Im a pitfully blogger (this I know)

So I'm going in the hall of shame for neglected blogs and I will accept my reward with my head held high. :) Alright so let me play catch up.

I went for my labor doula training with CAPPA this past November and it was AH-MAE-ZING... it really was. Meet some real nice ladies and the Kym Dalton (our trainer was spectacular!) Tons of information I didn't know and lots of note taking. Ive been to one birth already, done 2 postpartum visits, and I am currently on call for a birth. Helping moms thru labor, assisting with breastfeeding is very moving for me. Just being allowed to help a family with bringing life into the world ( and so much more) and then if they want help them with their breastfeeding relationship, is a honor. I'm looking forward to helping more moms over the years.

Muffin is still nursing and turns 2yrs old Jan 6 ( in about 10 days Ill have an official nursing toddler!) and then on the 10th I turn the big 38. That's totally a new blog post.

Potty training, um.... yea about that.....she is still cloth diapered, ( we still use the same exact ones I bought 12 months ago..not a leak yet, love my kawaii minkies) and tells me when she goes poo after the fact and when she goes pee. I catch her a few times a day and we make the potty but for the most part she not breaking her neck to the potty like I would like. We even have our special panties that we wear and she still add her special touch to them. *sigh* I think because I don't remember how potty training went with my last one (DD9) I'm kinda at a lost. Older kids (16.9 and my 19yr old) both of them were fully trained before they were 18 months. Basically I'm playing it by ear. I think by the summer we will be good to go. Her sitter is actively on board helping me with potty training as well to get it underway.

WIC is still the most wonderful job in the world to me. I LOVE with a fiery passion being able to assist my moms with breastfeeding and being of encouragement. I like that I was a formula feeder turned breastfeeder. Moms know that I can relate to almost all the issues they may have with breastfeeding. Many of my moms have the same misconceptions about breastfeeding (the babies bite the nipples while nursing, afraid someone one will think its "nasty" to breastfeed and flack from family) all those things I have been able to help moms past and keep them breastfeeding. So all is well.

Lastly, I am making plans to sit for the IBCLC in 2014. I'm following pathway 1 which is best suited for a WIC BF Peer, LLL leader, or BF volunteer type position. My goal is to service low-income minority moms who cant afford a IBCLC. Free services will be available to moms on a case by case bases. That is the vision. Another goal of mine is to be a midwife. Black babies have the highest infant mortality rate and I want to be apart of the process to bring that to a end. As you can see I'm going to be a busy bee over the years to come.

Until next time,
~Toodles~

In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Your Homeless

So if everything goes as planned as of October 1, 2011 retroactive if you have been getting a cash grant thru welfare for 4 years, you will be cut off immediatley. If you have been recieving a cash grant thru welfare off  and on, if the months total up to 4 years you will be cut off. If you have been getting a cash grant off and on OR just started recieving a cash grant your 4 year count down begins.

Now let me say this. Yes there are PLENTY, yes THOUSANDS of folks who "live off the system" and have been doing this for generations. They want no part in making a life for themseleves, or trying to achive a life off the system. They love living off the land so to speak, "milking" the system cause they just dont want to do shit with their lives. YES I know some folk like that now. So for THOSE folks I say your time to be cut off has come and so be it. I have not problem with that. Although in the same breath almost all these folks like that have children to care for. What about them? Its not the kids fault. Shame aint it.

HOWEVER…….*long fucking pause cause IM just errked!* (breaths out, breathes in)……
What the HELL about the families who ARE working?
What about the families who are working but only getting partime hours?
What about the families who are in WORK FIRST / JET ( or whatever type of job assistanst program in their state) that allows them as cash grant, and is TRUELY job hunting? THAT GRANT IS THERE ONLY SOURCE OF INCOME> PERIOD WHILE THEY BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROGRAM. They come to work first, always dressed in interview clothes for the "just in case"  with resumes and beat the pavement and yet are being turned down left and right? Not turned down because they dont WANT to work but the only hiring position is management, accounting, legal adminatration, bio hazard filter tech ( you get the idea, they jobs are hiring for something they have no experience in) and what they have experience in, IS NOT HIRING at this time.

