Momma Monday no. 25

Dear Sonja,

You are a sweet wonderfully happy baby.  You are nursing on me as I type this.  You love milk.  You eat even when you're sleeping.  You are the happiest after a meal.
You are happy when you wake up.
You are happy when you go potty on the toilet.
You are happy when you see your dogs.
You are happy when you are held and being walked around.

You are not happy when you are hungry, tired or bored.
When you are hungry and tried you do NOT like Daddy to try and entertain you.
You do not like bottles.  You drink a little and then get angry.  You prefer the real to the fake.  

You were 4 months old last week and I can't believe how fast you're becoming your own little person.  You think things are funny.   You think things are Scary.  You think things are frustrating and you get mad.  You have a temper and right now I love it, but I'm sure it's going to get old quick.  You are Smart!  You are figuring things out.  You hold things very well, and you enjoy playing with stuffed toys.  You also enjoy jingle rattles and you enjoy chewing on wooden blocks.

Your accomplishments this week were:
Sleeping from 10pm-9:30am with ONE dry diaper only waking up once at 5am to potty, you are getting really good at Potty Training!
Taking off your own socks, you love your new found feet and you'll do anything to get to them!
Mastering your scream, it's actually a quite endearing and more of an extremely high pitched squeal; and not always because you're angry.

I love you,
       Mommy

Shower Time!

So, I know this might sound strange but, we don't do "bath" time.  We do "SHOWER" time!  And Sonja loves it.  When our childbirth educator mentioned it to us, I thought, "Oh, gosh.  No.  That sounds dangerous.  I'd drop her for sure!" but, No.  I didn't and neither has husband.

I don't like baths for 2 reasons.
1. I feel like she's more likely to drown.  (for some reason the drowning fear is stronger than the dropping fear)
2. She pooped in the tub twice (while I was in it with her).

Drying off, after her shower, last night.

So, we shower.  I get in, take my shower while husband preps baby.  I finish cleaning myself then Cupcake gets passed in.  Husband undresses and joins us.  I hold Little Miss and he washes her.  We rinse her, then I pass her off and get out.  I get dried and dressed (quickly) and take her.  He finishes showering while I dry her off and get her ready.  SHE LOVES SHOWERS.  There is a super sweet sense of calmness about her while she's in the shower.  And surprisingly, a wet baby is not a slippery baby.  She is getting a little heavy to hold this way though and we might have to transition to sink washing soon, but for now we love shower time.

Happy Saturday!

Avoiding the PowerBirth

PowerBirth.

What it is.  Blogs about it. And why I'm thankful I didn't have one.

According to what I've read, a PowerBirth is the birthing technique that some midwives are using; at 5cm dilated those midwives will tell the mother to start pushing.  Just to give you an idea that's 5cm BEFORE hospitals or half way as early as hospitals.  But that's not necessarily the most dangerous part, the dangerous or invasive part are the vaginal examinations and cervical manual dilation.   

I was recently directed from another mother to read the posts:

http://completebeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/09/birth-of-my-third-everett-roger.

http://mandalamom.blogspot.com/2010/12/power-birth-not-to-be-confused-with.html

and http://mandalamom.blogspot.com/2010/12/open-letter-to-my-midwife.html

My birth was a wonderful experience, and I know everyone says that.

