If you couldn't tell, she's rotten.
One Mama's journey through daily life.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Teaching....Childbirth???
Miss Moo is much more aware of my pregnancy this time around. When I was carrying Miss Roo, she was VERY young and only could comprehend that there was a baby in my belly. This time she wants to feel him kick, know what he eats, how he moves, etc. She's interested in who my midwife is and what she does when I visit her. I tell her what she does and how she checks on the baby. I've also told her she can earn a solo visit with me after Christmas - she's getting a stethoscope from NanaPop so I'm sure she'll be excited to go.
We are always very clear and honest with our children when it comes to anatomy and biological processes. We talk about bodily functions openly and clearly so that we know what is going on with them and to teach them how to properly identify their parts and tell us of any problems. Given all the educating that we do with regard to our bodies and their cycles, I should have been ready for the inevitable question she asked me the other day. I SHOULD have been ready but I didn't let myself think she'd "get" it that well. I had also hoped I would have been better prepared to answer it and in a better setting - not driving on the interstate.
"Mommy, how is my baby brother going to get out of your belly?"
I didn't want to lie to her and I didn't want to scare her. I also had to think fast. So I told her a brief version of the truth.
"You know how you and mommy have vagingas* that make us special? Well it is even more special because it lets babies come out of Mommy's belly. That's how you and Roo came out and your brother will come out the same way. Some Mommies have problems or really big babies and they need help - so they make a cut in their bellies and get the babies out. But Mommy is blessed to have you all with the help of her vaginga."
I glanced in the rear view and could see the wheels turning. Slowly she asked, "If I have a baby - it has to come out my vaginga?"
"Well,yes, but you don't have to worry about that until you are much older, Baby Girl, and we can learn more about all that then."
"Otay, Mommy."
So, now - faced with our planned home birth - I must enter a new level of education with regard to pregnancy and birth. I must decide what involvement she'll have in the prenatal learning as well as the birth. And, I need to find resources to help educate her gently. Although I think the Birth Doll is cool, I don't want to spend the money and I'm not sure we "need" it. There are several books I've seen mentioned around the web that I am considering purchasing for us - specifically We're Having a Homebirth!
But mostly, I'm just going to talk to her. I want her to feel excited about our new family member, her role in his life, and how special and loved she will be by him. If I want to openly communicate with my daughter, I have to do it at every age level and for every situation. I have to talk when she wants to discuss things and educate when I have the opportunity. And above all, I have to make her feel comfortable, listened to, and loved.
*Vaginga is what we have always called vaginas since she started pointing to body parts and naming them - she couldn't get the pronunciation right and we found it endearing.
We are always very clear and honest with our children when it comes to anatomy and biological processes. We talk about bodily functions openly and clearly so that we know what is going on with them and to teach them how to properly identify their parts and tell us of any problems. Given all the educating that we do with regard to our bodies and their cycles, I should have been ready for the inevitable question she asked me the other day. I SHOULD have been ready but I didn't let myself think she'd "get" it that well. I had also hoped I would have been better prepared to answer it and in a better setting - not driving on the interstate.
"Mommy, how is my baby brother going to get out of your belly?"
I didn't want to lie to her and I didn't want to scare her. I also had to think fast. So I told her a brief version of the truth.
"You know how you and mommy have vagingas* that make us special? Well it is even more special because it lets babies come out of Mommy's belly. That's how you and Roo came out and your brother will come out the same way. Some Mommies have problems or really big babies and they need help - so they make a cut in their bellies and get the babies out. But Mommy is blessed to have you all with the help of her vaginga."
I glanced in the rear view and could see the wheels turning. Slowly she asked, "If I have a baby - it has to come out my vaginga?"
"Well,yes, but you don't have to worry about that until you are much older, Baby Girl, and we can learn more about all that then."
"Otay, Mommy."
So, now - faced with our planned home birth - I must enter a new level of education with regard to pregnancy and birth. I must decide what involvement she'll have in the prenatal learning as well as the birth. And, I need to find resources to help educate her gently. Although I think the Birth Doll is cool, I don't want to spend the money and I'm not sure we "need" it. There are several books I've seen mentioned around the web that I am considering purchasing for us - specifically We're Having a Homebirth!
But mostly, I'm just going to talk to her. I want her to feel excited about our new family member, her role in his life, and how special and loved she will be by him. If I want to openly communicate with my daughter, I have to do it at every age level and for every situation. I have to talk when she wants to discuss things and educate when I have the opportunity. And above all, I have to make her feel comfortable, listened to, and loved.
*Vaginga is what we have always called vaginas since she started pointing to body parts and naming them - she couldn't get the pronunciation right and we found it endearing.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Festive Traditions: A book review, AMAZING food and a GIVEAWAY!!!
I love the sounds and smells of Christmas time. I also love the food. Really LOVE the food. But as we are becoming more and more aware of what we eat and promote real food living in our lives, holiday festivities and food become stressful. Now there's Festive Traditions.
