1377 days.

3 years, 9 months and 7 days….

So, I weaned my 15 month old about 10 days ago, it’s pretty safe to say we’re done with breastfeeding. This has been somewhat of an extended journey for me. Since I was pregnant with Loenne, then breastfed her for 13.5 months, [...]]]> Notes on Motherhood-

1377 days.

3 years, 9 months and 7 days….

So, I weaned my 15 month old about 10 days ago, it’s pretty safe to say we’re done with breastfeeding. This has been somewhat of an extended journey for me. Since I was pregnant with Loenne, then breastfed her for 13.5 months, stopping when I found out I was pregnant with Evan. . then nursed Evan for these past 15 months since and there you get 1377 days. That is a long time, not the longest, certainly.. . um.. Am I Mom Enough??   A long time nonetheless.

And so here I am, suddenly the sole proprietor of my body. Ach! Who am I? It’s strange to not have to think about breastfeeding when I get dressed in the morning. Can you say, Nursing Bra Burning Party??

My last midwife had told that the best time to wean was between 12 and 15 months- I had that stuck in my head, and it had to happen eventually. But it wasn’t easy to wean Evan, on a personal level. She is so sweet and cozy, and we had whittled our nursing schedule down to just bedtime and part of me was like, we could just do this forever, probably… and denying her the bedtime milk made her upset! :(  I am still kind of sad about it, although she has now stopped having a mini cry as my husband rips her from my arms to put her to bed at night. (dramatization) That certainly made me feel like a terrible mother who had made a terrible decision. But I know it’s right for her, and us. As Raffi says, everything grows.

So there is that part of me that is sad, and the other part of me that is like “LET’S GO TO VEGASSS!!” It’s a really strange sensation to think that it’s even possible. I haven’t taken anything stronger than a Tylenol in 1377 days, so there’s another part of me that’s like “LET’S GET SIIIICK!” Not really.  I think I’m done with all that pregnancy jazz. I’ve put in my time, paid my dues, we’re happy with our family. Tie the tubes! It will take a while to become familiar with this lack of uncertainty, in this one but important part of our lives.

There is so much contraversy over breastfeeding right at this very moment! Due to that TIME magazine cover of the woman breastfeeding her 3 year old, and the corresponding article about attachment parenting.  It’s hard to not have an opinion. I am definitely pro breastfeeding, but that’s because it worked for us.  I was really lucky that it came so easily to me and the girls, and that my body was extremely efficient at creating copious amounts of super fatty milk- if you saw my babes when they were little, you know I’m not making this up!  However, I am not a breastfeeding extremist- I am not so sure about extended nursing into the three or four year old range.  I kind of feel like it is less about child’s need for comfort and attachment as it is an easy way out… because in the end- breastfeeding is a tool! Dudes, as if it isn’t!! There is nothing better for a crying baby or a middle of the night wake up- put a boob in their mouth and voila- instant sleepy calm. It’s so easy, which is awesome. It definitely made for happy babies in our case, of course a baby is happy when they get what they want. But really, it’s a bit of a manipulative strangle hold at three, for both child AND mother, no? And I can only say this because I have a three year old, and I can’t imagine breastfeeding her.  I feel like she’s too smart for that. And I would rather comfort her by cuddling and talking about stuff than just  indulging her or lulling her into a sleepy coma.

But whatever, really, although I have an opinion- to each his own.  I think every Mom should just do her best, in the way that works for her and her family. I know I feel guilty about something irrational a thousand times a day, and I am sure I am not alone in that.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!  For all the Mom’s out there, whatever you get up to- hope your day is satisfying and sweet.

The new Skinny Sweats collection is now in stock, so I am finally getting to wear them myself!

Here is my outfit from today, wearing the Arrowhead style in neutrals. I designed the taupe on grey colour way with this type of outfit in mind- a blend of muddy neutrals with [...]]]>

The new Skinny Sweats collection is now in stock, so I am finally getting to wear them myself!

Here is my outfit from today, wearing the Arrowhead style in neutrals. I designed the taupe on grey colour way with this type of outfit in mind- a blend of muddy neutrals with a bold splash of colour. You could do this with a grey or white t shirt and a bright scarf or piece of jewelry. Or how about a bright floral scarf!

The longer taupe wool/silk sweater is French Connection and the lipstick pink viscose loose jacket is Cynthia Rowley, both from Winner’s. The boots are my Life Boots- because they made my life/wardrobe make sense when I got them, and now they look like that because I haven’t taken them off for five years. I love them so much I might shed a little tear right now…..

p.s. This is the second go for this outfit- the pants have now been worn twice without being washed and they feel the same as when I first put them on! No baggy-ness at all. This is my first time using this particular super soft bamboo knit- it’s turning out to be a great fabric!

Everything on my Etsy storeis 20% off this month, including these beauties and their black and cream counterparts.