It's the best day of your life, you have the  baby you've been waiting nine months for.  But my birth experience was a really great one.  I didn't have to get an I.V., I didn't have to sit in a bed while in pain, I didn't have to starve myself, I didn't have to have someone telling me to PUSH!, I didn't have any negative thoughts, except once, when I thought-oh, this is painful and I want it to stop!  and that's when I decided I should ask if it was okay to push, and my midwife let me decide and gave me permission to trust my body.  Our birth was at home, unassisted until about 3 hours after my water broke, when I told my husband to call the midwife.  She had checked me, vaginally, once before that phone call earlier that morning.  I started having contractions/surges on Thursday, she saw me at her office that night, and didn't check me.  Then, stopped by my house Friday morning and I asked her to check me and she did, I was 3cm.  Then, she left.  Husband and I stayed home in bed and I got up as much as I wanted and ate as much as I wanted and pooped and peed as much as I wanted.  When my midwife, Shell, showed up around 3pm on Friday she checked me and I was 6 cm.  I continued birthing as normal, but was glad to have a number to know how far along I as.  But that was it.  I got back up and tried hands and knees but EVERYtime I was in that position I thought I was going to throw up- so walking around was best for me, that and sitting on a toilet.  Once I realized I was pushing I asked if it was okay to push, she gave me the permission (I NEEDED) to trust my body and checked me once more to see where I was.  She noted that I was pushing the last bit of cervix out of the way, but she didn't tell me I should (or shouldn't), my body did that.  I am thankful that my midwife managed my birth as she did, I needed that help and guidance.  Thankfully, she never forced any style of birthing on me.  She never told me what to do, she allowed my body (and Sonja's) to make the choices in delivery.  Its too bad that the PowerBirth technique also uses laying on the back as a rule for delivery.  Many doctors and apparently these midwives are robbing women of the ability to move during birth.  

Movement during labour is so important.  A great book to read about movement and birthing positions is Active Birth.  Often when a women is in pain, that movement will allow for the changes necessary to relieve that pain.  In fact, even if a baby's heart rate is dropping movement can regulate it.  A knowledged midwife will be able to give the mother's body options (such as a different position) and allow the baby to continue with it's entry into the world.  Another issue with PowerBirth is the vaginal exams.  I had a friend who had a hospital birth, she told me about her birth and reiterated a few times that the most painful part of her birth was the vaginal exams.  I've had several friends share their birth stories with me and they ALWAYS sound more traumatic and more painful than mine.  Which absolutely breaks my heart.

Let me make this clear, I did not luck out with either my birth or my midwife.  We interviewed 2 midwifes, read several other midwives' websites and went to the OB/GYN before making our choice with the wonderful woman who assisted me during Sonja's birth.

My birth was not easy, even though I reflect on it like it was.  I told my husband after the birth, it was easier than I thought it was going to be.  But, Little Miss was turned posterior and that is one of the most challenging type births especially for  a first time mom.  My sister had a similar birth and ended up getting a cesarean section.  And after that experience she was scared to try VBAC, why go through all that labour pain only to end up with another C-Section?  It's too bad that she had to have major abdominal surgery to have her sons.  I know she thinks it was easier than a vaginal birth but I was walking around after my daughter's birth.  I was chatting, SITTING and walking around my house with family and friends over.  People make the choices they do regarding their births with the information they have.  I want EVERYONE reading this to have this information, to make an informed choice about their birth options.

I would advise EVERY pregnant woman to find out what a "normal" birth is like from their care provider.  step by step.  Listen to their cues.  

Do they prefer a certain technique/process/protocol?
      What if you do not fit in with that process or protocol?
           Are you happy with all of your optional outcomes? no matter how rare or unlikely they may be?

Do they usually have the mother birth in a certain position?

      (ask if you can birth squatting, hands and knees, ANYWAY you want, if they say, no.  That should be a red flag, find out why not, is it because they don't know how to catch in that position? or because you're too likely to tear? those are also signs to look out for!)


How many births has the dr or midwife attended?


How many vaginal checks do they normally perform?
       Get a number! remember I only had 3, and remember my friend said it was the MOST painful part of her hospital birth


What is the typical birth that requires intervention?


What is their c-section rate?
        Should not be more than 15%, another red flag is if they are known for their c-sections!


What conditions make you high risk and how are they handled?


How would they prevent those conditions before they make you high risk?


What are the normal guidelines for weight gain?


Do they deliver breech babies?
      I was dead set on NOT getting cut open and had read you CAN deliver a breech baby vaginally.  I made sure to find a care giver who agreed with me!


