Camilla’s got the holiday spirit! Here she is behind our Christmas tree, which is largely bare of ornamentation because she and JR can’t keep their hands off of it. So we’re leaving the pre-lit tree pretty much as it is. We’re good with that. Some things you just have to accept when you have small children. Happy holidays!
Camilla behind our Christmas tree. (Photo by John McDonald, Nov. 30, 2010.)
This year, I took the two older kids trick-or-treating up and down our street. They had a lot of fun, were extremely adorable, and were overjoyed about their candy loot. I have a feeling that JR will be asking to go trick-or-treating every day for a while to come.
JR & Camilla, Halloween 2010
River, Halloween 2010
The nurse-in last Friday was made of awesome and win. Thank you all.
I was so proud of the turnout — a photographer from the local newspaper pegged us at over 20+ mamas strong, not including daddies and babies and other supporters. KUAC-FM mentioned us during the 12 pm newshour before the event. CBS News 13 interviewed me before the nurse-in, and we were featured in the 6 pm and 11 pm news that night. Two photos from the event were featured on the front page of the Fairbanks Newsminer the next day.
The energy from the participants was amazing, and the sentiments from passersby seemed largely positive despite a couple of unfortunate encounters. The media was initially kicked out of the store, but were later invited back in. John and I guessed that they didn’t want any more bad publicity.
We were there for about an hour inside the store, nursing, visiting with other parents, reveling in the positivity, enjoying the moment. We had sort of descended on Starbucks en masse, and they were so patient even though I’m sure they were a bit overwhelmed. The clerk nearest to us was very pleasant and polite. Management stood by, looking rather nervous or insecure, possibly both.
I’m still so excited that it all went so well. Overall it was such a wonderful experience.
Click images to enlarge
I’m so proud of the nurse-in, and of all of you out there who came out to support us, or sent your support from wherever you are.
I had mentioned to a few people how I’ve been wanting to expand my social circle, to meet like-minded people to hang out with and have playdates with, and one fabulous mama put it in an awesome, empowering way: I manifested a community around me, I manifested friends. I guess I truly do have powerful magic. I know I’m blessed to have had the support that I did, that I do.
What a great time it was. I’m so hopeful that I’ve helped spread the message that there is nothing indecent about breastfeeding, and even more hopeful that at least one more mama will feel comfortable feeding her baby whenever and wherever he’s hungry.
At the nurse-in. Photo by Georganne Hampton, cropped by me.
My friend Benah has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a lovely, intelligent, compassionate, funny, kind, fabulous mother of two, and her diagnosis breaks my heart.
She is set to have a double mastectomy next Friday, and chemotherapy is likely on the horizon.
She is participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Phoenix, AZ. You can help her reach her fundraising goal.
Her family is transforming the guest room in their house into a healing & recovery room for her. I think this is absolutely brilliant. I’m working on a contribution myself, and will gladly forward on anything that you all care to send to me. She could use all the positive healing vibes she can get!
Sending you lots of love, Benah!
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Crystal S. McDonald
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