How much?

I'm sure this is a burning question for so many readers....but I had to figure this out...How many gallons of milk have I produced in being a mother of 4?

In a rough estimate I calculated a minimum of 271 gallons.

I nursed have been able to nurse all of my kids. Eliza...10 months, Jenna 9 months, James 10 months, and Logan currently almost 7. Depending on the age of the baby the milk supply goes up and down so I divided all schedules into two month increments, which is a little silly because it changes from day to day. On average a newborn eats more frequently but less volume and so on...

0-2 months/ 8 feedings a day/4 oz each
2-4 months/ 6 feedings a day/6 oz each
4-6 months/ 6 feedings a day/6 oz each
6-8 months/ 4 feedings a day/8 oz each (this may be a bit much but I have a tendency to not do as much solid food as I should, nursing is just way more convenient)
8-10 months / 3 feedings a day/8 oz each

I have nursed a couple of my kids a bit longer, but lets just stop at 10 months...don't want to over estimate this very precise calculation. None of this takes into consideration all the milk that flows freely the first couple of weeks after having a baby or any that may need to be pumped for relief...Just the stuff the baby actually eats!

In a normal 10 month cycle I produce about 9600 ounces of milk, or 75 gallons. Not all my babies nursed that long and I am currently still nursing number 4.

Eliza = 75 gallons
Jenna = 65 gallons
James = 75 gallons
Logan = 56 gallons

(I knew my math degree would come in handy!!!!)

Happy St. Patricks Day

St. Patrick's day began with green milk and Lucy Charms. I had also made rainbow cake in jars..with rolos for the "pot of gold". I was so excited for the holiday! Thanks to Pinterest I look really creative. I also made green bread...looked awesome with cheese.


Before the parade! Eliza and Jenna were able to walk in the parade in Henderson. It was fun...but exhausting...and windy!

Eliza is such a great performer! She does a great job and loves to be in front of people. Her Dance school did a great job!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

James 3rd Birthday

James is just a little shy! He doesn't like all the attention! Cute kid.




What a cute boy! He loved getting new cars and a cool car track! Thanks Grandpa and Granny Lee!

Jenna's 5th Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNA!

I really had bought wrapping paper paper but put it in a really special place. Yes, I found it the day after...now if only I can find it before James' birthday!

The Secret to SHORT Showers by Walt and Annette Hill (as seen through the eyes of Elizabeth Leavitt)

Last month I had the experience of returning to my childhood home. I was there to help my brother with his family, but that is another story.

I showered the first day upstairs in the shower that I had used for years. I had forgotten what a great little shower it is! The lighting is just right to cast a light on any flaw I may have on my face. I think that has to do with the slanted ceiling. The shower is POWERFUL! My first thought was that I would exit the shower quite bruised and in need of medical attention. But that was a short lived thought as the shower instantly went from HOT to FRIGID!!! I could not get out fast enough.

The next day I decided to shower downstairs because...well, I needed to shave and that takes a few minutes to cover the acre-age. Wow...now that shower is awesome! Nice warm, lasted forever. I decided I better not use it too much or I'd neglect the kids...besides the water spilling out of the tub as fast as it entered it was a great shower.

I once again showered upstairs and thought I'd wait for the water to get nice and WARM before I got it. I just waited a minute and stepped in. I got my hair nice and lathered up when the water went COLD! I quickly tried to run some conditioner through my hair and bolt out of the shower.

I spoke with Kathryn about what I was doing wrong...she informed me if I was waiting a minute then I had wasted half of the hot water. The key is to be ready...turn on the water...step in...shower quick and get out! With that noted I had short but warm showers from then on.

I do not remember having cold or short showers growing up. I do remember having to share the shower and if Ken came a knocking it was time to get out or get seen! So perhaps I just have a bad memory.

Our parents had OBVIOUSLY planned to save money on heating and water bill. We must have been expert SHORT showerers! So, my advice if you have kids who take showers that are too long....simply have a super small water heater and water pressure that could clean off the driveway. I bet those kids get out faster than you could imagine.

Thanks Mom and Dad!

Thanksgiving at the Cabin

James loves anything that goes...he stayed on the snowmobile if it was going or not...he LOVED it!!!



We all took turns getting our hair done this day!

Logan!

Since I'm just behind....and I'll have to find a week to catch up...here is the best part of my mornings!

And I have to say that my friend Maxine left (I'm soooo sad) and she needs to see this sweet boy.