Updates

Thanksgiving is this week and the last thing I want to think about is food.

If I am not getting sick, I'm nauseous. If I'm not nauseous, I have a blinding migraine. And I'm always extremely exhausted. Last night I went to bed at 6 PM. So sad.

I hate the first trimester. I hate that I can't be a happy pregnant woman. I hate that everything is getting put off, the house is starting to fall apart, and the girls are watching waaayyy too much TV because I can't move without puking.

I'm either due in June or July. We won't really know until I'm far enough along to feel movement and for the midwives to palpate and listen to the heart beat. I'm hoping I'm due in June, because that means second trimester is coming up more quickly then I think.

In the meantime....if you don't hear from me often....send good pregnancy vibes my way.

Updates

Product Review: Bumkins

Recently the Mom Bloggers Club offered its members a chance to review some Bumkins products and I jumped at the chance.

I'm already a big fan of Bumkins because of their great cloth diapers. And now I can say I love their clothing, too! Bumkins sent me a Dr. Seuss Coverall Suit, a Dr. Suess Grinch Super Bib, and a Grinch Ornament.

Can I say how cute the suit is? And so soft, the Guppy insisted on wearing it all day. The Super Bib was adorable as well and was great at keeping the suit clean during dinner time. And the girls can't wait to put the Grinch Ornament up on the Christmas Tree!

What I also love about the Bumkins products are that they are made from natural or non-toxic materials, so my girls can look cute and be safe! So, if you are looking for a great Christmas gift for your little ones, check out the Bumkins website!

Bumkins Grinchmas Gift and Contest! With any Bumkins Dr. Seuss Purchase receive Free Grinch Superbib and automatically be entered to win a four pack of Dr.Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas Ornaments! Just enter grinch08 at checkout to receive your complimentary bib.

Product Review: Bumkins

Product Review: The Secret Mountain Books

Recently I jumped at a chance to review three children's books that are published by The Secret Mountain, an amazing publishing group whose titles have won many awards.

Each of the books published by The Secret Mountain are beautifully illustrated with bold colors and each book comes with an CD filled with music that goes along with the story.

The three books I reviewed were A Duck in New York City, Down at the Sea Hotel, and Dream Songs Night Songs From Belgium to Brazil. The girls loved all three, but our favorite was Dream Songs Night Songs and the accompanying CD. It was a great way for us to unwind and reconnect after a busy day!

In a time where families are busier than ever, what better way to reconnect with your children then setting up a reading ritual, say right before bedtime? I would highly recommend The Secret Mountain titles for your reading ritual.

What reading rituals do you have in your family?

Product Review: The Secret Mountain Books

Wordless Wednesday: Silly Stairs

Wordless Wednesday: Silly Stairs

The Most Uncreative Post Of All

I don't do well during pregnancy, at all. I'm just not one of those women.

But, since this is my last pregnancy, I am looking at it in a different perspective. I'm trying to appreciate all the work my body is going through, even though it means I am constantly nauseous, exhausted, and already big enough to fit into maternity clothes.

I'm already suffering from "pregnancy brain". I keep calling the Mermaid by the Guppy's name and vice versa. The other day I slept from 12-4 PM. And, since our van is still not fixed, I am going absolutely crazy with being stuck at home all day. So are the girls.

So, since the above describes what my life has been like for the past two weeks, I really have nothing creative to write. I'm dying for someone to just come pick me up and get me out of the house and into some fresh air and adult conversation.

Anyone?

The Most Uncreative Post Of All

Being Messy Is Fun

Since I've been spending most of my days getting my butt kicked by morning sickness, we've kind of been slacking on the homeschooling front. Most of the time I've just been putting out some arts and crafts projects for the girls to do while I pass out on the couch. But, not before I snap some pictures.

The girls love finger painting. The Mermaid loves getting messy and dives right into it, putting her whole hand in the paint and slathering it around the paper. The Guppy hates getting messy, and will daintily put her finger in the paint and carefully swipe it on the paper. Not surprisingly, she always is done before the Mermaid and comes running so I can wash off her hands.
The girls also love play doh. Cutting, smashing, and sculpting. It keeps them occupied for a while, just long enough for me to take a quick nap and sleep through the worst of the nausea.

So that is pretty much what we've been doing around here. This week I am feeling a little better so far, so I plan on getting back onto normal schedule. Too bad our van keeps breaking down; the girls and I are going stir crazy after being stuck at home for an entire week!

Being Messy Is Fun

Homebirth In The News

There is a great article about homebirth in the New York Times. It's a little long, but definitely worth the read.

What interests me the most is how homebirth is on the rise. When are hospitals going to realize that this is because they are not offering what women want and need anymore? I believe it is going to keep rising until hospitals realize that they need to change their ways of practice if they want women to feel comfortable birthing in their wards.

I can't wait for this baby's homebirth. There is nothing in the world like it.

Read the article and tell me what you think. Have you ever had a homebirth? If not, would you?

Homebirth In The News

Don't We Have Such Great Timing?

The Knight and I are thrilled to be having another baby. We were trying and trying and trying, and nothing was happening. Which is very unusual for us; normally all we have to do is lie down next to each other and I get pregnant. So, we decided that maybe now was not the right time and decided to wait a couple more months; so lo and behold, I get pregnant! By my calculations, the due date is late July.

