On our way home...Harvest Host
3 months ago
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I'm siiick
Ugh. Nothing like food poisoning (or a flu bug - who knows which it was) as an excuse for clearing out the schedule. My head hurts. At least my stomach is better.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday Headlines
Good morning everybody.
1. Have I mentioned how much I love my church? Okay, just so we're clear on that.
2. To celebrate the exciting fact that we finally have health insurance for the first time in our marriage, I'm taking the girls to the doctor on Wednesday for way overdue checkups. I must admit my general mistrust of doctors, and the fact that the thought of this makes my stomach do flip-flops. We haven't been to this doctor, but he goes to our church, and I know many people that say he's great. He is also a family practice doctor, which means that Nick and I could see the same person if we needed to. I like the idea of him knowing our family as a unit. I'm hoping he doesn't have weight concerns about Audrey, because she's been a little on the small side.
3. I'm handing off the responsibility for a couple of things I normally do this week, and taking a break. I'm working on the Maeve website (a work in progress), keeping my house clean and hopefully playing outside with the kids!
4. I played piano for a little Presbyterian church downtown on Sunday morning. Always nice to get paid for playing. Really kind people...
5. Um, it's May. On Thursday. May is my favorite month here. Now if I only had a lilac bush... Someday my garden will be full of them.
6. Did you hear the tax refunds are coming early? We were supposed to get ours the 9th, but it looks like it may come the 5th, or even earlier. Nifty.
7. The reunion date is finally set! This is one of the things I passed off this week. I just couldn't get it done, so I gave it to another busy person and she totally took care of it. We found a great setup at a restaurant (not a bar after all :) downtown, on September 20th.
I can't think of anything else right now. Maybe I'll have to do a mid-week update when I think of more stuff. :) Hope your week was good!
1. Have I mentioned how much I love my church? Okay, just so we're clear on that.
2. To celebrate the exciting fact that we finally have health insurance for the first time in our marriage, I'm taking the girls to the doctor on Wednesday for way overdue checkups. I must admit my general mistrust of doctors, and the fact that the thought of this makes my stomach do flip-flops. We haven't been to this doctor, but he goes to our church, and I know many people that say he's great. He is also a family practice doctor, which means that Nick and I could see the same person if we needed to. I like the idea of him knowing our family as a unit. I'm hoping he doesn't have weight concerns about Audrey, because she's been a little on the small side.
3. I'm handing off the responsibility for a couple of things I normally do this week, and taking a break. I'm working on the Maeve website (a work in progress), keeping my house clean and hopefully playing outside with the kids!
4. I played piano for a little Presbyterian church downtown on Sunday morning. Always nice to get paid for playing. Really kind people...
5. Um, it's May. On Thursday. May is my favorite month here. Now if I only had a lilac bush... Someday my garden will be full of them.
6. Did you hear the tax refunds are coming early? We were supposed to get ours the 9th, but it looks like it may come the 5th, or even earlier. Nifty.
7. The reunion date is finally set! This is one of the things I passed off this week. I just couldn't get it done, so I gave it to another busy person and she totally took care of it. We found a great setup at a restaurant (not a bar after all :) downtown, on September 20th.
I can't think of anything else right now. Maybe I'll have to do a mid-week update when I think of more stuff. :) Hope your week was good!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Gluten
OK, everybody. Staci asked specifically for this info, but I've had SO many conversations with people recently about gluten, that I figured I would post it. I hope it is helpful to some of you.
First, our story. I got pregnant with Audrey when Hannah was only 8 months. By 11 months, I was so exhausted from being pregnant and breastfeeding together, that I made the tough decision to wean her earlier than I planned. We put Hannah on a combination of raw goat's milk, rice milk and water, she LOVED it, and we moved on. After 6 months on that formula, Hannah began to look kind of yellow. People would comment about it all the time. She also had a huge round belly, loose stools, and constant temper tantrums. She was also a baby that was hard to communicate with - she refused to make eye contact, even though I worked with her. She did not laugh until 6 months old. She seemed very "OCD", even as a baby. She would line things up all the time and get very upset when they were messed up.
At that time we took her to Dr P. He looked her over, tapped on her belly and said it was very swollen, and said we should take her off the goat's milk. She was 15 months old and I was 8 months pregnant. Her symptoms disappeared overnight. Two weeks later, a friend was feeding her child and shared a pretzel with Hannah. All the symptoms returned. I was confused, so I called Dr P. "You will have to keep her off gluten," he said. "Many times an allergy to casein, the protein in milk, and gluten, the protein in grain go together." "For how long do we have to keep her off gluten?" I asked, as I realized what that meant. "For a very long time." "Oh."
And that's where the journey began.
The symtoms of gluten sensitivity are very strange, because it seems to effect people hundreds of different ways. Here is a fantastic FAQ on gluten. Actually, just read the whole site. Here are testimonials where people tell about the terrible symptoms they had that went away on a gluten free diet. The distinctive telltale symptoms of gluten sensitivity are red, flushed cheeks, and digestive problems.
On a personal note, I have gone gluten free myself in the past couple of months. I am feeling better than I have in a very long time. I was having constant aching in my arms and legs, and often felt despressed for no good reason. When I stay off gluten, I have more energy, I do not ache, I feel happier and more stable, and my stomach feels great. Thursday night I ended up eating out and the restaurant where we went did not guarantee any gluten free food. I did the best I could to order well, but I still had a terrible day yesterday. I ached so badly! No food is worth that, no matter how good it tastes.
I should say here also - gluten is not the only allergy that can cause problems. I also have an egg allergy that is so intense, if I eat even a bite of bread with egg in it, I'm sick 10 minutes later for 12 hours. I avoid egg like the plague! I and my family are also allergic to all dairy (except I can get away with a little goat's milk yogurt and cheese now and then), most of us to soy, and several of us to corn. Hannah and I are also allergic to yeast - which incidentally is a common cause of Colitis.
So what do you eat, you probably want to know? Here's a common meal plan in our house:
Breakfast:
turkey sausage (make sure it's GF! Shelton's is very good.)
cooked rice cereal with pure maple syrup and rice milk
fruit
Lunch:
open faced turkey sandwich on 1 piece rice bread w/ avocado
sweet potato chips
strawberries
Dinner:
Chicken with stir fried vegetables
Brown Rice
Snacks:
applesauce cups
Larabars
rice crackers
fruit
organic hot dogs
almond butter on toast
You get the idea. There are lots of options, you just have to know what they are. For the most part, it is all fresh - no "easy" packaged food. In fact, there's nothing easy about this. But in my opinion, life is too short to be sick all the time if there's something you can do to change it. I've said it before, but I'm fairly convinced that Hannah could have been diagnosed with Autism if we hadn't caught this. She's a different kid on gluten. By the way, here's an article about the gluten/autism link.