Jill Marks, an incredible blogger and the editor of Modern Alternative Kitchen, forged the effort to create a Real Food holiday ebook this year.There are some great contributors from MAM and MAK. My mouth waters just as I look through the table of contents. Nuts, soups, salads, desserts! I can't wait to try them all! Here's a look to get your taste buds excited:
Yesterday, Miss Moo and I took a stab at making Chicken and Rice Soup. I got us started by dicing and slicing up the carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms, and chicken to get things going. ( I love having Moo's assistance but knives for things that easily roll we haven't graduated to yet ;) ) Moo helped me place all the fresh ingredients in the dutch oven and stir it to cook. Who doesn't love the smell of fresh goodness cooking up in some REAL butter?? Then we measured out all of the dry spices - thyme, tarragon, salt, pepper -and added those with some chicken broth. Mmmnnn - it started to smell like Christmas! I whipped up the milk and arrowroot to create a little cream concoction to slightly thicken the base and add just the right about of creaminess. All these flavors blended with the wild rice to make a soup fit for a King. We all enjoyed it for lunch - Miss Roo had 3, that's right 3, bowls!!
I can't wait to try the other recipes in this book for our holiday. This book isn't one I've bought, downloaded, and glanced at once. I keep coming back for ideas, meal, planning and holiday preparation. I am so thankful this year especially as I manage the girls, a pregnancy, and daily life to have this book as a reliable and genuine way to cook festive, real food for my family.The recipes are all well written and simple to follow. Ingredient lists are concise and clear, processes are uncomplicated for those of us still on a learning curve, and all the recipes are clearly marked to indicate what allergens are not present. For our Gluten Free household, that feature is a lifesaver! I know before I read the recipe if I am going to have to adapt anything. I can't say enough good things about this book.
I have good news for you! From now until Thursday, December 18th, you can get you very own copy of Festive Traditions at a special rate! My readers can save 25% by using the code EVOLVE25 at checkout!
Now I have GREAT news for you - we're having a giveaway! That's right - you can win your own copy of Festive Traditions! Through Thursday, December 14th, you have the opportunity to win your own copy! Simply do one (or more) of the following!
Jill Marks, an incredible blogger and the editor of Modern Alternative Kitchen, forged the effort to create a Real Food holiday ebook this year.There are some great contributors from MAM and MAK. My mouth waters just as I look through the table of contents. Nuts, soups, salads, desserts! I can't wait to try them all! Here's a look to get your taste buds excited:
Appetizers and Drinks
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Spicy Nuts
- Pumpkin Pie Nuts
- Marinated Goat Cheese
- Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
- Bacon Wrapped Figs
- Coconut Hot Chocolate
- Pastured Eggnog
- Christmas Punch
Main Dishes
- Roasted Turkey
- Salmon with Probiotic Dill Sauce
- Chicken and Rice Soup
- Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger Cream
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
Side Dishes
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Green Bean Casserole
- Cheesy Potatoes
- Autumn Stuffed Squash
- Cranberry Sauce
- Christmas Salad
Desserts
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Crock Pot Stuffed Apples
- Chocolate Creme Pie
- Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce
- Traditional Buckeyes
Breakfast
- Gingerbread Muffins
- Potato-Crusted Quiche
- Soaked Oatmeal Pecan Waffles
- Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Lemon-Poppy Seed Biscuits
Yesterday, Miss Moo and I took a stab at making Chicken and Rice Soup. I got us started by dicing and slicing up the carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms, and chicken to get things going. ( I love having Moo's assistance but knives for things that easily roll we haven't graduated to yet ;) ) Moo helped me place all the fresh ingredients in the dutch oven and stir it to cook. Who doesn't love the smell of fresh goodness cooking up in some REAL butter?? Then we measured out all of the dry spices - thyme, tarragon, salt, pepper -and added those with some chicken broth. Mmmnnn - it started to smell like Christmas! I whipped up the milk and arrowroot to create a little cream concoction to slightly thicken the base and add just the right about of creaminess. All these flavors blended with the wild rice to make a soup fit for a King. We all enjoyed it for lunch - Miss Roo had 3, that's right 3, bowls!!
I can't wait to try the other recipes in this book for our holiday. This book isn't one I've bought, downloaded, and glanced at once. I keep coming back for ideas, meal, planning and holiday preparation. I am so thankful this year especially as I manage the girls, a pregnancy, and daily life to have this book as a reliable and genuine way to cook festive, real food for my family.The recipes are all well written and simple to follow. Ingredient lists are concise and clear, processes are uncomplicated for those of us still on a learning curve, and all the recipes are clearly marked to indicate what allergens are not present. For our Gluten Free household, that feature is a lifesaver! I know before I read the recipe if I am going to have to adapt anything. I can't say enough good things about this book.
