UNICEF’s Breastfeeding tents
Breastfeeding can be something that is completely misunderstood by all cultures, but in Haiti, is is devastating to know that they were told myths that led mothers to stop breastfeeding their babies after the earthquake.  Using unclean water can severely dehydrate the babies, and cause so much anguish for the mothers when their children are not well.  Good for UNICEF to put up these Baby Tents!  I can’t wait to walk through these tents and educate mothers about Rockin’ Baby Slings!

When you have four young kiddos…you have to go with the bohemian pictures!  It takes everything out of this Mama to get all of them posing in one direction; rather, tell them to be ridiculous, and, well…there you have it!  It always makes me happier when I take the “I don’t care what it turns out like” pictures.  We were traveling up the Outer Banks here, and having so much fun together. just one. big. happy. family.  Love, love being together!

ps. I think Liesl’s sunglasses are over the top, too (but, of course, she just had to have the big pink ones)!

I’m stickin’ with you…’cause I’m made out of glue…

Nothing like being right with Papa; wherever he goes, Liesl goes!

The moment I took this picture, I actually teared up.  To capture the joy and innocence of your own child is something I will never take for granted.  My son, Abel, is a light in my life.  I love him without boundaries; as he loves life without limits, too.  Ah, the lazy days of summer for a child.  Today, I just loved hearing the kids in and out of the house; truly enjoying the lives they were given with not a care in the world. Thanks, son, for the reminder of how wonderful it is to be seven and free!

I feel constantly reminded of distracted parenting when I am in public. When I am at the grocery, playground, even taking a walk, I see parents ignoring their children to pay attention to their social network. Don’t get me wrong; I love that I can touch base with people I never thought I would see again…but, they are not more important than the moments I have with my four darling children. I am so blessed, more blessed than I deserve; I don’t want to miss the fantastic stories and observations of my kids. I had turned my ringer to vibrate for the past couple of years…I actually just turned it to silent. It seems so much more liberating to really know how optional my social life can be versus the short time I will have with them before they grow up! I am not perfect at this, by any means…but, i do ask myself what is filling my mind? Is it nonsense that can wait, or meaningfulness that cannot.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/06/14/phone.addicted.parent/index.html?&hpt=hp_c2

HEARTLINE HOSPITAL MATERNAL PROGRAM is located in Port-au-Prince Haiti, and does an amazing job of preparing and caring for women who are having babies.  I am thrilled to be working with them as we prepare for our first sling drop in July.

Beth McHoul runs the Maternity program at the Hospital, where expectant mothers can find education, safe and sanitary conditions and respect for them and their babies. They have two full-time midwives on staff who love these women and are committed to giving to them before, during and after their labor experience.

I can’t imagine how loved these Mamas feel.  What an oasis in their journey to Motherhood!

Absolutely gorgeous Mamas and babies!

I cannot wait for each of these women to have a sling to keep their babies close!  What an awesome movement to be part of with Rockin’ Baby!

What is poignant to me in this picture is how the babies are not carried in anything but their Mamas’ arms.  Of course, it is the best place for them to be, but it is not realistic for them to stay there, as their tasks are so labor intensive in Haiti.

Stay tuned, as our FIRST SLING DROP is upon us!  Details are all coming together, and I cannot wait to share them with you soon!

We all hear how being close to our babies is healthy, and a positive thing, but sometimes it is necessary to keep babies alive and thriving. Loved this article on Kangaroo Care from the NY Times last December!

‎”There is a profound difference between the false ambition for power and the true ambition to love and serve. It is the difference between trying to raise ourselves up and trying to lift up our fellow human beings.”

- Henri Nouwen

 

Let Rockin’ Baby ALWAYS have the heart to lift up our fellow human beings; always.

The Power of One

Abel and Cyrus are sponges.  They want to understand so much, and crave to know more.  Oh, to be young again.  I wish to always desire to learn as much as they do.  After talking about Gandhi to them, and trying hard to explain the non-violent response and Gandhi’s movement, it was nice to talk about how they have the POWER OF ONE, too.  I believe we have to raise our children with the confidence that their actions WILL make a difference.  I can see their wheels spinning…I wonder how Haiti will be.  I am blessed with these two little guys; truly blessed beyond words.