Holding the eggs was definitely the best part! (and putting them in their mouths!)
They preferred taking the eggs out, rather than putting them in the basket!
Their moms totally shop for them together, note the matching shorts : )Wednesday, March 31, 2010
First Easter Egg Hunt
Since we live in the Northwest, it was not surprising that it rained on Palm Sunday and pushed the Easter egg hunt at church indoors. For 3 and under, the eggs were hidden in the nursery. Here are Kalaya and her BFF Elena finding eggs on their first hunt!
Holding the eggs was definitely the best part! (and putting them in their mouths!)
They preferred taking the eggs out, rather than putting them in the basket!
Their moms totally shop for them together, note the matching shorts : )
Holding the eggs was definitely the best part! (and putting them in their mouths!)They preferred taking the eggs out, rather than putting them in the basket!Their moms totally shop for them together, note the matching shorts : )
Monday, March 29, 2010
Spring Break
We have been busy, busy, busy during the last week! My teacher friends and those taking classes were on spring break, so we went to visit with friends! Let's see, where to start:
2 weekends ago: I took a much-needed trip to Silverton to go visit friends I taught with my first year teaching! I haven't seen them since my baby shower and the hospital when Kalaya was born! It was a lot of fun just hanging out and catching up with my mentor teacher Jennifer and her almost 4 year old son Tommy. We walked to a duck pond, had lunch and just spent time together chatting. Being moms together has brought us even closer and it was so good to see her! Tommy was so sweet with Kalaya, he kept saying he wanted a baby sister too!
1 weekend ago: We drove down to Cottage Grove to see our friends Chris and Lindsey Morin who just had a baby at the beginning of February named Stella. We were all on the orientation team together in college and all started dating our now spouses right around the same time. We also got married the same year and now our daughters are less than a year apart. Fun! We spent a Saturday night at their house, went to dinner and hung out. It was really fun, but at first very frustrating. Stella is the absolute lowest maintenance baby I have ever been around. She is only 6 weeks and can completely fall asleep on her own, sleeps on anyone, anywhere and in any situation. She didn't cry the whole time we were there!! At first I was completely jealous and in shock (as was Nelson), but then came to some realizations. I realized that as nice as that would have been, I realized that babies truly, truly, TRULY are all different. It wasn't anything we did or did not do that made Kalaya's sleep habits they way they were/are. There's nothing Stella's parents are doing/did to make her sleep the way she is. It was definitely an "aha moment" for me to see just how completely different newborns can be. And, if truth be told, I'd rather have a high needs baby first, so I didn't get the complete shock the second (or third, or forth) time around. That being said, Stella was beautiful and Kalaya was totally fascinated by her.
Last week/this past weekend: We had play dates almost every day! We had a mommy group play date at our friend Naomi's (and Emily!) house. We had a play date with Elena (and Sarah!) with a walk through Portland on a beautiful sunny day and a trip to meet the daddies for dinner at Hooters. (yes, that's right. I love their wings, what of it???) We had a super fun reunion with other girls from my college of ed group with 4 babies, 4 mommies, 1 daddy and one extra friend. We stopped to see our friend Marlee, who I used to nanny for. We had lunch with Naomi, Emily, Heather and Nathan. We went shopping. We went to Salem for a funeral, thought it wasn't for anyone I knew, we just went for support and to see family. We went to our first Easter egg hunt! Kalaya was good at picking up plastic eggs and putting them in her mouth, but not so much at finding them or putting them in her basket herself. She did find a special egg though that meant she got a special prize of sidewalk chalk shaped like eggs! Fun! Whew, that's a lot of stuff! It was a fun week, but today we took the day completely off and rested. (and did a lot of laundry and cleaning!)
Kalaya is now doing 3 signs regularly! She signs dog all the time when she sees Pippy or someone says dog. She does the more sign when prompted and when eating. Tonight she did it in a different context; we were singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and when I finished, she did the more sign to sing it again! She is also signing nurse/milk when prompted. Last night she was sitting on my lap and started pulling at my shirt and when I looked at her, she signed nurse! It is amazing to see her communicating!! We're working on "eat", "water" and "all done" next! Oh and "Mom" and "Dad" too!
Kalaya has outgrown her infant car seat! She is now in a seat that will last her almost until she is out of a car seat! (until she is 65 pounds) She is not quite too heavy for her infant seat, but she is too long! I did a lot of research and found a seat that will be rear facing until 40 pounds and has a 5 point harness until 65 pounds. It is the longest for each that I could find for a reasonable price. And it is side-impact tested. This thing is huge and safe and she seems to like it! She is growing up so fast....I am in total denial that we're just over a month away from her first birthday. I'd better get out of denial a little bit to start planning the party! She also went from laying completely down today to sitting all the way up without help today. She is creeping "army style" around, usually to get to Pippy's dog toys; gross! She has been pretty fussy today and when I stuck my finger in her mouth, I felt 2 molars starting to poke through! I bet that HURTS! Hopefully she can sleep through that challenge!
2 weekends ago: I took a much-needed trip to Silverton to go visit friends I taught with my first year teaching! I haven't seen them since my baby shower and the hospital when Kalaya was born! It was a lot of fun just hanging out and catching up with my mentor teacher Jennifer and her almost 4 year old son Tommy. We walked to a duck pond, had lunch and just spent time together chatting. Being moms together has brought us even closer and it was so good to see her! Tommy was so sweet with Kalaya, he kept saying he wanted a baby sister too!
