My Milo

My son's name is Milo (I probably mentioned that before...). We had a hellish time thinking of a name for our son and we decided to name him Milo on January 18th. He was born January 19th. My boyfriend actually gave me the green light on the name as I was in labor and headed to the midwife to be checked. Talk about last minute...

Anyways, people ask how we named him Milo and I don't really remember how the name came up. My friend has a son named Milo, but I didn't even know her before thinking up the name. My best answer is the name was inspired by... (dum dum DUM)


Yes, Saved By the Bell! Except I couldn't find a picture of Milo, the token teacher from junior high who was too much of a pitifully marginal character to even have his own cast photo. I do remember watching an episode with Miss Bliss talking to Milo a few days before I was in labor, so he made an impact on me if no one else.

But I think I'm going to change my baby naming story. A few days ago while at Phoenix coffee shop, a lady asked if I named my son from the main character in The Phantom Tollbooth. I said no, but I loved that book as a kid and I completely forgot there was a Milo in there. So I looked it up when I got home.

Lo and behold...

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Chapter I: Milo

"There was once a boy named Milo who didn’t know what to do with himself — not just sometimes, but always.

When he was in school he longed to be out, and when he was out he longed to be in. On the way he thought about coming home, and coming home he thought about going. Wherever he was he wished he were somewhere else, and when he got there he wondered why he’d bothered. Nothing really interested him — least of all the things that should have.

'It seems to me that almost everything is a waste of time,' he remarked one day as he walked dejectedly home from school. 'I can’t see the point in learning to solve useless problems, or subtracting turnips from turnips, or knowing where Ethiopia is or how to spell February.' And, since no one bothered to explain otherwise, he regarded the process of seeking knowledge as the greatest waste of time of all.

As he and his unhappy thoughts hurried along (for while he was never anxious to be where he was going, he liked to get there as quickly as possible) it seemed a great wonder that the world, which was so large, could sometimes feel so small and empty."

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I cannot tell you how happy that makes me.

An Intro (Of Sorts)

Since I've been such a transient blogger, it's only proper that I introduce myself to my newest (and now only) blog. Here's a bit about what my family and I stand for and some decisions we have made:

1 - We're all about veganism and animal rights. Both my boyfriend and I are vegan (you may be thinking "duh" at the moment) and we're raising a vegan son in a meat-eating world. He's only 11 months so his diet basically consists of breast milk, but there will be a day when he realizes his diet is at odds with the world. We're not saying "you're not allowed to eat this;" instead we're going to let him know the specifics about animal products and hope he chooses a vegan lifestyle (odds are that he will).

2- We're anarchists at heart. When I say our family is liberal, I don't mean we're Democrats. Hell no. Think anticapitalist socialist anarchists. (And try saying that five times fast.)

3- We hug trees, but don't call us hippies! We're enviromentalists who prefer to bike and walk (well, at least I do...). I try to conserve resources wherever possible (breastfeeding, using cloth diapers, cloth baby wipes, and other reusable products).

4- We questions doctors' orders. We've chosen not to vaccinate or circumsize our son. Vaccines are full of scary ingredients that shouldn't be injected into the human body (fetal cow serum, anyone?). As for circumcision, if you can't explain why you're doing it--don't do it. There was no reason for our son to be cut--none whatsoever--and I have no clue why this practice is still in place.

5- We're weird. We wear a baby in a sling, we plan on homeschooling (unschooling) our child, and I did everything in my power to have a birth without medication.

6- But we ain't hatin'. Even though I just listed some topics we're passionate about, we don't expect everyone to make the same decisions as us. We're not always right, but we make decisions that are right for us. I'd like to think we're not snobs who think we're better than everyone else. I tend to hate overly judgmental and pretentious people so I try to avoid being like one.

So there you have it. Nice to meet you.

The Perils of Being Vegan

I've been vegan for almost nine years and my boyfriend hasn't eaten animal products for about seventeen years. My son, Milo, has been vegan since conception (though I did catch him trying to put dog food in his mouth, that lil sneak!). I try to not be angry all the time, but it's hard to remain happy and upbeat in the face of such cruelties. I don't understand why us humans do the things we do. Why is money the ultimate motivator? Why must compassion and humanity take a back seat to profits?

