crunchy mama

I'm not sure exactly what my question is....

I am 35 weeks pregnant, and nursing my 2 year old. This is my second time nursing and pregnant. I thought I was prepared, having been here before, but this one is much more difficult.

Just in the past few weeks, nursing has become EXTREMELY painful for me, so painful that I just dread breastfeeding my toddler. :( In the past 7 months, my poor boy has been cut from free access to the breast, to almost nothing. I night-weaned him first, than cut down during the day, then to just 3 times (morning, nap and bedtime).

But now, I even said no to him lastnight, and this morning, so he hasn't nursed since his nap at 2:00 yesterday afternoon! :(

He's out for the day with his brothers, and I know the first thing he'll ask for when he comes home is milk.

I'm so sad....I don't want to wean him. I guess I'm just hoping to hear from some moms who have been there, done that.

My sister was involved in a relationship with another woman for ten years. This lady is wonderful, and became part of our family. She called my parents mom and dad, was "auntie" to my three boys (who LOVE her), came to Christmas and birthday celebrations......we all loved her.

Then, after ten years, she and my sister broke up...it was very messy, lots of awful words. I tried to stay out of it.

What do I do now about my boys' auntie? I have still been in contact with her via facebook, and my oldest son begs me to invite her to his baseball games. Baseball was their special activity, they always went to each other's games.

So, she did come to his baseball game this week, but I feel like I'm betraying my sister?

I love both of them, and so do my boys, but I don't want anyone to feel hurt. I can't just eliminate this person from my life, despite my sister's negative feelings towards her. Or should I? I don't know what to do. :(

About a week ago my 2-year old started sucking and chewing on his shirt sleeves and collars. Then, he hates being wet and wants clean dry shirts on. Could he be teething? What could be causing him to chew his clothes? How can I gently get him to stop?

Are there any moms here who have delivered a breech baby? Does it depend on how the baby is sitting?

I am 32 weeks pregnant, and baby is right side up (I have another ultrasound in a few weeks to check). But just planning ahead.

I have had three healthy, normal vaginal deliveries. I don't want to have a c-section.

My 9 year old son just received his first MP3 Player, and we are spending some time ripping music from borrowed CD's.

I agreed for him to choose the songs but I get the final veto. For example, no rap, no songs with swearing or adult lyrics.

Am I being too controlling? I want him to have some freedom, but I am really fearful of today's media and the influence the lyrics have on young children.

I am 28 weeks pregnant, and my baby is sideways, not head down. Is this even a worry at this early stage? At what point in the next few months should I be concerned with baby not being head-down?

My nine year old son needs two teeth pulled, due to a crowded jaw. He's already had two on the top pulled. It wasn't a negative experience, however he has it in his head that needles are the end of the world.

I took him a few months ago to have the second two teeth pulled, and he was ok with the gel on his gums, but when the dentist tried to freeze his mouth, my son panicked, pushed the dentist away and nearly stabbed him with the needle.

He has had one cavity filled with no problems. I have explained the option of gas, but he thinks he will go to sleep and never wake up.

How can we have a successful return trip to the dentist? What else can I do or say to him other than dragging him there and pinning him down? I don't want to create a life-long phobia for him.