1 weekend ago: We drove down to Cottage Grove to see our friends Chris and Lindsey Morin who just had a baby at the beginning of February named Stella. We were all on the orientation team together in college and all started dating our now spouses right around the same time. We also got married the same year and now our daughters are less than a year apart. Fun! We spent a Saturday night at their house, went to dinner and hung out. It was really fun, but at first very frustrating. Stella is the absolute lowest maintenance baby I have ever been around. She is only 6 weeks and can completely fall asleep on her own, sleeps on anyone, anywhere and in any situation. She didn't cry the whole time we were there!! At first I was completely jealous and in shock (as was Nelson), but then came to some realizations. I realized that as nice as that would have been, I realized that babies truly, truly, TRULY are all different. It wasn't anything we did or did not do that made Kalaya's sleep habits they way they were/are. There's nothing Stella's parents are doing/did to make her sleep the way she is. It was definitely an "aha moment" for me to see just how completely different newborns can be. And, if truth be told, I'd rather have a high needs baby first, so I didn't get the complete shock the second (or third, or forth) time around. That being said, Stella was beautiful and Kalaya was totally fascinated by her.
Last week/this past weekend: We had play dates almost every day! We had a mommy group play date at our friend Naomi's (and Emily!) house. We had a play date with Elena (and Sarah!) with a walk through Portland on a beautiful sunny day and a trip to meet the daddies for dinner at Hooters. (yes, that's right. I love their wings, what of it???) We had a super fun reunion with other girls from my college of ed group with 4 babies, 4 mommies, 1 daddy and one extra friend. We stopped to see our friend Marlee, who I used to nanny for. We had lunch with Naomi, Emily, Heather and Nathan. We went shopping. We went to Salem for a funeral, thought it wasn't for anyone I knew, we just went for support and to see family. We went to our first Easter egg hunt! Kalaya was good at picking up plastic eggs and putting them in her mouth, but not so much at finding them or putting them in her basket herself. She did find a special egg though that meant she got a special prize of sidewalk chalk shaped like eggs! Fun! Whew, that's a lot of stuff! It was a fun week, but today we took the day completely off and rested. (and did a lot of laundry and cleaning!)
Kalaya is now doing 3 signs regularly! She signs dog all the time when she sees Pippy or someone says dog. She does the more sign when prompted and when eating. Tonight she did it in a different context; we were singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and when I finished, she did the more sign to sing it again! She is also signing nurse/milk when prompted. Last night she was sitting on my lap and started pulling at my shirt and when I looked at her, she signed nurse! It is amazing to see her communicating!! We're working on "eat", "water" and "all done" next! Oh and "Mom" and "Dad" too!
Kalaya has outgrown her infant car seat! She is now in a seat that will last her almost until she is out of a car seat! (until she is 65 pounds) She is not quite too heavy for her infant seat, but she is too long! I did a lot of research and found a seat that will be rear facing until 40 pounds and has a 5 point harness until 65 pounds. It is the longest for each that I could find for a reasonable price. And it is side-impact tested. This thing is huge and safe and she seems to like it! She is growing up so fast....I am in total denial that we're just over a month away from her first birthday. I'd better get out of denial a little bit to start planning the party! She also went from laying completely down today to sitting all the way up without help today. She is creeping "army style" around, usually to get to Pippy's dog toys; gross! She has been pretty fussy today and when I stuck my finger in her mouth, I felt 2 molars starting to poke through! I bet that HURTS! Hopefully she can sleep through that challenge!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Interesting Article
This topic came up with a group of mommy friends yesterday, so I did a little more research. Thank goodness Nelson and I had a girl so we didn't have to make this choice yet. We had already decided to say no for future boys and this article reinforced that. Just thought I'd share. I totally respect people wanting to match their fathers and sons, it makes sense. Nelson said he'd be happy to explain to his son one day why the two of them look "different".
http://www.mothering.com/health/the-case-against-circumcision
http://www.mothering.com/health/the-case-against-circumcision
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Baby Swing
We FINALLY found a park with baby swings to try out and Kalaya absolutely, positively LOVED the swing!! She laughed and giggled and squealed, it was so cute!!
She's wearing green for St. Patrick's Day
So excited!!
I swear, the swing is moving, you just can't tell : )
Just hanging out watching our friends Nathan, Naomi, Logan and Mason play!
She's wearing green for St. Patrick's Day
So excited!!
I swear, the swing is moving, you just can't tell : )
Just hanging out watching our friends Nathan, Naomi, Logan and Mason play!Tuesday, March 16, 2010
10 months (plus 2 weeks)
Miss Kalaya finally had her 9 month appointment. I got really frustrated, because it kept getting rescheduled! I understand why well-baby appointments are not top priority if there are sick kids needing to see the doctor, but it took forever! We really like our pediatrician, but we decided after all of this that we are going to switch to one closer to home. (We had been going all the way back to Tualatin for each appointment, because we liked our doctor so much) I've been asking around and think we have found a new doctor. She was highly recommended by a friend who said she is very supportive of attachment parenting. (co-sleeping, long-term nursing, etc)
The appointment went really quickly! The 9 month appointment is a nice relief because there are no vaccinations involved! Usually we have to wait a fair amount of time, but this time we went right in and we were even early! This was the first time Nelson has missed an appointment, which he was disappointed about. But, the visit we had scheduled around his work was canceled. So, it was just Kalaya and I. It was right around nap time, so she was kinda fussy, but a little bit of nursing made everything better and she did great! She weighed 18 lbs 14 1/2 oz (35th percentile), was 30 inches long (96th percentile!!) and her head circumference was 18 inches (84th percentile). Dr. Wu said she is very alert and seems to be a happy, healthy child, which we knew! We talked about her eating habits, sleeping habits and about when to turn her car seat around. I was surprised, since a lot of families I know turn the seat around at 1 year. Turns out you should keep them facing backwards as long as possible, AT LEAST until they are 2! Glad I asked the doctor! She is right at the limit for length in a car seat, so we have to get a new one SOON! Luckily, my parents have said that they will get that as her first birthday present, since they are kinda spendy!
