So long, that I temporarily forgot how to actually do this. (Seriously, I had to ask my husband where to go to log in).

The reason for this momentous sign-on: A holiday guide: A calendar of things to do for November and December, some gift ideas, gift tags — that sort of stuff.

This time, I’m getting it printed, but if you’d like the digital version, click on the picture below.

Mod Bobby Pin, $18

Lace up Mid-calf Boots, $219

Victorian Turquoise Ring, $500

Wednesday, September 7th, the old AMC Esplanade is showing off it’s new facelift. My husband and I stopped by the almost-open theater and one of the workers gave us the skinny.

They have Fork and Screen rooms where you can watch a movie and eat. But  also a few higher end rooms they call Cinema Suites that include a recliner (see photo above), a small bag of popcorn and get this — a warm towel! She listed off the prices, and frankly, they didn’t seem too bad ($15 for a fancy ticket on weekend nights).

As far as I’m concerned, the warm towel is worth the price of admission.

Photo above is from Phoenix New Times. Check out more photos and their preview.

AMC Esplanade 14
2515 East Camelback Road
View showtimes

When Wilson was born, I got to see how the whole shebang worked — and it wasn’t as seamless as the Power Point presentation suggested.

Frankly, for me, nursing was was hard.

Not HARD hard. A friend recounted a story of her nipple repeatedly opening like a canyon and spewing blood. Another (two actually) cut the front out of a sports bra so her chafed boobs could get some non-contact support. One actually said that labor was easy in comparison to enduring breastfeeding (she had a 2 day labor).

My difficulties came in the form of blistered nipples, plugged ducts, a low milk supply and getting a tiny baby to latch deeply (a deep latch is the holy grail of nursing). I figured out some of my issues, but in the past 6 months, I learned a few things I didn’t know before about breastfeeding.

It’s different for everyone
Some people are natural breastfeeders. One buxom friend had a blissful nursing experience, “I turned into a f*cking Earth mother. These things (motioning to her chest) had to be good for something.”

Others weren’t so lucky (see above).

After struggling a bit with latches and supply, I went to a weekly lactation group and the other mom there had what she called, “a gusher.” Her milk stream was like a firehouse down her kid’s throat. He got plenty of milk, which he’d promptly upchuck all over his bib.

It can always be worse.

***

It can take a long time
My biggest shock was how many hours I would log nursing. After downloading a breastfeeding ap for my phone (who knew?!), I was shocked to see that those first few months I was spending up to 7 hours a day feeding Wilson.

The logistics of feeding never occurred to me pre-baby. Then Wilson was born and I learned that he should eat every 3 hours — which starts at the beginning of each feeding. So if he takes an hour to eat (which he usually did), he’d be ready to eat 2 hours later. Those 2 hours seemed like seconds when my nipples were on fire.

***

The rack is on display
My sister-in-law breastfed her firstborn for 3 years and I could never tell definitively whether or not she was nursing. I, however, am not that graceful. If you’re over during feeding time, you’re going to see my boobs.

In my normal life, friends and family aren’t privy to my naked bosom, but in the past 5 months my parents, my in-laws, and my friends have all seen my boobs…to no fanfare.

***

Pumped milk is like liquid gold

Pumped milk is freedom. If you have milk in the refrigerator, your husband can take over a midnight feeding, a grandparent can administer a bottle for a night out — anyone can feed that baby.

Sadly, I don’t make a lot of milk. The first month or so, it might take 4 or 5 pumping sessions (which are tedious when your sore nipples are feeding every 3 hours) to make enough milk for one feeding.

I keenly remember dropping Wilson off at my mom’s house with one of my precious bottles “just in case.” When I came back, I saw the nearly-cashed bottle on the table. “He almost ate the whole thing!” My mom beamed. I simultaneously sought to hold back tears while looking for ways to store/transport the last quarter of an ounce at the bottom of the bottle.

***

Lactation consultants can be hands-y
One expects a certain amount of man-handling during lactation consults. Some however, seemed more hands-on than others.

“You really should continually compress the breast as you feed,” said one while grabbing a hold of my boob and milking. After about 5 minutes of massaging and squeezing she continued, “You might even want to do areola compressions…” which is just as appalling as it sounds. After this particularly violating session, I came home and Googled “lactation molestation” (nothing came up).

***

That said, A lactation group can be really helpful
Trained experts can often see what the problem is after a second of watching you feed and offer boob-saving tips (Thank you Ramona at St. Joe’s!). Talking to other nursing moms makes you realize that everyone (or at least many) have issues with breastfeeding. And it’s just nice to get out of the house and not worry about messing with your baby-feeding schedule.

(St. Josephs has weekly lactation support group meetings on Mondays at 10 a.m. Good Samaritan also has a monthly meeting).

***

Everyone has an opinion
Not everyone in my life was supportive about my breastfeeding (you know who you are!). I had people in my life trying to push formula on me with the verve of a crack dealer.

“My coworker breastfed for a long time and her boobs turned into 2 empty wallets,” offered one formula pushing person. At every cry, another would insist she heard the “nuh” sound indicating he was hungry. “You should just give him some formula.”

While there are huge upsides to formula (you know how much the baby is getting, it’s fast, anyone can feed him), the more formula you feed him, the less milk you make (it’s a part of that whole amazing system).

I have nothing against formula. In fact, Wilson gets a little now to supplement, but pediatricians say breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby. As a lactard with auto-immune issues, I really thought it was important to give it my best shot. It’s a decision you have to make.

Gee Wawa Ballet Flats, $99

Forest Gump, $57

1. Acrylic-polyester-wool coat, $278; anntaylor.com (available in mid-September).
2. Ankle Zip Pants, $89
3. Emerson Made Bag-o-turtlenecks, $58
4. Metal Mosaic Ring, $29 at Jewelmint.com
5. Everyday Suede Flats, $98