I’ve never been a flashy girl… at least not in the jewelry sense. I have quite a few tattoos, and in my youth, I used my *ahem* assets to get a few drinks, dates and out of more than one ticket (God bless our local police, right?). But then I got older, and I married, giving me a wedding set and new friends who have bestowed charms for my necklace upon me, which I treasure… and my chest and I made a commitment to children… a bond I didn’t understand until the first early morning I spent trying to open my eyes enough to latch my newborn children after each of their births.
Motherhood has been a wild ride for me- like most of my life- and here I am all hands up, let’s do this… I love taking it all in. This ride makes me smile right down to my core. About a year and a half ago, a big door closed for me as my journey with breast milk came to an end with Adelaide, and I stored a 2½ ounce container of my milk away.
Let me explain. Addie and I didn’t have a great breastfeeding relationship. It was bad almost from the beginning. She was tired after such a long labor and didn’t latch well. Then I was so engorged she couldn’t latch. Then all the milk I had came pouring out of the shield we tried. I was heartbroken, but after 6 months, I stopped trying to nurse her ever- we both just ended up frustrated. It wasn’t the bonding experience I’d imagined. So I pumped, exclusively, until she was 18 months. Day and night, I spent hours with my Medela pump.
It’s no secret, I make a lot of milk. I even donated some. But after 18 months, I weaned Addie from breast milk and me from the pump. I actually cried. I missed that pump WHEN WE BROKE UP. You really never know when those last days are going to be.
And the 2½ ounces have been in my freezer ever since.
So then my dear Camille was born. In all her fury to be born (less than 3 hours), she was just as ferocious of an eater. She latched in minutes and stayed there for the duration of her first few days of life… and the [almost] 6 months since. Our breastfeeding relationship is all I ever imagined one would be. She learned eye contact, smiles and touch through breastfeeding. And my heart soars each time she scoots herself to me in the middle of the night. Where Dave got up to feed Addie, he gets to sleep now and really, I do, too! But… I am still in a relationship with my pump. In fact, I hate the darn thing, but it calls my name each morning as I am so incredibly engorged, I could cry (and have). And again before bed, when I am engorged, yet again, because even my vivacious eater, Millie, cannot eat that much milk. So, I pump. And donate everything. I could decrease my supply at this point, but I give milk to a family who adopted and am saving milk for a family with a mama fighting cancer… and I cannot stop just because I loathe the name Medela (which I don’t… I love their products, I just hate pumping).
So… what the hell does this have to do with my favorite jewel? A lot.
(While I am pleased with my bead, there has been controversy around this company, and I urge you to find a different jeweler)
I saw a woman who made milk beads locally in Rhode Island, and I needed one. I’ve wanted it for a long time to go on the charm bracelet Dave started for me years ago. It has much of life represented into motherhood with a pink mother and child, and a girl… beads for Addie. So I had this milk saved for such a bead. For Addie.
And then my 30th birthday came. Two years after I saved this milk. Almost 2 years after I’d stopped pumping for Addie.
And my gift was what I’d been hoping for:
But, this milk is from 2014. This is Millie’s milk. This is my bead for sweet Camille Thea. I love this jewel because it symbolizes my relationship with breastfeeding as I’d wanted it to be, always. It’s for my second child, my full immersion into motherhood as a seasoned veteran. I still want to have one made for Addie… but I love that Dave got this jewel made for me with milk I’d pumped while nursing Millie… and it almost makes me laugh, because Millie has never had a drop of pumped milk. Addie was my baba baby, hungrily drinking every chance she could, and Millie is my boobie baby, always wanting her nursies; both girls always craving cuddles, even into toddler years.
Motherhood is such an amazing experience, and while 3 years ago I would have said my favorite piece of jewelry was the family ring bestowed upon me by my mother around the time of my engagement, or the pearls my mother-in-law got me for my wedding, or even my wedding band… these years later, as a mother, it’s this tiny bead, placed on my charm bracelet, reminding me of childhood, newborn love, the superpower of mamas, and most of all, the family I have surrounding me.
(All beads are Kay Jewelers except the milk bead)
There are days I wish I had a million pieces of jewelry to choose from, but really, all a girl needs is that one thing that brings her heart home. For me, my girls are home. I am hoping to get a bead made that encapsulates Addie’s first hair cut was right before her surgery are longing for a place to be kept.
Please share your favorite piece of jewelry with me! What’s one piece you adore? Do you wear it often? Was it passed on to you or given to you as a gift? Did you buy it for yourself? Link-up below, too!
