-Crunchy- Bendy- Mommy-

Who knew subluxes could be helpful?

2011-01-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

It was for me the other night. Well, I'm sure I technically shouldn't have done it. But any mama with a sick baby will bend over backwards for their child, and I had to, quite literally.

My kids are luckily very healthy in general. I think it's a mixture of my breastfeeding them for almost 28 months (YES, proud to say it, and you probably didn't know that is how long it is recommended by most health organizations anyway, did you? Fact o' the day right there) and also my belief (which is scientifically supported) that a little dirt is good for you.

However, we rolled snake-eyes this week and all of us have been sick with a bizarre illness that only reaches minor levels of practically every symptom across the board- No diarrhea or vomiting, but a sour, iffy stomach, no profound fatigue, just slight malaise, no major fever, just a little clammy, no major sinus issue, just a slightly sore throat and minor drainage, etc. Maybe it was a weak flu? We haven't had the flu shot. Really, who knows. Either way, it was not a big deal at all. We were all almost over it, but poor Os last night...well, his drainage was freely flowing and stuff, and I didn't think much of it, but he developed a terrible, crackly, raspy cough last night. Poor Bub couldn't get any sleep. And they are both such cuddlers, I had to lay beside him and let him snuggle and cuddle all night. He kept twisting and turning and rolling and flipping. And rubbing my skin all over. He and Matilda both have this habit. For Tilly, it's ears and cheeks, but especially earlobes. She just rubs them, incessantly at times. And not her own- other people's ears. Oscar does the same, but for elbow skin and bellies. He wanted desperately to rub my elbow skin. A normal person would not be able to lay down and sleep and have their elbow positioned where that skin is all loose and relaxed. However, I have Ehlers Danlos, and was able to sublux my shoulder, which is my worst joint actually, and he was able to rub that elbow skin to his little heart's content and finally was comforted enough to fall asleep.

I know, I know- it isn't good for me to do that, it causes further damage to my ligaments and stuff. But I am his mama, he needed comforting.

A sublux for Os...

2011-01-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

Pretty sure he subluxed his ankle today. He was walking and just collapsed. He cried for a while, but he seems fine now.

In good news, he seems to continue to gain weight and hopefully muscle mass. He and Tilly have their yearly check-up with their ped coming up on the 25h of this month (almost a month early). I'll probably schedule his cardiologist appt for an ultrasound of his heart soon. And Tilly's allergy doctor. I'm pretty sure she is still allergic to pineapple, but I wonder if there is a way they can test her for the mint thing.

Nail It

2010-12-23T13:06:00.001-08:00

Os is having some issues with his nails, especially his toenails. They are super-flimsy and split apart into sheets and crack around the edges. Sometimes I put a clear coat on them, hoping it helps. But I don't think it really does.

So now I want to get him something to specifically help that. The reason EDSers experience this problem with their nails is because keratin is what holds nails together to the finger, and almost entirely comprises it to begin with. Keratin, is a protein and made up of collagen. Collagen is the type of tissue effected by most forms of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Things that are good for healthy nails include Vitamins (especially A, B, C, D, & E) plus calcium and iron, as well as Folic Acid. I know Oscar has at least one copy of my MTHFR as well, which makes it hard for us to absorb B Vitamins (which includes folic acid). Hopefully, he only has one copy of the gene, so then he has a potentially good copy of a regular gene that makes him the correct enzyme.

So now I gotta find something to help strengthen his nails, something he'll let me apply, and something that hopefully isn't too expensive.

These are some of my ideas:
http://www.dermstore.com/product_Nail+Strengthener+Cream+_20980.htm
http://www.amazon.com/MAVALA-NAIL-SHIELD-BOTTLES-3oz/dp/B0013BWJPE
http://www.amazon.com/Bio-Nail-Strengthener-Conditioning-Beautiful/dp/B003JI57IA
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00028N7Z0

There and back again...