It is so fun to watch Kalaya grow and change, she is doing so many things! She is clapping, giving kisses, playing in new and interesting ways, rolling all over the place and attempting crawling. She is really taking her time becoming completely mobile, but I see crawling in the very near future!! It's sometimes frustrating to have a baby that is "on the slow end" of crawling. (not my phrasing) While we are perfectly confident and comfortable in our daughter's ability to become mobile, others are more anxious. We're starting to get, "She's STILL not crawling?? Hmmm..." and it's hard not to notice that most other babies her age are cruising around everywhere and many are walking. I know I'm not supposed to compare my child to other babies, so I really try not to, but I can't do anything about those other parents comparing their baby to mine. One person went so far as to ask, "Are you sure she's 'okay.' Do you worry there's something wrong with her??" Thanks, like that helps a lot. Yes, we are sure she's okay and no, we don't worry right now. Get back to me in 6 months if she is still rolling to get around.
Kalaya has a mouth full of teeth (8!) and we think more are on the way! Her hair is getting longer too, long enough for little "Pebbles" ponytails! I need to take a picture of that and her teeth. Her language skills are so close to actual words!! And she has now signed two words! Her first was "dog" (2 pats on the leg) and her latest is "more" (touching the fingers together on each hand and bringing them together). She has done both several times and in the correct context. Very exciting!!
The appointment went really quickly! The 9 month appointment is a nice relief because there are no vaccinations involved! Usually we have to wait a fair amount of time, but this time we went right in and we were even early! This was the first time Nelson has missed an appointment, which he was disappointed about. But, the visit we had scheduled around his work was canceled. So, it was just Kalaya and I. It was right around nap time, so she was kinda fussy, but a little bit of nursing made everything better and she did great! She weighed 18 lbs 14 1/2 oz (35th percentile), was 30 inches long (96th percentile!!) and her head circumference was 18 inches (84th percentile). Dr. Wu said she is very alert and seems to be a happy, healthy child, which we knew! We talked about her eating habits, sleeping habits and about when to turn her car seat around. I was surprised, since a lot of families I know turn the seat around at 1 year. Turns out you should keep them facing backwards as long as possible, AT LEAST until they are 2! Glad I asked the doctor! She is right at the limit for length in a car seat, so we have to get a new one SOON! Luckily, my parents have said that they will get that as her first birthday present, since they are kinda spendy!
It is so fun to watch Kalaya grow and change, she is doing so many things! She is clapping, giving kisses, playing in new and interesting ways, rolling all over the place and attempting crawling. She is really taking her time becoming completely mobile, but I see crawling in the very near future!! It's sometimes frustrating to have a baby that is "on the slow end" of crawling. (not my phrasing) While we are perfectly confident and comfortable in our daughter's ability to become mobile, others are more anxious. We're starting to get, "She's STILL not crawling?? Hmmm..." and it's hard not to notice that most other babies her age are cruising around everywhere and many are walking. I know I'm not supposed to compare my child to other babies, so I really try not to, but I can't do anything about those other parents comparing their baby to mine. One person went so far as to ask, "Are you sure she's 'okay.' Do you worry there's something wrong with her??" Thanks, like that helps a lot. Yes, we are sure she's okay and no, we don't worry right now. Get back to me in 6 months if she is still rolling to get around.
Kalaya has a mouth full of teeth (8!) and we think more are on the way! Her hair is getting longer too, long enough for little "Pebbles" ponytails! I need to take a picture of that and her teeth. Her language skills are so close to actual words!! And she has now signed two words! Her first was "dog" (2 pats on the leg) and her latest is "more" (touching the fingers together on each hand and bringing them together). She has done both several times and in the correct context. Very exciting!!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Valentine's Beach Trip
So, this year Nelson decided to plan a Valentine's trip for us, which was a nice surprise! My only complaint was that he told us about it before it happened, so it wasn't a surprise. He has yet to surprise me for any gift or present. But, he wanted to make sure the trip was in the budget, so I totally understand!
Nelson took a 4 day weekend, Fri-Monday, which was gift alone, so much time together and so much help with Kalaya, all wonderful things! He planned our trip in Lincoln City, at the coast. He could not have picked a more perfect weekend, the weather was GORGEOUS! In the low 60s and not a cloud in the sky! Did I mention this was in February?? In OREGON?? Unheard of! It was wonderful!
We left on Friday, around mid-day and drove to Portland to drop off Pippy at my parent's house. Then we took the longer, scenic route down 101, along the coast. It ended up being almost a 5 hour drive, but it was really pretty. Kalaya did great. I brought a whole bunch of toys and she took a good long nap. Nursing in the car seat does wonders! We stopped on the way to each lunch.