What about the families who got laid off two years ago and still have not been able to fine steady work because cut backs are REAL. And when you get laid off, applying for assistance is what is the logical thing to do. Foodstamsps alone is NOT enough. They NEED the cash grant. THEY NEED IT AS LONG AS THEY ARE JOB HUNTING AND PROVING THEMSELVES. We cant put a stop date on recession, so how in the hell is it a stop date on people recieving benefits of a cash grant?
What about the DTE, Consumer Energry (light/gas bill) that is due for the families next month?
What about the bus fare to job hunt, to go get groceries, to make doctors appt, to repair there a car if it needs ( and please spare me the bullshit that FIA pay for it…cause yes THEY DO,  HOWEVER ITS ALMOST 2 months getting approval and getting a check back to you to take to the repair shop….in the mean time you out of a car. YES they will give you 1200$ for the purchase of a car and thats a once a lifetime benefit (altho I have heard some say they got more than one car. Well thats not because your special, its because your working didnt do her job. Car help is written in the application book you fill out applying for benefits, and it says ONCE) yet in still a 1200$ wont be without repairs for long. Depending on the cost most folks who get a cash grant can use they monies to fix they car if its minor…but um NO, they cutting the money off.

What about diapers, wipes (not every body cloth diaper and its not a law says they HAVE too, what about when they run outta food toward the end the month like most families do, they need they cash grant to buy some more food before they stamps fall. ( and give me the bullshit about "they shouldnt buy junk food"….NOT ALL FOLK WHO GET WELFARE ASSISTANT buy junk food. STOP MAKING ASSUMPTIONS unless you have found away to be in EVERYONE  HOUSE  AT  THE  SAME  DAM  TIME  TO  SEE  WHAT  EVERYONE IS  BUYING. I dont wanna hear "welll I know a few folks who I see always wasting they stamps"…SO WHAT! Those FEW you happen to know DONT SPEAK FOR EVERYONE and its not a fair assumption.
What about the RENT that due? What about the kids who have teens who catch the bus the school?
Im my not so humble opinion casue Im going to always speak my mind even if what I say is not shared by many…..this is the WORST thing that could happen to these families that are DESERVING of the assistance. Yes 4 years and more sound long, yes it is, but look at the economy. The economy has NOT improved.

So wait, do they plan to up mim wage by 2-3$ for the families THAT ARE DESERVING, to compensate them losing there cash benefits? …um….NO. *fuck it im done* *throws hands in the air* walks away from cell phone.  (yes im posting from my cell)
All Im trying to say is, with the world of techonology we live in, I KNOW there is some way for whoever to track and remove the ones "milking the system" who are not doing one thing to better themselves. CUT THEY ASSES OFF! Dont ruin everyone!
Also just incase you didnt know, the working families that recive cash assistant, MOST is NOT GETTING A FULL cash grant! You turn in your check stubs and the more you make the more they decrease it down. In Michigan a full cash grant is approx 698$ for a family of 5 (if im wrong on the amount please correct). So if the family brings in 1000$ a month after taxes from say Mc Donalds and FIA does a budget to see what amount of benefits they get, FIA goes on the GROSS which was probly 1200$ they cash grant might be 300$ for the MONTH, 150$ every 2 weeks…now…that brings them back to what they would of orginally took home.
Now lets pay bills FOR A FAMILY OF 5: (Approximately)
RENT 550-650$ DEFINATE 2BD POSSIBLE 3BD (many are living in 2 bdrms using bunk beds to keep lower rent)
UTILITLES 300$ LIGHTS AND HEAT, POSSIBLY WATER (lanlords do HAVE to pay rent in certain states)
HOUSEHOLD NEEDS *DETERGENT FOR DISHES, CLOTHES (most familys try to shop thrift and do layaway), SOAP, MAXI PADS, CLEANING SUPPLIES, TRASH BAGS ECT…100$
GAS 250$ GAS TO DRIVE TO WRK, SCHOOL, GROCERY STORE, ECT
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?…..EASY THAT FAMILY IS ALREADY AT 1000.00$
Remeber they bring home pay was 1000.00 and the grant was approx 300.00. So that 1300.00$-1200.00$ leaves that family with approx 100.00$ for the month AFTER bills. Thats whole lotta (insert stabby voice) 1 (one) 20.00$  a week for possibly a family outting,  IF THAT…Also food does run out towards the end the month. Even shopping at Aldi, Save a Lot or whatever discount place you use.
Do you get the idea Im trying to give? These dollar amounts can be higher depending where you live and what the cost of living is in your state?
And thats just a approx budget of a family of 5 who works and gets a small cash grant. There are families who are umemployed and just job hunting and ONLY have the 698$ and yet they have ALL THE BILLS  listed above. As you can see they are BARELY surving AND TRYING there best to make ends meet for there family.
Want to know what I see happing when this bill passes?
Kids will go hungry because the parent will SELL THE FOODSTAMPS to pay bills.
Kids will miss school (no gas money for car)  if its not in walking distance or the school bus isnt free to ride. (not all yellow busses are FREE, yes some do charge)
People will miss work cause they cant drive without gas, they cant catch the bus to work either. Cant bum a ride cause that person need gas contriubtion for there gas tank.
People will resort to robbing each other and stealing all sorts of things from there place of work every day survial items. A roll of tissue, a few garbage bags. Some lined or unlined paper so they kids can do there homework. Can you see what Im talking about.