One last thing, because this post is really long. You have to do this for several weeks to see if it works. If you decide to "kinda try it" for a couple weeks, and hope there is some improvement, don't waste your time and energy. This is all or nothing, unfortunately. Dr P told us that with Hannah, one trace of gluten will set her back 7 -10 days. Some people it takes a year or more and then suddenly their body feels incredible. We noticed a difference after one week, and an even bigger one after about two months. And your body will feel even a trace of flour - eating out, except at a select few restaurants, is not safe. You're also better off getting rid of all gluten in your kitchen, cleaning out your toaster (crumbs, you know), and feeding your whole family gluten free. Cross-contamination is very hard to avoid. Get your husband on board with you first!
I don't mean to discourage you from trying this - I really hope any of you with unsolved health issues will do it, I just don't want to give you a false picture of what it's like. Imagine - feeding your family healthy, fresh food. Being healthy and strong... It's worth it!
First, our story. I got pregnant with Audrey when Hannah was only 8 months. By 11 months, I was so exhausted from being pregnant and breastfeeding together, that I made the tough decision to wean her earlier than I planned. We put Hannah on a combination of raw goat's milk, rice milk and water, she LOVED it, and we moved on. After 6 months on that formula, Hannah began to look kind of yellow. People would comment about it all the time. She also had a huge round belly, loose stools, and constant temper tantrums. She was also a baby that was hard to communicate with - she refused to make eye contact, even though I worked with her. She did not laugh until 6 months old. She seemed very "OCD", even as a baby. She would line things up all the time and get very upset when they were messed up.
At that time we took her to Dr P. He looked her over, tapped on her belly and said it was very swollen, and said we should take her off the goat's milk. She was 15 months old and I was 8 months pregnant. Her symptoms disappeared overnight. Two weeks later, a friend was feeding her child and shared a pretzel with Hannah. All the symptoms returned. I was confused, so I called Dr P. "You will have to keep her off gluten," he said. "Many times an allergy to casein, the protein in milk, and gluten, the protein in grain go together." "For how long do we have to keep her off gluten?" I asked, as I realized what that meant. "For a very long time." "Oh."
And that's where the journey began.
The symtoms of gluten sensitivity are very strange, because it seems to effect people hundreds of different ways. Here is a fantastic FAQ on gluten. Actually, just read the whole site. Here are testimonials where people tell about the terrible symptoms they had that went away on a gluten free diet. The distinctive telltale symptoms of gluten sensitivity are red, flushed cheeks, and digestive problems.
On a personal note, I have gone gluten free myself in the past couple of months. I am feeling better than I have in a very long time. I was having constant aching in my arms and legs, and often felt despressed for no good reason. When I stay off gluten, I have more energy, I do not ache, I feel happier and more stable, and my stomach feels great. Thursday night I ended up eating out and the restaurant where we went did not guarantee any gluten free food. I did the best I could to order well, but I still had a terrible day yesterday. I ached so badly! No food is worth that, no matter how good it tastes.
I should say here also - gluten is not the only allergy that can cause problems. I also have an egg allergy that is so intense, if I eat even a bite of bread with egg in it, I'm sick 10 minutes later for 12 hours. I avoid egg like the plague! I and my family are also allergic to all dairy (except I can get away with a little goat's milk yogurt and cheese now and then), most of us to soy, and several of us to corn. Hannah and I are also allergic to yeast - which incidentally is a common cause of Colitis.
So what do you eat, you probably want to know? Here's a common meal plan in our house:
Breakfast:
turkey sausage (make sure it's GF! Shelton's is very good.)
cooked rice cereal with pure maple syrup and rice milk
fruit
Lunch:
open faced turkey sandwich on 1 piece rice bread w/ avocado
sweet potato chips
strawberries
Dinner:
Chicken with stir fried vegetables
Brown Rice
Snacks:
applesauce cups
Larabars
rice crackers
fruit
organic hot dogs
almond butter on toast
You get the idea. There are lots of options, you just have to know what they are. For the most part, it is all fresh - no "easy" packaged food. In fact, there's nothing easy about this. But in my opinion, life is too short to be sick all the time if there's something you can do to change it. I've said it before, but I'm fairly convinced that Hannah could have been diagnosed with Autism if we hadn't caught this. She's a different kid on gluten. By the way, here's an article about the gluten/autism link.
One last thing, because this post is really long. You have to do this for several weeks to see if it works. If you decide to "kinda try it" for a couple weeks, and hope there is some improvement, don't waste your time and energy. This is all or nothing, unfortunately. Dr P told us that with Hannah, one trace of gluten will set her back 7 -10 days. Some people it takes a year or more and then suddenly their body feels incredible. We noticed a difference after one week, and an even bigger one after about two months. And your body will feel even a trace of flour - eating out, except at a select few restaurants, is not safe. You're also better off getting rid of all gluten in your kitchen, cleaning out your toaster (crumbs, you know), and feeding your whole family gluten free. Cross-contamination is very hard to avoid. Get your husband on board with you first!
I don't mean to discourage you from trying this - I really hope any of you with unsolved health issues will do it, I just don't want to give you a false picture of what it's like. Imagine - feeding your family healthy, fresh food. Being healthy and strong... It's worth it!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Recipe File
In my never-ending attempt to save money while eating healthy, I'm currently trying a 60-day trial of AccuChef. Before you laugh, let me tell you what this thing does. You can put all of your recipes in it, organize them by type, add them to a grocery list, price out your meals, do meal planning, and probably other things I have yet to figure out. You can even import recipes from recipe websites, and print out recipe books to give to friends or as gifts. I think it's pretty cool. And it's shareware, so after 60 uses, the registration is only $20. Pretty good deal, I think.
Circadian Rhythm
I found this article very interesting today. It gives tons of info and then says our bodies are made to sleep from 10pm to 6am. It also says to sleep in a pitch black room. I've heard these things before, but in light of the fact that Nick and I often go to bed late and drag around the whole next day, it's pretty interesting to me. Anybody up for an experiment?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Faith
I've been meditating on the idea of faith lately...
The first event that brought this to my mind was the wedding Friday night. I was struck by the idea that people who marry each other do so without having any idea what they're promising. This couple in particular KNOWS certain parts of their life together may be hard. But, there are other parts that become hard in the course of life, and no one can see them coming. Watching them eagerly promise to try to out-serve one another for the rest of their lives was so striking to me. Do they have any idea what they're getting themselves into? No, and that's the best part about it!
While it's temping for some to call this naiveté, Jesus called it childlike faith - the kind that doesn't understand it all, but follows anyway. Marriage can only be done (if you really promise the rest of your life and intend to keep your promise) by faith.
Event number two is the current situation with my brother. If I may be very honest for a moment, my family is currently trying to help my brother out of a lifestyle of alcoholism, bitterness and anger. It is extremely painful. We love him! We want him to be happy and healthy. But people can always hurt most the people that love them the most. And he has. As I put my little girls to bed tonight, I can't help but look at their innocent faces and wonder... Could they someday reject Nick and I? Will they always love singing worship songs with open hearts and dancing? My brother is an angry man now, but once he was a cuddly, playful, fun little boy.