We got to our hotel around 5 and checked in. It was really nice, Nelson did a good job! Our room had a beautiful view of the ocean and had 2 beds in separate rooms so that Nelson could get plenty of sleep without being woken by late night feedings. It was within walking distance of the main drag, shops and restaurants. We went out to dinner at a home-cooking-type place (Nelson had pineapple pancakes, I had chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. mmmm. Oh, and Kalaya had peas and brown rice, though not off the menu) Then we went back to the hotel and tried out the (indoor) pool with Kalaya and she LOVED it!! I'm signing us up for swim classes, she was a total water bug! Then, watched the Olympics and bedtime.
Swimming with Mommy
Saturday we got up, had breakfast at the hotel and walked around the shops for awhile. We bought a couple of small things, including some salt water taffy. We then decided that salt water taffy all kind of tastes the same! Then Nelson discovered an indoor batting cage/miniature golf place, so we went there to play and do both, as they weren't very expensive. Kalaya was strapped to me in the Moby, (the single greatest wrap EVER!) so it was no trouble to golf. We did take turns holding her while the other was in the cages though! We discovered our bodies are not as young and in shape as they once were, but we were both able to get some good hits in! We then had lunch at a fun little soda fountain place and went back to the hotel for a nap. Then we walked on the beach and explored. Then some outlet shopping (Carter's was having a MAJOR sale!!) and dinner at a local pizza joint. Then back to the hotel for more swimming and bedtime!
Sunday morning nap
Nelson took a 4 day weekend, Fri-Monday, which was gift alone, so much time together and so much help with Kalaya, all wonderful things! He planned our trip in Lincoln City, at the coast. He could not have picked a more perfect weekend, the weather was GORGEOUS! In the low 60s and not a cloud in the sky! Did I mention this was in February?? In OREGON?? Unheard of! It was wonderful!
We left on Friday, around mid-day and drove to Portland to drop off Pippy at my parent's house. Then we took the longer, scenic route down 101, along the coast. It ended up being almost a 5 hour drive, but it was really pretty. Kalaya did great. I brought a whole bunch of toys and she took a good long nap. Nursing in the car seat does wonders! We stopped on the way to each lunch.
Picnic along the way
We got to our hotel around 5 and checked in. It was really nice, Nelson did a good job! Our room had a beautiful view of the ocean and had 2 beds in separate rooms so that Nelson could get plenty of sleep without being woken by late night feedings. It was within walking distance of the main drag, shops and restaurants. We went out to dinner at a home-cooking-type place (Nelson had pineapple pancakes, I had chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. mmmm. Oh, and Kalaya had peas and brown rice, though not off the menu) Then we went back to the hotel and tried out the (indoor) pool with Kalaya and she LOVED it!! I'm signing us up for swim classes, she was a total water bug! Then, watched the Olympics and bedtime.
Dinner, sitting in a high chair now!
View from the hotel with Daddy
Swimming with Mommy
Saturday we got up, had breakfast at the hotel and walked around the shops for awhile. We bought a couple of small things, including some salt water taffy. We then decided that salt water taffy all kind of tastes the same! Then Nelson discovered an indoor batting cage/miniature golf place, so we went there to play and do both, as they weren't very expensive. Kalaya was strapped to me in the Moby, (the single greatest wrap EVER!) so it was no trouble to golf. We did take turns holding her while the other was in the cages though! We discovered our bodies are not as young and in shape as they once were, but we were both able to get some good hits in! We then had lunch at a fun little soda fountain place and went back to the hotel for a nap. Then we walked on the beach and explored. Then some outlet shopping (Carter's was having a MAJOR sale!!) and dinner at a local pizza joint. Then back to the hotel for more swimming and bedtime!
Mad at golf, we wouldn't let her put the golf balls in her mouth!
Future softball player like Mommy!! Heck yeah!!
Vintage high chair at lunch
Walking on the beach
Swimming with Daddy
Sunday we got up, packed, breakfast and drove home, this time the shorter route through Salem. We made a quick stop to say hi to Uncle Theo and then back to Portland. We had to get back by 3 for Elena's 1st birthday party! So fun, but oh no! It means Kalaya's first birthday is just around the corner!! THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE!! Then a quick dinner with Mom and Dad, pick up Pippy and back home. A good time was had by all!
Vintage high chair at lunch
Walking on the beach
Swimming with Daddy
Sunday morning nap
Coupon and Shopping Update
So, I continue to strive to find ways to save money on food. I am still clipping and printing coupons, but only for things we NEED and SHOULD be eating, rather than just good deals. I've started searching online for more organic coupons. Going to specific sites for brands we like, such as Seventh Generation and Organic Valley has resulted in awesome coupons!
The last 2 shopping trips I have planned my meals for 2 weeks, made my lists and shopped accordingly. I am using a lot of the "tips" I've gotten, such as stocking up when items are on sale. I try to shop at Trader Joe's as much as I can, but, unfortunately, we don't have one very close to our house. Fred Meyer is very near by, as is Safeway, both of which have a pretty good selection of organic and un-processed (is that a word??) foods. They also both have sales, so I stock up when things when this happens. Trader Joe's doesn't have sales, but I have been doing a lot of price comparing and their constant prices are actually really good. Their prices are often the prices of other stores' sales. (did that make sense?) And almost every item in their store comes in an organic version, which is great!