We are planning on a homebirth again, and I'm a little bummed that the midwife who attended the Guppy's birth is not practicing any more, so I have to find a new one. I'm also a little shocked at how high the midwife's fees have gone up since the Guppy's birth two years ago. To us, it is worth any price, but we are dearly hoping that our insurance company will pay for some at least. I have two midwives in mind that I want to interview and I'm pretty sure I will connect with at least one of them.

Morning sickness is kicking my butt, so if I start to slack with posting, you know why. First Trimester is always hardest for me, and I'm looking forward to the second trimester.

Don't We Have Such Great Timing?

Product Review: Sneat Snug

Child safety is important in our family, especially while in the car. The Knight and I spent countless hours researching which car seat had the highest safety ratings, etc. Even though the Mermaid is not yet in a booster seat, I am reassured that there is a product out there that makes the booster seat safer for children: The Seat Snug Child Stability device.

Sneat Snug is installed onto your seatbelt to help secure the booster seat more safetly. It solves problems such as slack seat belt, rocking, bouncing, etc. Just watch this video to see what a difference Sneat Snug makes:



For more information about Seat Snug, be sure to visit their website.

Product Review: Sneat Snug

Wordless Wednesday: And Then We Were Five....

Wordless Wednesday: And Then We Were Five....

Product Review: Bella Sara Trading Cards and Online Site

For most of my life, I've either leased or owned horses. Horses was my passion for a long time, I eagerly look forward to the day when the Mermaid is old enough to have her first riding lesson.

In the meantime, she is having a great time taking care of her horses over at Bella Sara.

Bella Sara is a trading card game that is linked to an online land that is home to the beautiful horses that you collect. Use the cards to play games with friends, then enter the codes on the cards online to access each horse and accessory.

The cards themselves are beautiful, and the website blew us away with its beautiful and whimsical music, inspirational messages, and beautiful scenery. The Mermaid loves feeding and brushing her horses and learning about the magical world. Plus, recently they've increased the Bella Sara family to include the foals of the Bella Sara horses.

Bella Sara cards are available in stores now, so head on over the check out the beautiful land of North of North!

Product Review: Bella Sara Trading Cards and Online Site

Homeschool and Blogging

Now that our family is getting closer to settling into our daily lives after moving, I'm going to start to get a little more "serious" about the girls' schooling. I know that a lot of bloggers who homeschool have a separate blog just for their homeschooling, but I'm not sure that would work for me. First, I have just enough time to keep up on this blog, never mind a second one. And secondly, at this stage homeschooling is so integrated into our daily lives that it would be difficult for me to separate it into different posts. We only sit down for about a half hour a day for "official" school time; other than that, we live in the moment.

So, even though I am leaning toward keeping it all on the same blog, I am interested in knowing your opinions. Please vote in the poll.

Should I Create A Separate Blog For Homeschooling?
	Yes, I'm not interested in posts about homeschooling
	No, I don't mind posts about homeschooling
	I don't care either way
pollcode.com free polls

Homeschool and Blogging

Dog Of A Different Color

For the most part, when I was a child, I enjoyed school. But not until the later years, as in junior high and beyond.


For kindergarten through sixth grade, I hated school. I hated homework, I hated having to sit still and getting yelled at for talking, I hated walking in lines all the time, etc. And I especially hated the fact that I really didn't understand math, and the red slashes on my returned papers did nothing to help me.


But, there are two memories from Kindergarten that still specifically stand out for me. The first was when our teacher instructed us to color a flower. I like green. Green is my favorite color. So, I colored the entire flower green. I thought it was beautiful. Not so for my teacher: she held it up to the entire class and used it as an example of how not to color a flower, and told me I was lazy for coloring the entire flower green and not picking out a seperate flower for the petals. I still remember the shame and embarassment.


The second incident occurred when we were coloring pictures of Mickey Mouse's face. I used black crayon and made swoops and swirls while coloring it in. I thought his face looked unique and "cool". Not so for the teacher: she held it up and showed the class how my picture was "ruined" because I didn't color in one direction.


Since the Mermaid started homeschooling, I've noticed that she likes to pick one color, her favorite color at the time, and stick with it for the entire picture. At first, that really bothered me. Why doesn't she choose seperate colors? But I remembered what happened to me and didn't criticise: just gently asked her why. Her reason was the same as mine: "I just like purple/pink/orange, etc." and that was that. Lately, she's been coloring one object multiple colors, none of them realistic. She thinks her paintings are beautiful. I do too.


This week the Mermaid is learning about dogs and so I made some paper bag dog puppets with the girls. The Guppy painted hers all black. The Mermaid got to work, choosing colors like green and red and blue, and painting in all different directions. Our family friend was over our house and immediately asked the Mermaid why she wasn't painting the dog brown, or black, or another color that dogs are. She pondered the question for a moment, then told our friend "I don't want my dog to be like other dogs. My dog is beutiful, and he likes being red and blue and green". And that was that.


Her dog was beautiful. And so is my daughter, for being so creative and seeing the world in a different way than the adults that surround her.

Dog Of A Different Color

Wordless Wednesday: Yes. We. Did.

Wordless Wednesday: Yes. We. Did.

Tackle It Tuesday

For this week's Tackle It Tuesday, I'm posting picture of all the painting we tackled in the past two weeks in the new house. I am horrible at tacking pics like these, but at least you can get the idea.