The only answer I have for this is faith - by faith we live each day, believing that God will work His purposes in the earth and that He will give us the strength for whatever life may bring. 1 Tim 1:4 says God's work is by faith. That means it is not by effort, as if I could be a perfect mom and therefore prevent my children from rebelling someday. It is not by fear, as if we should just not have children because they may hurt us one day. Nor is it by pride, saying "my children would never do something like that." The fact is, they could, just like all of us are free to make stupid decisions. Faith is the only answer. We do what we can and believe God for the outcome and the strength.
From an essay by C.S. Lewis called Religion: Reality or Substitute?:
"If we wish to be rational, not now and then, but constantly, we must pray for the gift of Faith, for the power to go on believing not in the teeth of reason but in the teeth of lust and terror and jealousy and boredom and indifference that which reason, authority, or experience, or all three, have once delivered to us for truth. And the answer to that prayer will, perhaps, surprise us when it comes. For I am not sure, after all, whether one of the causes of our weak faith is not a secret wish that our faith should NOT be very strong. Is there some reservation in our minds? Some fear of what it might be like if our religion became QUITE real? I hope not. God help us all, and forgive us."
The first event that brought this to my mind was the wedding Friday night. I was struck by the idea that people who marry each other do so without having any idea what they're promising. This couple in particular KNOWS certain parts of their life together may be hard. But, there are other parts that become hard in the course of life, and no one can see them coming. Watching them eagerly promise to try to out-serve one another for the rest of their lives was so striking to me. Do they have any idea what they're getting themselves into? No, and that's the best part about it!
While it's temping for some to call this naiveté, Jesus called it childlike faith - the kind that doesn't understand it all, but follows anyway. Marriage can only be done (if you really promise the rest of your life and intend to keep your promise) by faith.
Event number two is the current situation with my brother. If I may be very honest for a moment, my family is currently trying to help my brother out of a lifestyle of alcoholism, bitterness and anger. It is extremely painful. We love him! We want him to be happy and healthy. But people can always hurt most the people that love them the most. And he has. As I put my little girls to bed tonight, I can't help but look at their innocent faces and wonder... Could they someday reject Nick and I? Will they always love singing worship songs with open hearts and dancing? My brother is an angry man now, but once he was a cuddly, playful, fun little boy.
The only answer I have for this is faith - by faith we live each day, believing that God will work His purposes in the earth and that He will give us the strength for whatever life may bring. 1 Tim 1:4 says God's work is by faith. That means it is not by effort, as if I could be a perfect mom and therefore prevent my children from rebelling someday. It is not by fear, as if we should just not have children because they may hurt us one day. Nor is it by pride, saying "my children would never do something like that." The fact is, they could, just like all of us are free to make stupid decisions. Faith is the only answer. We do what we can and believe God for the outcome and the strength.
From an essay by C.S. Lewis called Religion: Reality or Substitute?:
"If we wish to be rational, not now and then, but constantly, we must pray for the gift of Faith, for the power to go on believing not in the teeth of reason but in the teeth of lust and terror and jealousy and boredom and indifference that which reason, authority, or experience, or all three, have once delivered to us for truth. And the answer to that prayer will, perhaps, surprise us when it comes. For I am not sure, after all, whether one of the causes of our weak faith is not a secret wish that our faith should NOT be very strong. Is there some reservation in our minds? Some fear of what it might be like if our religion became QUITE real? I hope not. God help us all, and forgive us."
Monday Headlines
1. The wedding Friday night was...well...they got married. They're married now, and they get to enjoy being together all week. We're happy for them. And relieved.
2. I am feeling rather on the verge of burnout after the past couple of weeks. I did get 8 1/2 hours of sleep without waking up last night. That is a miracle and it helped considerably.
3. I planted pansies in my flower pots on the front and back porch yesterday. Yay for spring. Yay for flowers.
4. Hannah's twin bed has been a complete success thus far. We have laid by her until she falls asleep the past two nights, so as to avoid the stay in bed battles, and then she has slept until morning. Yesterday it was 8:30, this morning she is still in there at 9:20. I love that I have trained my kids to sleep late! Audrey was the one who fell apart over the bed change, since the crib she's been sleeping in was borrowed and we moved her to Hannah's old crib. Funny how they get attached to things. All the bedding is the same, just the crib and mattress are different, but she got SO upset.
5. I can hear Hannah in their room talking to Audrey about how she's changing Elmo's "bi-per."
6. Hannah has been telling me she loves me when I lay down with her at night. She has never done that without being prompted. I love it.
7. I have decided it's time to get in shape. I'm thin because of the way I eat, but I am not in shape. I love doing yoga, I just need to do it. Everyday. I can do this. Want to join me?
8. Our neighbors seem to have finally figured out how to keep their dog fenced. Yay!
OK, off to get my kids up and do my home blessing. :)
2. I am feeling rather on the verge of burnout after the past couple of weeks. I did get 8 1/2 hours of sleep without waking up last night. That is a miracle and it helped considerably.
3. I planted pansies in my flower pots on the front and back porch yesterday. Yay for spring. Yay for flowers.
4. Hannah's twin bed has been a complete success thus far. We have laid by her until she falls asleep the past two nights, so as to avoid the stay in bed battles, and then she has slept until morning. Yesterday it was 8:30, this morning she is still in there at 9:20. I love that I have trained my kids to sleep late! Audrey was the one who fell apart over the bed change, since the crib she's been sleeping in was borrowed and we moved her to Hannah's old crib. Funny how they get attached to things. All the bedding is the same, just the crib and mattress are different, but she got SO upset.
5. I can hear Hannah in their room talking to Audrey about how she's changing Elmo's "bi-per."
6. Hannah has been telling me she loves me when I lay down with her at night. She has never done that without being prompted. I love it.
7. I have decided it's time to get in shape. I'm thin because of the way I eat, but I am not in shape. I love doing yoga, I just need to do it. Everyday. I can do this. Want to join me?
8. Our neighbors seem to have finally figured out how to keep their dog fenced. Yay!
OK, off to get my kids up and do my home blessing. :)
American Idol
Nick and I love to watch this show. I think we like the fact that we usually call what the judges are going to say, so it makes us feel smart and musical-like. :) But this is sad! I'm not a Jordin Sparks fan per se, but we did watch the season she was on, and no matter who you are this is pretty devastating.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Because I actually have time this morning
Stole this from Megan.
:)
1.
If I were a doll, the accessories packaged with me would be:
A book, a cell phone, a venti iced passion tea, and a Yamaha keyboard (I wish!)
2.
I have an irrational fear of:
Stairs, being sick, driving on the interstate
3.
What type of food do you eat at your grandparents house?
Spaghetti or grilled cheese sandwiches...except I wouldn't be able to eat them anymore.
4.
What weight were you when you were born?
8 lbs. 7 1/2oz. I think.
5.