Trader Joe's is also fantastic, because they only have one or two choices for each food. So, if I need diced tomatoes, for example, there's one type, one can, one brand. I don't have to sit there and waste time deciding which one to get. Occasionally this can be annoying (for example, if they only have one size and it's WAY more than you need), but for the most part, it's great! And my favorite part is that everything in the store is made so much better than most foods in regular grocery stores. I am a big reader of ingredients on food labels. You will not find things like "high fructose corn syrup" at Trader Joe's. Even their "junk food" is healthier. The ingredients are all things you can pronounce and recognize. They taste better! And you don't have to support those huge coorporations! It's great!
After 2 different shopping trips of buying only organic foods, I feel that I'm still helping our family budget. My Fred Meyer trip 2 weeks ago cost us $115 for 2 weeks and yesterday's trip to Trader Joe's cost $74. (for 2 weeks) I think I'm going to try Whole Foods next time I need to buy organic chicken or ground turkey, when I see them on sale. We decided (well, I decided and Nelson was in total agreement) that part of our tax return is going to pay for a chest freezer, so I can stock up even more when things are on sale and cook even more meals ahead of time, so we avoid going out to eat because I get too lazy to cook!
The last 2 shopping trips I have planned my meals for 2 weeks, made my lists and shopped accordingly. I am using a lot of the "tips" I've gotten, such as stocking up when items are on sale. I try to shop at Trader Joe's as much as I can, but, unfortunately, we don't have one very close to our house. Fred Meyer is very near by, as is Safeway, both of which have a pretty good selection of organic and un-processed (is that a word??) foods. They also both have sales, so I stock up when things when this happens. Trader Joe's doesn't have sales, but I have been doing a lot of price comparing and their constant prices are actually really good. Their prices are often the prices of other stores' sales. (did that make sense?) And almost every item in their store comes in an organic version, which is great!
Trader Joe's is also fantastic, because they only have one or two choices for each food. So, if I need diced tomatoes, for example, there's one type, one can, one brand. I don't have to sit there and waste time deciding which one to get. Occasionally this can be annoying (for example, if they only have one size and it's WAY more than you need), but for the most part, it's great! And my favorite part is that everything in the store is made so much better than most foods in regular grocery stores. I am a big reader of ingredients on food labels. You will not find things like "high fructose corn syrup" at Trader Joe's. Even their "junk food" is healthier. The ingredients are all things you can pronounce and recognize. They taste better! And you don't have to support those huge coorporations! It's great!
After 2 different shopping trips of buying only organic foods, I feel that I'm still helping our family budget. My Fred Meyer trip 2 weeks ago cost us $115 for 2 weeks and yesterday's trip to Trader Joe's cost $74. (for 2 weeks) I think I'm going to try Whole Foods next time I need to buy organic chicken or ground turkey, when I see them on sale. We decided (well, I decided and Nelson was in total agreement) that part of our tax return is going to pay for a chest freezer, so I can stock up even more when things are on sale and cook even more meals ahead of time, so we avoid going out to eat because I get too lazy to cook!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
Incase anyone has ever wondered, I am incredibly lucky to be married to a wonderful man that I love very, very much. I don't go around shouting it to the world, but I am so thankful that God blessed me with a wonderful husband who has turned out to be a fantastic father. (as I knew he would be!)
Nelson and I have now been married for 3 1/2 years and I've loved every minute of it. We've known each other since April 4th, 2002, where we met in PLUS team class. (orientation team at our university) We clicked instantly and he announced to our entire class, "I'm going to marry that girl some day!" (If you know Nelson, you will know that this is sooooo out of his character. God was already intervening there folks!) We got married July 22, 2006 and it was one of the single greatest days of my life. I cannot wait to have more babies together and grow old together. The longer I know Nelson and the more that I learn, the more I realize that God brought us together and that we are meant for each other. We compliment each other so well and look at the world in so many similar ways and want to raise children the same way. All who have met him know how incredibly kind, thoughtful, sensitive and just darn hilarious he is. This year I have also learned just how selfless he is.
Now, I'm about to share something that I (we) haven't told too many people. Mainly because this is now a private blog read only by women. I should say that this information has to do with intimate issues between my husband and I, so those related to us may get slightly uncomfortable. (though it's not really that bad) So, here goes.
Since my daughter was born, I have had to choose between intercourse and breastfeeding.
Now, those of you who have ever seen my child or read this blog know that I am an avid breastfeeding mama, so I think you can easily guess what choice I made. Yup. 9 1/2 months of practicing abstinence. Not since the night before she was born.
I found out that this was an issue around that magic 6 week mark, when we were given the go. We waited a couple of weeks more, because I was still having pain at my incision sight. I learned that I was having major dryness issues and nothing was working to help with the challenge, at least nothing that could be purchased at the drugstore or otherwise. I went to my doctor and she said it was very, very common and that many nursing mothers experience this. She prescribed a cream, told me it would solve the problem and sent me on my way.
I should insert at this point that I don't like to put anything in my body that can alter the quality of my breast milk. I'm not on ANY hormones for birth control. I don't drink anything with caffeine. I don't have any alcohol at all. No pop. I avoid product with high fructose corn syrup and most other processed foods. I eat organic as much as I can. I avoid red meat. I eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy. I don't take any meds unless I know everything I can about them. I've only taken pain killers 3 times since I got pregnant and only for major migraines.
