Stopping breastfeeding: Part Dos

It’s been about a month since I completely stopped breastfeeding. It was not easy but I am glad to have sole control over my body. I can now leave my son without fear that he won’t drink or eat because I am not there to feed him. 

Added bonus I can have a few beers without having to worry if I have had too much. Now after the initial days of stopping I still had pain. It sucked. My breasts were super sore I was being a major pain in the ass. And having my kid slap his head into my chest was the least awesome part about this. He would literally climb on top of me and bang his head on it thinking it was so funny. I continued to express a bit of milk every time I felt pain. Look the milk will eventually dry out. I was in no rush or need to get it to stop. So I just would express until I didn’t feel discomfort anymore.

 After about a week of this I could go 5-6 days without needing to get any milk out what so ever. The pain was completely gone after 2 weeks. I did need to use cold compresses a few times. I tried to use frozen veggies but they were so frozen that I could not get them to mold. All our other ice packs are for lunch bags so that didn’t work. After checking out the internet I found that using cabbage leaves could relieve some of the pain. I tried it for 2 days it seemed to help me. I don’t know if it was the cabbage for sure since it was the 2^nd week without breastfeeding. But at the time of pain I could have tried anything.  I hope my experience helps someone when the time to stop breastfeeding comes. But enjoy the time you have with your sweet baby because next thing you know they are 16^th months. What how does this happen. Seriously.   

Japan right in the middle of town.

Davis and I have been trying to find local spots (food and activities) for a while now that won’t break the bank.We definitely found the first of many this weekend. We visited the Japanese Friendship Garden in downtown Phoenix.

Yup that's a waterfall amazing right?

We went on Sunday afternoon since we were having amazing Arizona weather; cloudy and no hot sun. Upon arriving we were greeted by a few sweet volunteers and the founder of the garden Masako Takiguchi. They were very kind and gave us all the information of what to do once we entered. We bought a little bag of fish food so we could do some feeding and went on our way.

The first thing we noticed was how breathtaking it all was.

I found it hard to believe that we were in Phoenix. I felt as if we had just been transported to Japan. It was just so peaceful and serene.

Seriously it was just so beautiful and tranquil. With the freeway being so close I couldn’t hear it at all. We took in the over seen and continued on our tour. There was a sword demonstration going on.

We stopped for about 15 minutes to check it out mostly because that's how long Charles can stay quite. It was interesting and it was crazy to see the age range of the people practicing.  I swear that the youngest kid was just a little older then Charles.

 

Kenjitsu and Japanese Sword by Dana Abbott

We left because my kid of course wanted to go get the sword. We/ I made an executive decision that we would check out the rest of the garden so that the rest of the crowd could actually hear what was going on. For more info check out  www.facebook.com/shihanabbott

 We then went to feed the koi fish and ducks. When we got to the bridge the fish knew what was coming they started swimming towards us. 

Davis and the baby started feeding them and they went nuts.

 They were swirling around the maniacs.  The picture does not do it justice. We got some amazing shots. This would be an awesome shot to take pictures for a wedding or just a photo session. 

The garden is a non profit organization you can check out more about the history and fees at www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org/.  They opened almost 12 years and offer a traditional tea ceremony. You can call to set up a reservation.

Once we left we headed over to Pita Jungle which is in walking distance. But we drove cause that’s how we roll. 

We hung out on the patio and had a few drinks and hummus. The margaritas were definitely on point. Charles made a couple new friends by running off and trying to sit with other couples. They were all so friendly and made our outing extra special. 

We topped of the night by watching a few movies on the couch and going to bed at a descent time. Oh how our life has changed since having a baby. No more late nights out and crawling into bed by 6 am.

Did you do anything new this weekend? 

Frame worthy.

Meatless Monday: One Pot Meal

This is a meal I have made a couple of times. It started when I saw those one pot meals on Pintrest. I read the directions and I was like I can make this. I walking into my kitchen and I didn’t have all the ingredients needed so I just used what I had.

white onion was already in the pan cooking.

Now I have fine tuned it to how my family likes it. This is a hearty and warm dish; I really like to make it on chillier days here at home.

Let’s get cooking

First a use the biggest sauté pan I have add a little oil or cooking spray whatever you like to use. I use about ¼ of a white onion and start to brown it.

Once that is going I get 4 and a half cups of cold water. Once the onions are nice and translucent I add 4 cups of water over medium heat. Then add 1 and ½ cups of tomato sauce. Stir and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and let that sit until the tomato paste is starting to dissolve. Now you can add 2 tablespoons of bouillon (I used chicken flavor but you can use what you have or veggie flavor).  At that point go a head and add your pasta and make sure that it is fully by the liquids.

 I now start getting the tofu drained and cut it up into little cubes. I use extra firm tofu but have used silken before. We prefer the extra firm for this meal. Now the soup will have started to thicken and I use the last ½ cup of water.

 Stir it good at this point. I used about 4 cups of spinach leaves for this because we really love it with it. It gives this meal such a great color and flavor. You can adjust it to what you like. I quickly run my knife thru the leaves and toss them in with the rest of it give it a few more good stirs cover it  an let it cook for a good 20 minutes.

 I serve it up with some Parmesan bread and start eating.

 Hope you enjoy another meal less meal. 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

It Feels like the new year has just started and already we are celebrating Valentine’s Day later on this week. Here are a few ideas on what gifts to get. I am so excited to celebrate this year it really makes a big difference as my son gets older. I look forward to all sorts of events that I never really did before. Whether it’s making festive cookies and picking up some valentine’s cards. I just love them so much more now with this little wild child running around. 

Kate Spade Satchel, Pink Layla Necklace, Kate Spade SquareStuds, Theo Dark Chocolate,  RoseCosmetic Pouch, Pink Moscato, O.P.I. Lacquer.

Justified Tee, Trophy Martini, Datevitation, Money Clip, Polar Watch, Chocolove.

Dear Angel, Dyson Vacuum, Mum Mum, Dear Angel, Carter for her Pj's, Mellisa and Doug Cookie Set, Carter for him Pj's. 

The dear angel products we were introduced to in our bluum box. They are really soft and easy to grab and go. Charles and my niece really love these little blankies.

We have most of the thing on the list except for the Dyson vacuum. I really want to get this for him because he is in love with our vacuum. When ever we are cleaning and he sees it he makes a beeline for it. I think I may have finally convinced my husband to let me get it for him. Hope this makes your Valentine’s Day shopping just a little easier or at least sparks an idea on what to get your loved ones. What’s the best gift you ever gave to someone on love’s day?

Sorry for the grainy picture but this was from my phone like 7 years ago.

Mine’s well was more like a prank in 07' some of my friends and I put like a thousand sticky notes on one of our friends new car and wrote all over it.