What do they try to turn a breech baby?


How long are they willing to wait for a baby in a bad position to change positions before labelling the pregnancy high risk?


What percentage of their clients tear?


How do they work to prevent tearing?


How long and when are they willing to let a client push, or do they base it solely on the baby's stress level?




Do they have a problem waiting for a while after the placenta is delivered to cut the cord or lotus birth?


What do they use to stop excessive bleeding after delivery?
       I used herbs.  Not Pitocin.  See if there are other options to chemicals such as going pee, breastfeeding or herbs.


Under what conditions would they artificially rupture the amniotic sac (break your water)?
       My friend had this done to her and hated the pain after.  My midwife promised she wouldn't do it, although I'm sure if truly medically necessary she would have explained why it was a good idea, but really, it opens the baby up to infection, so there is hardly ever a good reason, and to progress labor isn't one of them.


Have they had any bad outcomes for the baby or the mother? Please explain them.
      or what is the worst case they've had.  GET AN ANSWER, not rhetoric.


What percentage of mothers go without chemical pain relief?
      Make sure their percentage matches your goals!


Is video taping allowed?
      Some hospitals are banning this practice, many, including myself believe it has to do with legal actions if they do something wrong.  They don't want you to have the evidence.


Will my baby be with me at all times while I'm in the facility?
      This should be a yes, if you are a healthy person there is no reason your baby should have to be taken away, barring an emergency.  Find out what they believe is an "Emergency"- suctioning a crying, screaming, vigorous baby is not an emergency.

some questions taken from here. and here.

Happy Delivering and Avoiding the PowerBirth!

The Park or An Early Introduction to Non-Schooling

Today was another park day.  I'm making a serious effort to go to the park at least once a week, as you may remember from my last A Day at the Park post.  My reasoning for including the park as part of our weekly ritual is:

1. I get to walk around outside (is there anything else I need to add?)

2. Sonja gets to see plants and animals in an otherwise large city.

3. Sonja gets to touch said plants and maybe eventually animals.

4. I plan on "Non-Schooling" Cupcake, this means we will be using the Socratic method or child lead learning.  She will ask questions and I (or someone more educated) will give answers.  By starting off at the park she can ask questions about nature, learn about seasons, consider urban vs. wild, experience many sensations and textures, and more.   

5. It's a nice mini field trip out of the house.

Mid-Morning Snack.

Our Shadows by the Roses and Fountains

The Ducks, they thought we had food...

A leaf in the fountain.

Pretty fountain with birds all around.

Cupcake staring up at the trees

Her view of the tree

Laying down in the grass

Fun edited photo of The Sweetness standing up in the grass

Hope you enjoy the Photos.  I've noticed his blog has slowly shifted from doing it yourself to momming it yourself.  I plan to post more D.I.Y. ideas but, I'm caught up in Sonja's awesomeness.  If you're reading this blog for crafty projects click the D.I.Y. category link on the right.  Hopefully, I'll have some new projects for you soon!

Happy Thursday!

D.I.Y. Starting a Garden

Head to the home improvement store and pick up some 2x6 beams, have them cut in half, grab 4 or more bags of gardening soil and load up the car (or truck)... Then, have husband unload it (or have him hold the baby and unload it yourself).

 Take everything out back (or front if you're into that) and set up a square box from the beams.  Set up frame and nail beams together.  Screw beams into square shape to keep soil contained.  Loosen up the top soil and mix in some compost or gardening soil.  Pour gardening soil on top of the loosened soil and plant seeds accordingly.  Label said seeds with a popcicle stick for each type of plant.  Keep watered and wait.

Keep the baby safe by letting her bounce in her chair,

 while you nail the frame together.

Eventually, if you followed seed directions you should end up with some plants and food!

like I did, with my zucchini plant!

 

Happy Gardening and Good Luck!

Zucchini Pasta

We tried out this new local pasta tonight. The Tomato Basil flavor.