That being said, I got home, read the warnings on the cream and discovered the sentence (written in all caps) WARNING: THIS WILL GET INTO BREAST MILK. PLEASE CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING. It totally freaked me out. I called and talked to the nurse advice line. I called my doctor. I looked online. I talked to my doula. I talked to everyone who could tell me anything about the prescription. No one could give me enough confidence that it was completely safe to take the product. It is hormone based and no one could assure me it wouldn't get into my milk or affect my milk production. I didn't want any hormones going into my baby that I could avoid.
So, I told all of this to my husband. I cried and told him how guilty I felt about my "duties as a wife" and that I love him and want to be able to share that expereince with him. But, I was worried about my milk. And since I want to nurse until she self weans, that could be 2 or 3 year without sex for him.
He didn't even flinch.
He just said, "I'll wait, we have years to do that. Breastfeeding our babies is far more important."
Just like that.
And, he gave me the most romantic gift he ever could have.
I love my husband.
PS There are many OTHER ways to be intimate with your spouse. : )
Nelson and I have now been married for 3 1/2 years and I've loved every minute of it. We've known each other since April 4th, 2002, where we met in PLUS team class. (orientation team at our university) We clicked instantly and he announced to our entire class, "I'm going to marry that girl some day!" (If you know Nelson, you will know that this is sooooo out of his character. God was already intervening there folks!) We got married July 22, 2006 and it was one of the single greatest days of my life. I cannot wait to have more babies together and grow old together. The longer I know Nelson and the more that I learn, the more I realize that God brought us together and that we are meant for each other. We compliment each other so well and look at the world in so many similar ways and want to raise children the same way. All who have met him know how incredibly kind, thoughtful, sensitive and just darn hilarious he is. This year I have also learned just how selfless he is.
Now, I'm about to share something that I (we) haven't told too many people. Mainly because this is now a private blog read only by women. I should say that this information has to do with intimate issues between my husband and I, so those related to us may get slightly uncomfortable. (though it's not really that bad) So, here goes.
Since my daughter was born, I have had to choose between intercourse and breastfeeding.
Now, those of you who have ever seen my child or read this blog know that I am an avid breastfeeding mama, so I think you can easily guess what choice I made. Yup. 9 1/2 months of practicing abstinence. Not since the night before she was born.
I found out that this was an issue around that magic 6 week mark, when we were given the go. We waited a couple of weeks more, because I was still having pain at my incision sight. I learned that I was having major dryness issues and nothing was working to help with the challenge, at least nothing that could be purchased at the drugstore or otherwise. I went to my doctor and she said it was very, very common and that many nursing mothers experience this. She prescribed a cream, told me it would solve the problem and sent me on my way.
I should insert at this point that I don't like to put anything in my body that can alter the quality of my breast milk. I'm not on ANY hormones for birth control. I don't drink anything with caffeine. I don't have any alcohol at all. No pop. I avoid product with high fructose corn syrup and most other processed foods. I eat organic as much as I can. I avoid red meat. I eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy. I don't take any meds unless I know everything I can about them. I've only taken pain killers 3 times since I got pregnant and only for major migraines.
That being said, I got home, read the warnings on the cream and discovered the sentence (written in all caps) WARNING: THIS WILL GET INTO BREAST MILK. PLEASE CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING. It totally freaked me out. I called and talked to the nurse advice line. I called my doctor. I looked online. I talked to my doula. I talked to everyone who could tell me anything about the prescription. No one could give me enough confidence that it was completely safe to take the product. It is hormone based and no one could assure me it wouldn't get into my milk or affect my milk production. I didn't want any hormones going into my baby that I could avoid.
So, I told all of this to my husband. I cried and told him how guilty I felt about my "duties as a wife" and that I love him and want to be able to share that expereince with him. But, I was worried about my milk. And since I want to nurse until she self weans, that could be 2 or 3 year without sex for him.
He didn't even flinch.
He just said, "I'll wait, we have years to do that. Breastfeeding our babies is far more important."
Just like that.
And, he gave me the most romantic gift he ever could have.
I love my husband.
PS There are many OTHER ways to be intimate with your spouse. : )
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
9 Months
It occurred to me this week that we're about to reach a significant date. Miss Kalaya has just about been out of my body longer than she was in it. : ( !!!!!! The thought makes me a bit sad. And it makes me miss being pregnant. But only a little bit! She must be getting older, because we are starting to get, "So, are you thinking of starting to try again soon?" My first reaction is NO!!! She is still a baby!! But, then you realize that the babies would be 18 months apart and that's only if we got pregnant right away. My brother and I are 2 years, 6 days apart. That's not that long to try from now either!! And, we don't want our kids to be too far apart. No more than 3 years. Which means we had planned on trying again in 2011. Seemed far off, but it's already 2010!!!
I should mention the fact that my body in no way appears ready. Since were are still nursing, with only 1-2 solid food meals per day, I haven't started menstruating again. (TMI, but, all my readers are female) No complaints here, believe me!! I am also going to let Kalaya self-wean, so that could happen any time from now until she's 3 or more. Who knows??? Though I am aware that women do get pregnant while nursing. However, I don't think that's really in God's plan right now. However, we do know that we can't wait TOO long!
