Wow, I was so tired yesterday! I didn't get as much organizing done as I wanted, but I still got a lot done. I conked out on the couch last night, barely woke up to go to the bed and slept through a big storm! So did the kids, so we were all tired I guess! Although, I almost never wake up during storms- always been that way.
I want to brag on my hubby. Last night after dinner I was feeling pretty worn down with all that I had to do yet- clean up the kitchen including unloading the dishwasher, my least favorite chore; get everyone bathed and ready for bed and get them to clean up their messes. So he jumped up and started cleaning the kitchen for me, I helped a bit and was able to reclaim enough energy to get everything else done easily :) This morning we kind of got up late and instead of taking his beloved shower he ran and got my daughter's lunch and breakfast made while I got her dressed. Awww...
Alrighty, I wanted to talk about this little magazine my mom gets- "Everyday Food" by Martha Stewart. Yes Martha is a little strange and used to be too perfect, but since her recent paradigm shift in life (i.e. prison experience) she has loosened up a lot :) Just watch her new show and see.
Anyways, I love the recipes in this little book because they are so simple and generally easy. And lately, I need lots of help when it comes to cooking- my brain is just blank! I am looking at the March issue and have already planned to make some recipes. Here are a few that sound good to me:
Chicken with Artichokes and Angel hair
salt and pepper
1/4 cup flour
8 thin chicken breast cutlets
2 T olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 can artichoke hearts packed in water
2 T rinsed and drained capers
2 T butter
8oz angel hair pasta
1/2 cup parsley
Season chicken, dredge in flour, sautee in olive oil over medium-high heat 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to dish, then add broth and bring to a boil, cook until reduced by half. Add artichokes, capers and the chicken with any juices. Swirl to combine, then add butter.
Cook pasta, arrange chicken on top and sprinkle with parsley.
(I'm not really familiar with artichokes and capers, but I've had them and do like them, plus it just rings a bell for some reason)
One more...
Southern Mac and Cheese
1 T melted butter, plus more for dish
1/2lb elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
2 large eggs
1 cup half and half
1 garlic clove, minced
2 slices bread, torn
(I will double this recipe since this is just for 4 people and we like leftovers)
Get a large pot of salted water boiling, add macaroni. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter your baking dish. Undercook pasta 3 minutes and drain.
In a large bowl, whisk the cheese, eggs, half and half, garlic, 1/2 t salt and pepper. Add pasta and combine, pour in dish. Pulse bread and melted butter in food processor; season with salt and pepper. Top pasta mixture with 1/2 cup cheddar and the bread crumbs. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let stand 5 minutes and serve.
Ok, one more, a neat dessert!
Fudgy Skillet Brownies
1 1/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 t salt
4 T butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
8oz bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl, whisk sugar and eggs. In another bowl mix flour,salt, sugar and cocoa.
In a medium oven proof skillet, bring butter and cream to a simmer over medium. Add chocolate and reduce to medium-low heat. Cook until chocolate is melted, remove from heat to cool 5 minutes. Add chocolate mixture to sugar whisking until blended. Fold in flour mixture and pour batter into skillet. Bake until toothpick in serted in center comes out clean, 40 minutes.
(not exactly easier than regular brownies, but interesting)
Anyways, most of the recipes are healthy, but not usually frugal. They do use good quality ingredients, which makes a big difference. Example- the last time I bought olive oil, I got a good organic one, for just a couple of dollars more, and it tastes much better. Lemon juice and olive oil on salad tastes great to me, whereas before, not so much. I have also been buying organic salad greens, the spring mix ones, and they taste a lot better as well- not so wild/weed tasting :)
March 31, 2009
March 30, 2009
Easy Recipe for dinner!
Friday I came up with a great easy alternative to tacos.
I cooked the hamburger meat with the usual seasoning and spices (I use my own, don't by the packaged seasonings) and added 1 can drained black beans to it. I also stirred in 1/2 cup salsa to the mix. I put a layer of stale tortilla chips in a 9x13 pan, then put the meat on top, then covered with shredded cheese. I put that in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Next I chopped up lettuce very finely, diced some tomatoes, and chopped a few green onions. When I took the pan out of the oven, I topped with lettuce, tomatoes, dollops of sour cream all over, green onions and then sliced black olives. Now we could just scoop it and put it on our plates. I served it with extra sour cream and salsa. An almost one dish meal :) We had homemade chocolate pudding for dessert too.
This is also good reheated, although we ate 2/3 of it that night. So no pictures sorry :)
I cooked the hamburger meat with the usual seasoning and spices (I use my own, don't by the packaged seasonings) and added 1 can drained black beans to it. I also stirred in 1/2 cup salsa to the mix. I put a layer of stale tortilla chips in a 9x13 pan, then put the meat on top, then covered with shredded cheese. I put that in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Next I chopped up lettuce very finely, diced some tomatoes, and chopped a few green onions. When I took the pan out of the oven, I topped with lettuce, tomatoes, dollops of sour cream all over, green onions and then sliced black olives. Now we could just scoop it and put it on our plates. I served it with extra sour cream and salsa. An almost one dish meal :) We had homemade chocolate pudding for dessert too.
This is also good reheated, although we ate 2/3 of it that night. So no pictures sorry :)
March 29, 2009
Going's On
Did everyone have a nice weekend? We had unseasonably cold weather yesterday, and ended up doing NOTHING- just chilling out and going to a birthday party :)
On my mind this week...
I posted a few days ago about committing to prayer for our nation, but today God was dealing with me about taking time to intercede for things in my own life. Example, we really felt the leading of God last fall to make a huge move across country, yet the doors never opened for my husband to get a job. We are not at a place financially to just get up and go without employment. Plus, we just never got a definite- " Yes, you need to go right now." From God.
Also other things that need prayer such as for my special needs daughter, my husband's stressful job, our baby in utero etc. It's very important to hide the Word in your heart, but I kind of forget about prayer, and it's necessary.
Organization!!! I am ITCHING to get on my house and get the stuff condensed. I visited a friend yesterday and she lives in a single wide trailer, yet it is very uncluttered (despite having two little girls) and clean. It seems no matter what, stuff just keeps accumulation. Why is it so hard to keep a large house picked up?? Too many rooms to spread it all in. So, the first thing I will focus on is the playroom/toys and childrens' rooms. The hit the bathrooms, laundry room and kitchen. Must streamline the cleaning!
Sewing- today I hit a sale and got a short set pattern for the girls and a tiered dress pattern, plus the crib set patterns. We are going to be traveling to upper Michigan in about three weeks, so I gotta get some clothes together. PLUS, I wanted to fix them Easter frocks. I am quite traditional and like to get the family new church outfits complete with shoes and hats for Easter. Probably isn't necessary, but I do.
Which leads into the question I'm going to ask- how do you celebrate Easter? I've been on the fence about it but I recently heard the origins of Easter/Ishtar, a pagan holiday where they exchange colored eggs etc, way back in the days of Jezebel. So, I told the girls there is no Easter bunny and that mom and dad give them gifts because Jesus rose from the dead on Easter and He is the gift of eternal life.
However, I can't not do Easter eggs, because it's a big family thing. We gather at my Uncles' farm for a huge fish fry and egg hunt. How can I exclude them from that? As a child, I clearly understood the distinction between resurrection Sunday and Easter bunny/eggs. So I decided we would keep the Easter decor, continue with filling the baskets with presents and egg coloring/hunting, but no Easter bunny. It's fun, and children like to have fun.
Still I'm curious about what others do, so tell me.
On my mind this week...
I posted a few days ago about committing to prayer for our nation, but today God was dealing with me about taking time to intercede for things in my own life. Example, we really felt the leading of God last fall to make a huge move across country, yet the doors never opened for my husband to get a job. We are not at a place financially to just get up and go without employment. Plus, we just never got a definite- " Yes, you need to go right now." From God.
Also other things that need prayer such as for my special needs daughter, my husband's stressful job, our baby in utero etc. It's very important to hide the Word in your heart, but I kind of forget about prayer, and it's necessary.
Organization!!! I am ITCHING to get on my house and get the stuff condensed. I visited a friend yesterday and she lives in a single wide trailer, yet it is very uncluttered (despite having two little girls) and clean. It seems no matter what, stuff just keeps accumulation. Why is it so hard to keep a large house picked up?? Too many rooms to spread it all in. So, the first thing I will focus on is the playroom/toys and childrens' rooms. The hit the bathrooms, laundry room and kitchen. Must streamline the cleaning!
Sewing- today I hit a sale and got a short set pattern for the girls and a tiered dress pattern, plus the crib set patterns. We are going to be traveling to upper Michigan in about three weeks, so I gotta get some clothes together. PLUS, I wanted to fix them Easter frocks. I am quite traditional and like to get the family new church outfits complete with shoes and hats for Easter. Probably isn't necessary, but I do.
Which leads into the question I'm going to ask- how do you celebrate Easter? I've been on the fence about it but I recently heard the origins of Easter/Ishtar, a pagan holiday where they exchange colored eggs etc, way back in the days of Jezebel. So, I told the girls there is no Easter bunny and that mom and dad give them gifts because Jesus rose from the dead on Easter and He is the gift of eternal life.
However, I can't not do Easter eggs, because it's a big family thing. We gather at my Uncles' farm for a huge fish fry and egg hunt. How can I exclude them from that? As a child, I clearly understood the distinction between resurrection Sunday and Easter bunny/eggs. So I decided we would keep the Easter decor, continue with filling the baskets with presents and egg coloring/hunting, but no Easter bunny. It's fun, and children like to have fun.
Still I'm curious about what others do, so tell me.
March 27, 2009
New Hairdo Photo Shoot
I decided to blowdry my hair straight today and see how the new haircut looked. I like it! So this isn't how the hair has looked all week- it's been wavy and big in the front and sides :)
This shirt makes me look pretty pregnant. So far no one has asked me when I'm due while wearing it, as they would probably be in shock if I said August! I look like it should be coming a lot sooner. It's very feminine though and I would have liked to get more in different colors, but white was all there was.
I've been cleaning and rearranging the house today...I'm not sure why I like to that on Fridays. It's pointless really, because on Saturday the house seems to get totally trashed. Weird.
I have an organizing-the-toys question: do you have the toys in the kids' rooms, or do you keep them in the main rooms of the house? My goal in allowing the girls to have the front room as their play room was to keep the mess there. However, it is gradually taking over the house, despite the fact that I've boxed up at least half of their stuff and gotten rid of a bunch. I can move them all to one bedroom and use the third as a play room, but when baby arrives I will need that room and have to move it all. Yet, if they all are in one bedroom, there isn't room for their kitchen set etc.
I'm just tired of the first room in the house to be a constant wreck :) It's very tiresome to look at, though it's not too hard to clean up. Anyways, just asking...as a child, my stuff stayed in my room. But there were only two of us (siblings) and our age difference was 6 years, so I played by myself mostly.
Time for lunch!
This shirt makes me look pretty pregnant. So far no one has asked me when I'm due while wearing it, as they would probably be in shock if I said August! I look like it should be coming a lot sooner. It's very feminine though and I would have liked to get more in different colors, but white was all there was.
I've been cleaning and rearranging the house today...I'm not sure why I like to that on Fridays. It's pointless really, because on Saturday the house seems to get totally trashed. Weird.
I have an organizing-the-toys question: do you have the toys in the kids' rooms, or do you keep them in the main rooms of the house? My goal in allowing the girls to have the front room as their play room was to keep the mess there. However, it is gradually taking over the house, despite the fact that I've boxed up at least half of their stuff and gotten rid of a bunch. I can move them all to one bedroom and use the third as a play room, but when baby arrives I will need that room and have to move it all. Yet, if they all are in one bedroom, there isn't room for their kitchen set etc.
I'm just tired of the first room in the house to be a constant wreck :) It's very tiresome to look at, though it's not too hard to clean up. Anyways, just asking...as a child, my stuff stayed in my room. But there were only two of us (siblings) and our age difference was 6 years, so I played by myself mostly.
