peace

How many times have I done this before? Been in the midst of work or play to find a naked toddler running up to me - messily crumbling and melting into the bits that only come before nap time?

But there's lunch on the stove - needing stirring; books on my lap - needing reading; little ones at my side - needing loving; and toys at my feet - needing serious picking up.

With a one-arm scoop and a kiss, she's in my arms. The lunch gets stirred, the books get read, the little ones get loved, and the toys wait.

My breathing has slowed and changed to a calmer rhythym. Then I look down in my arms to find her asleep - drifted off to the sounds of our everyday. She's our baby - she may not always get a quiet room of solitude and rocking to sleep. But she does get this. This is her special lullaby.

:: :: :: ::

One in three women are victims of violence. They are our neighbors, our friends, our mothers and our sisters, they are us. It doesn't have to be our daughters. This is it, Mamas. We can change it.

UN International Women's Day - information for children
Faces of Survivors: Voices Reclaimed - photo project
Stop Violence Against Women (Safe Schools for Girls) - Amnesty International
Women Thrive Worldwide - ask your (US) senator to support the I-VAWA (International Violence Against Women Act)
Family Violence Prevention Fund - coaching boys into men

In honor of the women I love and International Women's Day.

Comments

[robiewankenobie]

*sigh*

[oliver rain]

My daughter is 10 now, but I still miss nursing. It was such an amazing time for the two of us. I loved looking into her big brown eyes as she gazed up at me and touched my face. I mourned when she stopped nursing (her choice not mine). I just miss the forced quiet and peace of the act. Nothing is more beautiful or reaffirming that seeing a picture like this. In spite of all the violence out there against women, this is one thing that we still have.

[eni]

so so cute! thanks for this post and the amazing picture! i love nursing emil...it´s a very special time for me and for him.

liebgruss
eni

[Alicia P.]

Amen.

[molly]

it's funny, the pictures i've seen of her lately I've thought to myself how big she's getting...yet here she looks like such a sweet little babe.

I love getting those glimpses in my day--flashes forward, they're so big/grown up, and flashes back--but they're still just babes...

thanks for sharing this moment with us.

[homejewel]

I've been a nursing mama for a long time. I'm still nursing our baby (baby #7) and he's two years old now. My heart still is moved when I see such a precious sight of a mama nursing her child.

[Michele]

This is such a sweet photo!

[kristen]

Beautiful phpto. My almost 4 year old is my last baby and still nursing. These are precious times that I know will eventually end. The mess-it will always be there!

[anke]

thank you for this post!

[Heather-whatchabuildin]

Oh, had to post again. The youtube video in the earlier post is soooo wonderful!! Just validates that I am doing th right thing with my almost 3 year old! I never thought I'd make it this far, but here we are 3 years later and nursing strong!

[Thank you]

Thank you!
What a beautiful post.

I am a SURVIVOR of a domestic
violence marriage.
I am in the process of picking up
the pieces of my life- little by little,
day by day.

I want you to know I discovered your blog
during my horrible ordeal.
Thank you for sharing yourself.
During my tough times, I often visit your
blog during work and just take a moment
to breathe.
Your blog helps me to refocus and look towards
the future- to a time when I will craft again, to a time when I will have my children again (DV causes so much chaos)-
to a time when I will be able to enjoy the
little things in life again and not be on edge all the time.

Thank you so much, Amanda.
You are truly an inspiration in maybe more
ways than you realize.

[jo]

so beautiful *sigh* thank-you.

[tara pollard pakosta]

nothing like a nursing baby/child! i nursed my baby til she was 3 years old, and while most people looked down on me and told me to STOP nursing her, i just enjoyed it all the more....tara

[Thank you]

Thank you!
What a beautiful post.

I am a SURVIVOR of a domestic
violence marriage.
I am in the process of picking up
the pieces of my life- little by little,
day by day.

I want you to know I discovered your blog
during my horrible ordeal.
Thank you for sharing yourself.
During my tough times, I often visit your
blog during work and just take a moment
to breathe.
Your blog helps me to refocus and look towards
the future- to a time when I will craft again, to a time when I will have my children again (DV causes so much chaos)-
to a time when I will be able to enjoy the
little things in life again and not be on edge all the time.

Thank you so much, Amanda.
You are truly an inspiration in maybe more
ways than you realize.

[Wendy]

My two year old just weaned, and you got a big heartful *sigh* from me, too.
Beautiful photo.

[natasha s]

beautiful photo Amanda.
My little man still nurse frequently and I love the way that after a few gulps,his whole body just goes heavy as he just completely relaxes in my arms.Not so great when I am making dinner with the other hand though!!

;0)
Natasha

[linnea]

I love this.

[Holly]

I just recently happened upon your blog and it is the first one I make a point to read regularly. This post inspired me to leave a comment. Thanks for your thoughtfulness and your sweet, sweet pictures.

[Jessie]

There is NO safer place in the whole world than at your mother's breast.