What would you do if you were stranded on an island with the person you hate most?
Not a single person comes to mind when I read this, so I suppose I would do fine.
6.
What would you do if you found out you had been cheated on?
I'm not sure and don't want to think about it.
7.
Do you stalk anyone on MySpace?
Not very often these days.
8.
I find the thought of childbirth:
Incredibly exciting. Especially if I get to do another homebirth.
9.
Next door to my house is:
Uh...a white garage on one side and a hill with trees on the other.
10.
My feet are:
Sore
11.
My preferred style of jeans are:
The kind that fit... Ha! Usually straight leg or skinny
12.
Why is your 1 your 1 (on MySpace)?
Because he's the love of my life
13.
Know how to cook?
Yep. I'm pretty decent.
14.
I am annoyed with people that try to:
Cut in line without acting like they're doing anything
15.
What is the worst way you were dumped?
Well, we were never official, but he just kinda quit emailing. And we were long distance at the time, so that was lame.
16.
What child-related smell do you not like?
Dirty kid that hasn't had a bath in a couple of days smell
17.
What sea creature scares you?
Jellyfish
18.
What color hair do most of the people around you have?
I dunno. Hannah's blonde and Audrey's brunette.
19.
What object have you broken most recently?
The burner on my stove.
How am I supposed to work on 2 tiny burners?
20.
Name one of the Spice Girls:
No.
21.
What was the last thing to make you cry?
A situation some friends are in that's really hard
22.
What are the stems on wine glasses for?
So the heat from your hand doesn't heat up the wine
23.
My favorite shoes are:
Right now? I would love to be wearing flip flops every day
24.
Can you use chopsticks?
Yep, unless I'm to hungry to be that patient
25.
Do you prefer beaches or forests?
Both. But I live in a forest, so the beach sounds pretty good.
26.
What serial killer do you find most disturbing?
This is a dumb question
27.
Who knows a secret or two about you?
My husband knows most of anyone!
28.
Have you ever burned yourself?
Many times. One time when I was a kid we were making candy and the thermometer fell out of the pan and onto my foot. That hurt.
29.
Who is probably talking a load of crap about you right now?
I try not to care about that.
30.
Who is/are your hero[s]?
C.S.
Lewis, the Beveres, my parents, Dr P
31.
Where is your sister right now?
One is at home and one is at school
32.
Do you believe in things that last forever?
Yep
33.
What are you listening to?
Rita Springer, All my fountains are in you...for some reason
34.
What do you smell like?
Probably the sausage I cooked for breakfast
35.
Are you married?
Yes!
36.
Does anyone regularly tell you they love you?
All the time!
37.
What is confusing to you?
Business paperwork
38.
Do you have any bad habits?
Oh yes, but I'm in constant process with them.
:)
39.
Have you ever wanted to be a teacher?
Yes, if I had three or four lifetimes, one of them would be as an English teacher
40.
What is one thing you've learned about life?
That fear and worry are worthless
41.
What's your favorite color?
This changes frequently...yellow?
42.
Have you ever been stuck in an elevator?
Nope. But I think about it every time I go in the elevator at Chapel Hills and it bumps on the way up.
Why does it do that?
43.
What does your dad call you?
Sara Kay
44.
Has anyone told you that they like you more than a friend?
Of course
45.
What are you looking forward to?
The wedding tonight, a day of rest tomorrow, church this weekend
46.
How are you today?
A little sleepy, but looking forward to the day.
:)
1.
If I were a doll, the accessories packaged with me would be:
A book, a cell phone, a venti iced passion tea, and a Yamaha keyboard (I wish!)
2.
I have an irrational fear of:
Stairs, being sick, driving on the interstate
3.
What type of food do you eat at your grandparents house?
Spaghetti or grilled cheese sandwiches...except I wouldn't be able to eat them anymore.
4.
What weight were you when you were born?
8 lbs. 7 1/2oz. I think.
5.
What would you do if you were stranded on an island with the person you hate most?
Not a single person comes to mind when I read this, so I suppose I would do fine.
6.
What would you do if you found out you had been cheated on?
I'm not sure and don't want to think about it.
7.
Do you stalk anyone on MySpace?
Not very often these days.
8.
I find the thought of childbirth:
Incredibly exciting. Especially if I get to do another homebirth.
9.
Next door to my house is:
Uh...a white garage on one side and a hill with trees on the other.
10.
My feet are:
Sore
11.
My preferred style of jeans are:
The kind that fit... Ha! Usually straight leg or skinny
12.
Why is your 1 your 1 (on MySpace)?
Because he's the love of my life
13.
Know how to cook?
Yep. I'm pretty decent.
14.
I am annoyed with people that try to:
Cut in line without acting like they're doing anything
15.
What is the worst way you were dumped?
Well, we were never official, but he just kinda quit emailing. And we were long distance at the time, so that was lame.
16.
What child-related smell do you not like?
Dirty kid that hasn't had a bath in a couple of days smell
17.
What sea creature scares you?
Jellyfish
18.
What color hair do most of the people around you have?
I dunno. Hannah's blonde and Audrey's brunette.
19.
What object have you broken most recently?
The burner on my stove.
How am I supposed to work on 2 tiny burners?
20.
Name one of the Spice Girls:
No.
21.
What was the last thing to make you cry?
A situation some friends are in that's really hard
22.
What are the stems on wine glasses for?
So the heat from your hand doesn't heat up the wine
23.
My favorite shoes are:
Right now? I would love to be wearing flip flops every day
24.
Can you use chopsticks?
Yep, unless I'm to hungry to be that patient
25.
Do you prefer beaches or forests?
Both. But I live in a forest, so the beach sounds pretty good.
26.
What serial killer do you find most disturbing?
This is a dumb question
27.
Who knows a secret or two about you?
My husband knows most of anyone!
28.
Have you ever burned yourself?
Many times. One time when I was a kid we were making candy and the thermometer fell out of the pan and onto my foot. That hurt.
29.
Who is probably talking a load of crap about you right now?
I try not to care about that.
30.
Who is/are your hero[s]?
C.S.
Lewis, the Beveres, my parents, Dr P
31.
Where is your sister right now?
One is at home and one is at school
32.
Do you believe in things that last forever?
Yep
33.
What are you listening to?
Rita Springer, All my fountains are in you...for some reason
34.
What do you smell like?
Probably the sausage I cooked for breakfast
35.
Are you married?
Yes!
36.
Does anyone regularly tell you they love you?
All the time!
37.
What is confusing to you?
Business paperwork
38.
Do you have any bad habits?
Oh yes, but I'm in constant process with them.
:)
39.
Have you ever wanted to be a teacher?
Yes, if I had three or four lifetimes, one of them would be as an English teacher
40.
What is one thing you've learned about life?
That fear and worry are worthless
41.
What's your favorite color?
This changes frequently...yellow?
42.
Have you ever been stuck in an elevator?
Nope. But I think about it every time I go in the elevator at Chapel Hills and it bumps on the way up.