Time for lunch!
March 26, 2009
Awakening
I pray that the Holy Spirit guides my words. When I want to, I can be somewhat eloquent in my writings, but for the most part I choose to write as I would speak on my blog. I like to be real :)
I know that most Christians have very differing opinions concerning the so called 'End Times' and rapture of the church. I have heard a lot of different theories, but know that I am writing from the one I've studied and the one my spirit bears witness with.
The last month or so my husband and I have been studying Revelation and listening to some teaching on the book. Did you know that God has promised a specific blessing to those who read and study the book of Revelation? It says so in the first few verses- I used to be rather scared of reading it, because nothing seemed to make any sense. That's when a teacher helps :) I highly recommend Dr. John Hagee, who has committed his ministry to the study of Revelation and is also a pastor in San Antonio.
So I believe that the church will be taken out of this world before the tribulation begins. The tribulation itself is honestly a reward to those who have rejected Christ and chosen the world, or rather, Satan. Once the praying people are gone, he will have full reign to wreak the worst havoc imaginable on this earth.
So many in our country are alarmed and afraid, or at the very least, slightly worried about what is happening. I admit I have shed some tears over the loss of patriotism and well, lack of plain old common sense in our beloved America. I am continually amazed that we would elect such a person into the almost sacred office of President. My husband has been particularly pained at this, but one must keep in mind, there is a set time for things to come to pass. My personal belief is that by having the government we have now, it basically setting things up for when the antichrist rises up. He will come as a man of peace, and the world will gladly hand over the reins to him, meaning, one world government.
So, I say that to help us realize that the events going on right now are part of the plan. As bad as it looks, be sure to read the back of the Book. Now, the point of what I'm writing about. Have any of you learned about the Great Awakening in the 1700s in the thirteen colonies? Probably you did in jr. high school, but it's been awhile.
From what I remember, it had been about 100 years since the Pilgrims/Puritans settled America. A new generation was present and people were really starting to spread out and settle other parts of the country, thus lack of churches. The majority of America was unchurched at that time, and a sort of spiritual deadness pervaded the land. A man named Jonathon Edwards began having a deep burden for the spiritual state of the country and committed much time in prayer for a revival in the land. When this man preached his sermons, the people were so convicted that they literally held onto their pews for fear they might be sucked down into hell!!! Interestingly, this was a soft spoken, monotone mild mannered man, who read his sermons and made no eye contact with anyone. It was simply the power of God and the power of His Word that touched the people.
As a result, entire towns were changed. The young people were changed, the town brothels closed, people who came from overseas were touched as well and took it back with them. So, as he traveled the country and word spread, a spiritual awakening flamed across the whole country. Forty something years later, the Declaration of Independence was written. The Awakening was responsible for the foundation of our country, for the Biblical principles in our constitution the men's commitment to standing for truth.
A well known lady named Billye Brim has dedicated a whole ministry to just prayer. Last summer during a prayer session over the coming election, God prophesied through her that our country didn't need the election to get on track, it needed an awakening to God. The world needed an awakening to God. So, that's what is being prayed now.
Let the full effect of those words hit you. What if a spiritual revival overtook our country like a wild fire? What if we saw our nation set aflame with love for God? How does this happen? Does God just spring down on us and do it? NO! What is required?
PRAYER. Intercession. Lots of it.
" The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16
Isn't it neat that everyone can do this? None of us are required to do something out of the ordinary to make it happen, all we have to do is make a habit of praying for it. Everyone can pray! And when we all start praying with one accord, well, isn't that what happened on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled those in the upper room?? This awakening begins with us. We can continue to lament about the way our country is going, or we can pray. We can be a part of this awakening. Expect it, confess it, pray it and it will happen. It is spiritual law.
While I have had times of sadness when seeing the decline in our country, overall I have kept in mind that there is a plan in motion, and that each of us has a part to play. I am open to God using me in whatever way possible. I certainly do not pray enough in general, much less for the awakening the world needs so badly. So don't be downcast, our hope is in the Lord, we dwell in His secret place of refuge and can focus on doing our part during this exciting time. All you have to do is pray.
I know that most Christians have very differing opinions concerning the so called 'End Times' and rapture of the church. I have heard a lot of different theories, but know that I am writing from the one I've studied and the one my spirit bears witness with.
The last month or so my husband and I have been studying Revelation and listening to some teaching on the book. Did you know that God has promised a specific blessing to those who read and study the book of Revelation? It says so in the first few verses- I used to be rather scared of reading it, because nothing seemed to make any sense. That's when a teacher helps :) I highly recommend Dr. John Hagee, who has committed his ministry to the study of Revelation and is also a pastor in San Antonio.
So I believe that the church will be taken out of this world before the tribulation begins. The tribulation itself is honestly a reward to those who have rejected Christ and chosen the world, or rather, Satan. Once the praying people are gone, he will have full reign to wreak the worst havoc imaginable on this earth.
So many in our country are alarmed and afraid, or at the very least, slightly worried about what is happening. I admit I have shed some tears over the loss of patriotism and well, lack of plain old common sense in our beloved America. I am continually amazed that we would elect such a person into the almost sacred office of President. My husband has been particularly pained at this, but one must keep in mind, there is a set time for things to come to pass. My personal belief is that by having the government we have now, it basically setting things up for when the antichrist rises up. He will come as a man of peace, and the world will gladly hand over the reins to him, meaning, one world government.
So, I say that to help us realize that the events going on right now are part of the plan. As bad as it looks, be sure to read the back of the Book. Now, the point of what I'm writing about. Have any of you learned about the Great Awakening in the 1700s in the thirteen colonies? Probably you did in jr. high school, but it's been awhile.
From what I remember, it had been about 100 years since the Pilgrims/Puritans settled America. A new generation was present and people were really starting to spread out and settle other parts of the country, thus lack of churches. The majority of America was unchurched at that time, and a sort of spiritual deadness pervaded the land. A man named Jonathon Edwards began having a deep burden for the spiritual state of the country and committed much time in prayer for a revival in the land. When this man preached his sermons, the people were so convicted that they literally held onto their pews for fear they might be sucked down into hell!!! Interestingly, this was a soft spoken, monotone mild mannered man, who read his sermons and made no eye contact with anyone. It was simply the power of God and the power of His Word that touched the people.
As a result, entire towns were changed. The young people were changed, the town brothels closed, people who came from overseas were touched as well and took it back with them. So, as he traveled the country and word spread, a spiritual awakening flamed across the whole country. Forty something years later, the Declaration of Independence was written. The Awakening was responsible for the foundation of our country, for the Biblical principles in our constitution the men's commitment to standing for truth.
A well known lady named Billye Brim has dedicated a whole ministry to just prayer. Last summer during a prayer session over the coming election, God prophesied through her that our country didn't need the election to get on track, it needed an awakening to God. The world needed an awakening to God. So, that's what is being prayed now.
Let the full effect of those words hit you. What if a spiritual revival overtook our country like a wild fire? What if we saw our nation set aflame with love for God? How does this happen? Does God just spring down on us and do it? NO! What is required?
PRAYER. Intercession. Lots of it.
" The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16
Isn't it neat that everyone can do this? None of us are required to do something out of the ordinary to make it happen, all we have to do is make a habit of praying for it. Everyone can pray! And when we all start praying with one accord, well, isn't that what happened on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled those in the upper room?? This awakening begins with us. We can continue to lament about the way our country is going, or we can pray. We can be a part of this awakening. Expect it, confess it, pray it and it will happen. It is spiritual law.
While I have had times of sadness when seeing the decline in our country, overall I have kept in mind that there is a plan in motion, and that each of us has a part to play. I am open to God using me in whatever way possible. I certainly do not pray enough in general, much less for the awakening the world needs so badly. So don't be downcast, our hope is in the Lord, we dwell in His secret place of refuge and can focus on doing our part during this exciting time. All you have to do is pray.
March 25, 2009
A walk through a c-section birth
I'm thinking of taking a picture of the hair. I'm starting to get used to it and not feel so self conscious about it. We'll see...it sure is easier!!!
I thought I would share my c-section birth experiences. A friend of mine helped me see that vaginal birth has it's share of difficulties and dangers as well. It ain't all a piece of cake, which I never thought it was, but it just seems better.
Probably the only advantage to a cesarean is you can schedule in advance and you don't endure through hours of pain before the baby arrives. That's all I can think of that is better than a vaginal birth.
So, I will use my experience from my last birth, because the first one was an emergency and the second is a blur. First off, I had been planning a natural birth with a doctor. I went in on a Thursday at 39 weeks for my weekly check- nothing was happening labor wise yet, nor would the doctor do anything at all to help me out (as in stripping membranes or something). Earlier that week I had some acupuncture done on the labor points, been loading up on red raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose oil, fresh pineapple (I heard something in it would help) and included my husband in some uh, natural labor inducers, he, he. So the doctor said that she was going to be out of town the week of my due date- yeah, thanks!- and that I was only allowed to go to 40 weeks. If I didn't go into labor, then it would be a c-section with a doctor I didn't know or pay for.
So, she set me up. She guaranteed me a c-section even though she pretended to go along with a vbac. By then I was so tired of being pregnant, couldn't bear the thought of another week going by with no labor, and I just decided to do it the next day. So I wasn't really planning on another c-section. I ran to the store that night to buy some huge granny panties and other stuff, cleaned the house up, sanitized bottles and pacifiers in the dishwasher, arranged for the kids to go somewhere else, and packed bags.
I went to the hospital early in the morning, like by 7am. I checked in, waited, then got wheeled to a room- yes, like I couldn't walk. I put on the gown, they got me hooked to an IV and fetal monitors and we waited some more. I was getting nervous. The anesthesiologist came to meet me and talk, then my family showed up. Then it was 'time'- they shaved any hair where the incision would be, gave me a nasty drink to keep any nausea away, and put on the shower cap.
I walked to the OR and sat on a table about 2.5 feet wide, seemingly. Then began the process of injecting the spinal. Problem is, I have scoliosis, meaning my spine is curved, and this can take awhile and sometimes a few sticks. They finally got it and immediately I feel warm water running down my legs- not really, just how it feels. I start going numb. Then I am told to lay down. Yeah, now I am rapidly going numb, have a watermelon belly, and am trying to maneuver my body on this skinny table. Thanks.
So I lay down and my arms are out to the sides, like a cross. The anesthesiologist is by my head, talking and cracking jokes. I am focusing on my breathing, because the first time I couldn't feel myself breathe and freaked, so I am trying to remain calm. They wash my belly with some iodine stuff and a lady starts checking my numbness- she wets a cloth and touches my upper chest then touches my belly asking what I feel. The doctor comes in, pinches my skin with a tool, then asks if I felt it, of course not! Finally my husband is allowed to come in and they begin the surgery. They tell me what they are doing, and everything is fine. After about 10 minutes, here comes baby, they lift her up over the blue sheet and then take her to a warming table to clean her up. The doctor sutures me up and asks if she can remove some moles, lol. I say go for it. Then they bring the baby over to Matt and we look at her while I can hear the staple gun working. They take the baby out and dh follows while the doctor finishes up. I am then hoisted by several nurses to a bed, and then rolled to the recovery room. They give me the baby then and allow family to visit. After an hour I am taken to my room, getting hoisted yet again to another bed. This is where it gets rough.
The pain medication that is given to me cause the side effect of itching. So, as the numbness of the spinal wears off, the morphine takes effect. I feel kinda weird, but I try nursing the baby several times and see the people who came to wish us well. Finally, later in the afternoon/evening, my nose starts to itch. Then my face, then my neck, then my arms...So I ask for benadryl, then after awhile I start feeling pain, get more morphine, repeat itching cycle. I am also not allowed to eat food- just clear liquids and the electric blood pressure cuff is going on all through this. All through the night nurses come in to check vitals of me and baby, change my maxi pads and bedding, how humbling, check the catheter out put etc. What a night!