I'm currently reading "Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food" by Gene Baur, co-founder of the sanctuary. (I worked at Farm Sanctuary in 2003--holla!) Even though I know much of what goes on in factory farming, it's always appalling to re-read case stories and the results of investigations. I cannot understand how any of this can happen. How could farming have gone so far astray from its roots of "pigmanship," cultivating the soil, and getting to know the animals?

I grew up in a rural county of Ohio and many of my friends grow up in farms--real farms--where the animals can actually walk around and experience life. Where the farmers are farmers--not corporations--who work to feed their families and provide for their communities.

I'm not an advocate of eating animal products, but these small-time farms were so much better than the confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs)/factory farms that dominate the industry today. I have no doubt that anyone (who isn't profiting from the bottom line) would be horrified if they witnessed modern farming today where animals are treated as machines.

Since I'm a breastfeeding mom, I have a unique bond with dairy cows. It's rough. I cannot stand to think about dairy cows and how the moms are impregnated only to have their baby calves taken away at birth. Instead of their milk going to their babies, it goes to humans, who, for some absurd reason, rely on the milk of another species. I can't imagine someone taking away my baby and then taking my milk to make a profit.

And... it just makes me angry. I try not to judge people, but when I read about all these cruelties I wonder how people can support these horrific industries. Farming is not what is was. Cows are not lounging in pastures, cracking jokes like on those ridiculous California Happy Cow commercials.

I don't want to be bitter, yet I don't want to forget the severity of the situation.

People ask me if being vegan is difficult. I say no. But on second thought, it is hard--not for the food--but for the truth you have to swallow.

So That Was Christmas...

Christmas came and went in a flurry. I can't believe my son's first Christmas is over. Where does time go? So that cliche everyone said to me when I was pregnant is true: Time does fly. Babies do grow so fast. My son, Milo, will be one on January 19. But that's a whole 'nother post.

This year I worked hard to recreate that magical feeling of Christmas I experienced as a kid. I made my boyfriend go out an buy a real tree (he sadly has a negative connotation with Christmas trees) and I tried to decorate the house a bit.

Multiple Blog Disorder Ends Here

Hello, my name is Sarah. I suffer from Multiple Blog Disorder (MBD). In essence, I have way too many blogs and they're growing stale from neglect. I didn't know what to do... Let them rot? Dust them off, start posting again and act like nothing happened?

No, I'm going to ditch everything and start a new, superior, all-in-one blog. Welcome to Mamahood... in the (216). I'll talk about my semi-radical mama life and what it's like raising a vegan baby in a McDonald's world and shed a few tears over my fallen city of grey otherwise known as Cleveland, Ohio.

And I promise. I swear. I will not neglect this blog.

This blog will contain:Urban decay (not the brand--the real thing). After all, I live in Cleveland. It's part of our culture.

Baby stuff. (I'm raising an 11 month-old son.)

And, you know, other stuff. Just wait and see.

Cuteness

I've been sad that I'm neglecting this blog. To make up for it, here's a new pic of vegan baby cutie-pie-ish-ness! Swoon!

Updates!!

Whoops--apparently I've been too busy for this blog. Actually, we've all been doing a million things!

Sarah
I've been working like mad to make some money while staying at home with Milo. It's not easy (not that anyone said it would be, but...)! I'm accepting freelance writing gigs (which stress me out--not gonna lie) and hope to be doing some research work in the future. I'm doing ChaCha for a few hours at night. ChaCha, for those not in the know, is a free text answering service. Got a question about anything? Text it to ChaCha at 242 242 and receive a factual answer in minutes from a Guide like me. It's a cool gig, though I'm not making a whole lot per hour right now. It's fun, though. Oh, and Mommy has a blog.