Each day it's as though Kalaya is figuring out new things. Her language skills are going into overdrive. She sounds so, so close to saying actual words. She adds a new consonant sound to her vocabulary almost every other day. She is saying, bababababa, dadadada, mamamamama, nanananana, papapapapa, gagagagaga and many other random sounds. We love when she experiments with her voice and whispers the sounds. It is very cute. It is fascinating to watch her play independently with toys and any other things she can find. She especially loves kitchen gadgets, such as spatulas and measuring cups. She is very easy to entertain, even things like clean yogurt cups and other recycled things are new toys! Bath time is her absolute favorite time of the day. She would stay in there for an hour if we'd let her and if the water stayed warm long enough! Nelson and I alternate nights getting in the tub with her; we're still not completely confident in her skills sitting up that long, especially since she arches her back when she gets bored or tired. Plus, it's fun!
Kalaya's 9 month appointment is a couple of weeks away. I'm curious about how much she weighs and how long she is. She is wearing all 12 month clothes now and they fit comfortably. We have finally gotten to go shopping, because people don't like to buy larger clothes for baby showers!! Pretty much everything we got (at a total of 5 showers!) was for 3 and 6 months. We got a few 9 and 12, from veteran moms. So, even though we actually have to spend money now, it's fun to shop! I have discovered this GREAT consignment store called "Once Upon a Child" and it is awesome!! The clothes are like new and so in-expensive! We've gotten a LOT of cute stuff there for so cheap! And, it goes up through like size 7, so we can shop there for the next several years. Plus, it's such a green option! Love that!
Every day Kalaya does something new and exciting. She just started pointing today! It doesn't really have a purpose, but she's doing it! She waves now too. She is pretty determined that she is going to figure out this crawling thing soon. She bounces up and down while she's sitting and sometimes launches herself forward at things like toys or the dog. But, she hasn't figured out her back legs yet, so she just flops over and scares herself. She'll get there soon, I know!! Again, I am not in any rush to have a mobile child; I'm savoring these last few weeks (days?) of her reaching to be picked up when she needs help. We can't wait to see what happens next!
Playing with toys, sitting up is her favorite thing to do!
This was the last time she sat in her seat out to eat; she can sit in the high chair now!
Bath time with buddy Elena!
She sits in the rocker and rocks herself! (though one of us has to be RIGHT there, she can slide out!) This was her Valentine outfit!Monday, February 1, 2010
Moral Dilemma
Okay, so couponing (that's a word, right??) has caused a serious moral dilemma for me. Yes, I have this big high when I go to the grocery store and see the "amount saved" part of the receipt. It makes me feel awesome! But, here's confession #1:
For the last 2 weeks, we have been eating crap.
I take that back.
We have been eating like SHIT.
Yes, this is usually a family friendly blog. But, I have to use that word. It's that bad.
So, couponing (spellchecker is saying that's not a word, but I'm sticking with it) has been going well. In a sense. I have been looking in store ads for deals. I have been finding coupons on top of those deals. I have been getting things dirt-cheap and finding amazing bargains. I have planned my meals around these thing too.
The meals are not the problem. Not really. I can talk myself into thinking that the meals have been healthy. They are certainly not total junk. They contain vegetables, are not high fat, etc.
However, very few of the ingredients have been organic.
I know, I know, what's the big deal right?? The big deal is, that is not the norm in our house. And I miss it. And my body totally knows the difference. (this is not the eating like s*** that I referred to. I'll get to that) My conscience feels terrible. I have been buying what is cheapest, rather than what is healthiest or best for the planet.
There is nothing wrong with buying foods that are not organic. Fruits and vegetables, meats, pastas, all of that is good for you.
But we deserve better. All of us. The PLANET deserves better. Because in all honesty, most of the food, even the healthy stuff, in our grocery stores is almost an insult to the true foods. I bought oranges, because they were on sale. They were fine. I ate them. They're good for me, I liked them. But, they had a serious lack of taste.
I would like to mention that my grandmother would tell me at this point, that this is all in my head. Maybe she's right.
However, I remember the first time I tasted an organic oranges. Mmmmm. So juicy and full of flavor! And organic peaches. And grapes....oooohhh organic grapes. If you haven't had organic grapes, go to a farmer's market next year and ask to taste them. More money, but sooooo worth it. And farmers will let you taste for free.
Anyway, I feel guilty for not buying organic. Not that I always by everything organic all the time, especially not meat or cheese. I justify that by how expensive they are. I usually buy organic produce and dry goods. We always buy organic milk. Often yogurt. And cereal. And Miss Kalaya has never had anything that isn't organic.
I'm ready to quit couponing.
Here is why: I HAVE NO SELF CONTROL.
Seriously.
Besides eating so many non-organic items the last 2 week, I ate: An entire bag of Doritos (in 2 days), 2 boxes of Cheeze-Its, 2 bags of Kettle Chips, 2 boxes of Chewy granola bars, and 2 boxes of rice-a-roni. No wonder I've been constipated. TMI, but it has to be said. But, I had coupons. Those items were cheap.
Now, there is nothing wrong with eating those foods. They're not going to kill you. (technically....) Healthy people eat those things all the time. In moderation, they are just fine.
But, I'm better than that.
YOU are better than that. And we're worth so much more than the processed crap (s***) that our country passes off as food. And, unfortunately, it's hard to find coupons for the good, healthy, planet-friendly food we should be eating. Even if I stopped buying that junk food, I can still do better.
You know why the best foods are expensive? Not enough demand. The stores will get rid of that crap they sell, McDonald's will switch to outdoor, free-range, grass fed cattle for their burgers and corn will stop dominating our diet when we demand it. It's basic marketing.