I am so happy to read this post because I would love to do something like this with my milk. I overcame some serious hurdles in my breastfeeding adventure. Breast reduction surgery at 21 where I was told I’d NEVER be able to breast feed and a week-long NICU stay for my third. I only nursed for 7 weeks with my first, 4 months with my second (all because I didn’t think I could do it) and now 8 months with my third child. I’m amazed everyday that I’m able to do this. With the right help and information it’s possible. I NEED to preserve some of my milk like you did, as this seriously is my personal greatest accomplishment. Thank you Chelley!
Courtney Buteau recently posted…#DisneySide Cars-themed party fit for a toddler
Oh mama!!! It’s so special- she makes gorgeous jewelry with milk! I’ve been waiting for years, and it was well worth it! <3 You're an amazing woman!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…My Favorite Jewel, #52WeeksA4A
Wow, that is so cool! I had no idea you could get this! Sending to my niece who just had a baby – she’ll be all over this!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Essential Oils for Colds
Awesome!- thanks for sharing.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I love a long necklace that I bought myself. It cost one month’s salary!
Elizabeth @ Being MVP recently posted…Blendtec Designer 725 Review + Post-Workout Recovery Drink Recipes
Woah! Big splurge!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I had no idea this was possible. Really interesting.
It’s super unique for sure!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
Wow, what an awesome story! It is so funny how our priorities change once we have kids! I am so impressed with your milk supply, and it makes me smile that you are so generous with it! I think this milk bead is so cool! My most precious jewel is the necklace my husband made me with my dads signature on it.
Amy D recently posted…Oven Baked Buffalo Chicken Strips Recipe & How to Save with Shaw’s MyMixx
Amy – I love those necklaces! I want one to remember my dad by, too!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
What a gorgeous bead (the whole bracelet, really) and such an awesome story! I too had a very close relationship with my Medela, as I had the same troubles with both of my daughters that you had with Addie… got love that exclusive pumping. But I never would have thought about saving some of the milk to turn it into a memory like this, that’s definitely very cool!
I’m glad I found the company- it’s so meaningful to me. Think of all we go through with those darn pumps!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
That is such a neat story. I love that you donated some milk as well.
Harriet recently posted…21 YUMMY Pies for #PieDay
Thanks, Harriet!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I don’t wear a lot of actual jewelry, so I’d say my favorite piece of jewelry has always been my babies hanging all over me.
Melissa Pezza recently posted…Bear Creek Country Kitchens – Delicious Dinner Every Time
Awe- they are 3 beautiful babies!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
What a sweet and special story, thanks so much for sharing. And I just LOVE the bead… pieces with meaning behind it mean SO much more!
Amanda recently posted…Life Lessons Learned from Cinderella: Opens TODAY March 13th #CinderellaEvent
So true!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
Isn’t it crazy how life changes? You are still just as beautiful as ever and that bracelet is awesome. I have always wanted one that would tell our story.
This bracelet is incredible for me because I can see how much life has changed in just the few years I’ve had it!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
This is really cool and such a special way to remember a special joy of motherhood!
Jeannette recently posted…Ideas for Celebrating the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards
It really is.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
My favorite jewelry is my wedding band. You would think that it would be my engagement ring that is so pretty, but I actually love my simple wedding band even more.
I love that! The wedding band has such a different meaning to me. My engagement ring was a promise. My wedding band IS the promise… if that makes sense!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I breast fed my kids and loved the experience. My favorite piece of jewelry is the first ring my husband gave me. I was so surprised when i opened it.
gingermommyrants recently posted…Warm Up with Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats Cereal! Giveaway (CAN) #TryItHot
How special!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I’ve never heard of milk beads before. That’s such a cool piece of jewelry and I love that it has so much meaning.
It really is so cool!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I had a difficult time trying to breastfeed my son and gave up after 2 weeks. Now with baby #2 on the way I am determined to make it work this time, no matter what. Wish me luck!
Danielle recently posted…ReciFoto Recipe App & Website
I wish you so much luck!!! <3 <3 <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
Love your charms. My fave is a string of pearls I bought myself my first mothers day. ex-Hubby never got me anything cause I was not his mother! His mom started picking up something “from him” after that til the divorce. Yeah he was a jerk.
Debbie Denny recently posted…83% Of Kids Ages 6-17 Love(d) Being Read Aloud To!
Oh my! He sounds like it!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
Awww I love this! What a great way to capture a memory!!
Jenn recently posted…Finally On Budget Shopping Totals
Indeed, Jenn!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
You are such a great story teller! I actually forgot I was reading about jewelry until you brought it back around I was so enraptured. That charm is incredible. What an amazingly thoughtful gift. Looking forward to the day I have my own breast milk accounts :). Happy Friday!
