I’m trying to put myself on a blogging schedule. So that I’m pretty much constantly writing even if I don’t particularly want to… Mainly so I don’t get rusty. So, I have written down something to do each day. That way I’ll be creating something. Then I’ll just be adding more when something happens that I want to impart or that catches my eye. Nothing wrong with that.

Anywho – I’m going to be highlighting other bloggers on Thursdays. Not reviewing. Just sharing. These will be bloggers that I personally read. They may be particularly famous or not at all. You just never know.

My first bloggy highlight is Julie at A Little Pregnant.

If you were to categorize her, she both an infertile blogger and a mommyblogger.

She’s snarky, fun, serious, and knowledgeable. In enjoy reading her, even when it’s terribly sad, such as the difficult birth of her son, or the recent passing of her dad. I suggest reading her. I HIGHLY suggest reading her if you’re suffering infertility of any sort, secondary, etc.

So… Any of you know some online creative writing (beginner) programs?

I’d like to not sacrifice my children’s college education by taking one freaking class.

So – can anyone point me in a direction?

I’m a reader of MomReady.com – which I find to be a fabulous resource of ideas for little household parenting things… Such as this electronics docking station – which I am SO going to make for the new house. Got an email today that reads:

Dear Readers,

We want to let you know that we are starting a brand new referral contest today and we will be having a drawing on July 5th for a fabulous gift basket from Madallie.com: A Chidren’s Travel Store.

Madallie.com is an online children’s travel store, created by two moms who truly understand the challenge of traveling with kids. Their store carries games, crafts, art projects, cuddly toys and pillows to keep kids entertained, (and provide some relax time for their parents) while on the go. Whether it’s a family vacation, a long car ride to grandma’s or sleep-away camp, they’ve got tons of great stuff!

Included in this amazing gift basket will be a Kids Travel Journal, Madallie Shawl, Wizardology 100 Piece Puzzle, Summer Camp Photo Album, Washable Scented Markers, Madallie Travel Pillow, Madallie Cuppa Knitting, Madallie Vintage Clipboard, Camp Fold & Mail Stationary, The Amazing Game Board Book, and Travel Scratch & Sketch Book.

How do you enter the contest? For every 5 subscribers you refer to momready, we enter your name in the drawing. Tell your friends to type in your name in the “referred by” section of the sign-up page to receive credit. Remember, the more people you refer the better your chances.

So rally up a few friends to sign-up for momready this week and increase your chances to win. Entice them with this fabulous gift basket…there’s plenty to share!

Good luck to you all!

So! Go sign up, and tell them I sent ya! I promise it’s good useful ideas. Tell them Michele W at sparksfley at gmail dot com sent you.

Don’t forget to vote for me!!

Breastfeeding is hard. I don’t care what anyone has ever said about it. For me, it was hard.

With Joseph, it was a non-event. He was early, and he couldn’t suckle with much strength. Of course I didn’t find out until his first checkup in which he had lost way too much weight. I pumped for 2 months. He never did go back on the breast. Our days and nights went like this… He wakes up about every 2 hours. I feed/diaper, get him back to sleep, or settled, and pump. 45 minutes each side. I lay down and sleep for 20 minutes. I get up and start all over again. I didn’t have a great supply, so I couldn’t pump ahead and freeze. After 2 months I just couldn’t take it anymore. I started with formula.

Logan I was able to breastfeed, and I lasted about 3 months. I have to admit, part of the problem was social pressure. We had a hard time latching on. I had to press my nipple just so, and give it to him at just the right angle. I also had to SEE to do it. So, if we were out in public, I would have to pull out a baby blanket, put it over the top of both of us (including my head – I had to see). Talk about hot and sweaty and scratchy. He was born in May so this all happened in the heart of summer.

Because, you see, I wouldn’t want to OFFEND anyone.

I regret all of that. I do. I really really do.

Then there’s this photo of Maggie Gyllenhaal. Which of course started the comments. Dude. I’m not going to go into it, because the Queen has already said it perfectly. And she started the Tit Brigade.

I sent her my photo. Those breasts attempted to feed two children in two years. It wasn’t sick. It wasn’t sexual. It was an attempted best start for my baby. And I’m sorry for the new mom I used to be – ’cause I didn’t just bare ’em and let others deal so I could feed my child (a basest of needs.) So I’m baring ’em now.

And any one who doesn’t agree can suck my you know what.

Don’t forget to vote for me!!