I have good news for you! From now until Thursday, December 18th, you can get you very own copy of Festive Traditions at a special rate! My readers can save 25% by using the code EVOLVE25 at checkout!
Now I have GREAT news for you - we're having a giveaway! That's right - you can win your own copy of Festive Traditions! Through Thursday, December 14th, you have the opportunity to win your own copy! Simply do one (or more) of the following!
- Leave a comment on this post saying what recipe you'd like to try and why.
- Like Tryin' to Evolve on Facebook.
- Share the giveaway on Facebook ad post on my wall letting me know!
I will select a winner with random.org after midnight on the 15th and post the winner on Thursday's post.
Enter away, like some pages I've mentioned, and enjoy some REAL food this holiday!
We're Bringing Birth Home
My previous two pregnancies and birth experiences were completely different. Miss Moo was born in a birth center attached to a hospital in Northern Virginia and Miss Roo was born on the L&D of a local hospital. They were completely different and both attended by midwives. I wouldn't change the outcomes of either of my births - two healthy girls delivered vaginally with no complications.
This time around, however, I wanted more control. I wanted discussion, options, support, and peace. We began our pregnancy at the free standing birth center here. The midwives there are great and the staff is exceptional. But I still felt that something was missing.
Friday I met with a fantastic midwife and her assistant. We talked birth, testing, options. We discussed what I wanted birth to look like and what their role is during labor and birth. We spoke about Doulas, placentas, and time. And I felt peace wash over me.
My third child, my son, will be born at home. I can't think of a better place for him to come into my arms and into our family. I'm grateful to have the opportunity, support, and love to begin this journey and I can't wait to see where it ends at the crossroads to the next.
This time around, however, I wanted more control. I wanted discussion, options, support, and peace. We began our pregnancy at the free standing birth center here. The midwives there are great and the staff is exceptional. But I still felt that something was missing.
Friday I met with a fantastic midwife and her assistant. We talked birth, testing, options. We discussed what I wanted birth to look like and what their role is during labor and birth. We spoke about Doulas, placentas, and time. And I felt peace wash over me.
My third child, my son, will be born at home. I can't think of a better place for him to come into my arms and into our family. I'm grateful to have the opportunity, support, and love to begin this journey and I can't wait to see where it ends at the crossroads to the next.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Meal Plan : Week of December 10-16
Getting back to normal means getting back to planning! Here's our plan for the week.
Monday:
"Thanksgiving"
Turkey
Green beans
Stuffing
Cranberries
Gravy
Mashed potatoes
Tuesday:
Hoppin' John Soup
Spinach Salad with champagne honey vinaigrette
Wednesday:
GF baked spaghetti
Spinach Salad
Homemade bread?!?!
Thursday:
local, grass fed steak
green beans with garlic
carrots
fruit salad
Friday:
Italian sausages on GF rolls with sauteed onions and peppers
French fries
Peas
Saturday:
I don't have to cook! Either Andrew will or we'll go to our local good food place :)
Sunday:
Pork chops
broccoli with cheese
baked apples
GF mac and cheese
Monday:
"Thanksgiving"
Turkey
Green beans
Stuffing
Cranberries
Gravy
Mashed potatoes
Tuesday:
Hoppin' John Soup
Spinach Salad with champagne honey vinaigrette
Wednesday:
GF baked spaghetti
Spinach Salad
Homemade bread?!?!
Thursday:
local, grass fed steak
green beans with garlic
carrots
fruit salad
Friday:
Italian sausages on GF rolls with sauteed onions and peppers
French fries
Peas
Saturday:
I don't have to cook! Either Andrew will or we'll go to our local good food place :)
Sunday:
Pork chops
broccoli with cheese
baked apples
GF mac and cheese
Our Little Announcement....
Just when we think we have parenting figured out, God throws us a curve ball.
We can't wait to welcome our son in the spring!
So, I've been MIA...
It's true. I have had NO time to devote to myself or blogging. Or myself. And, honestly, I'm starting to go a little nuts. I've been busy with holidays, a pregnancy, a house, and a family. And, somehow, I've kept it all together - except for the me part.
So, I've decided I AM taking time for myself each day to write. I find myself settling down at night to slip into a brief slumber (before I'm up for the first time to pee) and things/articles/posts start running through my head and I wish that I would just get up and write. Perhaps I need to get a little tape recorder to sit by the bed so I can capture my thoughts in those moments.
But I digress. I'm back and I'll try to get some stuff up today. Thanks for checking back in....
So, I've decided I AM taking time for myself each day to write. I find myself settling down at night to slip into a brief slumber (before I'm up for the first time to pee) and things/articles/posts start running through my head and I wish that I would just get up and write. Perhaps I need to get a little tape recorder to sit by the bed so I can capture my thoughts in those moments.
But I digress. I'm back and I'll try to get some stuff up today. Thanks for checking back in....
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