Why does it do that?
43.
What does your dad call you?
Sara Kay
44.
Has anyone told you that they like you more than a friend?
Of course
45.
What are you looking forward to?
The wedding tonight, a day of rest tomorrow, church this weekend
46.
How are you today?
A little sleepy, but looking forward to the day.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Staci's Blog
OK, here's my chance to humiliate Staci... She finally started a blog. :)
Staci and I met because we were friends of friends...actually, she was a myspace friend of a friend, right Staci? They hadn't even met in real life. She started coming to my mom's group way back in...like March of 06? Or was it 05? Anyway, she had two little kids, and a great sense of humor. Then, she and her husband decided to chase after their dreams, which for them involved moving far away. She remains one of my favorite people. So you should read her blog. I know I will. :)
Staci and I met because we were friends of friends...actually, she was a myspace friend of a friend, right Staci? They hadn't even met in real life. She started coming to my mom's group way back in...like March of 06? Or was it 05? Anyway, she had two little kids, and a great sense of humor. Then, she and her husband decided to chase after their dreams, which for them involved moving far away. She remains one of my favorite people. So you should read her blog. I know I will. :)
Monday Headlines
Good morning, friends.
This is week two of our two-week craziness...
1. Nick's friend Luis is getting married on Friday. Nick and Luis were roommates in college. I gotta find something to wear, get a gift, get Nick's shirt cleaned, pick up his pants from the tailor, and attend the rehearsal/dinner, if I can find a babysitter. :) Finding a babysitter is easier when you know which night you need one for. Last we heard they were still unsure if the rehearsal was Wednesday or Thursday.
2. Things are coming along with Maeve Bridal. We may have several new projects beginning this week - two wedding gowns and some bridesmaids! Holly and I have a coffee meeting tonight to make some decisions. I've personally probably put nearly 100 hours into this so far and have not made money yet. Starting a business is not for the faint-hearted, but once we start making money it sure will be cool. :) We've been running ads on Facebook, which you will only see if you live in town, are 18-30 years old and engaged.
3. Hannah is getting a big-girl bed this week. She is very excited. We've been talking about it for several days, and I think the anticipation is working well for us. We bought the bedding last night, and now we just have to go pick up the bed at my parents'. She still doesn't try to climb out of her crib, and I'm dreading not having a safe place for her anymore, but it's time.
4. I'm playing for worship again tomorrow! I must have done a good job last week. :) This group takes a break in a couple more weeks for the summer, but I'm so happy for the opportunity.
5. Hannah's birthday was a success. The gluten-free, egg-free cake left much to be desired in my opinion, but everybody else seemed to think it was fine. It was chocolate cake with fresh strawberries. In the future, I think we may try brownies or something else for a "birthday cake." Cake with egg replacer just doesn't work all that well in the high altitude. The biggest present hit was the swingset, which I will be posting pictures of soon. The second biggest was the Elefun game, which has spread little cloth butterflies all over my house. The cat loves them and carries them around in his mouth.
6. The little weather thing on my browser currently says it's going to be 77 degrees here tomorrow! I may cry. I love spring SO much. I have little flower seeds sprouting on my kitchen windowsill, and I'm on the lookout for some pansies for my front porch flower pots.
Alright. I better go get ready so we can go outside before Hannah falls apart on me. :) Go play out in the sunshine today!
This is week two of our two-week craziness...
1. Nick's friend Luis is getting married on Friday. Nick and Luis were roommates in college. I gotta find something to wear, get a gift, get Nick's shirt cleaned, pick up his pants from the tailor, and attend the rehearsal/dinner, if I can find a babysitter. :) Finding a babysitter is easier when you know which night you need one for. Last we heard they were still unsure if the rehearsal was Wednesday or Thursday.
2. Things are coming along with Maeve Bridal. We may have several new projects beginning this week - two wedding gowns and some bridesmaids! Holly and I have a coffee meeting tonight to make some decisions. I've personally probably put nearly 100 hours into this so far and have not made money yet. Starting a business is not for the faint-hearted, but once we start making money it sure will be cool. :) We've been running ads on Facebook, which you will only see if you live in town, are 18-30 years old and engaged.
3. Hannah is getting a big-girl bed this week. She is very excited. We've been talking about it for several days, and I think the anticipation is working well for us. We bought the bedding last night, and now we just have to go pick up the bed at my parents'. She still doesn't try to climb out of her crib, and I'm dreading not having a safe place for her anymore, but it's time.
4. I'm playing for worship again tomorrow! I must have done a good job last week. :) This group takes a break in a couple more weeks for the summer, but I'm so happy for the opportunity.
5. Hannah's birthday was a success. The gluten-free, egg-free cake left much to be desired in my opinion, but everybody else seemed to think it was fine. It was chocolate cake with fresh strawberries. In the future, I think we may try brownies or something else for a "birthday cake." Cake with egg replacer just doesn't work all that well in the high altitude. The biggest present hit was the swingset, which I will be posting pictures of soon. The second biggest was the Elefun game, which has spread little cloth butterflies all over my house. The cat loves them and carries them around in his mouth.
6. The little weather thing on my browser currently says it's going to be 77 degrees here tomorrow! I may cry. I love spring SO much. I have little flower seeds sprouting on my kitchen windowsill, and I'm on the lookout for some pansies for my front porch flower pots.
Alright. I better go get ready so we can go outside before Hannah falls apart on me. :) Go play out in the sunshine today!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Happy Birthday to Hannah
My day three years ago actually started two weeks before that... (Warning: birth story following)
I woke up on Easter morning, nearly nine months pregnant, the day after my sister's wedding, to a little trickle that sure felt like my water breaking. I got up, more water. Then I had some bloody show. Anytime I moved around, more water. We called the midwife. She was unsure. "Sometimes this happens and your water isn't really broken." So, she came and checked. It certainly SEEMED like my water was broken, but there was no confirmation from that little paper test.
We had two options: 1, go to the hospital and have a more complex test done. If I tested positive, I would be admitted and induced within 24 hours to be safe from infection. I was 35 weeks pregnant (of 40). I would have a preemie. Or 2, I could wait, and hope to go into labor. Midwives in Colorado can deliver babies at home at 37 weeks, but due dates are always a little iffy (although I personally was positive of both of mine) She said every day made a difference, each day I could keep Hannah safely inside is another day for her lungs to develop. I was at a low risk for infection - no internal exams, no ahem...intimacy (don't want weirdos finding my site), and no baths. I should say here, especially because of the bloody show, everyone expected me to go into labor within a couple of days.
After that everything became a blur. I would absolutely soak a pad an hour, sometimes through my pants. I was vaguely aware that my water must have broken for real, but didn't know what to do differently. My belly was smaller than it had been. We did an ultrasound every couple days to make sure there was enough fluid. We were fine. I drank more water than I've ever drank in my life, to keep those fluid levels up. I would begin having contractions in the middle of the night every other night, and they would get to 5 minutes apart and then stop as the sun came up. Finally, after nearly TWO WEEKS of this, we drove the 45 minutes to Dr P for acupuncture to start my labor.