2010-12-22T17:40:00.000-08:00

It's been a while. I have been busy. I am trying to get into the nursing program at a local community college and started working on some of the pre-reqs this past fall semester. I took Anatomy and Physiology I, British Literature, and Developmental Psychology. Those last two, I've taken before, and I was retaking them to improve my GPA. A&P, however, was a class I haven't had before. I had heard it was difficult. I guess people underestimate both my medical history and my personal hobby with all things scientific and medical. It wasn't that hard for me, and I ended up with all As this semester, which is exciting. Next semester, I have Medical Terminology, A&P II, and Microbiology. I am currently enrolled in First Aid as well, but it's odd hours, so I think I will change it to something else with better hours.

Oscar and I have been doing fairly well. He has managed to put on 2/3 of an inch since October, which thrills me beyond words. He basically only gained 1 inch all of last year. He still hasn't gained much weight to speak of, but I am happy with growth in height. He also has been improving with his speech. He has a narrow palate, crossbite, and overbite, and those all add up to wonky speech issues. Specifically, he has trouble forming "fricatives." Basically, if it is a sound that involves the use of his tongue or lower lips touching or narrowing near his upper palate or teeth, he has trouble. His "t" makes a "ch" sound, his "l" sound makes "eh" or "yeh" sounds, his "y" sound makes a long "i" sound, he can't crisply end his consonants like "t" or "d" very well. There are other examples, and not to mention the fact that he slurs and spits a lot as well.

To correct this, he will need a palate expander placed when he is 5 or 6 years old, and he will work up to braces later and have them for several years and then even when they are removed, he will need to use a retainer for the rest of his life to keep the palate and his teeth from returning to the original, incorrect, narrow shape. I really really really really really dread this. I mean, really really really, totally and utterly dread it. It will be painful, and I am sure he might be teased for being a 1st grader or even kindergartner with braces, as if he didn't run a high risk of that because of his clumsiness and small stature. That is probably one of my largest concerns for him- finding his place in the world and people not teasing him and beating down his dreams.

Anyone with EDS-kids or just kids needing palate expanders in general, please shoot me an email, I'd love to find out more about it. They both have their cleaning, which they get every 3 months, plus a good fluoride treatment. For Os, it's especially important, it helps him avoid cavities.

What's been going on...

2010-07-19T19:25:00.001-07:00

It's been a while. In fact, my last post was about a yard sale I had basically exactly a year ago. In that post, I vowed to never do another. How low would your jaw drop drop to find out I'm having another this week. Go figure...

So, in this year, a couple things have happened. In September, I got pregnant. In October, I miscarried. I had some blood tests done and we discovered I have a genetic mutation called MTHFR, which is an acronym for a really long enzyme that I fail to make. This enzyme is what helps with metabolism of B vitamins, especially folic acid. Folic acid is the vitamin that is known to be so beneficial for growing embryos.

Unfortunately, this isn't the only issue I have to work with. In addition to the MTHFR, as well as my PCOS, which can also cause miscarriages, Oscar and I have also been diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder, called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Basically, our DNA has a mutation which tells our body the wrong way to make collagen. Collagen makes up many different tissues and parts of your body. Bones, such as teeth, organs, skin, ligaments, tendons, eyes, and several other things are comprised of collagen. With Ehlers Danlos, these tissues are weaker and more prone to situations such as hernias, prolapses, subluxations and dislocations, joint pain, and even in more extreme cases, aneurysms and aortic dissections. There are many different forms of Ehlers Danlos, at least 12, and they have some similarities, and a few key differences. Some of the forms are not as dangerous as others, but some are dangerous indeed.

Our doctor thinks we have a relatively non-risky form called Hypermobility EDS, or Type 3. It's also possible we have Classic, Type 1 or 2. Without genetic testing, it's hard to say, and insurance companies are stingy with the testing, so since the treatment really won't differ between those types, we haven't been tested for our specific variant yet.

It's a genetic disorder, and in our case, it's autosomal dominant, which means it only takes one copy of the gene for the disorder to present itself. Oscar got it from me, and I got it from my family, most likely. It can happen as a random mutation, but in my case, there are family members with similar symptoms.

Anyway, we've been seeing doctors for our issues and so far all looks good. I just need to lose weight and build muscle mass. For Oscar, we need to encourage muscle mass and low-impact physical activity. He and I have been swimming a lot this summer, so I'm hoping it's paying off.