With the first two, they made me get up out of bed and sit in a chair for a minute 8hrs after surgery. I always about passed out- horrible. But I went to a different hospital the third time and I didn't get up until Sunday- three days after the surgery! Not much pain either! I also had to walk to halls and pass gas before I could eat solid food with the first two, but not with the third. Interesting. Maybe the doctor gave orders to let me do what I wanted since she knew she did me wrong...
The next couple of days are fine- usually after 24 hrs my nipples start hurting quite a bit, I am on vicodin and gas-x instead of the morphine and other stuff. Mostly I just sit, close my eyes, hold baby, try to change her and feed her, eat a little, and talk to visitors. The first baby I had loads of visitors- the next two, not many at all :( Then we get to go home. Before that I have to have a bowel movement, get up on my own and take a shower and remove the bandaging on my own! I finally get the IV out and this time I need the wheelchair. With little Sarah, she was smaller than the clothes I brought, so my husband ran to Target and picked out a beautiful preemie dress for her to go home in. We came home, had some visitors, and tried to get adjusted. I obviously pushed myself too hard and went too long without pain medication, because by evening, I was in AWFUL pain and could not feed baby. I was thankful I had sanitized bottles and had formula waiting, because my dear husband took over. I needed that night off for sleep and healing.
After that it's a slow process of healing. Things are pretty sore for at least a week, and I took pain medicine and gas meds for a week as well. No picking up toddlers, no baths, no bending!! I did actually cook a meal about 5-6 days after birth, but I was pushing it. One more thing, remember, I have staples in my skin that have to be removed. With my oldest, I stayed in the hospital 10 days, so they were removed 3-4 days after surgery, no pain. The next two I went home and had to come back to get them out. Well, for some reason, by then, my skin was growing to the staples. The nurse just takes them out in the office. I even took advil before hand and it STILL hurt enough for me to cry. OUCH!!!
So, now you all know why I so wanted to vbac. Thankfully the only complications I've ever had was the incision reopening in a small place a few weeks later. You also know why I could never stick with nursing- too much pain all over the body! I am seriously considering just pumping milk and bottle feeding this next one. I have to at least try- I do with every child, but when it comes down to it, I don't know how committed I will be. It is so important for baby though and much cheaper!
In writing this it does make me nervous at the thought of going through it all again. But, it is truly worth it, and it will be the last time ever!! This isn't the path I wanted, but it's what I got, so I must make the most of it. I know how to prepare for this birth and recovery and I am certain all will be well.
However, avoid surgery at all costs! It's expensive and it hurts!
I thought I would share my c-section birth experiences. A friend of mine helped me see that vaginal birth has it's share of difficulties and dangers as well. It ain't all a piece of cake, which I never thought it was, but it just seems better.
Probably the only advantage to a cesarean is you can schedule in advance and you don't endure through hours of pain before the baby arrives. That's all I can think of that is better than a vaginal birth.
So, I will use my experience from my last birth, because the first one was an emergency and the second is a blur. First off, I had been planning a natural birth with a doctor. I went in on a Thursday at 39 weeks for my weekly check- nothing was happening labor wise yet, nor would the doctor do anything at all to help me out (as in stripping membranes or something). Earlier that week I had some acupuncture done on the labor points, been loading up on red raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose oil, fresh pineapple (I heard something in it would help) and included my husband in some uh, natural labor inducers, he, he. So the doctor said that she was going to be out of town the week of my due date- yeah, thanks!- and that I was only allowed to go to 40 weeks. If I didn't go into labor, then it would be a c-section with a doctor I didn't know or pay for.
So, she set me up. She guaranteed me a c-section even though she pretended to go along with a vbac. By then I was so tired of being pregnant, couldn't bear the thought of another week going by with no labor, and I just decided to do it the next day. So I wasn't really planning on another c-section. I ran to the store that night to buy some huge granny panties and other stuff, cleaned the house up, sanitized bottles and pacifiers in the dishwasher, arranged for the kids to go somewhere else, and packed bags.
I went to the hospital early in the morning, like by 7am. I checked in, waited, then got wheeled to a room- yes, like I couldn't walk. I put on the gown, they got me hooked to an IV and fetal monitors and we waited some more. I was getting nervous. The anesthesiologist came to meet me and talk, then my family showed up. Then it was 'time'- they shaved any hair where the incision would be, gave me a nasty drink to keep any nausea away, and put on the shower cap.
I walked to the OR and sat on a table about 2.5 feet wide, seemingly. Then began the process of injecting the spinal. Problem is, I have scoliosis, meaning my spine is curved, and this can take awhile and sometimes a few sticks. They finally got it and immediately I feel warm water running down my legs- not really, just how it feels. I start going numb. Then I am told to lay down. Yeah, now I am rapidly going numb, have a watermelon belly, and am trying to maneuver my body on this skinny table. Thanks.
So I lay down and my arms are out to the sides, like a cross. The anesthesiologist is by my head, talking and cracking jokes. I am focusing on my breathing, because the first time I couldn't feel myself breathe and freaked, so I am trying to remain calm. They wash my belly with some iodine stuff and a lady starts checking my numbness- she wets a cloth and touches my upper chest then touches my belly asking what I feel. The doctor comes in, pinches my skin with a tool, then asks if I felt it, of course not! Finally my husband is allowed to come in and they begin the surgery. They tell me what they are doing, and everything is fine. After about 10 minutes, here comes baby, they lift her up over the blue sheet and then take her to a warming table to clean her up. The doctor sutures me up and asks if she can remove some moles, lol. I say go for it. Then they bring the baby over to Matt and we look at her while I can hear the staple gun working. They take the baby out and dh follows while the doctor finishes up. I am then hoisted by several nurses to a bed, and then rolled to the recovery room. They give me the baby then and allow family to visit. After an hour I am taken to my room, getting hoisted yet again to another bed. This is where it gets rough.
The pain medication that is given to me cause the side effect of itching. So, as the numbness of the spinal wears off, the morphine takes effect. I feel kinda weird, but I try nursing the baby several times and see the people who came to wish us well. Finally, later in the afternoon/evening, my nose starts to itch. Then my face, then my neck, then my arms...So I ask for benadryl, then after awhile I start feeling pain, get more morphine, repeat itching cycle. I am also not allowed to eat food- just clear liquids and the electric blood pressure cuff is going on all through this. All through the night nurses come in to check vitals of me and baby, change my maxi pads and bedding, how humbling, check the catheter out put etc. What a night!
With the first two, they made me get up out of bed and sit in a chair for a minute 8hrs after surgery. I always about passed out- horrible. But I went to a different hospital the third time and I didn't get up until Sunday- three days after the surgery! Not much pain either! I also had to walk to halls and pass gas before I could eat solid food with the first two, but not with the third. Interesting. Maybe the doctor gave orders to let me do what I wanted since she knew she did me wrong...
The next couple of days are fine- usually after 24 hrs my nipples start hurting quite a bit, I am on vicodin and gas-x instead of the morphine and other stuff. Mostly I just sit, close my eyes, hold baby, try to change her and feed her, eat a little, and talk to visitors. The first baby I had loads of visitors- the next two, not many at all :( Then we get to go home. Before that I have to have a bowel movement, get up on my own and take a shower and remove the bandaging on my own! I finally get the IV out and this time I need the wheelchair. With little Sarah, she was smaller than the clothes I brought, so my husband ran to Target and picked out a beautiful preemie dress for her to go home in. We came home, had some visitors, and tried to get adjusted. I obviously pushed myself too hard and went too long without pain medication, because by evening, I was in AWFUL pain and could not feed baby. I was thankful I had sanitized bottles and had formula waiting, because my dear husband took over. I needed that night off for sleep and healing.
After that it's a slow process of healing. Things are pretty sore for at least a week, and I took pain medicine and gas meds for a week as well. No picking up toddlers, no baths, no bending!! I did actually cook a meal about 5-6 days after birth, but I was pushing it. One more thing, remember, I have staples in my skin that have to be removed. With my oldest, I stayed in the hospital 10 days, so they were removed 3-4 days after surgery, no pain. The next two I went home and had to come back to get them out. Well, for some reason, by then, my skin was growing to the staples. The nurse just takes them out in the office. I even took advil before hand and it STILL hurt enough for me to cry. OUCH!!!
So, now you all know why I so wanted to vbac. Thankfully the only complications I've ever had was the incision reopening in a small place a few weeks later. You also know why I could never stick with nursing- too much pain all over the body! I am seriously considering just pumping milk and bottle feeding this next one. I have to at least try- I do with every child, but when it comes down to it, I don't know how committed I will be. It is so important for baby though and much cheaper!
In writing this it does make me nervous at the thought of going through it all again. But, it is truly worth it, and it will be the last time ever!! This isn't the path I wanted, but it's what I got, so I must make the most of it. I know how to prepare for this birth and recovery and I am certain all will be well.
However, avoid surgery at all costs! It's expensive and it hurts!
March 24, 2009
Home making thoughts
I came across some neat videos on youtube called 'Depression Cooking with Clara'. She shows several meals her mom made while living through the Great Depression, plus shares a lot about her experiences growing up during that time. Oh, she is in her nineties too :)
I began to think back on all the stories my grandparents told me when I was little about their childhood. I was fascinated by it, even at the age of 9. They were so poor, but as they say, they didn't know it because everyone else was too. They would smile and think of their memories of life on the farms of Oklahoma.
I wondered, what would happen if someone issued a challenge to today's homemakers to take a stab at trying to live in the Great Depression, on a farm. No electricity, running water, bathrooms, refrigeration, sewing machines etc. My grandfather bought his mom the first washing machine in their area when he was in the army, and everyone would come and take turns using it :) I think it cost him around $13. Anyways, could any of us make it? I might could, although I don't know anything about making fires in a cookstove or kerosene lamps.
I think women during that time and before knew how important their roles were. The very survival of their families depended on them to know how to make it with almost nothing. Read the Little House series- Ma knew how to make it with practically nothing. These days, we have everything at our disposal, and we feel without purpose sometimes. We can't see immediately with our eyes the value of our daily work. We just throw clothes in the washer, load our dishes in the dishwasher, open the fridge to get out the premade butter and make bread in machines :) What wondrous things these would be to housewives 100 years ago :) So much extra time to... do what? Even in their sitting down and resting time, their hands were busy sewing quilts, crocheting or stitching something, or maybe snapping beans for supper.
When my great-grandmother was done with her chores, many times she would go to the fields to help her husband, putting my grandmother on a quilt nearby while they worked. My grandmother became such a good field hand that her father wouldn't hire any help unless they could keep up with her. She was 10 years old :)
I've noticed many people sort of taking several steps 'backwards', as in adopting the lifestyles of the old timey ways. I can certainly understand that it seems so much nicer, calmer, more peaceful. But, it was a lot of hard labor, and people didn't live as long and generally looked older than they really were. Doesn't matter if you have a migraine, animals need care, garden needs work, food needs to be prepared etc. I think it is possible to have the mindset of that generation without living in the same way.
We need to keep it in the forefront of our minds that no one else can do our job. No one. You are the wife to your husband and the mother of your children. As small as that can seem, no one could possible fill that postion for you. Sure you can have help, but who is going to love and nurture your babies as much as you? (well, besides grandmas) Who knows the interworkings of your husband's mind like you? Many times thoughts have crept in about what I could have done. I was pretty smart and very determined, I could have probably done anything. I was considering chemical engineering or the medical field when in college. I passed the exam for the Navy. I wanted to be in foreign missions. Where would I be now if I had chosen those paths?
I was only truly happy when I fell in love with my husband. I knew it was the right path. A little less than a year after our marriage, I wanted children very much. It just felt like that should be the next step. I used to think girls who got married so soon after highschool were unintelligent and without ambition. What's so special about being a housewife and mom? Anyone could do that.