We only painted two rooms in the house: the living room and the girls' bedroom. Here is the living room as the previous owners had it, a nice olive green color:

Since I am going with an Asian decorative theme, we painted the living room a cream color with a burgundy accent wall:Again, a horrible pic, but it looks nice in person. I also bought matching slipcovers, pillows, and curtains that tie the color scheme into the furniture.

Here is the before picture of the girls' room: a light green color: Here is the after picture, a light purple:We are also going to paint on a darker purple border with butterflies at the top.

So that is what we tackled. For more Tackle It Tuesday reading, be sure to visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Tackle It Tuesday

End of Soccer Season

On Saturday the Mermaid had her last soccer game. She actually had a blast, and loved the Trophy that the coach handed out. She's so proud of it and keeps showing it off to anyone who comes to the house. They also had cupcakes after the game and she loved that treat!

End of Soccer Season

Halloween Pic

The Mermaid was an Indian and the Guppy was a cave girl. They had a blast Trick or Treating.

Halloween Pic

Product Reviews: AquaDoodle and Bath Blizzard

Spin Master has two great products to check out.

First, the Aquadoodle. As a mom of two young children, I really don't have the time and patience to scrub anymore marker and crayon off the floor, walls, and tables. Which is why I love the AquaDoodle. Just add water to the pen, and kids can draw and color on the special mat all day.

My girls loved it. The Mermaid even got creative with a paintbrush and some water. And the best part was, there is blessed silence throughout the house every time they use it.

Second, the Bath Blizzard. This product rocks. Just attach it to the side of the tub, turn the knob, and watch the bubbles cascade into the water! My girls love playing in the suds, and the great thing is that bath time is now fun time!

I would definitely recommend checking these two products out.

Product Reviews: AquaDoodle and Bath Blizzard

Bits and Pieces

Some little updates:

~ I still cannot find my camera. I did find it, but it has disappeared since. I don't know if it was thrown into the 15 or so boxes we have left to unpack, but I hope I find it soon.

~ Our housewarming party is next weekend and I am so excited!! We are doing open house style.

~ The Mermaid continues to love her gymnastics class. I'm bummed I haven't been able to take pictures yet. I am definitely going to keep signing her up as long as possible. On the other hand, she is increasingly losing interest in soccer, due to the cold weather. I think next season we will try to get her into the Spring session and see if she likes it better then.

~ I finally got curtains and some decorations up around the house, but the walls are mostly bare. We've still got some unpacking and decorating to do before the party.

~I've joined FlyLady again, determined to keep our new house clean. So far, it's going great. Having a dishwasher helps.

~ I'm hoping to put the Guppy back in cloth diapers soon. We just need to buy some new diaper pails. I am so over the smelly, chemical filled disposables that she's been wearing the past three weeks. Yuck.

That's it for around here. Hopefull I'll find my camera soon.

Bits and Pieces

Quality Level of Care

A while back I invited readers to share their birth stories to be published at Inspiring Birth Stories. One of my readers sent in her beautiful and empowering story of the birth of her second child, A.

I think what I like best about her story is that she clearly talks about the difference between the quality of care that she received from her midwife vs. her OBGYN from her first pregnancy. It really does make a difference when you are cared for by someone who sits and talks to you, who knows you personally, knows your dreams and desires for the birth. With my old OBGYN, she would come in for the last five minutes of my prenatal appointment, check my chart to make sure she had my name right, talk a little bit about numbers and procedures and tests, and then leave. The difference is astounding.

Head on over and read the birth story of A. It's a great story, very empowering.

Quality Level of Care

I Almost Fell Into That Trap

It's something that every nursing mother experiences at least once. It's mostly known as "The Holiday Wean", but really it can happen during any major transition or stressful period.

Like moving.

Because the Knight and I were in a hurry to get the house painted and us moved in, the girls spent a lot of time over other people's houses while we packed, painted, and unpacked. In fact, the night before the move, the Guppy and I spent our very first night apart: she slept over her Grandmother's while the Knight and I stayed up until midnight to finish the painting. I figured she would be okay with it.

The next afternoon, after the move, when my MIL brought her home, I thought she would want to nurse immediately. Imagine my surprise when she wanted nothing to do with me. She was angry.

It took about four hours before she would finally come over and give me a hug and kiss. And it wasn't until the next day that she decided she would nurse again (to the relief of my sore and engorged breasts).

You would think that I would've been more aware of what was happening. I did mention to the Knight once or twice that she wasn't nursing as often during the packing phase, but didn't really think much of it. I got too wrapped up in other things in life, and forgot the important lesson that the Guppy teaches me every day: sit down and rest, slow down, take care of yourself.

Thankfully, the Guppy is now back to her regular nursing schedule. She and the Mermaid love their new room and the house. We are all grinning ear to ear over here.

Have you ever experienced the Holiday Wean? How do you remind yourself to take time to make sure your nursling is getting his or her "na nas" during stressful and busy times?

I Almost Fell Into That Trap

Home Sweet Home

Home.

It's such a simple word, but now it has such a new and inspiring meaning to the Knight and I.

We have a home. Ours. It has a backyard and a beautiful deck. It has more than one bedroom. It has two bathrooms. And it's ours.

I feel like I'm having a babymoon all over again, only its with a house instead of a baby. Each time I turn the key in the lock and walk in, my heart skips a beat.

