"Ain't about what's waiting on the other side, it's the climb..."

PJ's new thing has been climbing out of his crib! It came out of nowhere- one day he was rattling the door when I thought he was safe, sound and asleep. After that, he became a climbing machine!

That nerd.

As good as he is at climbing, the constant in and out isn't a good thing. He hasn't fallen or hurt himself at all- in fact, he's pretty stealth! Still, his being hurt isn't something I want to risk, so tonight is his last night in his crib. Tomorrow, Pete and I will convert it to a toddler bed and transition him into sleeping that way. It's time. On Christmas Eve, he climbed out and then couldn't get back in so he fell asleep on the floor! Today, he did the same thing, but instead of the floor, he fell asleep in his rocking chair:

It was actually really. stinking. cute. Nonetheless, it's time, and I have only cried once.

Tonight.

So far.

It's my baby's last night in his crib. {tear}

"Hello, my friend. Hello."

So. Very. Tired.

It's been a strange few days,

alternately hectic and slow;

heavenly and harrowing.

PJ was sick the week of his birthday

and the week after his party!

Wait. What?

Yup, you read that right!

Peter Joseph had a birthday!

My baby boy is a TWO YEAR OLD!

I have lots to say about that

but it will have to be for another evening.

That sickness I referred to

wreaked havoc with PJ's sleep and

when PJ isn't sleeping

Mama's not sleeping, either!

So, we're a tired bunch here.

Either way, I just wanted to stop by my blog

on this very windy, warm-for-winter evening

to say hello before I head off to bed!

Hello!

And goodnight.

:-)

(that rumble is Dr. Suess rolling in his grave...)

Oh, The Places You'll Nurse!

(also known as "Dear Dr. Suess, I Am Really, Really Sorry About This!")

Congrats to you, Mama!

Today is your day!

You've got a great bra on!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your mellon.

You have boobs on your chest.

You've made the decision that

Breastmilk is Best!

Just you and your baby

Is how this will go!

Just latch, letdown, lunch

Will be all that you know!

This breastfeeding biz

Will be quite a breeze!

You'll whip out your knockers

Wherever you please!

But that chest-full of boobs

And that melon with brains

May sometimes feel like

Breastfeeding's a strain.

And sometimes it's hard

Things make you say "Fuck!"

Like your nips leaking breastmilk

Or when you're baby won't suck.

When BF-ing, things happen-

And frequently, too!

To ALL breastfeeding mamas!

It isn't just you!

And when things start to happen

Don't worry. Don't stew.

Just go right along.

You'll start happening too!

(Dr. Seuss actually said that part! But he's a smart dude, right?)

Oh, the places you'll nurse!

Oh, the bonding you'll do!

Though you might get some strange looks

And strange comments, too!

I'm sorry to say so

But mama, it's true!

People's boob hang-ups

Just might get to you!

But you won't let it get you!

You'll hold your head high!

You're ready for anything

Under the sky!

Oh, the places you'll nurse!

There is lunch to be fed!

At night- a healthy babe

To tuck into bed!

And the magical things

That your boobies have done!

They nourished a human!

You've totally won!

Sometimes it is hard.

Like when the fumes from the Dreft

Have made you mix up

Your right boob with your left.

When the day seems unending

And you just want to scream

KNOW WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

No matter how far we seem!

Other mamas can help you!

We're on Facebook and Twitter!

We blog, chat and IM!

So when you feel like a quitter-

DON'T!

We know you can do it!

So, be your name Jen

Or Jenn with two "n's"

And your baby is Chester

or Lucy

or Ben!

WE KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!

TODAY IS YOUR DAY!

Your baby is waiting!

So, get on your way!

**************************************************************

This completely bastardized version of the brilliant Dr. Seuss's "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" was inspired by this weeks Breastfeeding Blog Hop! This week's topic, "Words of Encouragement", means so much to me! When PJ was a newborn, in those first few weeks, breastfeeding was a challenge- a wonderful, crazy, completely worth it challenge! Without the support of some amazing friends, both "In Real Life" and bloggy/Twitter friends I might have felt like I was the only one experiencing aspects of breastfeeding that were sometimes difficult. When it seems tough, use your resources! And you can always find me, on Twitter @briemarisa1977 or by e-mail!

And just in case you forgot...

YOU ARE ONE AMAZING MAMA!!!!!!