You boil it for 2-4 minutes add some sauteed Organic Zucchinis (grown in my front yard!) and add some olive oil

Top with Pecorino Romano Cheese! (Bowl made by yours truly)

Enjoy!

Momma Monday no. 24

Sonja is four months old today, January 24, 2011!

Here is our past week in review:

Footies! Pajamas from Danny and Janay

Monday was the only day I had to work this week.  Which is strange, because I think everyone else had the day off.  My students had finals this week, and I gave my final on Monday. The rest of the week was just Sonja and me!

 Weighing in at about 13 pounds (almost 4 months old)

On my mother's baby scale (from when she was a baby in the 1950s!)

 Learning how to play the xylophone

This onesie was made by my step grandmother at my baby shower,

 I like it because SLC was a home birthed baby

I took the above pictures on Tuesday morning while we hung around the house.  My back was in a lot of pain on the left side of my body and so we didn't do a whole lot.  I was avoiding taking any pain killers, I don't like depending on something to hide my discomfort.  And I thought with some rest it would subside, but it didn't and I gave into some tylenol that afternoon.  Too bad it didn't do anything!  

We're into Sonja's 3-6 month clothes now.  So, expect some new What Sonja Wore posts.  It's a slow transition sorting out her old 0-3 month clothes and making the switch. Some of the 0-3 is still fitting her just right, while some of the 3-6 month clothes almost seem too small, and others are still a little big.  We have been wearing the 3-6 month pajamas for a while now.  I think she's a long but tiny baby, so the other clothes hang off her while her pajamas are stretching to cover her feet.  No matter what size she's wearing though, she looks so stinkin' cute.  Babies' clothes are so freakin' adorable because they're so tiny.

Wednesday:

Potty Training.

My sister came over and helped me out on Wednesday, while I baked. She also snapped the above photo while I was taking The Sweetness to the restroom.  Is there anything cuter?

Thursday, I had my first ceramics class in over a year.  It was nice to play with clay again, but sooo difficult to be away from Cupcake.  I had let down twice during class and was afraid I was going to start leaking.  I left early to come home to a semi fussy hungry baby.  She ate and then I ate.  Husband cooks a great meal.

Friday, I met my mom for lunch and my dad happened to join us. They love their granddaughter!  They're always stealing her away from me.  Which is fine at lunch time.  It gives me a chance to eat.

After lunch on Friday we came home and took a nap.  After nap time, we read our usual books, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle:

Like mother like daughter, kicking our feet up in the air.

We also hold the page together.

We went on an evening walk.

We haven't been on family walks since I was Pregnant (and 1! time after that).

Friday night we had a friend over, while he was over, Sonja threw a fit and I had to go to bed early, but not without trying a sip of some amazing Prickly Pear Vodka (thanks J.P.). 

After sleeping for a bit on Saturday, I woke up ate breakfast and then headed to my yoga class.  It's a pretty quick paced class and I haven't caught up yet, but I know I have to keep going and challenge myself until I can keep up, since that's the level I was at before and (mostly) during my pregnancy.  After yoga we did some grocery shopping, I went over budget, again. Husband mentioned the cost of food going up internationally... hopefully my spring veggies come in quickly and bountifully. In the afternoon SLC slept on my chest while we watched Mission Impossible 3. (about that; our Netflix queue is way low, any suggestions would be appreciated!)  Anyway, I love when she sleeps on me like that, it's the most heartbreakingly wonderful feeling in the world.

Sometimes, Little Miss makes me feed her in strange positions... like this: 

We're both standing, she likes being vertical.

She was fussy almost all day Sunday, we spent the day at Husband's parent's house and Cupcake screamed when her grandpa tried holding her.  She finally fell asleep on me while the boys watched football.  I hate football!  So, I blogged.

Happy Motherhood Monday!

My Audience.

I just realized the stats tab at the top of my blogger dashboard and when I found my audience I was shocked!