Does this feeling happen to everyone when they buy their first house? I know the jokes, Yes, until the first mortgage bill comes in, ha ha. But does it truly fade then? Does the feeling of being a home owner become an every day, run of the mill feeling? It doesn't seem possible.

Our house is small and simple. It is definitely not impressive. But it's clean, it's warm, and it's ours. It's a place for our family to live together, eat meals together, and grow together. And even though I consider myself as someone who is not materialistic, I can't help but fall in love with it. It's wood and wires and plumbing and cement and yet, it's so much more. I love it.

We'll see how I feel after the first payment is due. But for now, I am basking in the warm feeling of being a home owner, of cooking my family nutritious meals in a kitchen that we own, of tucking my daughter into her very own bed in her very own room at night.

I've got lots of thoughts to post about and some pictures too. We should be completely done packing and fully back on schedule on Monday. In the meantime, how did you feel when you bought your house? How long did this warm feeling last for you?

Home Sweet Home

I'm Back!

Well, sort of.

We got Internet, cable and phone this morning, yay! We're doing good on the unpacking. Our goal was to be completely done tonight, but it isn't going to happen. However, all we have left is the office (most of which is already done, we just need to put books on bookcases), and the living room (also mostly done, just waiting to get a media cabinet and entertainment center so we can put our movies away).

Can I tell you how happy we are to be in our own home!? I have lots to write about, and I hope to be back into my regular schedule within a few days!!

I'm Back!

I Hate Packing

I'm still here, just a little overwhelmed with moving and packing. So far we've painted the two room we wanted to in the house, taken care of all the small details, and almost finished packing. Closing was on Wednesday and tomorrow is our offical moving day.

I know I won't have internet access until Tuesday the earliest, so until then wish us luck on our move!! I have lots to write about when I get back, and pics too.

I Hate Packing

Sarah Palin Debate Chart: Too Funny

Sarah Palin Debate Chart: Too Funny

Birthing Goddess

As a doula, sometimes I get frustrated and wonder why I am doing this.

I have heard a few people state that doulas are simply witnesses. It's even been stated that doulas may be "perpetuating the very system that they are in the business of changing." Sometimes I feel that way. Sometimes I feel that all I am able to do is sit back and watch as IV's are put in, pitocin started, requests denied, and sometime, even scare tactics are used to keep the woman in compliance. As woman are told that their babies are too big and their pelvis too small; they are too "overdue"; their labors are taking too long; they are not progressing; they are unable to birth their baby without the doctors and their array of wonderful drugs don't worry there is minimal risk involved and why not just get the epidural don't you know that women who give birth naturally don't get gold stars?

However much debate there is, the statistical benefits of a doula still stand true and proven. So I keep packing my bag, keep taking clients, and keep praying at night that the next birth will go as the mom plans, that the nurse/doctor won't be in a rush or having a bad day or whatnot.

Then I'll have a client who's birth does go as planned. And it makes it all worth it. I get home, sit on the couch, and think about what I witnessed and say "wow".

Today I'm over at Inspiring Birth Stories talking about such a birth. Head on over for some inspiration. And if you want to submit your own birth story, feel free to email me.

Birthing Goddess

Bits and Pieces

Some updates:

~ Both my September client and my October client have given birth. Now, so far I'm off call until the end of January. I need more clients :o)

~ Closing day is exactly one week from today! Then we paint paint paint (only two rooms, thank goodness) and move move move. I bet you think I'm so on top of things and that I've already packed up a lot of our stuff. HA!

~ The Mermaid has about 4 weeks left in her current curriculum and then we start another one. I am so excited. Because she is actually going to have a bedroom. And we can learn in her bedroom, instead of all over the kitchen table. We'll have an actual "learning center" and everything.

~ I signed the Mermaid up for gymnastics. So now she is doing gymnastics and soccer, and I've drawn the line. As tempted as I am to sign her up for dance as well, I think two organized activities at a time is enough.

~ I found my camera. Enough said.

~ Can I tell you how much I am loving being a two car family? No more waking the girls up at the crack of dawn to drive the Knight to work because I need the car later that day....no more planning my schedule around the Knight's work schedule....no more feeling guilty because the Knight had to miss another day of work because I'm at a birth and I have our only car. It's sooo nice.

~ The Guppy has become fascinated with money. Maybe obsessed is a better word. She loves sorting it, stacking it, and putting it in her piggy banks. She also likes to throw it across the room and make a huge money mess, but that's a post for another day.

That's it for the bits and pieces. I'm not sure how much I'm going to be able to post in the upcoming two weeks due to the move (YAY), but I'll return soon.

Bits and Pieces

A Guiding Presence

My daughter is four and very angry at me.

She doesn't know that watching too much television is not good for her, in so many ways. She doesn't know how much better it is physically, mentally, and emotionally, for her to play outside instead. She just knows that she wants to watch Dora, and that her mommy won't let her.

My daughter and I usually communicate well with each other. I usually don't yell, and I never hit or spank her. Time outs and banishment to bedrooms don't work in this house. Instead, we normally use feeling words and try to talk to each other about how we feel and come up with a compromise. However, once in a while, like today, we come up short in communication.

My daughter doesn't want to talk. She wants to yell and cry and turn her back to me. She doesn't want to be hugged or touched or cuddled. She just wants to be angry. This leaves me with two choices: I can threaten, yell, or punish her in some other way until she starts to "behave," or I can use this as an opportunity to guide her.