Hmmm, now I know different. It is an art! And I'm still learning the basics. The hardest thing for me is keeping the right mentality about it. Though I don't go out of the house a lot, and taking care of the house and the girls is about all I do, I am still serving the Lord. It is still a ministry. It's easy to get in 'self mode' and think about 'me' a lot, believe me, I've been there a lot lately. My thoughts: " Will I ever stop wiping poo off someone's bottom? Will my children ever be able to do something for themselves? Will I ever have time to work out again?" I've felt this a lot more lately knowing I am 'starting over' in a sense with a new baby coming.
But I know that years later, I will look back upon this time as fleeting and special. So I'm trying to keep that in mind and enjoy it. Anyways, if you find yourself losing the zeal for homemaking, try doing some things the old fashioned way. Make soap, bread by hand, sewing, planting a garden etc. and likely you'll start to view things much differently. It's interesting and fun to see what you can make with your own two hands, and makes you so thankful for the time saving appliances you do have :)
So that's your encouragement for today. Have a good day everyone.
March 23, 2009
I just don't really have anything interesting to say.
I doubt anyone is really interested that I have basic housework to do today, or that I've been battling allergies. Much of the time I am usually looking for someone online who is uplifting and encouraging me that I am doing the best for my family and that I am doing something worthwhile. Though I have had this understanding for several years now, I need lots of reminders, especially when I am having hard time meeting my standards of 'homemaking'.
My husband and I did get our little garden planted. It's about half the size of the one we had last spring, but if everything grows well there will be a lot of produce! I even found a stevia plant, a sweet herb you can use to sweeten everything. I think we'll mostly use it for herb tea. I am sooooo looking forward to garden tomatoes. Last night (around 9pm?) I sliced up three roma tomatoes, salted and peppered them, grated some parmesan cheese on top and drizzled with olive oil, then went outside and picked some fresh basil to tear on top. YUM! I have to make myself stop eating them!
Anyways, I have some projects this week. One is to finish the little Easter ornaments we started last week, pictures soon. Another is to start on Easter outfits- buy fabric and cut it out at least, and if possible cut out and sew pj's for the girls. They are outgrowing everything! The little one is passing her sister up, so now they are all sharing clothes and shoes.
Maybe I'll come up with some interesting posts later...
I doubt anyone is really interested that I have basic housework to do today, or that I've been battling allergies. Much of the time I am usually looking for someone online who is uplifting and encouraging me that I am doing the best for my family and that I am doing something worthwhile. Though I have had this understanding for several years now, I need lots of reminders, especially when I am having hard time meeting my standards of 'homemaking'.
My husband and I did get our little garden planted. It's about half the size of the one we had last spring, but if everything grows well there will be a lot of produce! I even found a stevia plant, a sweet herb you can use to sweeten everything. I think we'll mostly use it for herb tea. I am sooooo looking forward to garden tomatoes. Last night (around 9pm?) I sliced up three roma tomatoes, salted and peppered them, grated some parmesan cheese on top and drizzled with olive oil, then went outside and picked some fresh basil to tear on top. YUM! I have to make myself stop eating them!
Anyways, I have some projects this week. One is to finish the little Easter ornaments we started last week, pictures soon. Another is to start on Easter outfits- buy fabric and cut it out at least, and if possible cut out and sew pj's for the girls. They are outgrowing everything! The little one is passing her sister up, so now they are all sharing clothes and shoes.
Maybe I'll come up with some interesting posts later...
March 20, 2009
Lots of Changes
Yesterday I went to get my hair cut. I wanted it a few inches shorter, but basically the same cut/shape that I already had. I went to a new stylist so I picked out a picture that looked like what I wanted.
Well, um, I guess we had some mixed communication, because I look like the lady in the middle.
Oops. I am so shocked at how short my hair is. My poor husband was too. This a bone of contention with us. He thinks women should have longer hair, so over the years when I've wanted to get my hair cut, we've argued about it. We finally found one we both liked, which was what I had, but uh...now, well, yeah...I don't look bad at all, the cut is good, but it's just not what I had in mind. Oh well, guess it'll grow...
On another note, lately I have been having a lot of digestion issues. It's quite frustrating, because it is usually in the evenings, and it's disturbing because I can't do anything but lay around, instead of working on my projects or something.
Last night I had a hot burning feeling in my stomach that traveled up into my esophagus, and then back down again. It would go away and come back. I guess it was heartburn- I hardly ever get that, even when pregnant. I thought it was because I ate some raw garlic cloves (fighting off a cold) but I've had issues several times a week for a long time now.
So anyways, last night I went into a panic attack, which is even more frustrating, and didn't sleep well because of my stuffy nose and sore throat. This morning I did a little research on pregnancy digestion. There's not a lot of relief offerings out there besides eating small meals, avoid certain foods etc.
I did learn that the hormones released during pregnancy relax the muscles in the digestive tract, plus overall digestion slows down so that the bacteria have more time to break down food. Smart huh? Except that this allows more fermentation and thus more gas etc. The valve between the esophagus and stomach also get relaxed, which allows acid to get pushed up into the throat area resulting in reflux. Yea.
Soooo, since I've had a couple of rounds of antibiotics in the last 6 months, this means i may not have adequate bacteria in my gut to work on the food. I have been very slack about taking my supplements, shame on me. Honestly, my brain just completely forgets! So, I must take probiotics, either in kefir or in capsule form. I also need to be eating pre-digested foods, such as, soaking all the grains/flour that I eat in an acidic medium to break it down before cooking it; drinking the kefir and kombucha, make more fermented veggies and actually eat them, make some sourdough etc. consume more bone broth which has valuable minerals and gelatin, which helps the muscles in digestion, and eat high enzyme salads.
Problem is this can be time consuming. Or rather it requires lots of planning, which i have been TERRIBLE at lately. I have not been taking fish oil or my vitamins regularly either, BAD! But, my husband has been having some of the same issues lately just because of stress, so he is going to get us a vitamin supplement he's been reading about, which seems very good. That way we aren't taking so many different things- one supplement is it!
So, I gotta figure out some type of plan here. I've been a bit more busy this week since my oldest has been on spring break, so I haven't done any baking, hardly any grocery shopping, and today I'm supposed to clean the house- it sure needs it, like a SCRUBBING.
Step 1: caffeine's gotta go. I have been consuming either coffee, tea, or coke daily or all three daily. Not good.
Step 2: gotta remember to take supplements
Step 3: make a plan for every meal, not just dinner. Breakfast and lunch I just wing it. Not good when your sleep deprived.
Step 4: bulk cook- soak lots of beans, grains etc. and freeze them or something. Make many loaves of bread/muffins etc. Make gallons of stock at a time.
It's obviously worth it, to have better health and know that baby is really absorbing the nutrients since they're broken down so much before I even digest them. Plus, with the garden going, we should have access to organic fresh produce soon. I can make a meal out of fresh tomatoes and basil and mozzarella cheese. YUM!
If anyone has any tips on how to make cooking Nourishing Traditions style easier, let me know please. It can easily take over all your time :)
Well, um, I guess we had some mixed communication, because I look like the lady in the middle.
Oops. I am so shocked at how short my hair is. My poor husband was too. This a bone of contention with us. He thinks women should have longer hair, so over the years when I've wanted to get my hair cut, we've argued about it. We finally found one we both liked, which was what I had, but uh...now, well, yeah...I don't look bad at all, the cut is good, but it's just not what I had in mind. Oh well, guess it'll grow...On another note, lately I have been having a lot of digestion issues. It's quite frustrating, because it is usually in the evenings, and it's disturbing because I can't do anything but lay around, instead of working on my projects or something.
Last night I had a hot burning feeling in my stomach that traveled up into my esophagus, and then back down again. It would go away and come back. I guess it was heartburn- I hardly ever get that, even when pregnant. I thought it was because I ate some raw garlic cloves (fighting off a cold) but I've had issues several times a week for a long time now.
So anyways, last night I went into a panic attack, which is even more frustrating, and didn't sleep well because of my stuffy nose and sore throat. This morning I did a little research on pregnancy digestion. There's not a lot of relief offerings out there besides eating small meals, avoid certain foods etc.
I did learn that the hormones released during pregnancy relax the muscles in the digestive tract, plus overall digestion slows down so that the bacteria have more time to break down food. Smart huh? Except that this allows more fermentation and thus more gas etc. The valve between the esophagus and stomach also get relaxed, which allows acid to get pushed up into the throat area resulting in reflux. Yea.
Soooo, since I've had a couple of rounds of antibiotics in the last 6 months, this means i may not have adequate bacteria in my gut to work on the food. I have been very slack about taking my supplements, shame on me. Honestly, my brain just completely forgets! So, I must take probiotics, either in kefir or in capsule form. I also need to be eating pre-digested foods, such as, soaking all the grains/flour that I eat in an acidic medium to break it down before cooking it; drinking the kefir and kombucha, make more fermented veggies and actually eat them, make some sourdough etc. consume more bone broth which has valuable minerals and gelatin, which helps the muscles in digestion, and eat high enzyme salads.
Problem is this can be time consuming. Or rather it requires lots of planning, which i have been TERRIBLE at lately. I have not been taking fish oil or my vitamins regularly either, BAD! But, my husband has been having some of the same issues lately just because of stress, so he is going to get us a vitamin supplement he's been reading about, which seems very good. That way we aren't taking so many different things- one supplement is it!
So, I gotta figure out some type of plan here. I've been a bit more busy this week since my oldest has been on spring break, so I haven't done any baking, hardly any grocery shopping, and today I'm supposed to clean the house- it sure needs it, like a SCRUBBING.
Step 1: caffeine's gotta go. I have been consuming either coffee, tea, or coke daily or all three daily. Not good.
Step 2: gotta remember to take supplements
Step 3: make a plan for every meal, not just dinner. Breakfast and lunch I just wing it. Not good when your sleep deprived.
Step 4: bulk cook- soak lots of beans, grains etc. and freeze them or something. Make many loaves of bread/muffins etc. Make gallons of stock at a time.
It's obviously worth it, to have better health and know that baby is really absorbing the nutrients since they're broken down so much before I even digest them. Plus, with the garden going, we should have access to organic fresh produce soon. I can make a meal out of fresh tomatoes and basil and mozzarella cheese. YUM!
If anyone has any tips on how to make cooking Nourishing Traditions style easier, let me know please. It can easily take over all your time :)
March 19, 2009
What happens when the children outnumber mama 3 to 1
After the crafting yesterday, mama was tired, so I laid down on the couch for a bit. (15 minutes?) The younger two were still playing with leftover salt dough, so I left them at it. The oldest rolled and cut out more pretty shapes, put them in a baking pan, then proceeded to wash her dishes. (and only used 1/3 of a new bottle of dish soap while she was at it)
This is what the 'baby' did...
And this is her yesterday while I was getting dressed...
She likes peanut butter, or in her language, ' beepo bears' ???
Yesterday was mess day. First thing in the morning our cat left a huge present on the carpet, later that day Sarah had a poop blowout- BAD- plus all of the above. Glad it's over :)
Today is a haircutting day- for me, because the hair is getting really wild, and for Leiah, because taking care of hair that reaches her rear isn't practical for us. I hope to go to the new Babisrus today and look around. I sure hope they have a better selection of boy items than all the other places I've been to lately...not very exciting.
This is what the 'baby' did...
And this is her yesterday while I was getting dressed...
She likes peanut butter, or in her language, ' beepo bears' ???Yesterday was mess day. First thing in the morning our cat left a huge present on the carpet, later that day Sarah had a poop blowout- BAD- plus all of the above. Glad it's over :)
Today is a haircutting day- for me, because the hair is getting really wild, and for Leiah, because taking care of hair that reaches her rear isn't practical for us. I hope to go to the new Babisrus today and look around. I sure hope they have a better selection of boy items than all the other places I've been to lately...not very exciting.