[cloth.paper.string]

oh, the sweetness of nursing a toddler. and the humor too --- today i was at the co-op with my little one and she pointed to the cow's milk and said, "for mama". then she pointed to herself and me, back and forth repeatedly, shouting out, "for me, bred mik, bred mik, bred mik," over and over, louder and louder with a growing smile. how breast milk brings glee!

[beverly]

Amanda,
Your always thoughtful blog stopped me this morning, amid the list of things to do, the crying, the laughing, the playing, the everything of raising these babies- I stopped to share int'l womens day with the mama's and aunts in my life. Thankyou

[Lasso the Moon]

Gorgeous post! So fun to read, since I just nursed my own melty one to sleep before I came to visit your blog! This is a good season of life, eh?
Anna

[camerashymomma]

wonderful words. wonderful picture!

[Julie @ Letter9]

Oh, there's NOTHING like a naked baby. I'm glad you got your special moment with yours today -- and she her special moment with you. what a sweetie.

[Sally McEntire]

So sweet. I do miss how nursing gives you that closeness you just don't get any other way.

I really got a lot out of Raising Cain and feel that it would be helpful for all moms, even those who don't have boys of their own.

Thank you Amanda, for bringing this day to my attention.

[nicola]

Sweetness

[Veronica TM]

i know you are changing it. thank you and happy day to you!

[Stitch Sista]

I have tears in my eyes from this photo (I am listening to a very melancholy Wilco song too though so that helps...). Can't wait to have another nursling in July...OK, you are right, my kids need some loving from me right now too...

[Maria]

Oh you brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful photo. Thank you.

[Melissa]

That is a beautiful, beautiful photograph! What a sweet and thoughtful post!

[greenchickadee]

I have no idea how you do it with your precious attatched to you, but you set up a most beautiful photo with contrast and depth and meaning. Amazing!

[Berlinswhimsy]

I love your breastfeeding photo----it is peace. Perfect.

Thank you for pointing out today's meaning and what we can do. The numbers are truly staggering...

[Amanda]

It doesn't get any more precious than that. Good for you raising awareness; you have a great platform on this blog! I've even heard more lately about how breastfeeding is a way of life and how it teaches our children to love and respect one another!

[Kate]

How wonderfully peaceful and beautiful!

In England we've started calling in domestic abuse instead of violence, so that men and women get the message it's beyond hitting, biting etc, it is about words, power over someone etc. So sad, I know sooo many women who live in emotional abuse and see it as norm.

[Liz]

You frickin' rock.

[jessamyn]

thank you for this amanda. thank you for using this space to bring awareness to this all too important topic.
you and the things that you hold in your heart are so beautiful!
blessed be.

[LynnSofia]

Beautiful. That's a day in my life!

[cyndyava]

My mother was the tragic victim of domestic violence. In a world filled with many looming issues, it's reassuring to know that there is a day set aside to remember women everywhere and to shed light on those actions that threaten and ultimately destroy peace, love, and family. Thank you for using your voice. Blessing to you and your dear ones.

[Sarah Wellmeier]

Perfect photograph and lovely post! I do miss thos days of breastfeeding too, nothing compares to that feeling.

[Elsita]

You are so special Amanda :)
Elsita :)

[lina]

My goodness, there are no words to describe how this post touched me. Just beautiful Amanda.

[Amanda]

I opened this page and my breath literally caught in my throat. What an incredibly beautiful photo! I miss those days too- and the calm that it brought me. They should make an oxytocin patch- oh wait, I guess that's called a hug!

[erin]

big smiles here.

[jessi]

Thank you thank you - you're making me wish my youngest was still nursing.

[Ula]

So beautiful. I know I will be sad when my nursing days are over. Thanks for the reminder to cherish those times, because they are fleeting.

[Caren]

Thank you so much for this post. I always find it pleasantly ironic that your last name is Soule, because you nourish my soul. :)

[Katie]

Lovely...seriously lovin' your blog...my little one is 5 months and I am amazed how this time I am so focused on her little self, knowing now like I never could with my first how quickly it all goes by. We may have more, but who knows? I have to enjoy these blissful breastfeeding sweet and lovely times. Wish they would never end...

[Elizabeth]

Beautiful photo. And I appreciate that you reminded us all of International Women's Day. I work with victims of domestic violence and it is tragic how common it still is. We all have a chance to use our voices to demand change for the next generation.

[Kristin]

What a beautiful photo, reminding us of the natural joy and love of mother and child... thank you so much for sharing that piece of your lives with us :)

Also wanted to let you know that the drawing has been completed on the blog for the grand giveaway!! I am also holding a poll for another prize for the winning name. :) If you have a moment, stop on by and cast your vote!

[Kristy]

I loved those times too.My baby is nearly six now and still sometimes needs to feel my skin to calm down.Belly hugs she calls them.Often when she's tired or stressed I'll feel a little hand discreetly creep under my top for a little while.
The 'nursing' still continues but the drink is now hot chocolate.Hot chocolate makes everything feel better.Especially with a hand on mummy's belly at the same time.