Dr P does electro-acupuncture, meaning he hooks up a faint electric charge to the needles. It is more powerful stimulation. During that process (which I'd had before and have had since - it started my labor with Audrey, finally), I blacked out. With my history of seizures, everybody got really scared. My blood sugar was low because I hadn't eaten recently, and I was just so wiped out.
Then we went home and waited. We called the midwife who said since we had done acupuncture, maybe (intimacy) would help speed the process along? That was Saturday.
At 3am Monday morning, I woke up with a bit of a start. It took a while to figure out what had woken me. I got up and went to the bathroom and realized I was shaking and shivering uncontrollably. I was also having contractions that felt stronger than they had before - still not painful, but strong. I took my temperature and it was 103.5! We called the midwife, panicking a little. She had me take some tylenol and get in the bath to hopefully calm things down. An hour later I still had high fever and solid contractions. It was time to go to the hospital.
The day before, we had a spring blizzard. There was about a foot of snow in our apartment parking lot. We weren't at all sure we could even get out. Nick went and started the car (it was around 5:30am by this point) and worked to clear the car off. In his hurry he didn't take any gloves. By now my contractions were 3 minutes apart for the first time. I was finally in labor.
We had a normally 15 minute drive to the hospital. The streets were solid ice so it took us nearly 30. Nick's hands were so cold he was practically yelling with the pain. I continued to have contractions. On the way I vividly remember seeing a picture in my head of me having a c-section. I didn't know what that would look like, but that was it, and I had a feeling that was what was going to happen. I tried to push the thought aside, but there was also some comfort in knowing ahead of time that's what might happen.
When we got to the hospital, I walked in and told them I was in labor. I was more afraid of the hospital than the labor. I was very calm so they took their time. When they hooked me up to the machine, there were my contractions. The nurse actually had the nerve to say to me, "do you know you're having contractions every three minutes?" Duh.
I was on the monitor for about an hour when the doctor came in. Hannah's heart rate was not doing well with the contractions. I was dilated only to 3. It was time for the c-section.
They wheeled me into the OR, put in the epidural (which hurts like anything when you're not already hurting) and Hannah was out in seconds with the cord wrapped around her neck. They held her next to my head for a few seconds, and then whisked her away. Nick walked over to see her while they were bathing her and happened to look behind him at my opened-up body. I did not want her to be alone, so Nick went with her while I went to recovery. While in recovery, with the sudden sensation of my empty body, no baby, and no husband, I went into shock. I was shaking uncontrollably again, and crying. They sedated me and I went to sleep.
The midwife finally arrived while I slept. She had been snowed in, unable to get out of her driveway. My family came and I woke up a little, enough to say things that made no sense and make everybody laugh. Five hours later I finally came to and began asking about my baby, who was in the NICU. It took an hour to find a nurse who would say, "oh yeah, as soon as she can get into a wheelchair she can go see the baby." I was PAINFULLY in a wheelchair in 2 minutes.
Nursing was tough. Hannah was only 6 lbs, 2 oz, and she just didn't get it. It didn't help that I had to try to nurse for the first time in the NICU, with screens set up for privacy. The lactation consultant kept hovering saying things like, "if she doesn't get it, we can always give her a bottle of formula." I know she was trying to help, but I eventually snapped, "This is how we're doing it." After that she left me alone. My mom was there helping coach me. I couldn't sit there all day, so I had to leave my baby alone in that room. They kept telling me to sleep and let them take care of her, but I got up every 2 hours while we were there and went to the NICU to nurse her. When I couldn't, I was pumping with the awful hospital pump. (Crying for the first time here.) We had lots of wonderful visitors and flowers and the nurses were kind for the most part.
On the third day we were going to go home. They had to take the staples out of my incision. They were training a nurse who was in school and she pinched me with the pliers and I screamed. Repeatedly. Then the results of Hannah's culture and the placenta's culture came back. The placenta was totally infected, which was the reason for the fever. Hannah had no infection whatsoever. That was a miracle. They had given her antibiotics preemptively but took her off when she turned out to be okay. We went home, finally. C-sections and particularly recovering from them, stinks. We slept a lot. With all that trauma, bonding with Hannah was tough. I remember the feeling, "where did this baby come from and why do I have to take care of her?" I missed being pregnant! It was many months before I didn't cry every time I thought about it, and I don't think I fully healed until Audrey was born - a VBAC at home. I still wish it had been different. I am thankful though, that we were healthy and safe. It was quite the ordeal. And it didn't really end there. Hannah was back in the hospital with RSV at 5 weeks old. But that's another story.
This is a long story - I had lots to tell! Thanks for reading it.
So, happy birthday to our Hannah. In spite of her tough beginnings, she is an incredibly sensitive, thoughtful little girl. She watches out for other people. She loves to think about things and do projects. She is already a worshipper. She is the baby I prayed for and longed for. We knew her name was Hannah Kay before she was even conceived. Her name means Grace of God, rejoice!
Today we are opening presents and having cake. Tomorrow (when the snow melts) we're setting up her new swing set and playing outside hopefully. Happy Birthday Hannah!
I woke up on Easter morning, nearly nine months pregnant, the day after my sister's wedding, to a little trickle that sure felt like my water breaking. I got up, more water. Then I had some bloody show. Anytime I moved around, more water. We called the midwife. She was unsure. "Sometimes this happens and your water isn't really broken." So, she came and checked. It certainly SEEMED like my water was broken, but there was no confirmation from that little paper test.
We had two options: 1, go to the hospital and have a more complex test done. If I tested positive, I would be admitted and induced within 24 hours to be safe from infection. I was 35 weeks pregnant (of 40). I would have a preemie. Or 2, I could wait, and hope to go into labor. Midwives in Colorado can deliver babies at home at 37 weeks, but due dates are always a little iffy (although I personally was positive of both of mine) She said every day made a difference, each day I could keep Hannah safely inside is another day for her lungs to develop. I was at a low risk for infection - no internal exams, no ahem...intimacy (don't want weirdos finding my site), and no baths. I should say here, especially because of the bloody show, everyone expected me to go into labor within a couple of days.
After that everything became a blur. I would absolutely soak a pad an hour, sometimes through my pants. I was vaguely aware that my water must have broken for real, but didn't know what to do differently. My belly was smaller than it had been. We did an ultrasound every couple days to make sure there was enough fluid. We were fine. I drank more water than I've ever drank in my life, to keep those fluid levels up. I would begin having contractions in the middle of the night every other night, and they would get to 5 minutes apart and then stop as the sun came up. Finally, after nearly TWO WEEKS of this, we drove the 45 minutes to Dr P for acupuncture to start my labor.
