Oh, don't worry about reciprocating...life is too short to worry about that. :) Wonderful about WAP! I swear it's the most sensible way of eating, although it does take some effort to get there.
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Oh, Paige, I'm so sorry breastfeeding didn't last as long as you wanted. I would be heartbroken, too! But wow, eight months is seriously amazing for breastfeeding premature twins. YOU ARE AWESOME. And good for you for supplementing with formula when you knew your babies needed it. This post just illustrates what a conscientious mother you are.

You are right about the lack of support. I see it everywhere...formula feeders that shrug it off, and lactivists that just can't accept that you are done or that you've done everything reasonably (and perhaps even unreasonably) possible. Sometimes it just reaches a point where it is no longer about saving breastfeeding, but rather about switching your mentality to one that is most healthful to you and your children. And sometimes the milk really does just run out.

You mentioned some formula options that from my limited experience sound like good ones, and I love that you added probiotics and omega-3 supplements (cod liver oil is the best! especially fermented cod liver oil!). When you switch to formula, I believe the solids play a much greater role in a baby's development. I've started recommending a traditional foods approach (such as outlined by the Weston A Price Foundation) or a GAPS approach (for those with digestive issues) for introducing solids to babies. Both diets are nutrient-dense and easily digestible.

Hugs to you Paige. Glad you are feeling a bit better.
My recent post Gut and Psychology Syndrome

Awesome. I should try this. Currently I alternate between washing with water and a washcloth or washing with castile soap, and occasionally with baking soda. The baking soda is what I was previously using, and while it was cheap and natural, it dried my face out and perpetuated the oil problem. After washing, I use coconut oil as a moisturizer. Sounds like your method doesn't even require a moisturizer! I do like the results of using only water and sometimes castile soap. My skin doesn't get all dried out and I can go so much longer without washing. Wouldn't it be great to be like people in the olden days who just splashed some water on their face and called it good?
My recent post Gut and Psychology Syndrome

Awesome Paige! I acquired some kefir grains last summer but didn't really know what I was doing. I didn't know they had to acclimate? Mine turned out like yours, too sweet and not carbonated, although it smelled and tasted a little fermented. Then I thought I ruined them because I put in cherries that I'm pretty sure were sulfured. Oops. I just threw them away.

I want to try again, though, especially after reading this. So you can just store the grains in a container without any sugar water to feed them? Milk kefir grains have to be stored in milk, so that's interesting.

Good article. Seriously I think I got more info out of this than anything else I've read on water kefir.
My recent post Gut and Psychology Syndrome

Oh, yes. Watermelon. I know how that goes...you were smart to take the shirt off, that stuff surprising has very stubborn staining abilities!

I finally signed up. I did actually write today, yay! I only pledged 15 min because I have blog posts and a book I'm reading to finish, too. But once those are out of the way, hopefully I can spend more time on my novel!

Oh, my goodness, that melted my heart, too. And this post is so sweet. I had never even thought to tell my son he has a guardian angel. Need to remedy that...

You've changed my blog-reading life forever.

I totally agree! I am so torn about whether to use scraps or buy new fabric, because on the one hand, I like to be thrifty and use what I have, but on the other hand, I am very aesthetically driven, and feel I'd be happier to see pretty things. I mean, I just made my son a backpack out of my husband's old shirts, and it is so blah to me. I bought so cute new fabric to make another one! But maybe I could get more creative and make something truly pleasing out of scrapes. We'll see. Good to know we have tons of old clothes and fabric scraps around in case we need them.

My dad was kind of like the dad you saw at Costco. He wasn't raised well, just didn't know how to be a good dad. I like what you said about dads touching their kids. I think if I had had a good relationship with my father and if we had been affectionate with one another, it would have saved me from so much trouble I got into with boys during my adolescence.

My husband is a wonderful dad. He plays with our son every day. He probably spends and average of three hours or more with him every day. Maybe more. He's so kind to him. I'd say more but I my son is asking for me.