Who cares if it's weird?

So back in the day, when Hubby and I were trying to get pregnant and not having much luck, we had lots and lots of talks. We'd reaffirmed that we know we wanted to adopt someday, whether we were able to get pregnant or not. We also reevaluated other things. Point being: During this time, I heard for the first time I can remember about milkbanks and milksharedotcom. These are both places that connect parents in need of antibodies for their child with milk from donating mothers. What an awesome idea, I thought. I know that if we're able to adopt a baby, I'd like to give him/her as best a start in life as I could and this is one way to ensure that start. I was hoping that, if I ever got pregnant, I'd be able to help out other moms and dads in this area. I'm proud to say that I have been able to do just that! It's not been easy, and definitely gets frustrating at times, especially when I feel tied to the pump, but it's an amazing feeling knowing that not only can I produce enough for my little monster, but I'm also able to help (currently) another adopted little girl grow! When I get discouraged with having to pump so often (and the fact that I feel starving 90% of the time and am snacking constantly...and thus have actually gained weight back after the two week post-partum mark), I think about how blessed I would feel receiving the liquid gold from some other mom...and how blessed I feel knowing I can help another baby in the way that only new moms can.
Here's how it works:
For a milkbank, a donor would contact the closest milkbank. Said milkbank would send paperwork to fill out and pay for donor to get tested (HepA, HepB, and HIV, I believe). Once results came back, donor would send frozen milk to said bank. The bank then tests/sterilizes/mixes said milk with other donor's milk and pasteurized. Then this milk is set up to be received. This milk is available by prescription mainly to premature babies, babies with medical conditions, and some adopted babies.
For a milksharing website, the milk is not pasteurized or anything. It's a direct connection to donor and recipient. A donor signs up at a site such as milkshare . com and posts their donation. (Ex: I posted that I had x amount of milk and would like to donate to either a preemie or an adopted baby.) Hopeful recipients choose a donor and connect. Donor chooses recipient and they connect. Sometimes the pair are able to meet in person and sometimes the frozen milk is shipped. Donor provides/sends milk and applicable testing (Hep and HIV testing is strongly suggested for all pregnant women, so this testing should already be completed and donor would just need to get a copy of said results). Recipient usually reimburses donor for any bags or bottles and, if shipped, also pays for shipping fees.
I've felt so blessed to be a part of this circle and try not to get offended at the people who act offended that I donate my milk to another child in need. Trust me: I comprehend that it's not the "normal" way of doing things. But why wouldn't I? I have something that another parent strongly desires for their child. Why would I deny that?
I am happy to be a part of the milksharing circle!

Rolling already?

Granted, I've been afraid he's gonna start rolling the SECOND I look away the first time he's on the couch/changing table/anywhere really...but he started rolling for the first time yesterday, April 11. Right as Chris opened the fridge door and couldn't see, Gabriel-Monster rolled from his tummy to his back. I yelled to Chris, but was too late...and then I was oh-so-sure he woulnd't do it again, but he DID!!! Great. Now not only does he scoot around on his back for several feet, but he can roll. He's gonna be scoot-scoot-scootin' around all over the place and rolling when he gets stuck...Goodness time flies. Plus, while we were "sleeping" together on the floor in his room the other day, I found that he likes to roll from his back to his side so that he can face me right-on, but as of yet can't roll totally on to his stomach.