Friday, July 24, 2015

Our Visit to Battleship Cove

We visited Battleship Cove in Fall River MA. as a part of the Highland Foundation's Free Fun Friday exhibit. I have toured the battleships before when I was a kid but this was the first time for Chris and the kids. It was extremely hot on the battleships. The reflection of sun light on the the deck made it feel like you were walking on the sun. I thought my face was melting! Then we went below deck and it was like any amount of air was sucked out of the room. This is why we only toured one ship. But the ship we did tour was a lot of fun. We got to see many of old military memorabilia and how these WWII ships where like. It really made you think.

My husband said he was surprised at home much they actually let you go through in the ship. It was the larger ship so there was plenty of hallways and rooms to go through. Just as you think you have seen it all you come across another hatch door and a ladder going down yet another level. You could climb into the guns on the main deck area. Chris and Morrigan went into the large gun in this picture. It was too hard to climb up with Freya so I stayed with her.


The front half of the ship had the captain's chair which Morrigan had to climb up on to sit.  Many of the displays were not that unique for Chris and I but for Morrigan, it was very different than it is today. Phones with cords on them? What's a type writer? There was so much for Morrigan to learn  about the technology let alone the experience of the battleship and its workings.

Morrigan was able to climb onto a gun on the side of the main deck. It was great that Chris explained to her how the gun would shoot off multiple rounds and how it moved to target things like plains flying over. Chris showed her how to a solider would target the planes and fire multiple rounds. I was surprised Morrigan was tall enough to actually fit. Some areas were a tight squeeze which made you wonder how grown men where able to navigate the ship. Can't imagine what it would be like if they were being fired upon and having to scramble to their stations inside some of these guns. It was kind of funny watching my tall, mildly out of shape, husband crawling into these areas with Morrigan. I didn't even dare try. I'd break my back! I used the baby as an excuse to get out of the more difficult areas to get into. Shhh.... Do tell my husband. *wink,wink*

Even Freya got to experience how it would be to sleep on a battle ship. I wore miss Freya most of thetime, It would have been impossible to take a stroller through most of the ship since the way you got from one level to the next is all ladders. She slept most of the time in the wrap. She woke up when we stopped at the cafeteria on the USS Massachusetts. The crowd of people sitting in the only public air conditioned room was crazy. But that sweet cool air was great! We cooled off and drank some water before taking off for the front of the ship.I highly recommend this exhibit. It was a great chance to explore something that otherwise, a person might never get a chance to in their lives. It was a great time, an educational experience, and it was something that brought a sense of pride and respect for those that sacrificed so much for us. At the gift shop Morrigan picked out a Air Force teddy bear since we have had many members of the Air Force in our family. 

After we left the Battleships we took a walk through of The Marine Museum. There were so many amazing models  of different ships on display. They did a great job offering crafts and games for the kids. As we left they handed out ceramic models of the Titanic.

If you are interested in taking a tour at Battleship Cove or the Marine Museum, click on the links provided for information. And don't forget to check out the list of the Highland Foundation's Free Fun Fridays for more free events going all around Massachusetts. To see what it coming up, click on the link to view my previous post about Free Fun Fridays.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Adventures in Breastfeeding: Help! She has teeth!!!