March 18, 2009
Spring is on the way
Thinking of attempting this project today with the girls.
I found the idea here...
Mine probably won't look as cute, or as nicely painted, and I do plan to use cookie cutters. But the girls will get to play with dough and we will make something constructive out of it. First I have to make a trip to the store and I dread that, so we'll see. Before that I MUST finish the laundry.
Does anyone else have a hard time starting a project when the rest of the house is a mess? Or if the dishes/laundry are undone? I feel like I have to get all of that done first before I begin something big and then it doesn't happen!
I found the idea here...Mine probably won't look as cute, or as nicely painted, and I do plan to use cookie cutters. But the girls will get to play with dough and we will make something constructive out of it. First I have to make a trip to the store and I dread that, so we'll see. Before that I MUST finish the laundry.
Does anyone else have a hard time starting a project when the rest of the house is a mess? Or if the dishes/laundry are undone? I feel like I have to get all of that done first before I begin something big and then it doesn't happen!
March 17, 2009
St. Patrick's Day
I think I should have been Irish. I have always loved anything Irish and have greatly desired to go there. I got very close once, I flew over it and landed in England. But that's it :)
My children are fascinated with Riverdance! Er, so is my husband for that matter, he's very good at the solo part if you've ever seen it. We don't really put a lot of importance on St. Patrick's Day, but I do usually cook a good Irish meal.
Today I am making Irish soda bread
Colcannon,
And some turkey bratwurst, not really Irish, but I'm afraid of corned beef :)
Happy St. Patrick's day...be sure to click on the song in my playlist called 'Reel Around the Sun', it's the intro song to the Riverdance video, beautiful!
Oh, and for something humorous, and believe me, this is totally meant to be funny, do not take the wrong way, here is a news report of a leprechaun sighting in Mobile, Alabama.\March 16, 2009
A long one
For anyone who is tired of my posts about pregnancy, sorry. It does take up a lot of my thinking time, and it has altered the way I feel quite a bit, so it's a big topic :)
I have to say that, finding out the gender of the baby has been weird. I wanted a boy for my husband, but I sort of feel...lost. What do I do with a boy? Are they the same as girls? (besides physically) I mean, will I bond with him like I did the girls? I know girls, and lets be honest here, shopping for girls is a lot more fun :)
Right after my appointment Friday we went to an outlet mall and they had very few boy things. Some were cute, most were ok. Plus, the only children his age will be girls. His boy cousins will be so much older that they won't 'play' much. What will happen to him? Will he make the girls' miserable? Will he get lonely? I sort of wish now that I were having twin boys, at least he'd be assured of a playmate.
Everyone is so excited for us though. And, all week long I had a 'knowing' that it was a boy, I just didn't say because I didn't want to be wrong. And then, a very trusted elder in the church had a dream we were having a boy too :)
One thing I have not shared with anyone but my husband is back in the fall, I kept having dreams about me having a baby boy. I began to have a strong desire to have another baby. I felt like I should work hard to get healthier and try to lose weight (thus my weightloss urge and blog) and then get pregnant in the winter. I told my husband, but we just weren't sure about having another baby. I did what I was supposed to, except for the losing a lot of weight part, and then I guess God helped us out.
I have not used hormonal birth control in over a year. I knew my cycle very well, and we would take precautions on the fertile days. Well, I ovulated as normal, but I guess the Lord prolonged my fertile period because I conceived late in the cycle, when I shouldn't have been fertile. So this past week, He reminded me of the 'promise' He gave me back in the fall, and that it was a boy.
That's exciting. A child of promise; an appointed child to be born at a specific time. Another John the Baptist?? LOL. I don't know, but a special one for sure. Maybe he will be like his namesake, Jonah, except his name is going to be Jonas. We picked that name when I was expecting my first. I wasn't sure we'd ever get to use it :)
So anyways, I have made a decision about birth. I am having a c-section. I talked with my doctor about vbac some more, and he was very kind and informative about it. He has witnessed two uterine ruptures himself. I have had three surgeries, and while my uterus is in good shape, no one knows what the scar looks like.
This is also the last child. I would like to get a tubal done while in surgery, because I don't want to have to come back later and do it and I don't want to deal with the worry every month wondering if I'm pregnant again :) Four children are plenty, even if this was a girl, this would be it. My husband is going to be 38 when this one is born, and I just think it's time to move on to the next phase after this one. I am blessed to experience pregnancy again, and look forward to our new baby, but, my body is hurting more this time, and I'm done :)
So, while I do wish natural birth would have worked, I don't feel like I'm missing out. This is the path I am walking. My mother-in-law had to do the same thing. My last recovery was the best, so I believe this one will be even better. I will just be doing all I can to help aid recovery. I have lots of time to pray over it. I don't enjoy the process, but once they start the surgery, it goes fast and I usually feel fine. I've never had any complications at all. The babies have always been perfectly fine- no jaundice, no breathing issues, nothing.
Now watch my water break and me have a super fast labor so that by the time I get to the hospital I have the baby naturally :)
Anyways, my oldest is on spring break this week. We have had cold rainy weather for days and I sooo hope it clears up. I want to be able to do something special while she's out. Today is just a laundry day and catching up on housework leftovers from the weekend. Maye I'll get adventurous and paint everyone's toe nails- I have the same polish on them since before Christmas!!
I have to say that, finding out the gender of the baby has been weird. I wanted a boy for my husband, but I sort of feel...lost. What do I do with a boy? Are they the same as girls? (besides physically) I mean, will I bond with him like I did the girls? I know girls, and lets be honest here, shopping for girls is a lot more fun :)
Right after my appointment Friday we went to an outlet mall and they had very few boy things. Some were cute, most were ok. Plus, the only children his age will be girls. His boy cousins will be so much older that they won't 'play' much. What will happen to him? Will he make the girls' miserable? Will he get lonely? I sort of wish now that I were having twin boys, at least he'd be assured of a playmate.
Everyone is so excited for us though. And, all week long I had a 'knowing' that it was a boy, I just didn't say because I didn't want to be wrong. And then, a very trusted elder in the church had a dream we were having a boy too :)
One thing I have not shared with anyone but my husband is back in the fall, I kept having dreams about me having a baby boy. I began to have a strong desire to have another baby. I felt like I should work hard to get healthier and try to lose weight (thus my weightloss urge and blog) and then get pregnant in the winter. I told my husband, but we just weren't sure about having another baby. I did what I was supposed to, except for the losing a lot of weight part, and then I guess God helped us out.
I have not used hormonal birth control in over a year. I knew my cycle very well, and we would take precautions on the fertile days. Well, I ovulated as normal, but I guess the Lord prolonged my fertile period because I conceived late in the cycle, when I shouldn't have been fertile. So this past week, He reminded me of the 'promise' He gave me back in the fall, and that it was a boy.
That's exciting. A child of promise; an appointed child to be born at a specific time. Another John the Baptist?? LOL. I don't know, but a special one for sure. Maybe he will be like his namesake, Jonah, except his name is going to be Jonas. We picked that name when I was expecting my first. I wasn't sure we'd ever get to use it :)
So anyways, I have made a decision about birth. I am having a c-section. I talked with my doctor about vbac some more, and he was very kind and informative about it. He has witnessed two uterine ruptures himself. I have had three surgeries, and while my uterus is in good shape, no one knows what the scar looks like.
This is also the last child. I would like to get a tubal done while in surgery, because I don't want to have to come back later and do it and I don't want to deal with the worry every month wondering if I'm pregnant again :) Four children are plenty, even if this was a girl, this would be it. My husband is going to be 38 when this one is born, and I just think it's time to move on to the next phase after this one. I am blessed to experience pregnancy again, and look forward to our new baby, but, my body is hurting more this time, and I'm done :)
So, while I do wish natural birth would have worked, I don't feel like I'm missing out. This is the path I am walking. My mother-in-law had to do the same thing. My last recovery was the best, so I believe this one will be even better. I will just be doing all I can to help aid recovery. I have lots of time to pray over it. I don't enjoy the process, but once they start the surgery, it goes fast and I usually feel fine. I've never had any complications at all. The babies have always been perfectly fine- no jaundice, no breathing issues, nothing.
Now watch my water break and me have a super fast labor so that by the time I get to the hospital I have the baby naturally :)
Anyways, my oldest is on spring break this week. We have had cold rainy weather for days and I sooo hope it clears up. I want to be able to do something special while she's out. Today is just a laundry day and catching up on housework leftovers from the weekend. Maye I'll get adventurous and paint everyone's toe nails- I have the same polish on them since before Christmas!!
March 13, 2009
The Verdict
Well, I went to the doctor today.
It appears that he is 90% sure we're having a...
BOY!
The baby is still quite small and he wasn't able to see a lot of the vital organs, so at my next visit I'll have another one to check all of that, and the baby will a lot bigger. We'll know more positively then :) But he was pretty sure. We have the video of it so we'll look at it very closely.
I was able to talk to him in depth about vbac. He has seen uterine ruptures in his residency, which I'm guessing is at least 10 years ago if not more. He is very nice about it and strong suggests I do the c-section, because you just never know what the scar looks like etc.
He even explained to me that the uterus tissue is very fibrous, and once a cut is made through the fibers, they don't knit back together like other muscles. Many times the uterus will stretch so much that there is only a thin membrane where the scar is and you can 'see' the baby through it. That is without labor.
However, if I went into labor and it progressed really fast and I came into the hospital at 9cm, then yes, I can have it naturally :) Soooo, I still don't know what to do. He knows how I feel about it, why I would attempt a vbac, but thinks a midwife has no business doing a homebirth with a vbac.
I haven't had a chance to talk with my husband about it in depth, but we'll discuss it more. Honestly, if I can gear myself up knowing a c-section is happening, I'll be fine. I just don't want to miss an opportunity that I might never get again.
Company is coming, gotta run.
It appears that he is 90% sure we're having a...
BOY!
The baby is still quite small and he wasn't able to see a lot of the vital organs, so at my next visit I'll have another one to check all of that, and the baby will a lot bigger. We'll know more positively then :) But he was pretty sure. We have the video of it so we'll look at it very closely.
I was able to talk to him in depth about vbac. He has seen uterine ruptures in his residency, which I'm guessing is at least 10 years ago if not more. He is very nice about it and strong suggests I do the c-section, because you just never know what the scar looks like etc.
He even explained to me that the uterus tissue is very fibrous, and once a cut is made through the fibers, they don't knit back together like other muscles. Many times the uterus will stretch so much that there is only a thin membrane where the scar is and you can 'see' the baby through it. That is without labor.
However, if I went into labor and it progressed really fast and I came into the hospital at 9cm, then yes, I can have it naturally :) Soooo, I still don't know what to do. He knows how I feel about it, why I would attempt a vbac, but thinks a midwife has no business doing a homebirth with a vbac.
I haven't had a chance to talk with my husband about it in depth, but we'll discuss it more. Honestly, if I can gear myself up knowing a c-section is happening, I'll be fine. I just don't want to miss an opportunity that I might never get again.
Company is coming, gotta run.
March 11, 2009
Just jump in
Liz, you inspired today's post :)
She commented about someday getting motivated to learn to sew. I started to laugh, because I wasn't all that motivated to learn, but my mom suddenly decided I needed to. My two daughters were 8 months and 20 months old, and that's when I learned to sew. My first project was this:
Then, I started experimenting with other patterns. I had some major flops, but I kept on, and pretty soon it all started to make sense. I started in the late summer, and by the next spring, I was able to make this:
Since then, I have made at least 4 different regency dresses, countless dresses and nightgowns for the girls, a christening dress, lots of curtains and aprons, and two quilts. I've attempted a bag, but gave up on that.
