Christian's series of birthday parties

Christian's turning 3!

Why do I feel the need to celebrate ridiculously for Christian's birthday..? Because he deserves it! Today's date is May 31, 2012. Christian's birthday isn't until June 6. So far, we've had a Chuck E. Cheese party, a swimming/watergun party, and we're still going to Nashville Shores next weekend. Here's some pics so far...

Chuck E Cheese racing game

Chuck E Cheese cake

Yummy (:

Playing in the water

Jump!

Hitting the homemade spiderman pinata his "yaya" (grandmother) made

He was so happy everyone was clapping for him!

Blowing out the candal!

Spraying Daddy

Skin isn't a sin: A breastfeeding memoir

You know what they say...  Breast is best.

When I decided to breastfeed my boys I really didn't know much about it. I quit around the time Christian was four months old. This time, with Ian, I was determined to make it further and to not have to rely strictly on a pump. I've done a lot more research this time and have been attending classes. It has definitely paid off. I wish I had known all of this with Christian. It's so easy! When 3a.m rolls around and Ian wakes, there is no having to go downstairs for a bottle, warming, feeding, washing, and then back to sleep. I simply...feed.
One of my major obstacles was nursing in public. I thought I would hear, "OMG! She's flashing her boobies!!" Nope. I've only heard one negative comment, "That breastfeeding nonsense is for the birds!" Oh, is it? Hmm.Check out THIS link! Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for baby, but mom as well! Just look at me! I've lost 34lbs since Ian was born. I feel amazing! Ian is the happiest baby and Christian is hardly ever sick! Now, I'm not going to get on a long spill about how breast is best. There is no arguing that fact. However, I would like to add a disclaimer* so nobody gets their feelings hurt.

Here's a look into my breastfeeding journey so far:

Breastfeeding just hours after his birth.

Hanging on in his favorite place in the world, Momma's chest.

Feeding Ian at the Memphis Zoo

Feeding Ian at the Zoo

Feeding Ian at Okeena Park

I think that breastfeeding is the most natural, beautiful thing a woman can offer her child. It is, however, a learning experience. I urge you to please seek help if you have trouble breastfeeding. I've hit a couple bumps in the road and even shed some tears but with the support of other breastfeeding mommies, it's now smooth sailing!

Thanks for taking time to read!
--Hollidy Kaye Magadan

*There are certain medications some women have to take that make breastfeeding dangerous, difficult, or even impossible. While breast is certainly best, it is important to understand that it isn't possible for everyone and passing judgement is just as wrong for non-breastfeeding mother, as it is towards breastfeeding mothers. We are all mothers doing what's best!

My boys

"My Son Watching you grow has been the delight of my life. I look at you and wonder what dreams you will dream, what mountains you will climb, what joys you will have. I know there will be tears and struggles as well, but my prayer is that you will grow into the man you are meant to be." 

Christian at the park March 2012

 Christian Daniel

                                   Christian has the best personality of any child you will ever meet. Everyone talks about how funny he is and brags about how smart he is. He's my big boy and I can't imagine how our lives without him in it.

Ian 2 weeks old

 Ian Joel

                Ian is the newest addition to our family,born not quite 3 weeks ago.  He's definitely keeping us on out toes so far. I can't wait to watch him grow, however, I hope he doesn't grow as quickly as Christian did!

Ian and Christian

What a good big brother!

Giving baby brother a kiss

At the hospital a day after Ian was born

My marriage

There is no such thing as a perfect marriage,but with God, there can be many perfect moments. Enjoy them...

The way into a girl's heart? Sharpen her colored pencils.

Joel and I met in art class my freshman year, his sophomore year, in high school. Neither of us had any clue what we were doing, but the class was a requirement to graduate so here we were! The teacher, Ms. Smith, had us randomly seated and I ended up beside this quiet guy I had never met before. I was very outgoing and loud. Joel was very quiet and shy. Hey, opposites attract right? Anyways, Joel and I didn't really speak much until one day I was coloring away and my colored pencil broke. Without saying a word, Joel got up and sharpened it for me. When he got back, I thanked him and went to compliment his artwork but couldn't even figure out what it was! He noticed me looking and then looked at mine and that's when we realized how horrible we were at what we were doing!  I can't remember what he said,exactly, but I remember he made me laugh. My grandmother, Gloria-or as I know her,"Gran Gran"-always told me if you ever find a guy that makes you laugh, hold on to him. Boy was she right! 5 years later, and 2 years of marriage (so far) and he still can make me laugh.

My journey towards Child Abuse Prevention

"Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life." -Confucius

           I have heard many different people say, "God led me to where I needed to be" or, "God just told me this was what I needed to do." What does that mean? Did God come to you in a dream? Are you hearing voices?! Tonight I realized what they meant all those times. God has lead me to Child Abuse Prevention. I admit, I'm in over my head here. I have no clue as to where to start, but I do know one thing.. I believe He will show me.
           I think it all began when a little girl I knew personally became a victim of child abuse. That poor,innocent little girl. How could anyone harm a child?  I then started looking up statistics and they are staggering!

• More than five children die every day as a result of child abuse.
• Approximately 80% of children that die from abuse are under the age of 4.
•  About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
• A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds. (about how long it took you to read the previous statistics) However, it is estimated that only 57% of child abuse gets reported. 
• 80% of adults that were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder.

I'm not sure why,exactly, but God has chosen me to be their voice. So many children suffer in silence and I feel as though it's up to me. I want to spend my entire life helping these children. It may take months, or maybe years but even if one child is saved, IT WILL BE WORTH IT.

"Be the change you want to see in the world." -Gandhi