United States obviously has the most viewers, since that is where I and most of my family and friends live.
Australia makes sense, I've got a friend there and another blogger mentioned her friend there.
Canada also makes sense, I've got friends and family there.

but here's where it gets interesting:
Denmark
India
Malaysia
Germany
United Kingdom
Netherlands
New Zealand

I don't know anyone in those countries!

Just something interesting I thought I'd share.  To those readers;

If you're reading this in a far away land (anywhere other than the US or even in the US) please leave a comment with your location, and if you have a blog, leave the link.  I'd love to learn more about my readers :)

In Memory of the Benz...

I was going to write about this months ago with my friend Brad bought this amazing car.

A veggie oil running Mercedes Benz.  He built a D.I.Y. Pump Station for his own backyard.  I thought it was the coolest thing and I wanted to share it with you all:

Cool right?

The used  (non-hydrogenated) veggie oil gets pumped into the centrifuge and then goes into the barrel on the bottom ready to be pumped into the car with a fuel pump.

His Grandpa built this little wood station himself, for the whole set up to function well.

My Brother in law was interested in purchasing such a car himself, but needed the pump station set up in order for it to run off the veggie oil instead of diesel fuel.  When he mentioned this to my friend Brad, Brad told him that the Benz needed some pricey repairs, that he couldn't afford and asked if he'd like to buy the car and get the repairs.  Of course my B-I-L jumped at the chance to get an amazing car with the pump station set up so he bought it for a very friendly price.  He had it from the shop for about a week, before this happened:

Awful right? Totaled for sure.

An idiot (without insurance!) ran a red light and slammed into him.  It would have killed a passenger.  Can you see the interior of the door in the middle of the passenger seat, and how the passenger seat is folded in half?? Yeah, he's bummed that is amazing new car is no more.  I felt like I should still post this as a tribute to the Benz that is no more.  He's looking for another amazing converted car so he can still be gasoline free, but he's waiting for a check from his insurance company. Luckily, he is "okay," just the back and neck injuries associated with those type of accidents.

If you know of any 80's Mercedes looking for a new home let me know in the comments section.

Drive Safely (and make sure you have insurance)!!

I Can Make REAL Cupcakes too!

...Banana Cupcakes.

 Before.

Ready for the oven.

The frosting process.

After!

Go to my food blog; RenameFood.Blogspot.com for this recipe!

Happy Thursday!!


p.s. Dearest Sister, Thank you, for watching Sonja while I bake!

Banana Cupcakes!

Recipe for the cakes:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sucanat
2 bananas (1 and 1/2 mashed for the mix and 1/2 of a banana sliced for frosting garnish)
1 organic (vegetarian fed, cage free) egg, beaten
1 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or gluten free substitute)
1 tsp. baking soda
a pinch of salt
a splash of pure vanilla extract

Mix above ingredients, fill muffin tins (lined with cupcake liners) 1/2 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes 12 cupcakes.

The Frosting:

   1 banana

   big splash of vanilla extract

   1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

   juice of 1 lemon

   1/4 cup NON-HYDROGENATED vegetable shorting at room temperature

   2 and 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

In a food processor, combine the shortening, confectioners' sugar, 1 banana, 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and the lemon juice.

Garnish with sliced banana.

 Before.

Ready for the oven.

After!

A Day at the Park

On a whim, Sonja and I went to the park.  It was less of a day and more of a 15 minute outing.  I wasn't planning  on going to the park.  So, she didn't really have the right gear.  But like any mom, I was well prepared and had a hat already in the diaper bag, so we set out on a Tuesday adventure...

 We found a rose.

 Watched some ducks.

 Saw and listened to the fountain.

 Stood by the water in our Moby Wrap.

 Enjoyed more roses.

 They were so pretty.

Took a photo of the water feature and the rose bushes.

SLC grabbed a leaf from the rose bush and wouldn't let go. 

It was a nice little outing together, I think I'm going to make a routine out of it.

Happy Wednesday!