Anyways, my point is, in almost everything I've learned to do, I just had to jump in and learn it! When I got married, the only thing I could cook was spaghetti, toast, scrambled eggs and frozen things. By the time we were married for 6 months, I made Thanksgiving dinner, from scratch.I still remember what I made: Cornish hens with 40 cloves of garlic, sweet potato casserole, mushroom rice casserole, homemade cranberry sauce, stuffed porkchops, mashed potatoes, salad, apple and pumpkin pie. It turned out great. I just plunged in and started. I made some bad stuff. One time I wanted to make baked beans from scratch, and forgot that I needed to soak and boil the beans first. Yeah, a huge pan of hard baked beans. We were so hungry too! I made rolls that didn't rise, a peach cobbler that disintegrated, bread bricks...
But, I learned not to be afraid of things. If it doesn't turn out, no big deal. I didn't really enjoy baking at all until I was expecting my third. By then I had kind of mastered cooking, and felt ready to do more baking. I finally learned to make good biscuits, fluffy pancakes, and good bread. I had fun and learned to deal with measuring :)
The same thing goes with making soap, and jewelry, and homemade cleaners etc. Just go for it. I was never very athletic, but I really wanted to play on the volleyball team, because my sister did. I am not gifted in this area. But, I practiced sooooo much, I went to camps, played all through jr. high, and by highschool, I was pretty good. I wasn't just awesome, but I could be depended on to serve the ball (overhand) wherever the coach wanted me to, not miss balls on the back row, and not miss my sets when time for me to spike. In fact, I didn't even wear knee pads my senior year because I had learned to be that quick on my feet. I loved it.
Another thing, I can't run. But, the track coach convinced me to try, and MAN oh MAN, did he work me over!!!! I did things I never ever dreamed I would ever do. He worked me hard, but was such an amazing, encouraging, loving person, I had fun. By the beginning of track season, we had been working for three months!! I could now run 2.5 miles straight, lift over 300lbs in a squat, bench press 100lbs, and throw the discus way far. ( cannot remember how far though, yards or feet?) I was a lean, muscled woman. He made me jump in a pit of sand as high as i could, then run around the soccer field, and keep on until I thought I was going to pass out. I jumped the steepest hills he could find and then sprinted them. talk about torture!
But, I did it, and you know what? Even though I was not gifted with running, or jumping hurdles, or wasn't even the best at throwing shot put and discus, I won track athlete of the year, and all around athlete of the year!!! Why? Because I was so ordinary, yet I because of all the hard work, and my Godly character, I ended up being exemplary. I was just blown away.
I felt like I could do anything after that! And I looked great too :)
So, what I'm getting at, is it doesn't matter what experience you have, if you keep at it, you'll get there. I would love to be that physically fit again, but it required working out 3 hours a day for at least 3 days a week, and I just don't have that much time :) But who knows, maybe I will someday. Talking about it is inspiring. too bad I don't have digital pictures, and I have no scanner.
So I will end with the cliche phrase, "You can do anything you put your mind to." Or better yet, "You can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you." Phil. 4:13
She commented about someday getting motivated to learn to sew. I started to laugh, because I wasn't all that motivated to learn, but my mom suddenly decided I needed to. My two daughters were 8 months and 20 months old, and that's when I learned to sew. My first project was this:
Then, I started experimenting with other patterns. I had some major flops, but I kept on, and pretty soon it all started to make sense. I started in the late summer, and by the next spring, I was able to make this:
Since then, I have made at least 4 different regency dresses, countless dresses and nightgowns for the girls, a christening dress, lots of curtains and aprons, and two quilts. I've attempted a bag, but gave up on that.Anyways, my point is, in almost everything I've learned to do, I just had to jump in and learn it! When I got married, the only thing I could cook was spaghetti, toast, scrambled eggs and frozen things. By the time we were married for 6 months, I made Thanksgiving dinner, from scratch.I still remember what I made: Cornish hens with 40 cloves of garlic, sweet potato casserole, mushroom rice casserole, homemade cranberry sauce, stuffed porkchops, mashed potatoes, salad, apple and pumpkin pie. It turned out great. I just plunged in and started. I made some bad stuff. One time I wanted to make baked beans from scratch, and forgot that I needed to soak and boil the beans first. Yeah, a huge pan of hard baked beans. We were so hungry too! I made rolls that didn't rise, a peach cobbler that disintegrated, bread bricks...
But, I learned not to be afraid of things. If it doesn't turn out, no big deal. I didn't really enjoy baking at all until I was expecting my third. By then I had kind of mastered cooking, and felt ready to do more baking. I finally learned to make good biscuits, fluffy pancakes, and good bread. I had fun and learned to deal with measuring :)
The same thing goes with making soap, and jewelry, and homemade cleaners etc. Just go for it. I was never very athletic, but I really wanted to play on the volleyball team, because my sister did. I am not gifted in this area. But, I practiced sooooo much, I went to camps, played all through jr. high, and by highschool, I was pretty good. I wasn't just awesome, but I could be depended on to serve the ball (overhand) wherever the coach wanted me to, not miss balls on the back row, and not miss my sets when time for me to spike. In fact, I didn't even wear knee pads my senior year because I had learned to be that quick on my feet. I loved it.
Another thing, I can't run. But, the track coach convinced me to try, and MAN oh MAN, did he work me over!!!! I did things I never ever dreamed I would ever do. He worked me hard, but was such an amazing, encouraging, loving person, I had fun. By the beginning of track season, we had been working for three months!! I could now run 2.5 miles straight, lift over 300lbs in a squat, bench press 100lbs, and throw the discus way far. ( cannot remember how far though, yards or feet?) I was a lean, muscled woman. He made me jump in a pit of sand as high as i could, then run around the soccer field, and keep on until I thought I was going to pass out. I jumped the steepest hills he could find and then sprinted them. talk about torture!
But, I did it, and you know what? Even though I was not gifted with running, or jumping hurdles, or wasn't even the best at throwing shot put and discus, I won track athlete of the year, and all around athlete of the year!!! Why? Because I was so ordinary, yet I because of all the hard work, and my Godly character, I ended up being exemplary. I was just blown away.
I felt like I could do anything after that! And I looked great too :)
So, what I'm getting at, is it doesn't matter what experience you have, if you keep at it, you'll get there. I would love to be that physically fit again, but it required working out 3 hours a day for at least 3 days a week, and I just don't have that much time :) But who knows, maybe I will someday. Talking about it is inspiring. too bad I don't have digital pictures, and I have no scanner.
So I will end with the cliche phrase, "You can do anything you put your mind to." Or better yet, "You can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you." Phil. 4:13
March 10, 2009
Lotsa Pictures
First, my silly Sarah. She has become such a clown, and honestly, she is ME! In almost every way, she is an exact replica of me, except she doesn't look just like me. Her personality and body structure though, yeah...
Some funny at home pics...
(notice her 'jewelry'- her bracelet is a hair elastic, and her ring is one of those tiny ouchless hair rubber bands)
Her birthday party at the park last Saturday...
Below, Sarah with her sisters and cousin James.
Presents...and money...love the dirty faces.
I made these curtains out of a set of full size sheets this morning. Super easy! Since the sides and bottom were already hemmed, all I had to do was cut it in half and make a pocket for the rod. With the fitted sheet, I ripped out the elastic, then cut it in half, trimmed the curved sides off, hemmed one side and made a pocket for the other. The design is pink, purple, blue and green polka dots on a white background. Lots of options for future decor with those colors :)
How it looked before:
And a new shot of me. I'm 17 weeks along now, and more than likely my belly will look this way for at least another month or two. My uterus is right at my belly button- I can feel something firm there now :) Last night I got my first good kick from baby, which I am very grateful for, because I've had a miscarriage before. It's very comforting to get some 'feedback' from baby...
I'm really not skilled at taking pictures...sorry.
Some funny at home pics...
(notice her 'jewelry'- her bracelet is a hair elastic, and her ring is one of those tiny ouchless hair rubber bands)
Her birthday party at the park last Saturday...
Below, Sarah with her sisters and cousin James.
Presents...and money...love the dirty faces.
I made these curtains out of a set of full size sheets this morning. Super easy! Since the sides and bottom were already hemmed, all I had to do was cut it in half and make a pocket for the rod. With the fitted sheet, I ripped out the elastic, then cut it in half, trimmed the curved sides off, hemmed one side and made a pocket for the other. The design is pink, purple, blue and green polka dots on a white background. Lots of options for future decor with those colors :)
How it looked before:
And a new shot of me. I'm 17 weeks along now, and more than likely my belly will look this way for at least another month or two. My uterus is right at my belly button- I can feel something firm there now :) Last night I got my first good kick from baby, which I am very grateful for, because I've had a miscarriage before. It's very comforting to get some 'feedback' from baby...
I'm really not skilled at taking pictures...sorry.
March 9, 2009
Do what you want to do
A week or so ago I asked a question about staying motivated as a housewife/homemaker. Lately I had just been feeling very, small and insignificant. It wasn't apparent I was doing a whole lot to further the kingdom of God when my big weekly accomplishment was getting all the laundry done.
But as I was pondering it, I started thinking that whatever is most important to you, you will find a way to do it. For instance, if gratifying self is the top priority, you will find a way to make it happen. People will do what they want to do. If my husband were a football fanatic, he would find a way to make time to watch it. If I am greatly desiring to exercise daily, if it's my passion, I'm going to find a way to do it.
So, if I truly do desire to be the best at what I'm doing, for the Lord, then I will look forward to each day and what it will bring. I will look forward to the cooking, cleaning, laundry, organizing etc. if that is my greatest desire. This really changed how I viewed my life. Being selfish hurts me the most, because I end up feeling condemnation for what I haven't been doing.
I admit, it's still hard for me to get excited about doing the laundry. I just don't enjoy folding up all the little girls' pieces of clothing. I do like hanging it outside though, but right now no clothesline. It's hard for me to get excited about doing the dishes and cleaning up the toys, again. But, it is nice to have order and be prepared for the next day.
I have organized my week better.
Monday is a catch up day. I work on the laundry, pick up around the house, do anything that's majorly dirty or out of order, and hopefully, change the sheets.
Tuesday is like a 'free' day where I can work on sewing projects, I make out the weekly menu and grocery list, etc.
Wednesday I buy groceries and that usually wipes me out :) Especially with the kids...but, I can generally manage to have time to sew or something.
Thursday is baking day and clean something in the kitchen.
Friday I clean the house- mop, vacuum, dust, bathrooms, maybe outside
I have the usual morning routine of cleaning the kitchen, starting laundry, cleaning up bedrooms etc. Then I work on the day's work.
I have an evening routine and rarely follow it. Life would be much nicer if I would. I need to make sure the dishes are done, set up breakfast and Leiah's lunch for the next day, tidy the house and set out clothes, but, 3 out of 5 days I fall asleep on the couch :)
Anyways, I just wanted to say that many times we just need to readjust our thoughts. God obviously designed me for this role, therefore I need to give it my all. Someday He may have something different in mind, but right now, He deems this important work, so I need not get so discouraged. I can be fulfilled at home if I put my mind to it.
But as I was pondering it, I started thinking that whatever is most important to you, you will find a way to do it. For instance, if gratifying self is the top priority, you will find a way to make it happen. People will do what they want to do. If my husband were a football fanatic, he would find a way to make time to watch it. If I am greatly desiring to exercise daily, if it's my passion, I'm going to find a way to do it.
So, if I truly do desire to be the best at what I'm doing, for the Lord, then I will look forward to each day and what it will bring. I will look forward to the cooking, cleaning, laundry, organizing etc. if that is my greatest desire. This really changed how I viewed my life. Being selfish hurts me the most, because I end up feeling condemnation for what I haven't been doing.
I admit, it's still hard for me to get excited about doing the laundry. I just don't enjoy folding up all the little girls' pieces of clothing. I do like hanging it outside though, but right now no clothesline. It's hard for me to get excited about doing the dishes and cleaning up the toys, again. But, it is nice to have order and be prepared for the next day.
I have organized my week better.