I could go on and on but I tire and Im getting a attiude the more I write about it. Plus my hands are cramping like a b*$ch holding the phone this long. Im also errked at people bashing folks on welfare who are NOT using the system but have the overall HAUGHTY, UPPITY, turned nose up, dont think they cant be visited by the "bad luck fairy" attiude, thinking they are better than everyone because they were blessed to have never fallen down on the road to sucess. I mean just UGH!
Forgive me yall, Im venting and my blog is my space to do do. There Ive said it, feel free to agree or disagree or maybe shed some light on how this is good for EVERYONE. Make me understand how this limit is good for those who are TRYING TO MAKE it and want a job, or want a better job, or who has the job but cant get the hours, or can get the hours, but cant afford the child care CO- PAY if you work past the hours that FIA approve. Its just so much. Imma leave it alone.

25$ cash GIVEAWAY via PayPal

I'm giving away 25$ and a Breastfeeding Sample Goodie Bag!

Up for grabs will be $25.00 issued thru http://paypal to be used as you like on breastfeeding supplies of whatever you want. That of course will be issued in 24 hours of winning.
Then there will be a SAMPLE GOODIE bag with of a varity of breastfeeding items. Such as a simple nursing bracelet, , mother milk tea samples and much more!  This will be mailed out to you.
To enter this Giveaway tell us what you are doing to promote breastfeeding this week. *Simple huh?*  It could simple be, breastfeeding in public. Your pregnant and attending breastfeeding support groups. You helped get your church (or some other place) to be breastfeeding friendly. These are just a few examples of promoting breastfeeding awareness.
Appreciated but NEVER MANDATRY…..
Follow this blog via GFC
Follow this blog via email
Follow me via twitter and tweet about this Giveaway
Like me on FB "Single Mama Tales It All"
If you should do anyone of the above mentioned, just let me know by leaving a seperate comment for each here on this blog.
*This GiveAway will end Sunday July 7, 2011 midnight! *
When I announce the winner I will then get your email, and PLEASE make sure (mandatory) you have a PAYPAL account so you can receive the 25$. I don't send money thru the mail.

Woman told to get off bus for breast-feeding her baby

Woman told to get off bus for breast-feeding her baby: "A Taylor Michigan woman says a bus driver told her to get off the bus because she was nursing her 2 week old baby." This woman is my good friend Ms. Moon. Im so proud that Ms. Moon stood her ground and was not swayed and or dismayed. I am proud to be here friend and even more proud have bought together more than 100 woman who will be participating in the Michigan Breastfeeding Nurse In at the Oakland County Smart Bus Terminal in Troy Michigan tomorrow moring at 9am. If any of you are near there please come out and help us show the world that breastfeeding is normal and here to stay.

Here's to Cloth In ya Eye!

Am I prepared or what!!???
Muffins stash...
40 prefolds w/4 covers (will add 5 more covers this month)
10 pockets diapers...8 KaWaii Minky Mom label and 2 Doopsy D
10 cloth wipes
1lg wet bag
1 100count diaper liners
I'm doing my wash prewash of the diapers so hopefully she can wear at least 1 tonight. If not tomorrow it will be, depending on when I'm done with the wash n prep.
Muffin sitter is on bord with the change which is always a plus. The kids however the kids....sorta on board.....they saw the prefolds and immediately gave me the side eye. I'm positive that I will come home to find the prefold wraped around Muffins head and glad bag with a few twist ties holding it up, wrapped around her ass.
~Toodles~