Dr P does electro-acupuncture, meaning he hooks up a faint electric charge to the needles. It is more powerful stimulation. During that process (which I'd had before and have had since - it started my labor with Audrey, finally), I blacked out. With my history of seizures, everybody got really scared. My blood sugar was low because I hadn't eaten recently, and I was just so wiped out.
Then we went home and waited. We called the midwife who said since we had done acupuncture, maybe (intimacy) would help speed the process along? That was Saturday.
At 3am Monday morning, I woke up with a bit of a start. It took a while to figure out what had woken me. I got up and went to the bathroom and realized I was shaking and shivering uncontrollably. I was also having contractions that felt stronger than they had before - still not painful, but strong. I took my temperature and it was 103.5! We called the midwife, panicking a little. She had me take some tylenol and get in the bath to hopefully calm things down. An hour later I still had high fever and solid contractions. It was time to go to the hospital.
The day before, we had a spring blizzard. There was about a foot of snow in our apartment parking lot. We weren't at all sure we could even get out. Nick went and started the car (it was around 5:30am by this point) and worked to clear the car off. In his hurry he didn't take any gloves. By now my contractions were 3 minutes apart for the first time. I was finally in labor.
We had a normally 15 minute drive to the hospital. The streets were solid ice so it took us nearly 30. Nick's hands were so cold he was practically yelling with the pain. I continued to have contractions. On the way I vividly remember seeing a picture in my head of me having a c-section. I didn't know what that would look like, but that was it, and I had a feeling that was what was going to happen. I tried to push the thought aside, but there was also some comfort in knowing ahead of time that's what might happen.
When we got to the hospital, I walked in and told them I was in labor. I was more afraid of the hospital than the labor. I was very calm so they took their time. When they hooked me up to the machine, there were my contractions. The nurse actually had the nerve to say to me, "do you know you're having contractions every three minutes?" Duh.
I was on the monitor for about an hour when the doctor came in. Hannah's heart rate was not doing well with the contractions. I was dilated only to 3. It was time for the c-section.
They wheeled me into the OR, put in the epidural (which hurts like anything when you're not already hurting) and Hannah was out in seconds with the cord wrapped around her neck. They held her next to my head for a few seconds, and then whisked her away. Nick walked over to see her while they were bathing her and happened to look behind him at my opened-up body. I did not want her to be alone, so Nick went with her while I went to recovery. While in recovery, with the sudden sensation of my empty body, no baby, and no husband, I went into shock. I was shaking uncontrollably again, and crying. They sedated me and I went to sleep.
The midwife finally arrived while I slept. She had been snowed in, unable to get out of her driveway. My family came and I woke up a little, enough to say things that made no sense and make everybody laugh. Five hours later I finally came to and began asking about my baby, who was in the NICU. It took an hour to find a nurse who would say, "oh yeah, as soon as she can get into a wheelchair she can go see the baby." I was PAINFULLY in a wheelchair in 2 minutes.
Nursing was tough. Hannah was only 6 lbs, 2 oz, and she just didn't get it. It didn't help that I had to try to nurse for the first time in the NICU, with screens set up for privacy. The lactation consultant kept hovering saying things like, "if she doesn't get it, we can always give her a bottle of formula." I know she was trying to help, but I eventually snapped, "This is how we're doing it." After that she left me alone. My mom was there helping coach me. I couldn't sit there all day, so I had to leave my baby alone in that room. They kept telling me to sleep and let them take care of her, but I got up every 2 hours while we were there and went to the NICU to nurse her. When I couldn't, I was pumping with the awful hospital pump. (Crying for the first time here.) We had lots of wonderful visitors and flowers and the nurses were kind for the most part.
On the third day we were going to go home. They had to take the staples out of my incision. They were training a nurse who was in school and she pinched me with the pliers and I screamed. Repeatedly. Then the results of Hannah's culture and the placenta's culture came back. The placenta was totally infected, which was the reason for the fever. Hannah had no infection whatsoever. That was a miracle. They had given her antibiotics preemptively but took her off when she turned out to be okay. We went home, finally. C-sections and particularly recovering from them, stinks. We slept a lot. With all that trauma, bonding with Hannah was tough. I remember the feeling, "where did this baby come from and why do I have to take care of her?" I missed being pregnant! It was many months before I didn't cry every time I thought about it, and I don't think I fully healed until Audrey was born - a VBAC at home. I still wish it had been different. I am thankful though, that we were healthy and safe. It was quite the ordeal. And it didn't really end there. Hannah was back in the hospital with RSV at 5 weeks old. But that's another story.
This is a long story - I had lots to tell! Thanks for reading it.
So, happy birthday to our Hannah. In spite of her tough beginnings, she is an incredibly sensitive, thoughtful little girl. She watches out for other people. She loves to think about things and do projects. She is already a worshipper. She is the baby I prayed for and longed for. We knew her name was Hannah Kay before she was even conceived. Her name means Grace of God, rejoice!
Today we are opening presents and having cake. Tomorrow (when the snow melts) we're setting up her new swing set and playing outside hopefully. Happy Birthday Hannah!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Random
Do you ever have so much to say that you don't know where to start?
I shall list...
I shall list...
- I'm trying not to carry the load of the many, many people I know whose marriages are struggling. Guys, we HAVE to be connected in deep relationships with people who can help us through the tough times. In the words of Toy Story, if you don't have one, GET one!
- We got Hannah a swing set off Craig's List for her birthday. Now to find a time (around the giant snow storm headed this way) to get it set up.
- I'm tired. I knew I would crash at some point, with everything going on. This is that point. I don't wanna do anything.
- I got to play for worship with other people for the first time in...3 years?...yesterday. It was so fun. And because it was a prayer meeting, we played for an hour and a half. Nice. I could get back in shape really fast playing that much! Two of my favorite things - time with God AND music together makes for a nearly perfect afternoon.
- My temporary crown hurts. I was supposed to get the real one put on last week and because of everything my appointment is now next Wednesday. Hope I last that long.
- My sister and I were supposed to go fabric shopping in Denver today and I flaked out on her. You'd think they'd have good fabric stores here. I hate feeling flaky. Sometimes I set very high expectations and then have to back out. I should quit doing that and say no instead. I would feel much better about it.
- Today is the first day all week the girls did not fight nap time. They refused to nap at all on Monday. That was not a good day. I'm very thankful for the current quiet. And Dave Matthews playing on Pandora. :)
- If you are not female, you don't want to click here, trust me. I want one of these.
- Off to watch American Idol on DVR. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Monday Headlines
1. We had a fun weekend. Nothing terribly eventful or memorable, but it was just nice.
2. The bachelor party Nick planned went very well. They took the groom to this indoor skydiving place. You actually float over a windtunnel. It's hysterical. Then they dressed him in a bull riding costume, complete with bull, and rode the public transportation train up a few stops where they made him walk into the pedestrian bridge over the interstate and wave to the cars. A good time was had by all.