I know that when I am angry, I get overwhelmed. It's hard for me to stay calm, it's hard for me to think about anything but whatever I am angry about. From my experience with anger, I know that yelling or punishing her at this time isn't going to help; it wouldn’t work with me, so why would it work for her? It would make things worse. And so, I choose the other option.

She's laying on the couch, crying, her back to me. I sit next to her. I don't touch her, or hug her, or try to talk to her...I just sit quietly, letting her anger run its course. I know she can feel my presence beside her, keeping her company while she tries to sort through the powerful and overwhelming emotions that have taken over her body.

Time passes, and her crying starts to slow. Soon, she sits up and starts wiping the tears from her face. She looks at me and then climbs on my lap. I wrap my arms around her and kiss her forehead.

"Feel better?" I ask. She nods. "Want to go outside now?" She nods again, grinning, and jumps off my lap to find her shoes.

No, my daughter doesn't know about the studies that show the harmful effects television can have on her. She doesn't know that she is building memories of nature and animals and plants that she will look back on fondly. But, she does know that I am always there for her, no matter what. That my presence will always be in her life, ready to guide her whenever she needs it. That is one of my gifts to her.

To read more posts about "Giving Our Children Guiding Presence", visit the Attachment Parenting International website to learn more about the upcoming carnival.

A Guiding Presence

Linky Love

Some lovely links:

Mama K NJ talks about an article she read describing five ways to reduce your BPA exposure.

Nicole over at Bellies and Babies hosts an alternative and uncommon birth video festival.

Tanya over at the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog talks about what the Chinese formula crisis says about breastfeeding.

Over at the Homeschool Classroom, Angie talks about age appropriate chores for children.

That's all today for Linky Love.

Linky Love

Safer Prenatal Test for Downs Syndrome

From the article:

A prenatal blood test can be used to determine if an unborn baby has Down's syndrome without the small risk to the fetus posed by invasive testing methods
such as amniocentesis, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

Researchers led by Stephen Quake of Stanford University in California
created a way to look for the extra chromosomes that cause Down's and similar
birth detects in the tiny amounts of fetal DNA that circulate in the mother's
blood.

The test, which requires a small blood sample from the mother, is safer
than amniocentesis, in which a needle is stuck into the uterus, and can be done
earlier in a pregnancy.

You can read the full article here...

Safer Prenatal Test for Downs Syndrome

Spot Shot Carpet Stain and Odor Eliminator: A Review

It's a fact that every mom knows: kids and carpets don't mix. And those "leak proof" sippy cups that you can buy in stores? They really aren't leak proof. Plus, I'm sure that there are other "lazy" moms out there like me who are too "busy" to look for the lids for the cups and just hand the cup full of juice and no lid to their two year old child with the advise "Don't spill."

Anyone? No one? Hmmm....

Anyways, my current house has all hardwood and no carpets so carpet stains have not been an issue yet. However, in two weeks we are going to be moving into our first house which has WHITE carpeting on the stairs and hallway.

Yes. White. I can hear you hysterically laughing already.

So, I was so happy when my friends at Mom Central sent me a bottle of WD-40's Spot Shot Carpet Stain and Odor Eliminator. And I was delighted when I learned that it is non-toxic and certified biodegradable. Yeee-haw, I can have clean carpets without the guilt of exposing my children to dangerous chemicals. But, the question remained: does it really work?

Along with the sample and literature they also send a sample of carpet with some chocolate (a favorite in this house) and ammonia (main ingredient in pet urine, ewwww) to try out the awesome stain removing power of Spot Shot. I painted the chocolate and ammonia on the carpet and followed the simple and quick directions, and viola! Clean carpet. Cool.

Of course, with my camera packed I wasn't able to take pics, but trust me: this product rocks.

So, if you have pets and kids and carpets, this is a product you need. I give it two thumbs up!

Spot Shot Carpet Stain and Odor Eliminator: A Review

What Are You Waiting For?

What Are You Waiting For?

Inspiring Birth Stories: Birth of Baby S

When I meet with a birth client, I always tell them the same thing: avoid negative birth stories.

It seems that when a woman gets pregnant, every person she meets seems to have had, or know someone who has had, an awful and horrendous birth experience full of pain and danger. Why do we feel the need to scare a soon-to-be mom like that?

I usually give my clients a list of websites and books that contain positive birth stories for them to read and focus on.

Inspiring Birth Stories is such a website. Full of positive birth stories written by moms and doulas, it's a great site for all expectant moms to visit, or anyone who likes to be inspired by birth.

Recently, I was invited to become a contributing author at Inspiring Birth Stories. I'm over there today, talking about my September client's birth. Come on over and be inspired.

Inspiring Birth Stories: Birth of Baby S

Wordless Wednesday: From The Archives: Summer's Birth

Wordless Wednesday: From The Archives: Summer's Birth

K'NEX Sesame Street Building Sets: a Review

Finding a common toy that is age-appropriate for both my children really isn't hard: except when it comes to building blocks. The Guppy can't seem to grasp and put together the smaller blocks that the Mermaid loves to play with, and the Mermaid gets bored with the bigger blocks made for the Guppy's age.

Problem solved. Sesame Street has teamed up with K'NEX and is introducing a line of building sets based on Sesame Street. These sets are made for kids 2-5, and as the age recommendation suggests, both my girls loved playing with them!