Jesse
He started his real estate classes today at Hondros College! He's extremely excited and totally geeked up about becoming a real estate agent. I like seeing him strive ahead (and so does he!). He's working a lot and being great about my crazy freelancing career. I can't adequately say all he's doing. Maybe he'll have to write a post on here some day. Oh, and Daddy has a blog, too!

Milo
Now for the fun stuff! Milo is teething (not fun) but he's laughing his way through it (fun!). He's such a happy baby and I'm so lucky that I picked him from the cabbage patch! He still smiles and laughs at dogs and cats. Lately we've been taking him to the pool. He enjoys splashing around and seeing other people swim. And boy, does it wear him out! (I LOVE THE POOL!) He sleeps well for the most part--going to bed anytime from 8:30pm - 9pm and waking around 7am - 9 am. It works! He can sit up by himself and is starting to go on his knees into a crawling position. He's the best!

I want to write so much more but I'm dead tired...

Belly Laughs

I'm trying to post a hilarious video of Milo belly laughing but something is screwed up. Blah. I'll work on it later.

Five Months!

I can't believe Milo is five months old already! We set up his highchair this weekend and he loves banging his toys on the plastic tray.

Taking a break from playing with his new toys. (He loves that triangle!) I took this today!

Allie gets the big smiles. He LOVES her!

What a big boy! Milo in his "Daddy hat."

Hangin' out on the floor.

Buzzzz

I don't know how I could have ever considered myself busy before I had a baby. I mean, right now I'm juggling raising a baby with writing three articles by Friday, selling diaper covers, getting in some exercise (jogging and free weights) and maintaining a shred of sanity. Take away the baby and that leaves a big chunk of "free" time. So how could I have ever called myself "busy"??? (This isn't to stay that people without kids can't be busy...so don't get huffy, Miss Editor friend--I know you're running around like crazy!)

I'm stressing out about jobs since my contract ends in late July. I REALLY wanna work at home and it looks like I'm gonna have to fight to do it. It's such a shame that I have engage in a battle to stay home with my little one. Raising a baby is full of enough worries, let alone having to find a source of income. I'm looking for part-time work, preferably stay-at-home so if anyone knows anything please let me know! I'm gonna try my hand at freelance writing but it's scary to think of being paid on assignment with no steady flow of income. I've heard moms are making decent money this way but I worry I won't find any assignments. Sigh. But I do have a writing degree... Four years of college better get me somewhere--and I'm not talking about behind the counter of Subway or the unemployment line!

Enough about me. Milo gave Daddy a great Father's Day gift--a half hour's worth of belly laughs! It was hilarious. I shook a soft crinkly book in front of his face when he was laying on his back and he cracked up. Then I think he kept laughing because he wanted to laugh. So cute. I tried the book trick today to force out some belly laughs but I all got was a little spaced out "Ha....... Ha....... Ha." I wonder if it lost it's appeal already? Babies are fickle.

Milo is almost 5 months old! I can't believe he's close to half a year old! Time flies when you're (truly) busy.

Kick, Push, Kick, Push

Kick, kick, kick, puuuush--that's the rhythm of our sleep these days. Kick=the sensation the I feel coming from my right side (and guess who sleeps there). Push=the sensation reciprocated to Mr. Kick-Kick to avoid the kicks. Mr. Kick-Kick then scoots over again, kicks me (again) and I push him back to be more into his crib (yet again).

I'm not complaining. Actually I think it's kinda cute feeling his fat legs being so active.

Anyways, it's late and I need to sleep soon. Tomorrow we'll try to get over to the Nursing Mom's Chat. Milo loves seeing other babies now and I love being able to get out the house.

Jobs pretty much suck nowadays. Jesse's job sucks because they aren't giving him much work and my AmeriCorps*VISTA contract is ending in August (which sucks). He wants to become a real estate agent (seriously). We went to Kohl's today and bought him some dress-up clothes. I'm going to try to make it as a freelance writer. Hey, I have a four year degree in expository writing so I may as well use it! I don't feel comfortable leaving Milo for long stretches so I really, really hope I can work at home.

So, yeah, back to that sleep thing... it's still late and I'm still tired so I'm gonna go now. More later. Rest assured that Milo has been doing lots of napping, sucking his thumb, eating, smiling, laughing and being all-around goofy.