Coupon code- LAZYGIRL

ALSO- just shipped a bunch of this style to FARM Boutique in North Bay, ON and these will also be available at Charlie in Toronto as of Friday.

EVERYTHING 20% off on my Etsy store this month. I know that flyer says May 1st to 14th, but I will probably do it all month!

coupon code- LAZYGIRL

The entire new Skinny Sweats collection is now in stock!

Trouser Sweats
Woodgrain Leggings
Rose Leggings

EVERYTHING 20% off on my Etsy store this month. I know that flyer says May 1st to 14th, but I will probably do it all month!

coupon code- LAZYGIRL

The entire new Skinny Sweats collection is now in stock!

Trouser Sweats
Woodgrain Leggings
Rose Leggings
Cloud Leggings
Neutral Arrowhead
Contrast Arrowhead
 

A KICKASS WITCH is not some airy fairy babe, dreaming big and hoping the Universe makes it [...]]]> The Arrowhead leggings from my Skinny Sweats line were featured on a great blog called Kickass Witch in a post titled 13 Kickass Fitness Finds on Etsy. I love the message behind this blog-

A KICKASS WITCH is not some airy fairy babe, dreaming big and hoping the Universe makes it happen. Shemakes it happen. She gets things done. She gets things done, because she takes action, powerful, consistent action. She gets things done, because she’s an active participant in the here and now, this material game called “Life”.

I love this because it eloquently speaks of my own favorite motto, which is simply ACTION. I got a tattoo on my 25th birthday to spell it out for myself. It says ‘motu proprio’ which  basically means “of one’s own initiative” in Latin.  It was either this or a Nike swoosh.

Thanks Joanna for picking me out from the sea that is Etsy!

Just do it.

Stevie Nicks breaks out into song while getting her make up done for a Rolling Stones shoot. No biggie.

Here is me during the fifteen sixteen-ish age.

LIGHTS! CAMERA! FASHION!

lols

You can buy them online from L.A. Gear, for $110, which doesn’t seem like much at all for a summers length of entertainment, stomping around with my three year old in our light up shoes!

I was never very good at it! But I did it nonetheless, I’m not sure if I even really liked it all that much. I didn’t feel it. My awkwardness definitely got in the [...]]]> I used to be a model in my teens growing up in Winnipeg, which had a small but somewhat thriving modeling industry.

I was never very good at it! But I did it nonetheless, I’m not sure if I even really liked it all that much. I didn’t feel it. My awkwardness definitely got in the way of me going any further than I did.

At the upcoming ANTM show I know there are going to be all kinds of pretty young things hoping to be discovered. I remember what those girls look like. And I thought I would start sharing some of my old “tear sheets” from my Winnipeg style modeling career. If I can inspire just one girl . . .

Here is my first job ever! SAAN flyer-1993, I was 13. That’s me on the left. :D

Oh, and there’s more where that came from. Haha!

Who doesn’t love a little America’s Next Top Model? The mega hit reality television show is coming to Canada. From May 4-6 at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre you can experience the world of fashion, beauty and modelling while enjoying a weekend of incredible shopping and entertainment! How redonkulous is that going to be? AND [...]]]>

Who doesn’t love a little America’s Next Top Model? The mega hit reality television show is coming to Canada. From May 4-6 at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre you can experience the world of fashion, beauty and modelling while enjoying a weekend of incredible shopping and entertainment! How redonkulous is that going to be? AND I will be there with my Skinny Sweats line, in the “Divine Canadian Design” shopping section of the show! I am really excited about this weekend in the city- since I don’t get out much :) The people watching is going to be extraordinary! The street style! OMG, excited. I will definitely be scouting models for my next lookbook shoot.

“Live runway shows, style stages, beauty bars and even an open catwalk are some of the many highlights individuals can look forward to throughout this experience. Even if you are not one of the models walking down the runway, there are still many chances to be discovered! Sutherland Agency will be searching for their next top supermodel with the chance of walking in the All Stars Runway Show with ANTM celebs Laura, Bianca, Isis, Camille, Shannon and Alexandria. Performers Danny Fernandes and Karl Wolf will also be performing live.

Tickets to this event are on sale now. VIP tickets include the opportunity to hang out with the ANTM girls, get autographs and pictures with your favourite model!  They are only $29 and also include entry into the event, a VIP seat at the Schwarzkopf Professional Main Stage Fashion Show at a specific time and VIP Swag Bag – but they are limited!”

I have 10 tickets to give away! Follow Butikofer Clothing Co. on Facebook before May 1st to be included in the draw. I will be drawing for 5 sets of 2… even if you don’t live in Toronto-try to win anyway! Maybe you can gift them to your long lost cousin living in the GTA. Good luck!

For more information, visit www.antmlivetoronto.com or call 905-477-2677.

or visit ANTM on Facebook or Twitter