So, even though I'm just one person (well, I shop for 3 people and a dog. Yes, Pippy eats organic dog food only), I'm going to keep doing my part to increase demand. Oh, I can still watch for sales and coupons for the foods I like and try to get good deals. But the truth is, I spent about the same amount on our regular foods as I do when I shop at our favorite store. So, back to Trader Joe's it is. No coupons, but consistent prices. And no brand names to confuse me. Natural ingredients. ORGANIC ingredients. And much, much, MUCH more time going to farmer's markets. Mmmmm.....
Oh, and I'm ready to make the switch to all organic meats. We don't buy pork or beef already. But, I'm ready to eat organic chicken and turkey too. I'm going to start buying meat at Whole Foods when it's on sale and storing it. We only eat it 2-3 times a week anyway.
I'm going back to the goal I made for myself when I got pregnant:
For the last 2 weeks, we have been eating crap.
I take that back.
We have been eating like SHIT.
Yes, this is usually a family friendly blog. But, I have to use that word. It's that bad.
So, couponing (spellchecker is saying that's not a word, but I'm sticking with it) has been going well. In a sense. I have been looking in store ads for deals. I have been finding coupons on top of those deals. I have been getting things dirt-cheap and finding amazing bargains. I have planned my meals around these thing too.
The meals are not the problem. Not really. I can talk myself into thinking that the meals have been healthy. They are certainly not total junk. They contain vegetables, are not high fat, etc.
However, very few of the ingredients have been organic.
I know, I know, what's the big deal right?? The big deal is, that is not the norm in our house. And I miss it. And my body totally knows the difference. (this is not the eating like s*** that I referred to. I'll get to that) My conscience feels terrible. I have been buying what is cheapest, rather than what is healthiest or best for the planet.
There is nothing wrong with buying foods that are not organic. Fruits and vegetables, meats, pastas, all of that is good for you.
But we deserve better. All of us. The PLANET deserves better. Because in all honesty, most of the food, even the healthy stuff, in our grocery stores is almost an insult to the true foods. I bought oranges, because they were on sale. They were fine. I ate them. They're good for me, I liked them. But, they had a serious lack of taste.
I would like to mention that my grandmother would tell me at this point, that this is all in my head. Maybe she's right.
However, I remember the first time I tasted an organic oranges. Mmmmm. So juicy and full of flavor! And organic peaches. And grapes....oooohhh organic grapes. If you haven't had organic grapes, go to a farmer's market next year and ask to taste them. More money, but sooooo worth it. And farmers will let you taste for free.
Anyway, I feel guilty for not buying organic. Not that I always by everything organic all the time, especially not meat or cheese. I justify that by how expensive they are. I usually buy organic produce and dry goods. We always buy organic milk. Often yogurt. And cereal. And Miss Kalaya has never had anything that isn't organic.
I'm ready to quit couponing.
Here is why: I HAVE NO SELF CONTROL.
Seriously.
Besides eating so many non-organic items the last 2 week, I ate: An entire bag of Doritos (in 2 days), 2 boxes of Cheeze-Its, 2 bags of Kettle Chips, 2 boxes of Chewy granola bars, and 2 boxes of rice-a-roni. No wonder I've been constipated. TMI, but it has to be said. But, I had coupons. Those items were cheap.
Now, there is nothing wrong with eating those foods. They're not going to kill you. (technically....) Healthy people eat those things all the time. In moderation, they are just fine.
But, I'm better than that.
YOU are better than that. And we're worth so much more than the processed crap (s***) that our country passes off as food. And, unfortunately, it's hard to find coupons for the good, healthy, planet-friendly food we should be eating. Even if I stopped buying that junk food, I can still do better.
You know why the best foods are expensive? Not enough demand. The stores will get rid of that crap they sell, McDonald's will switch to outdoor, free-range, grass fed cattle for their burgers and corn will stop dominating our diet when we demand it. It's basic marketing.
So, even though I'm just one person (well, I shop for 3 people and a dog. Yes, Pippy eats organic dog food only), I'm going to keep doing my part to increase demand. Oh, I can still watch for sales and coupons for the foods I like and try to get good deals. But the truth is, I spent about the same amount on our regular foods as I do when I shop at our favorite store. So, back to Trader Joe's it is. No coupons, but consistent prices. And no brand names to confuse me. Natural ingredients. ORGANIC ingredients. And much, much, MUCH more time going to farmer's markets. Mmmmm.....
Oh, and I'm ready to make the switch to all organic meats. We don't buy pork or beef already. But, I'm ready to eat organic chicken and turkey too. I'm going to start buying meat at Whole Foods when it's on sale and storing it. We only eat it 2-3 times a week anyway.
I'm going back to the goal I made for myself when I got pregnant:
Eat to nourish your body. Not to fill it up.
Because we're all worth it.
(and I'll let you know if it's really that big of a difference in money spent!)
PS I will still occasionally allow myself Doritos or other junk. The Super Bowl is this Sunday after all. But, my stomach will remind me why I shouldn't not too long after......
PPS If you think it's not worth the extra money, go read Fast Food Nation. Or The Omnivore's Dilemma. Or watch Food Inc. Or King Corn. PLEASE
(and I'll let you know if it's really that big of a difference in money spent!)
PS I will still occasionally allow myself Doritos or other junk. The Super Bowl is this Sunday after all. But, my stomach will remind me why I shouldn't not too long after......
PPS If you think it's not worth the extra money, go read Fast Food Nation. Or The Omnivore's Dilemma. Or watch Food Inc. Or King Corn. PLEASE
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