The Mermaid loved building one of her favorite Sesame Street character and playing with the fun activity cards provided in the box, while the Guppy had no problem building with the colorful and chunky rods, connectors, and blocks. The set also included educational tips for parents that I enjoyed reading.

In fact, both girls enjoyed the blocks so much, that they forgot to argue with each other. Peace ensued. And they loved taking turns role playing with the Elmo character they just built!

In the end, I give this product two thumbs up.

K'NEX Sesame Street building sets are very reasonably priced, with sets starting at $10.99. Sets can be combined to let your child's creativity flow. Visit the K'NEX website for more information.

K'NEX Sesame Street Building Sets: a Review

A Goal I Am Proud Of.

I've been breastfeeding the Guppy for two years.

The World Health Organization states that children should be nursed up to two years and beyond. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be breastfed at least up to a year, and beyond as long as it is mutually desired by the child and mother.

When the Mermaid was born, I promised myself that I would breastfeed her for six months. Six months turned into a year without me noticing, and on her first birthday I moved my goal up to two years. However, when she was 15 months old, I became pregnant with the Guppy and by the time she was 21 months she was fully weaned due to my decreasing supply.

When the Guppy was born, I vowed to make it to at least two years, unless she decided otherwise. Through an improper latch that made my nipples resemble raw hamburger, to pumping in a bathroom at my old part-time job, I'm proud to say that I stuck to my goal: I've been officially nursing her for two years.

The funny thing is, like with the Mermaid, I didn't even notice really that I reached that goal. I look at my beautiful child, in her funny stage of toddlerhood, and I think, "Of course I'm still nursing her. Why wouldn't I be?"

Nursing is a natural part of our lives. It's part of our daily life, like eating or sleeping or brushing our teeth. I give my daughter kisses when she bumps her head, and I give her Na Na's. It's how I comfort her, how I give her nourishment when she is ill and isn't eating, how I calm her when she gets upset, how I tell her I love her. Really, when I am nursing her, no more thought goes into it than when I give her a hug, or tuck her in, or change her diaper. We just do it, and it works for us. It's so natural to us, it requires no thought.

I can't imagine weaning her right now. Maybe in a little while, I'll approach night-weaning, but not right before a move. And since the Knight and I are trying for our third baby, who knows what will happen when I get pregnant. But right now, I know that she is still in a stage in her life where she needs her "nanas", and I am still in a stage in my life where I am fine with giving them to her.

Besides, on top of all the benefits of nursing her that I've mentioned above, it's been proving that nursing a toddler is beneficial to her health. And that's enough reason for me.

To nursing moms out there: how long do you plan on nursing? Have you nursed children past the first year? Past the second? I'm interested in hearing your stories.

A Goal I Am Proud Of.

Precious Girls Club Giveaway Winners

The Mermaid drew the two winning names this morning and the lucky winners are:

Jen from Immaculate Election

and

Stacy from Satcy Girl.

Congrats to the winner and thanks for entering!

Precious Girls Club Giveaway Winners

Dangers of Plastic Bags

The Knight and I have been making an effort to live a more eco-friendly life, and to teach our children to tread lightly. Part of our efforts include cutting back on our use of disposable products, including plastic bags. After watching this slide show, we are going to increase our stock of reusable shopping bags and cut plastic bags out of our lives once and for all.

Dangers of Plastic Bags

Two Too Soon

My dearest Guppy,

This morning started out like any other day: you woke up and we lay in bed together, you nursing contently and me looking at the clock, impatiently wondering how soon you would be done so I could get up and start my busy day.

That's when it hit me: today is Friday, September 26th: your birthday.

Still nursing and only half awake, you rolled onto your side, kicked your leg up onto my waist, and grabbed a handful of my hair. Your favorite nursing position. I stopped looking at the clock and bent down to kiss your forehead and breathe in your sweet scent. Your light colored hair, thick and curly, tickled my nose. Your face so sweet and clean, your eyelids fluttering with sleep, your delicate nose showing signs of both baby and toddlerhood. Your hand clutched my hair, not tiny like a newborn's, but still small and precious.

What an odd stage this is, this period of in-between baby and child. You still need me to nurse you, cuddle you, change you, help you climb, help you do so many things that you've always needed me to do. But now this new aspect of independence is thrown into the mix: you've discovered that you are your own independent person with your own likes and dislikes, wants and desires, and you try to assert that independence as much as possible.

You see things that your older sister does and you want to do them too; but only with my help. We both know you can walk up and down stairs, but you cry until someone carries you down. You get frustrated when I won't let you walk around in stores, but you insist I carry you when we walk outside. You insist on nursing many, many times during the day, but you only nurse for short periods of time. You love to dance, but only when you think no one is looking. You love to sign, but only when you decide to do it, not when someone asks you to.

You love babies, Mickey Mouse (and you really love Mickey Mouse), coloring, reading, running, nursing, and now, talking. Your vocabulary has increased dramatically in the past two months; you are now talking in complete sentences. My favorite sentence? "I love you, Mommy".

You've only been in my life for two years, but it feels like you've always been here. When you came into our world, sweetly and gently into the water and into my heart, you fit so perfectly into our life and our dreams that it was like nothing had changed; you were just there. I can no longer remember what life was like before you; before your soft, sweet weight on my hip; before your smile that beams in my face and makes me laugh; before your sweet gentle voice dancing in my ear like fairies.

