quite fun to watch, and has also served as a reminder to check myself before I wreck myself - ha! Since Dave and I are teachers, we are both pretty good at censoring ourselves at appropriate times, so it shouldn't be too much of a struggle :)
In other news, SCHOOL IS OUT FOR THE SUMMER! I got out last Friday, and Dave gets out tomorrow. It's been a full week so far! Park City shopping, Gay Pride Parade, family barbeque, hiking with Julie and the dogs, more shopping, Hogle Zoo, swimming, and lots of yard work (though damnit, you can't tell from looking at the yard! UGH!) I'm so psyched to spend the summer with Dave and Isaac. Definitely the best perk of being a teacher.

Us at the Utah Pride Parade. Love to support human rights, but I'm not going to lie, my main motivation for going is definitely the sheer entertainment. It was fun, and Isaac is definitely a fan of parades. This will be his first of many :)