Freya got her first two teeth last month. I thought it was adorable to see those little two pearly whites rise up out of her otherwise toothless smile. I was also happy that all the screaming and crying in pain was over for now. I just didn't anticipate how these tiny little teeth would impact my breastfeeding.
Morrigan was so easy cutting teeth and as a bottle fed baby I didn't have to worry about biting during feedings. I do remember being fearful of her hugs after she bit my thigh while hugging me. So getting bit on the nipple while feeding Freya didn't just scare it can frustrate Freya. I made the mistake of thinking she was crying because she was tired and wanted to fall asleep while nursing. I was in a hurry trying to clean house before guests were due to arrive. Freya has distinct cries for each of her needs and if I actually slowed down enough to pay attention to what she was trying to tell me I would of realized she just wanted to be down and playing. Instead, I laid her down on my bed with me and popped the boob in her mouth while she was tearfully fussing. That was when I saw her face change. If you are a parent, you know what I'm talking about. Your child goes from cute little cherub to growing horns with flames in their eyes in 5 seconds. I knew she was going to bite me before she even did it but it all happened too fast, I couldn't stop her. She bit, I screamed, she cried because I screamed and I cried from the pain.
The truth was it hurt but I didn't cry, but it triggered tears in your eyes like when you close toes in a door or get elbowed in the nose. There was blood, which I think surprised me. I didn't think she bit me that hard but apparently she broke skin. Those baby teeth are razor sharp, they have to be to cut through the gums.
Lucky for me, my lactation consultant and I had just talked about how to respond to getting bit. She instructed me to make sure I screamed (Like I had a choice on that one.) Then I had to end the nursing session. She had to know that biting equals no boob, you can't bite the hand that feeds you or the boob that feeds you for that matter. She didn't have to tell me not to pull, I don't think I could have when she bit me. Or that I should tell her NO! firmly, it came out automatically. Even young babies, like my 6 month old, can tell mommy is not happy with what she just did.
It's been a month since then and she has tired to bite me two more times. She didn't bit hard but I felt her teeth. I noticed that she has to not only change her hold on my nipple to bite me but she tightens her jaw just before. I have been working on teaching Freya "NO!", its getting there but I wouldn't say we have had that much success. I could say anything in that tone and she will look at me. I could yell "Spinach!" and she would give me the same look. But she goes right back to doing what I was telling her not to do. Tone is all babies can understand but at least we parents have that.
Even though it's a challenge dealing with a teething baby while breastfeeding it's not the end of breastfeeding. Freya is no where ready to be weaned.  I'm hoping at least 6 more month but I prefer another year. Breastfeeding has not only made my life easy but it has been so great to cuddle up with my baby while she eats and falls asleep in my arms. It's truly an amazing experience.
Though I don't think my relationship with my first born would be any different if I had breastfed her,  it's the certain moments that are about a bonding moment.  I never liked those articles that said breastfeeding gives you a better bond with your baby. Its not a better bond over all,  but it is true that YOU feel closer to your baby while feeding her when you are breast feeding. They cuddle into you, hold on to you so tight its like they would never let you go. Those moments fills your heart with so many feelings. Its a moment you just can't duplicate.

Friday, July 10, 2015

New England Historic Genealogical Society Free Fun Friday!



As genealogy is one of my hobbies it was expected that we would just HAVE to go to the New England Historical Genealogical Society on Free Fun Friday. As I mentioned in a previous post (Free Fun Fridays Are A Must This Summer) Free Fun Fridays are free events around Massachusetts during the summer every Friday. This Friday was the New England Historic Genealogical Society on Newbury street in Boston.

We didn't know what to expect and at first the placed seemed overwhelming. It is 7 stories of books, databases, microtext, and lectures on various sources of records. I was impressed and anxious all at the same time. But the staff was amazing. They approached us, explained the organization of the building and how we can find things. Also, they had genealogist on staff to help us. We made an appointment, which was only a 20 minute wait, and we were able to sit down with Dr. Meaghan Siekman who helped us. She explained how their database worked, tips on how to search, and offered information about how the memberships worked. 

The collection of books are amazing. I can't even begin to describe it. But the value of the membership is found in the databases. The membership gives you access 400+ millions records on AmericanAncestors.org which can be accessed at home. This includes services such as Ancestory.com which is $149 for 6 months. A membership on AmericanAncestors.org is $89.95 for the year (For a family membership $119.95 for the year) and they have far more on their database than Ancestry. Plus, this will give you access to their library and microtext. I'm impressed, we are buying the family membership!

Morrigan enjoyed the trip. She colored a family tree sheet and made her own family crest. Then there was a scavenger hunt and a prize at the end. I was surprised when she said she just enjoyed being at the New England Historic Genealogical Society because she felt like it was just a beautiful place. It certainly was. Painting lined the walls and there was busts of famous historical figures. Leather covered arm chairs were tucked into ever corner and behind every large wooden desks. The computer were a huge contrast to the old world appearance to the building.It was worth the walk through by itself. Wish Miss Freya felt the same as her big sis. She got frustrated with all the sitting so we left.



We walked around Newbury street and Bolyston street. We strolled through the common taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Standing on the foot bridge we watched the swan boats pass by. It was scenic.

Then we had lunch at Fire and Ice. If you live in the area and have never been to Fire and Ice, you are truly missing out. You pick your own dish from an array of fresh food, pick one of the many sauces available, and bring it to a large donut shaped grill where your food is cooked right in front of your eyes. There is a salads bar and a ice cream bar. Best part, its all you can eat! Morrigan loves it! She can eat her two favorite dishes in one restaurant, stir-fry with white rice, chicken, broccoli, carrots, and sweet peas then a plate of bow-tie pasta, broccoli and alfredo sauce. Chris loves making his own stir-fry with sea food.We had a great time!


Don't forget to check out the list from the Highland Foundation for more Free Fun Fridays events available on my previous post, Free Fun Fridays Are A Must This Summer and keep checking back here, Surviving Staying At Home, for new post on the events that I attend with my family.