I'm sorry I get so impatient with you sometimes. I'm sorry when I annoyingly tell you to "go play" when you are following me around the house, trying to get my attention. I'm sorry I push you to be independent sometimes when I know deep down you are not ready, like with sleeping through the night and nursing less often. Don't listen to me; keep insisting that you want to take your time. I'll try to remember to let you set the pace, to remind myself that I am going to sincerely miss the bed-time nursings and your constant presence following me, reminding me to sit down and relax, to take a break during the day.

The moment you came into this world, you latched on beautifully and began to nurse. A partnership was born between you and I. Our bond came on so quickly and powerfully that it was almost scary how overwhelmed with love I was towards you. That partnership has changed, but the essence remains the same; we need and love one another. Our relationship will continue to evolve and change, but just remember that I am always here for you, no matter what.

By now you have fallen back asleep, but your lips are still moving as though you are nursing in your dreams. I should get up and start my day, but I don't. Instead, I pull the blankets more soundly over the two of us and settle in for a nice long snuggle. Your breathe smells milky and sweet, and my eyes tear up with love. What a pair we make.

Small hand grasps my hair

Nursing while touched by dawn's light

What a pair we make.

Sun lights up your hair

Sweet kisses to your tummy

My first gift to you.

I love you, my little Guppy.

Two Too Soon

Wordless Wednesday: She Looks Great In Orange (a.k.a First Soccer Game).

Wordless Wednesday: She Looks Great In Orange (a.k.a First Soccer Game).

Tackle It Tuesday

My camera's batteries died and I don't have any more at the moment, so I don't have pictures.

This week I'm going to tackle the long list of errands and to-do-items that I have been putting off. The ones that are highlighted are the ones I have to get done today.

Here goes:

1. Appointment with a friend at 1PM
2. Return books to library and check out new ones
3. Prepare next week's lessons for the Mermaid.
4. Stop at craft store and buy belly casting supplies and supplies to make a nursing necklace.
5. Call my MIL
6. Call my doctor
7. Call my hair dresser
8. Pay weird, random bills that have been piling up.
9. LLL publishing
10. Call my dentist.
11. Call the auto repair shop about the van.
12. Call postpartum client.
13. Order stuff for Arbonne.
14. Get canvas tent out of storage.
15. Product Reviews
16.Make calls for WomenAid:
~ Farm owner
~ Women's club
17. Write thank you card.
18. CAPPA email.

Think I can get it all done, and homeschool, and do office hours, and attend clients, and everything else? I'm hopeful. But, also naive.

For more Tackle It Tuesday projects, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Tackle It Tuesday

Bits and Pieces

~ The Mermaid had her first soccer game on Thursday. She scored the first two goals of the game: one for her team and one for the other team. ;o)

~ On Saturday I attended the Blessingway for my October client, who is going to go any day. I made her a scrapbook page (with lots of help from a friend) and we did henna, beading, etc. It was great.

~ My September client is due next week but I have a strong feeling she will be late and go into October still pregnant. Which is good, since my October client is probably not going to make it to October.

~ Yesterday I had an interview with a woman who is in her second trimester and is going for a VBAC. My wish for her to get her VBAC is so strong I can feel it in my pulse.

~ I attended my first fair as a doula: an East Meets West Health Fair. Although I didn't meet any pregnant women there, I met a lot of people who know pregnant women and were excited to learn about what I do. In fact, when I woke up in the morning I had two emails from women asking about my services; I am thinking that it could not be a coincidence. I'm excited about the second fair I am doing this weekend.

~ I finally got around to ordering a homeopathic kit for the house. The vials are smaller than what I thought they would be, but so far it's come in very handy with treating the Mermaid's hives and the Guppy's cold.

~ I'm tired. And overwhelmed. I truly bit off more than I can chew this month. At this point, I am (somewhat happily) trudging through to the end of the month, and then I have to concentrate on really packing up and getting ready for the move. Please, Lord, just help me get to November. Then I can take a breather.

Bits and Pieces

Yes, I Really Am That Much Of A Dork...

I think a lot of people know how dorky I can be, but here is proof....

Yesterday I got my package from Mountain Rose Herbs. I adore this store, love it love it love it. Anyway, I was so excited to get this package that I was jumping up and down and frantically trying to call my lovely SIL, who I knew would be just about the only person who understood. Unfortunately, she didn't answer, so I grabbed my camera and took pictures, shouting "I am sooooo blogging this!"

I ordered three bags of loose leaf tea, a facial scrub, and four unbleached cotton infuser net thingies. One of the teas is for children, one is for the morning, and one is for at night. And they sent me thing handy guide to explain just how to prepare my teas and care for them, which is great, as this is the first time I bought loose leaf tea and I was pretty clueless.

I decided to try the morning tea first, Dawn Chorus.

Isn't it sooo much prettier than the tea in tea bags?

Infusing. Love the cotton tea net thingies (I don't even know their official name).

The only thing I didn't like about the cotton bags was that I had to empty the tea into the garbage and it was a little messy. However, the bag itself was very easy to clean.

The tea? Delicious. Sooo much better than tea bags!!

In fact, I am so much of a dork that I took a picture of the tea sitting in my cabinet. 'Cause it looks so pretty sitting in there!!!!

Anyways, I really love the tea because it's organic and healthier for you. And tastes great. Plus, Mountain Rose Herbs is not only certified organic, but it is also a Fair Trade company and Kosher certified. Plus, their prices are fantastic and their customer service is great: all teas are made fresh to order! I've bought some of my essential oils for my doula bag from them and they are great as well, so I highly recommend them!