Angie Scheie recently posted…Friday Favorites & Blogger Love ~ St. Patrick’s Day Edition
I’m a drifter, Angie. LOL! Thank you for reading- it really is one of the most thoughtful things he’s done!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I actually pump exclusively now and pumped for my daughter when she was little. Both kids never latched properly. My daughter had undiagnosed lip tie and my son has tongue tie. I hate my pump buy happy to be able to provide milk for my son. That Milk Bead is SO awesome! If I were ever were to get one, I would probably wear it as a necklace.
Trisha recently posted…Comment on Staying Connected with T-Mobile Simply Prepaid! #ChangingPrepaid #CollectiveBias by Jenn
Trisha- latch issues are the worst! I EP for Addie and loved giving her milk, but hated the pump! I hope you do get something to remind yourself of the amazing woman you are and how are you worked to feed those babes! <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
Of course my wedding ring is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. I also really love a key calendar necklace I have. It’s got the date of my husband and I’s anniversary on it. It’s a beautiful piece.
What a special piece- it sounds so cool!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I did not know that was possible! That bead is gorgeous!
I never had an issue with breastfeeding until my 4th daughter. We’ve been through it that’s for sure. And I have spent much time attached to the pump. I’d love to have a piece of jewelry to remember this time in my life.
Danielle H recently posted…Slam Dunk Basketball Party Snacks
Danielle, go for it! I think that the struggle is something important to remember… someday, maybe it will make you break out in laughter!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I’ve never heard of a milk bead before. How neat! I have a couple of favorite things that i almost never take off. One is a pair of earrings the hubby gave me years ago. Another is a necklace I got years ago that says @valmg. And then I have my rings, which I always wear if I’m not too heavy.
I love that you have an @valmag necklace- that is amazingly cool!!!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
Wow, had no idea you could do that! LOVE that bracelet!
Meagan recently posted…5 Throat Soothing Recipes + Sore Throat Remedy
Thanks, Meagan!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I had no idea you could do this either. This is really neat for those breastfeeding moms. I was able to breastfeed each of my children for a couple months and wish I would have been able to do it longer.
Stefani Tolson recently posted…Free Printable Cinderella Activity Sheets
Boobs are darn tricky- I wish I’d known how hard it could be!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I so wish my jewelry were as personal as yours, but I love how totally you and Dave it is!!!!
Melendy recently posted…On a much lighter note… Week 10 – my favorite jewelry…
Awe- love you, mama! <3 And I love your jewels- and how you described them- so beautiful!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I adore this – and think it’s so cool that they were able to make a bead out of your breastmilk. Way to go Mama – I love that you can treasure this forever.
Mary @ Tall Mom tiny baby recently posted…Easter Planning: Menu, A Disney Junior Easter Basket And A New Game
Me too- thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
Breastfeeding is such an amazing time, I have nursed all 5 of mine and still nursing the baby (22 months). I do not plan on weaning unless I get pregnant again.
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Super Saturday Giveaway Linky
Amen, mama!!! you go! I am going for extended BFing!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
OMG I didn’t know this was a possibility. Super cute!
Thanks, Pamela!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
At first, I went eww. Two minutes later, I am at wow, I want one! How much milk do you need?
M from K&M: The Stay-at-Home Life recently posted…Product Review: The Honest Company Diapers and Wipes
Check on the site… I actually don’t think you need a lot!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
Oh this is so neat. I wish I would have been able to do something like this with each of my girls.
kristin recently posted…Simple Date Night Ideas
I hate seeing things too late! Do you have something special to remember the babyhood of your girls?
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
That is such a wonderful story. I did not know they can do that with breast milk. It is a great idea for mothers to cherish this point of time in their life. Thanks for sharing.
Celeste Wong recently posted…All Aboard!
It really is so special!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
Coolest thing ever! I love breastfeeding! I was heartbroken to stop with my 5th baby, but I wanted to get pregnant with #6 and it was not helping the situation. Now I’m preggo with #6 and I can’t wait for my precious baby!
Christine recently posted…5 Sanity Saving Tips for New Moms
That’s so amazing!!! I wish you all the best!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The No Candy Easter Basket!
I’d be very leery of ordering from Mommymilkcreations. I’ve been waiting since Jan 2014, and I know some moms have been waiting since July 2013. She’s cut off all communication on facebook and everything is super private. (So noone can see questions /complaints I’m guessing ). There’s a lot of other artists out there that will treat your milk w respect. I don’t trust this one anymore and that makes me sad. 🙁
That is heartbreaking to hear! Thank you for letting me know! I wanted to make one with the milk I’d saved from Addie (3 years ago!). I would be incredibly angry if the milk went missing!