Cloth Diapers, yeah Im a Bad Ass mama

Im really excited that I will have my clothdiapers real soon. They will be coming just intime for my move to my new apartment that comes with a washer and dryer. I guess a laundry mat would of been doable if I really wanted to but to honest, I did not. I know the prepping alone is multiple washes..and thats costly quarters adding up.
My daughters sitter said cloth diapers would not be a problem, but she admitted she is nervous and have never experienced using them before. I assured her its just like changing a standard diaper except she wont throw it out and disgards any solids. Promised her I would provide a box of disposable gloves just for added "protection" if she wanted. She said thats not needed. Just air freshener.
I plan to keep you guys updated as to my new adventures as a cloth diapering mama. Been looking at cloth wipes as well. I totally agree they go hand in hand with cloth diapering but I wanna have a cheat sheet and use wipes. Im just being honest. Priced them already, not to bad considering I wont be buying any more. Right, save money all the way around. I know...I hear yall say " go for it, get the cloth wipes and end the Huggies all together"...*smiles* yeah I hear yall. Cross my fingers I will give it a good try.
Now off to stalk the mail lady, or mail man.
~Toodles~

Almond Chicken from Hell

Not my usual Chinese restaurant
Almond Chicken Dinners
Projectile Vomit & Projectile Pooping (at the same time)
1 bathroom
5 people afflicted with the sick a flicka from hell
Glad Bags, rope, someones ass, (refer back to 1bathroom)
size3 LUV diaper (worn by mean) judge me later

Moral of the words you are reading.......
Don't pit stop at some Chinese restaurant you have never been too and have only 1 bathroom in the house.
K. BYE.

Topsy Turvy

Me and Muffin use to be on good schedule of bedtime. Like clock work she use to nurse around 9pm and be sleep....dead sleep by 10pm. Maybe she would wake up to nurse around 3am but only for about 10min...by us co-sleeping & breastfeeding she never would fully wake up. So always that was win-win. However....she is staying up longer and nursing more. The nursing more thing seems backwards to me. *scratches head* Nonetheless our routine is all topsy turvy in the worst way. She is falling off to sleep at 1130pm/12am and waking up at some ole whack hour of 2, 3,4am for a 15min snack....Really?... I have turned over with my back to her and I will feel her trying suck at my back. Or my favorite standing up beating in the head in the dark till I turn over. LOL at such a bossy lil baby. I'm sure what's going but I need us to get back on track. But truth be told...I love sniffing her and cuddling. Thinking...I better enjoy these moments long as I can. Right?..

Mayim Bialik: Women Don’t Need To Fear Their Bodies & Birth

Mayim Bialik: Women Don’t Need To Fear Their Bodies & Birth

My BUCKET list....2 be continued

Ah the "Bucket List"

Well I can say I have a list and I am slowy working towards a few things on that list before I make my exit.

1. Hit the Mega Millions and PowerBall also the Daily3 & 4 midday and evening with all the numbers matching.

2. Dont have a heart attack from #1

3 .Remake the love scence in Desperado add one lil touch, being spanked with the gee-tar. ;-)

4. Slap the shit out my granny if she ever put 20 bucks in a cashiers check for my 11month old and ask me to put her carseat in her car so she can take Muffin to bank and "cash" her own check.

5. Always remember my granny is crazy and just hug her.

6. Make a time machine to go back in time and take back my orgasims back from the assholes who recived them and turned out to be fucking liars, habitual liars, and wasted time after years of being together.

7. Charge 99.99$ for the time machine I build and offer a free one when "you act now and be the 100th caller" like I see on tv.

8. Make a majic wand to tap people who offer unsolicted advise on the forhead and instantly shut down there vocal cords a hour for every letter of the word of the advise they gave without me asking and being a bitch for trying to put me down lowkey.

9. Sell these majic wands for 1.00 on Ebay

10. Cuss a little more. It just really feels good sometime when you want to release some steam. Lets try it now for practice. FUCK! yep I like.

11. Create a pills that allows babies to skip the terrible 2's,.......skip the the first boy/girl friend I totally love only them Im going to die since they broke up with me *sigh*

12. Shoot whoever created "let there be pee when I sneeze"

13. Be the first to create complete "hot n ready" dinner meals in less than 5 mintues. Screw you Little Ceaser.

Ill end here for now. Please feel free to share some of your bucket list.