Monday is a catch up day. I work on the laundry, pick up around the house, do anything that's majorly dirty or out of order, and hopefully, change the sheets.
Tuesday is like a 'free' day where I can work on sewing projects, I make out the weekly menu and grocery list, etc.
Wednesday I buy groceries and that usually wipes me out :) Especially with the kids...but, I can generally manage to have time to sew or something.
Thursday is baking day and clean something in the kitchen.
Friday I clean the house- mop, vacuum, dust, bathrooms, maybe outside
I have the usual morning routine of cleaning the kitchen, starting laundry, cleaning up bedrooms etc. Then I work on the day's work.
I have an evening routine and rarely follow it. Life would be much nicer if I would. I need to make sure the dishes are done, set up breakfast and Leiah's lunch for the next day, tidy the house and set out clothes, but, 3 out of 5 days I fall asleep on the couch :)
Anyways, I just wanted to say that many times we just need to readjust our thoughts. God obviously designed me for this role, therefore I need to give it my all. Someday He may have something different in mind, but right now, He deems this important work, so I need not get so discouraged. I can be fulfilled at home if I put my mind to it.
March 6, 2009
Anger at clothing and planning ahead
I am mad at my clothing. I have worn the same pair of capri/gaucho pants for three days now. My two long shirts have been worn and are needing to be washed. Everything else, is, just not long enough. This makes me angry for some reason. I have all these clothes but they aren't working!!
I almost considered just dashing to the mall to check out Motherhood...but, it's not close by, and I have a birthday party to buy for and I would feel bad if I used up the money on me :)
However, I did buy a shirt pattern yesterday and started cutting it out, plus I have several pieces of free fabric, so after I run to the store, I think I'll just work like crazy on it. I'm going to a different walmart though, to see if they have any maternity shirts.
I just decided to make out a monthly plan for the next several months. It's kind of scary to see it all written down- very overwhelming. But, I have had a resurgence of energy- the second trimester re-energize I guess, so maybe if I get as much as possible done in the next 10-12 weeks, it'll work!
March
1. Sew maternity clothes
* 4 shirts, 4 dresses
* buy shorts/capris/swim suit (that's a new one! never needed a maternity suit before, maybe I'll just buy a bikini-lol)
2. Sew the Easter frocks- they will be quite simple
3. Plan out my cloth diaper stash
4. Work on the garden- a smaller scale one
April
1. Week by week declutter/organize of these rooms:
Master bedroom
kids' rooms
laundry room
play room
2.Find some more outdoor toys for summer (lidded sandbox etc.)
3. make vacation plans for summer
4. continue with garden
May
1. Make crib bedding/curtains (I may or may not do this, depends)
2. plan and gather activities for summer for kids (special crafts, outings etc.)
3. start buy diaper stuff
June
1. Vacation
2. any sewing for baby
3. plan girls' school clothes/do any sewing for that
July
1. all children/adults get their check ups and dentist appointments (if not before)
2. Cook and freeze meals
3. Buy the rest of baby/diaper items
4. buy school supplies and clothes
August
Nesting time
Phew! Lots of sewing apparently...we'll see how that goes. I love to do it, but I don't enjoy cutting out patterns and fabric. I would imagine by July, most of our 'activities' will be laying in a pool of water, or letting the kids squirt me with water guns. Or laying inside half naked with the air conditioner cranked up, LOL. I HATE being hot. I was hoping I would be in Michigan for the summer, but it doesn't appear that will happen. I don't know what is going on with that anyways...but I digress.
It's good to have a plan, but if it doesn't all get done things will still be fine. I may really want something to do in August and may leave off school shopping till then. Or I might go into a sewing frenzy or paint a room. Who knows? I planned our vacation for early in the summer- two reasons, it's not as hot and I will be in the 7th month of pregnancy instead of the 9th :) We're planning to do some kind of camping, so, hopefully it will be more comfortable at that time rather than later.
Well, I've done my weekly cleaning, time to put some laundry in the washer and gather the girls to head out the door. I pray I still have energy to cut out patterns and fabric when I get back :) I haven't been getting more than 6hrs of sleep each night the past week, mainly because of me staying up late for no real reason, and oddly enough I seem to have more energy. Weird.
I almost considered just dashing to the mall to check out Motherhood...but, it's not close by, and I have a birthday party to buy for and I would feel bad if I used up the money on me :)
However, I did buy a shirt pattern yesterday and started cutting it out, plus I have several pieces of free fabric, so after I run to the store, I think I'll just work like crazy on it. I'm going to a different walmart though, to see if they have any maternity shirts.
I just decided to make out a monthly plan for the next several months. It's kind of scary to see it all written down- very overwhelming. But, I have had a resurgence of energy- the second trimester re-energize I guess, so maybe if I get as much as possible done in the next 10-12 weeks, it'll work!
March
1. Sew maternity clothes
* 4 shirts, 4 dresses
* buy shorts/capris/swim suit (that's a new one! never needed a maternity suit before, maybe I'll just buy a bikini-lol)
2. Sew the Easter frocks- they will be quite simple
3. Plan out my cloth diaper stash
4. Work on the garden- a smaller scale one
April
1. Week by week declutter/organize of these rooms:
Master bedroom
kids' rooms
laundry room
play room
2.Find some more outdoor toys for summer (lidded sandbox etc.)
3. make vacation plans for summer
4. continue with garden
May
1. Make crib bedding/curtains (I may or may not do this, depends)
2. plan and gather activities for summer for kids (special crafts, outings etc.)
3. start buy diaper stuff
June
1. Vacation
2. any sewing for baby
3. plan girls' school clothes/do any sewing for that
July
1. all children/adults get their check ups and dentist appointments (if not before)
2. Cook and freeze meals
3. Buy the rest of baby/diaper items
4. buy school supplies and clothes
August
Nesting time
Phew! Lots of sewing apparently...we'll see how that goes. I love to do it, but I don't enjoy cutting out patterns and fabric. I would imagine by July, most of our 'activities' will be laying in a pool of water, or letting the kids squirt me with water guns. Or laying inside half naked with the air conditioner cranked up, LOL. I HATE being hot. I was hoping I would be in Michigan for the summer, but it doesn't appear that will happen. I don't know what is going on with that anyways...but I digress.
It's good to have a plan, but if it doesn't all get done things will still be fine. I may really want something to do in August and may leave off school shopping till then. Or I might go into a sewing frenzy or paint a room. Who knows? I planned our vacation for early in the summer- two reasons, it's not as hot and I will be in the 7th month of pregnancy instead of the 9th :) We're planning to do some kind of camping, so, hopefully it will be more comfortable at that time rather than later.
Well, I've done my weekly cleaning, time to put some laundry in the washer and gather the girls to head out the door. I pray I still have energy to cut out patterns and fabric when I get back :) I haven't been getting more than 6hrs of sleep each night the past week, mainly because of me staying up late for no real reason, and oddly enough I seem to have more energy. Weird.
March 5, 2009
Baking Day
Today is a baking day...finally! It's been a looooong time since I had an official baking day.
On the list:
two loaves of bread machine whole wheat bread
some type of cranberry muffins
pumpkin pie
I made granola yesterday already, so that's done. I also need to prepare a new batch of kombucha brew. I finally got a successful batch of it last week. It's been months since we had it and we've drank almost all of it already.
Eventually I want to get back into my sourdough breads. My starter died of neglect, oops. I can make one, but I might order another one from Fermented Treasures (you can google it) because there are lots of varieties. Some day I will make yogurt in my crockpot again...some day...I even bought little plastic lidded containers for individual cups of yogurt, just haven't gotten around to making it.
If my camera has batteries, I will TRY to take pictures!!!
I want to say thanks to everyone's encouragement about homebirth and dealing with the pain of birth. This is so wonderful as a 'body' of women, we can all relate to pregnancy and childbirth, and offer tips to each other. Many people just do not understand why I would choose this path, sometimes I don't. But, I feel like the Lord is offering me something I've desired for awhile, and I hate to pass it up. I'm taking the red pill :) (Ha,ha, Matrix joke again) I still haven't decided for sure what I will do. My next doctor appointment is next Friday and I can talk with him about it some more. I guess we'll be finding out the gender of this baby next week too. Everyone asks me constantly if I know or when will I know- such pressure!!! I might be mean though...it's hard, where are all the cute neutral clothes and baby things????
Well, off to start some laundry and the baking! See ya later!
**I do have something very important to write about regarding a post I did last week, about motivation with homekeeping. Will get to that later.***
On the list:
two loaves of bread machine whole wheat bread
some type of cranberry muffins
pumpkin pie
I made granola yesterday already, so that's done. I also need to prepare a new batch of kombucha brew. I finally got a successful batch of it last week. It's been months since we had it and we've drank almost all of it already.
Eventually I want to get back into my sourdough breads. My starter died of neglect, oops. I can make one, but I might order another one from Fermented Treasures (you can google it) because there are lots of varieties. Some day I will make yogurt in my crockpot again...some day...I even bought little plastic lidded containers for individual cups of yogurt, just haven't gotten around to making it.
If my camera has batteries, I will TRY to take pictures!!!
I want to say thanks to everyone's encouragement about homebirth and dealing with the pain of birth. This is so wonderful as a 'body' of women, we can all relate to pregnancy and childbirth, and offer tips to each other. Many people just do not understand why I would choose this path, sometimes I don't. But, I feel like the Lord is offering me something I've desired for awhile, and I hate to pass it up. I'm taking the red pill :) (Ha,ha, Matrix joke again) I still haven't decided for sure what I will do. My next doctor appointment is next Friday and I can talk with him about it some more. I guess we'll be finding out the gender of this baby next week too. Everyone asks me constantly if I know or when will I know- such pressure!!! I might be mean though...it's hard, where are all the cute neutral clothes and baby things????
Well, off to start some laundry and the baking! See ya later!
**I do have something very important to write about regarding a post I did last week, about motivation with homekeeping. Will get to that later.***
Busy Evening
Last night was a busy evening. First off, it was my baby Sarah's birthday. She turned three, on the third, of the third month, LOL. We made cake mix cupcakes and I gave her a (don't freak) PORCELAIN baby doll that I got off ebay. She loves this one I have for Leiah, but I only let her hold it occasionally. So, I found her one that was about 13 inches long, a cloth body and only a porcelain face and hands, and is so cute. I traded her the baby for her pacifier. Yes, she was still using it. When we get a nice Saturday we'll have a family cookout/party for her.
Next a friend had chosen to get baptized. Unfortunately our church is very small and has no indoor baptistry, so we always just got dunked in Nana's pool, the grandmother to everyone. (also used to be our landlady) Well, seeing as it's March and the pool is COLD, they found a church nearby that had a baptistry, which is just down the street. We attended that and coincidently, it was his birthday too. A total rebirth!
After that we headed to Leiah's school for open house. Finally, I get to see the inside of her class! See, since it's a special ed class, you have to make an appointment to go in, and I just hadn't gotten to it yet since the bus takes her to and from school. It's really neat. They have two special rooms for therapy, one is dark with black lights and lots of light up toys. It's hard to describe, but it was a really cool room. The other had all the physical therapy equipment, and her classroom itself was so cute. My other two girls loved it. Everything is spacious and new and well equipped. I feel a lot better now, knowing where she is each day. Then they had set up a slide show of pictures taken of the class over the year and even made snacks for everyone.
Then, after the girls went to bed, dh and I stupidly watched Titanic, lol. I started it Saturday, and watched half of it. I started the second half at 10:00! I haven't seen since it was in the theater! I mostly just wanted to 'revisit' the clothes now that I know more about period clothing. But, it was a sad movie. Why did they kill him off??? That's dumb- it's already sad because of the sinking ship!!!! I was reminded why I hadn't watched it in so long :)
So, it was after midnight when I hit the sack. Oh well, gotta live on the edge sometimes :)
Today is grocery day and man are we OUT of food!!! How come I never buy enough for the week?? I don't know, but I'm going to stock up today. I promised my husband. He was literally scrounging around for food for his lunch this morning. Time to get on the ball!