3. Nick had a physical for medical insurance last week, and his pulse was like 65. His blood pressure was around 110/65. The examiner was impressed. I'm so glad to hear he's in such good health. We plan to live to 100 together, after all. ;)
4. Hannah's third birthday is this week. We're having a tough time deciding what to get for her. She really needs something to play outside on, but our backyard is sloped, and I'm a little paranoid about putting a swingset out there, especially without having gravel or anything under it to break falls. Not sure what the answer is. Maybe I'll check out Craig's list today anyway.
5. I get to play keys for worship tomorrow! If you're in town, noon worship at the prayer center is a small group called Prayer Shield for Families. There's free childcare...come worship with us. :)
6. I am learning so much right now...I can't even begin to express it all. The teaching at church is rich, God is speaking to me every day as I read the Bible, and the books I'm reading are so full of truth. I love it!
Alright. I better go...got lots to do today!
2. The bachelor party Nick planned went very well. They took the groom to this indoor skydiving place. You actually float over a windtunnel. It's hysterical. Then they dressed him in a bull riding costume, complete with bull, and rode the public transportation train up a few stops where they made him walk into the pedestrian bridge over the interstate and wave to the cars. A good time was had by all.
3. Nick had a physical for medical insurance last week, and his pulse was like 65. His blood pressure was around 110/65. The examiner was impressed. I'm so glad to hear he's in such good health. We plan to live to 100 together, after all. ;)
4. Hannah's third birthday is this week. We're having a tough time deciding what to get for her. She really needs something to play outside on, but our backyard is sloped, and I'm a little paranoid about putting a swingset out there, especially without having gravel or anything under it to break falls. Not sure what the answer is. Maybe I'll check out Craig's list today anyway.
5. I get to play keys for worship tomorrow! If you're in town, noon worship at the prayer center is a small group called Prayer Shield for Families. There's free childcare...come worship with us. :)
6. I am learning so much right now...I can't even begin to express it all. The teaching at church is rich, God is speaking to me every day as I read the Bible, and the books I'm reading are so full of truth. I love it!
Alright. I better go...got lots to do today!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Giving a blessing
Following up on my post about honoring our children, this Focus on the Family broadcast is excellent!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Cloth Diapers
As into alternative medicine and all things "crunchy" as I am, I think it's a little funny that I have never gone the cloth diaper route. It's also funny because I was raised on cloth. Actually, maybe that's part of the problem. My memories of cloth diapers include standing by as a helpless 10 year old while an...ahem...uninformed babysitter repeatedly poked my baby brother with diaper pins.
However, cloth diapers have come a long way. So far, in fact, that I have felt completely unable to make any decisions regarding them. I was reading my Mothering magazine today though (I love this magazine, by the way), and there were tons of articles about cloth diapers. Over the life of the diaper it is not only cheaper and better for avoiding diaper rash, but an obvious environmental choice that anyone can make. I know these things. That doesn't help me make the decision.
Then I found this. Pay a $100 deposit, and try two of several top brands of covers, all-in-ones, and pockets for 21 days! If you don't want to keep them, return some or all and they will refund all but $10 plus any diapers you keep. Shipping is about $8 each way.
Hannah is really too big for the biggest size in this trial, so I doubt we'll do it with her unless they fit her as well. She will be potty trained (crossing my fingers) soon anyway. But, since we plan to have more kids at some point, the investment for Audrey is totally worth it. I'll let you know how it goes...
However, cloth diapers have come a long way. So far, in fact, that I have felt completely unable to make any decisions regarding them. I was reading my Mothering magazine today though (I love this magazine, by the way), and there were tons of articles about cloth diapers. Over the life of the diaper it is not only cheaper and better for avoiding diaper rash, but an obvious environmental choice that anyone can make. I know these things. That doesn't help me make the decision.
Then I found this. Pay a $100 deposit, and try two of several top brands of covers, all-in-ones, and pockets for 21 days! If you don't want to keep them, return some or all and they will refund all but $10 plus any diapers you keep. Shipping is about $8 each way.
Hannah is really too big for the biggest size in this trial, so I doubt we'll do it with her unless they fit her as well. She will be potty trained (crossing my fingers) soon anyway. But, since we plan to have more kids at some point, the investment for Audrey is totally worth it. I'll let you know how it goes...
Question Authority
Kim has written yet another very insightful post. Some of the reading I have been doing lately has pointed to the value of being under authority, and I'm been meditating on that. We have many authority figures in our lives, and being under their authority brings certain protection in each case. For example, submitting to police officers (the law) brings physical safety as we don't drive too fast. This first one is usually not too hard for people to swallow. In addition (and maybe harder), submitting to the pastor and elders of your church as your spiritual authority brings protection spiritually (and keeps you from doing stupid things!). Submitting to your husband as the head of your home brings personal protection - protection from having ungodly attitudes, from mean people, from having to carry the burden of a role that is not ours to carry as women.
God doesn't ask us to mindlessly, brainlessly, and without question follow every word of those in authority. In fact Paul asked the churches to examine every word they were taught and make sure it lines up with Scripture. We as wives have input that our husbands desperately need, if they are to become all that God has for them (they also have similar input for us!). We see things they don't see sometimes. But questioning authority must always be done with respect and honor for the position of the one in authority.
Alright. I'm done with the soapbox for today. Would anyone else like to borrow it?
God doesn't ask us to mindlessly, brainlessly, and without question follow every word of those in authority. In fact Paul asked the churches to examine every word they were taught and make sure it lines up with Scripture. We as wives have input that our husbands desperately need, if they are to become all that God has for them (they also have similar input for us!). We see things they don't see sometimes. But questioning authority must always be done with respect and honor for the position of the one in authority.
Alright. I'm done with the soapbox for today. Would anyone else like to borrow it?
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Going crazy
...wanna come along?
Posting may be sporadic the next three weeks. Nick has a bachelor party, Hannah's birthday is the 11th, I have a wedding shower, Nick is the best man in the wedding, plus we have some more Maeve activity. All this in addition to (or, more realistically, instead of) the normal activities.
But! I got to hold Liz T's 1-day-old baby Chloe this afternoon. She's beautiful. Like I needed anything to fuel any baby fever. Hm.
Posting may be sporadic the next three weeks. Nick has a bachelor party, Hannah's birthday is the 11th, I have a wedding shower, Nick is the best man in the wedding, plus we have some more Maeve activity. All this in addition to (or, more realistically, instead of) the normal activities.
But! I got to hold Liz T's 1-day-old baby Chloe this afternoon. She's beautiful. Like I needed anything to fuel any baby fever. Hm.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Weird
Do your kids ever do this?
I have been regularly catching Hannah saying to Audrey, "You have Daddy, and I'll have Mommy. Okay, Audrey?"
As if she's just going to say, "Oh, sure."
I keep telling her they both need both of us and we need them.
I have been regularly catching Hannah saying to Audrey, "You have Daddy, and I'll have Mommy. Okay, Audrey?"
As if she's just going to say, "Oh, sure."
I keep telling her they both need both of us and we need them.
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