Anyway, this disorder also has a nasty reputation for causing pregnancy-related issues like miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes, and early labor. So, if we ever have another kid, I will have to be followed by a high-risk doctor.

So that's we were are.

It's been forever

2010-07-19T18:24:00.001-07:00

Haven't posted in forever, but I'm going to try. Just waiting for inspiration.

Yard Sale

2009-08-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

How how I loathe running yard sales! Especially since I apparently chose the hottest, muggiest days known to existence to have it. Oh well, at least we made $165. Pretty good, for stuff I was going to give away for free anyway!

Wednesday's Walk 7/22/2009

2009-07-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

I was made aware of this blog carnival by another beautiful blog,

She got it from the original blog, here where blogger Lynette Kraft writes "Join me for Wednesday's Walk Down Memory Lane! It's a brand new blogging opportunity designed to help you document those precious times in your life that you don't want to forget! If you print your weekly memories you can begin your own book that you can give to your children someday! (And pull it out every now and then to share stories with your family. Kids love to be told stories about themselves, and stories from momma's childhood!)"

So, here is my first "Wednesday's Walk."

My husband and I had been trying for a while, even before being married, if truth be known. Regardless of a paper document and vows spoken before friends and family, we were already committed to one another, just as much as when we said our vows. In our hearts, we were married. We both felt led, by God, that we were to go ahead and to try and start our family. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and knew it would take forever to get pregnant, and we wanted to avoid fertility treatments if possible. So, I charted my basal body temperature and we tried. But I never would ovulate. To get pregnant, you MUST ovulate. Your eggos can't get preggo if there aren't any eggos to begin with! So, needless to say, we ultimately ended up needing clomid. I was disappointed but also excited, since now we felt like we finally had a chance! Several months, and the clomid did work. I did ovulate. But we still never got pregnant. Til the 4th cycle. I got pregnant that January (2006). I was sick as a dog and definitely feeling the hormones pretty stoutly. Yet, I have always been a worrywort, so in the back of my mind, I had raging anxiety. When we had our first ultrasound, part of me wasn't surprised when they told us it wasn't a viable pregnancy. I had a blighted ovum. I was heart-broken, and though initially my doctor told me to hold to hope that a second ultrasound 10 days later would show a baby, maybe I had ovulated later than I thought. But I knew...from charting I knew exactly when I'd ovulated, and by my early positive on a home pregnancy test, I had to have gotten a positive at 4 days after ovulation for it to be as late as it was on the ultrasound. I did have more ultrasounds though, I never could give up completely, til I knew for sure. Each ultrasound was 10-14 days after the last one, with the very first one at almost 8 weeks. I was approaching 10 weeks, and at 15 weeks he said they would want to induce me versus a d&e, so I made the decision after the last ultrasound showed it was breaking down and there was still no sign of a baby at all. I knew then there was no hope. My baby was long gone.

I was heart-broken, but I trusted in the Lord's timing. This wasn't my baby, this was the Lord's baby, and He'd taken it back, nearly as soon as he'd given it to my body. For whatever reason, I had to trust in that or I would be eaten alive by fear, rage, and sorrow. So I had a d&e, my first ever stay in a hospital, and we named our baby Quinn Dallas, a name I felt worked for a boy or a girl. Dallas was my great great grandmother's middle name, and little did we know, but just a few short months later, we'd buy her house, even if we didn't know it at first. I kinda feel in my mommy gut that Quinn was a boy. Just a feeling. I wish we'd done the testing, but our insurance wouldn't pay for it and my doctor said there wasn't enough tissue regardless. I think it would help, if I had answers as to why it happened. But then again, I know it wouldn't.

But help most certainly did follow. We were given the green-light to try again, and again with the clomid we returned to TTC. A cycle passed, and nothing. But then we went on vacation, to Gatlinburg. I ovulated while there, we road a roller coaster at Dollywood, and we had fun with friends from my most favorite site ever in the world and lo and behold.

which led to this:

then this:

some more of this:

and finally, this:

So, I know now why I couldn't have Quinn here with me Earth. If I had not lost Quinn, I couldn't have Oscar and Matilda. And in a perfect world, I most certainly want all of them, including a miscarriage I had with my ex-husband. But it's not a perfect world. But God's will IS perfect, and I trust in that.