Next a friend had chosen to get baptized. Unfortunately our church is very small and has no indoor baptistry, so we always just got dunked in Nana's pool, the grandmother to everyone. (also used to be our landlady) Well, seeing as it's March and the pool is COLD, they found a church nearby that had a baptistry, which is just down the street. We attended that and coincidently, it was his birthday too. A total rebirth!
After that we headed to Leiah's school for open house. Finally, I get to see the inside of her class! See, since it's a special ed class, you have to make an appointment to go in, and I just hadn't gotten to it yet since the bus takes her to and from school. It's really neat. They have two special rooms for therapy, one is dark with black lights and lots of light up toys. It's hard to describe, but it was a really cool room. The other had all the physical therapy equipment, and her classroom itself was so cute. My other two girls loved it. Everything is spacious and new and well equipped. I feel a lot better now, knowing where she is each day. Then they had set up a slide show of pictures taken of the class over the year and even made snacks for everyone.
Then, after the girls went to bed, dh and I stupidly watched Titanic, lol. I started it Saturday, and watched half of it. I started the second half at 10:00! I haven't seen since it was in the theater! I mostly just wanted to 'revisit' the clothes now that I know more about period clothing. But, it was a sad movie. Why did they kill him off??? That's dumb- it's already sad because of the sinking ship!!!! I was reminded why I hadn't watched it in so long :)
So, it was after midnight when I hit the sack. Oh well, gotta live on the edge sometimes :)
Today is grocery day and man are we OUT of food!!! How come I never buy enough for the week?? I don't know, but I'm going to stock up today. I promised my husband. He was literally scrounging around for food for his lunch this morning. Time to get on the ball!
March 3, 2009
Meeting the midwife
Several people are curious about my appointment with the midwife the other day. I've held off mentioning it because I'm undecided about what to do.
Basically, she was very positive about a homebirth. She did some research on vaginal birth after multiple cesareans and she didn't see any reason why I would be any different than a woman with only one previous c-section. The are two possible options. I can go for a homebirth, she can come here and I'm only 10 minutes away from an ER in the case of any problems. She herself has never encountered any major emergencies in her 75 births. She carries pitocin (in case of hemorrage), oxygen and also is skilled in resusitation. The only time she has transported someone to the hospital is for what they call 'failure to progress' where they genuinely need some extra help from pitocin or whatever.
The other option is for her to be employed as my doula, or a labor coach. She could come to my house when I'm in labor and check my progress, then when I'm getting pretty far along in labor, we can go to the hospital and she would still stay with me through the birth. I'm uncertain about that one, because I need to double check with the doctor about me coming to the hospital in labor. Plus, most doctors don't want c-section moms to go overdue.
There are so many scare tactics out there regarding this subject. But, when you weigh the risk of a catastrophic uterine rupture with getting hurt in a car accident, you are 30 times more likely to be in an accident. Yet, we still drive. In my mind, the uterus is a muscle, and muscle tissue heals up. It's being gradually stretched over a period of 9 months, and then it begins flexing and contracting. The incision site is so low in the uterus, to me it poses little threat of separating. If my bicep muscle was operated on, would they tell me the it could rupture if I started lifting weights a few months later?? Doubt it.
So, the ball is in my court. My husband has left it up to me to decide pretty much. The main obstacle with homebirth is the cost right now. The nice thing about an OB is they take insurance and you can pay a little at a time. I'm still just amazed that I found a willing midwife.
Anyways, so that's how it went. I will admit to feeling slightly fearful about a non-medicated birth. I've never felt any labor and wonder how I will handle it. I have a high pain tolerance for certain things like cuts, scrapes, and aches. If it's on a limb I can take it better, but if it's in the core of my body, that's harder to deal with. Guess I need to do some more reading about that...
Basically, she was very positive about a homebirth. She did some research on vaginal birth after multiple cesareans and she didn't see any reason why I would be any different than a woman with only one previous c-section. The are two possible options. I can go for a homebirth, she can come here and I'm only 10 minutes away from an ER in the case of any problems. She herself has never encountered any major emergencies in her 75 births. She carries pitocin (in case of hemorrage), oxygen and also is skilled in resusitation. The only time she has transported someone to the hospital is for what they call 'failure to progress' where they genuinely need some extra help from pitocin or whatever.
The other option is for her to be employed as my doula, or a labor coach. She could come to my house when I'm in labor and check my progress, then when I'm getting pretty far along in labor, we can go to the hospital and she would still stay with me through the birth. I'm uncertain about that one, because I need to double check with the doctor about me coming to the hospital in labor. Plus, most doctors don't want c-section moms to go overdue.
There are so many scare tactics out there regarding this subject. But, when you weigh the risk of a catastrophic uterine rupture with getting hurt in a car accident, you are 30 times more likely to be in an accident. Yet, we still drive. In my mind, the uterus is a muscle, and muscle tissue heals up. It's being gradually stretched over a period of 9 months, and then it begins flexing and contracting. The incision site is so low in the uterus, to me it poses little threat of separating. If my bicep muscle was operated on, would they tell me the it could rupture if I started lifting weights a few months later?? Doubt it.
So, the ball is in my court. My husband has left it up to me to decide pretty much. The main obstacle with homebirth is the cost right now. The nice thing about an OB is they take insurance and you can pay a little at a time. I'm still just amazed that I found a willing midwife.
Anyways, so that's how it went. I will admit to feeling slightly fearful about a non-medicated birth. I've never felt any labor and wonder how I will handle it. I have a high pain tolerance for certain things like cuts, scrapes, and aches. If it's on a limb I can take it better, but if it's in the core of my body, that's harder to deal with. Guess I need to do some more reading about that...
March 2, 2009
I'm weird
Good Monday morning everyone!
Guess how my day has started?? Urinary Tract Infection!!!! You may remember that I had one while sick with the flu, but I had almost no symptoms and didn't take my prescribed antibiotic like I was supposed to.
Well, look at where it's got me. A very painful infection...there are several reasons why, one of which I probably didn't get rid of the bacteria the last time, I have been consuming a lot of caffeine lately, and er, dh and I have been, um, reliving our honeymoon??? Is that subtle enough?? Is it ok to talk about s*x on a homemaking blog? LOL...I've thought about it a few times, but thought better of it.
Anyways, I woke up last night with some burning and cramping, but was able to go back to sleep. When I got up I was fine until the second time I had to pee, then it really hit me. For some reason, when I get one of these, I get a lot of gas pain and bladder pain. I can't take the burning and that too. So, this is what I'm doing:
I drank 4-5 oz colloidal silver with unsweetened cranberry juice mixed in
I took something called D-Mannose, a natural supplement that helps flush out the bacteria
I took two Gas-X pills
Then my husband read about putting baking soda in water, which helps ease the burning, so I am drinking 2 pints of that every hour- salty!
Then I took two Tylenol
The next step is to go to the bathroom, continue with the soda water and D-Mannose, every hour; avoid caffeine, possible take a hot shower directed over the bladder area.
So why am I getting these so often? (3 in 6 months) Well, when I was little I got them a lot. I guess for me, I don't go to the bathroom very often. When pregnant I hate getting up to go, so I stretched my bladder out I guess. Also, the last week I've drank 3 cokes, coffee, and lots of tea. These don't help at all, plus I wasn't drink much water. I'm just not a drinker! And yesterday I was so thirsty and drank at least 4 large glasses of iced tea.
Also, I forget you are supposed to wipe front to back...oops. Then I read that if you fill a squirt bottle with warm water before you go, #2, then wash yourself well, it really prevents any bacteria from traveling to the urethra. May start doing that.
Anyways, I just thought that was interesting. I do have another antibiotic that was prescribed for the last UTI that I could use if I want, but I really want to avoid it. So, I am feeling better now. I need to go to the bathroom, then make a new glass of soda water and take those pills. The most important thing- DON'T STOP the TREATMENT TOO SOON!!!
But, other than that I'm in good spirits :) I have the usual going on- loads of laundry to do, beds to make, rooms to tidy (the kitchen is clean, er, the dishes are done), odds and ends to put away etc. Plus some sewing to do, which I am excited about. But it's always gonna be there for me to do, though overwhelming sometimes.
I thought I'd mention a funny pregnancy quirk I'm going through. I've suddenly gotten a great urge to color. With crayons. I get all excited about it and the kids tell me what they want me to draw and I get to work. I'm thinking of getting my own set now, LOL!!! Silly me...and now I've rediscovered playdough. I am planning to get the girls their own box with art stuff in it, and am going to include a jar of playdough. We played with it at my mom's yesterday and everyone got into it (my parents, my grandmother, dh and me) for a couple of hours. I guess I'm reliving my childhood :)
Alright, nature calls. Go color with your children, it's fun!!
Guess how my day has started?? Urinary Tract Infection!!!! You may remember that I had one while sick with the flu, but I had almost no symptoms and didn't take my prescribed antibiotic like I was supposed to.
Well, look at where it's got me. A very painful infection...there are several reasons why, one of which I probably didn't get rid of the bacteria the last time, I have been consuming a lot of caffeine lately, and er, dh and I have been, um, reliving our honeymoon??? Is that subtle enough?? Is it ok to talk about s*x on a homemaking blog? LOL...I've thought about it a few times, but thought better of it.
Anyways, I woke up last night with some burning and cramping, but was able to go back to sleep. When I got up I was fine until the second time I had to pee, then it really hit me. For some reason, when I get one of these, I get a lot of gas pain and bladder pain. I can't take the burning and that too. So, this is what I'm doing:
I drank 4-5 oz colloidal silver with unsweetened cranberry juice mixed in
I took something called D-Mannose, a natural supplement that helps flush out the bacteria
I took two Gas-X pills
Then my husband read about putting baking soda in water, which helps ease the burning, so I am drinking 2 pints of that every hour- salty!
Then I took two Tylenol
The next step is to go to the bathroom, continue with the soda water and D-Mannose, every hour; avoid caffeine, possible take a hot shower directed over the bladder area.
So why am I getting these so often? (3 in 6 months) Well, when I was little I got them a lot. I guess for me, I don't go to the bathroom very often. When pregnant I hate getting up to go, so I stretched my bladder out I guess. Also, the last week I've drank 3 cokes, coffee, and lots of tea. These don't help at all, plus I wasn't drink much water. I'm just not a drinker! And yesterday I was so thirsty and drank at least 4 large glasses of iced tea.
Also, I forget you are supposed to wipe front to back...oops. Then I read that if you fill a squirt bottle with warm water before you go, #2, then wash yourself well, it really prevents any bacteria from traveling to the urethra. May start doing that.
Anyways, I just thought that was interesting. I do have another antibiotic that was prescribed for the last UTI that I could use if I want, but I really want to avoid it. So, I am feeling better now. I need to go to the bathroom, then make a new glass of soda water and take those pills. The most important thing- DON'T STOP the TREATMENT TOO SOON!!!
But, other than that I'm in good spirits :) I have the usual going on- loads of laundry to do, beds to make, rooms to tidy (the kitchen is clean, er, the dishes are done), odds and ends to put away etc. Plus some sewing to do, which I am excited about. But it's always gonna be there for me to do, though overwhelming sometimes.
I thought I'd mention a funny pregnancy quirk I'm going through. I've suddenly gotten a great urge to color. With crayons. I get all excited about it and the kids tell me what they want me to draw and I get to work. I'm thinking of getting my own set now, LOL!!! Silly me...and now I've rediscovered playdough. I am planning to get the girls their own box with art stuff in it, and am going to include a jar of playdough. We played with it at my mom's yesterday and everyone got into it (my parents, my grandmother, dh and me) for a couple of hours. I guess I'm reliving my childhood :)
Alright, nature calls. Go color with your children, it's fun!!