And if you've gotten this far into this post, then congrats: now you know I am a true dork. At least I didn't blog about how I got so excited about washing cloth diapers that I took pictures of them hanging on the line.....that would be truly dorkish....

Yes, I Really Am That Much Of A Dork...

Wordless Wednesday: Something Tells Me She Can't Wait For Winter

Wordless Wednesday: Something Tells Me She Can't Wait For Winter

I Can't Imagine...

I haven't written about politics on this blog yet, simply because I feel that my political views are a little personal and I wasn't sure if I wanted to share them. But, recently I've had some thoughts on something I have strong opinions on: health care.

The Knight and I have big dreams that involve him leaving his current job for a job that allows him to work from home. He is not crazy about his job right now, but we often talk about how thankful we are that his company is very family-friendly and we have great benefits. My vision care is covered and my new glasses were inexpensive after the discount we got with our vision plan. My dental care and the Mermaid's dental care was completely covered without even a required co pay. And so forth...

However, never was I more thankful than when I recently opened up the bill from the Guppy's hospital stay. The trip to the ER, the overnight room, the tests and medication came to over $5,000.00. Out of that, we only pay $75.00. We have yet to see the bill for the ambulance and the first ER that we visited before they transferred her to the second hospital, but I know we only have to pay a small amount.

We are blessed. We are grateful. And we are also dumbfounded at how other families have no health insurance. We know people, family and friends, who have no insurance and they suffer because of it. One person we know has a lump and refuses to have a doctor see it because he can't afford the visit. One needs glasses but can't afford the lenses and frames. One friend's wife died recently from cancer, and he had to foreclose on his house because he couldn't afford to pay both the mortgage and the medical bills that accumulated. And so on, and so on....

I was rooting for Hillary for a lot of reasons, but one major reason was because of her view on health care. Now that she is out of the running, I wonder what Obama's action will be in terms of health care. So far, I like what I'm reading. For that reason, and others (ex: like how the thought of Palin being a heartbeat away from the White House terrifies me, but that's a whole 'nother post.), I am voting Obama.

I Can't Imagine...

Giveaway: Precious Girls Club

I love Precious Moments. Not only do they create fantastic and adorable figurines, but now they keep coming out with great tools for moms and little girls.

These days, letting your child explore the Internet can be a little nerve wracking. Now, thanks to Precious Moments, there is a safe place for your child to go online and have fun: the Precious Girls Club. At the Precious Girls club, your child can create her own profile, meet new friends, play games, and get ideas for crafts and other fun activities.

Not only is the Precious Girls Club a great place for your child to connect with other children online, but it also helps mothers to communicate and connect more with their daughters.

The Precious Girls Club is set to launch in a few days. Right now, if your child pre-registers, she can get two free gifts! So head on over and watch the introductory video and learn how the Precious Girls Club can be your child's favorite online hangout.

The Precious Girls Club also has a great series of books for girls that celebrates what makes each little girl unique and precious. The first book, A little Bit of Faith, tells the story of a girl who moves to a new town and overcomes the challenges of being a newcomer. The Mermaid and I loved reading this book together; the story line is great and the pictures are adorable.

GIVEAWAY: Two lucky winners will receive their own copy of A Little Bit of Faith, plus a FREE premium Rainbow Membership trial to the Precious Girls Club. To enter, just browse the Precious Girls Club website and come back and let me know what your favorite part of the site is. Easy Peasy. For extra entries, you can link back to this giveaway on your blog and/or subscribe to my feed. Please leave a separate comment for extra entries. This contest is open to US residents only (sorry Canadian moms!) and I will announce the winners on September 30th.

Giveaway: Precious Girls Club

So Blessed With My Job

I love my jobs. All of them. But what I love most about them? I get to work from home.

I am so blessed to have a job I love as a doula that allows me to stay home with my children. I am so blessed to have a business that I am working to build to help us establish a financially secure future. And finally, I also work as a part-time editor for some local court reporters: how blessed am I to have this job that lets me work from home while earning some "now" money?

These jobs don't pay all the bills, but they pay some. And I am there for my children: when they wake up, when they are learning, when they are sick, when they need me. Often I work with a nursing child on my lap and another child coloring nearby. It's a perfect fit for us.

Sometimes, between working and homeschooling and having two little ones in general, I feel very overwhelmed. Working from home definitely does have its unique challenges.

Today I am over at Mommy Matter writing about tips for working from home. Head on over and join me if you wish. You might learn a thing or two that will help you balance your work life and family life.

So Blessed With My Job

Proof That I Am Truly Crazy

Saturday we held the girls' birthday party. Since the Mermaid's birthday is Sept. 3rd and the Guppy's birthday is Sept. 26th, we decided to have a joint party. We also decided that since we are in the process of moving, it would be very small. Cake and Ice Cream with friends and family, then Chuck E Cheese's.

That's right, Chuck E Cheese's. On a Saturday night. When it was raining.

It was an absolute mob scene. But, the girls had lots of fun :o)

Here are some pics from the cake and ice cream part of the night. The girls TONS of arts and craft supplies (love it!), some books, and some clothes. They also each got a doll with a carrier and stroller. So, minimal plastic junk and great tools for homeschooling. Love it.

Proof That I Am Truly Crazy