Bashful Smiles

Milo has been giving bashful smiles to people at work. He gives them a wide grin and then when they smile back at him, he buries his face against me to hide himself. He then looks back at the person, smiles again and does the same thing over.

I thought it was cute.

I have many new photos to upload... I just need to do it. (All the other photos I've attached are a few weeks old!) Ahhh, it's late and I should be asleep... but it's soooo nice having a break from constant baby-watching!

A Busy Day (Mommy's Birthday!)

Today is my [me=sarah] birthday! Woohoo! The (not-so) big 2-4.

Milo had a busy day. First we went to Nursing Mom's Chat at the Lakewood Family Room, which is literally a block from home. This was our second time there. Last time we went Milo was 3 mos old and crabby! Every time a baby would cry, he'd wail. He got so angry that I had to leave early. No socializing for Mommy... oh well. But this time was different. Four mos is quite a change because Milo was happy to be there. No fuss. No crabs. Not even a shriek. He was living it up, staring at the other babies, smiling at whoever and just plain ol' enjoying himself. And finally Mommy got to socialize. One Mama said, "Oh I see you're in a much better mood this time!" Now I have more incentive to show up every week... rather than every month.

We went on two long walks around town--one was to Melt for a vegan cheese sandwich. Milo loves being walked around, preferably in the ring sling or our new wrap. He loves being worn and I love getting the exercise from walking with him attached to me. He's a 17 lb weight right there! He also likes his jogging stroller, but not as much as the baby carriers. He can't get a 360 degree view of things from the stroller.

Milo is now laughing... mostly at Daddy's antics. And Allie, the poodle. He likes when she plays with her squeaky toy. He's smiles all the time now. So cute.

Well, I'll try to write more later. I've actually been working on a lot of projects from home (this work-at-home stuff can be tough!!) and I'm trying to escape from the laptop. Now, when Milo is asleep for the night, is a great time to work on projects (and sometimes it's my ONLY time) but now I'm burnt out. Ugh... if only I didn't have to worry about making some sort of an income...

Crabby's Crab Shack

Since Milo hates his usual baths in his baby bath tub, I thought I'd mix it up today and give him a bath with me in the big people tub. I thought it would be relaxing holding him close in the water, nursing him if he so desired, all while smelling like sandalwood and whatever the hell's in his wondrous-smelling baby soap. But... no... I may as well have been stuffing him in a boiling pot on the stove with the bloody mary scream he let out. Maybe the water was too warm...? Maybe he got too cold and wasn't in the water enough? Maybe he just hates baths? Who knows. Babies are weird. I thought a rubby ducky would be all he needed to make bath-time fun... Guess I was way off.

How We Love a Sleeping Baby...

...Oh, let me count the ways.

Right now it's about 7:30 p.m.--prime time for getting Little Man to sleep. That is, if he weren't asleep already. I took him into work today and he passed out an hour earlier than his usual time of 7:30ish. No problem with that except he'll most likely wake up at 6 a.m. We co-sleep with Milo--meaning he sleeps in a crib with one side removed that's attached to our bed. Co-sleeping is great. I know, I know, it's become taboo to get in the discussion of where babies should sleep, BUT I just want to say that co-sleeping has been a god-send for me. Milo nurses at night but he doesn't necessarily wake up to do it. I can feed him before he fusses, he eats and then it's back to sleep.

Milo sleep = Mommy sleep. I dig it.

Watching Seinfeld:
"Is it possible they're just having babies so people will visit them?" and "YOU GOTTA SEE THE BABY!"

Milo + Blog

I created a MySpace page for Milo to showcase his photos but only now did it occur to me that not everyone can view them there (duh) so I made this blog instead. I have a ridiculous number of blogs that I never use but this isn't going to be one of those. Oh, no. But then, maybe more than two people will check this thing. Maybe an increase in traffic will motivate me--that, or the fact that I can easily post cute pics of Milo for random people to see.

Anyways, here's the new blog!