Me and Mrs. Jones

2009-07-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful neighbor, Mrs. Jones. She is about 80 and is always coming over and bringing me treats like flowers and home-grown pecans, or just dropping by to chat and compliment my roses. She is such a sweetie. But I was feeling like a terrible neighbor- I never did that for her. So I made her some banana muffins.

I started, with my fave recipe from my fave cookbook. Mine is a 1946 reprint. It used to belong to my great grandmother, Leva.

You take 1 and 3/4 all-purpose flour plus 2 Tbsp of baking powder and 3/4 tsp of salt, or 1 and 3/4 cups of self-rising flour, which is what I always use. Then add 1/2 cup of sugar. I added 1 tsp of cinnamon as well, my own personal flair I suppose. And I never sift, I always use a whisk, til it's smooth.

Then you add 2-3 mashed bananas (let them get over-ripe for easier mashing and smoother baking) plus 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup of melted shortening. For me, the end result was way too dry/sticky, maybe I used too much banana or flour.

So I added half of one of these, which I have like 400 billion of. Another bit o' personal flair. MMM....apple prune juice.

That addition made the consistancy PERFECT, and man, did that batter smell GOOD!

Then you bake them about 380 degrees for 20 or so minutes, I think mine ended up being 25 minutes. It really depends on your oven. Just play around with it, being very modest at first, until you see how long it will take. Don't wanna burn them!

Oh, and if you are trying a new recipe and plan on giving it as a gift or taking it to a potluck or whatever, I recommend muffins. That way you can sample one to make sure it's tasty and edible before giving it.

Enjoy!

No longer a "Not Me Monday" virgin

2009-07-13T22:58:00.001-07:00

I definitely did NOT make cookies today, just for the express purpose of using the chocolate-covered sunflower seeds I thought I wanted to eat but ultimately didn't enjoy. It must have been from a bad batch. I certainly didn't eat the entire first bag I got. and I most certainly didn't travel 6 hours away just to get the dang things.

I know I didn't sneak an Archie comic into the grocery cart and I certainly didn't feign stomach upset just to have some private moments in the bathroom to read it.

I also am for certain that I did not forget to properly set my oven and microwave clocks after the blackout yesterday and did not thusly try to put my kids down for a nap 2 hours before bedtime. Not me!

How to make fried chicken...

2009-07-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

I had dinner tonight with my great grandmother. In spirit at least. :)

I went delving through her old house the other day. It's mostly junk, and the house is literally falling apart. But I did find a few gems. Keep in mind, one man's trash is another man's treasure, and that second man is probably me. Or woman rather... That goes without saying, but I said it anyway.

But I digress- I decided to make dinner "with" this lady tonight. Of course, an occasion such as this calls for fried chicken.

First you take a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. Being well-seasoned by your cherished great grandmother's hands 50+ years ago is entirely optional, but I swear it makes everything taste better.

Then you use whatever oil of choice in a med-high heat (I set mine to a 6). Vegetable oil is probably most common per Suth'n tradition, but I prefer regular olive oil, non extra-virgin. Extra virgin has too much flavor for me I think, the flavors compete in the fried chicken. Using your very last bit of olive oil is entirely optional and NOT recommended, as it means you have to go to the grocery store tomorrow.

Then you make your dredge. I typically grab several things and ad lib it. Every time is something different. It typically is some variation of what I have pictured below. I do about a cup and a half of flour, and 1 heaping Tbsp each of the other stuff, except the salt, that I just sprinkle a bit. Maybe 1/2 a tsp if I guesstimate. Using your great grandmother's antique bowls is again, entirely optional, but prefered. I wonder what the last thing she did with them was?

Then I make my egg mixture to bind the flour. I use 1 egg, about an 1/8 or so cup of milk (buttermilk or whole milk is best, but I didn't have any today) and I like to add a shot of worchestershire sauce. I call it wista-sher sauce by the way, and I don't think I'll ever be convinced to call it anything else.

Make sure the egg mixture and flour mixture are both well-whisked. I never sift flour btw, I always just whisk it. And have another bowl handy filled with bread crumbs. Or crumbled chips and crackers. Even corn flakes! Whatever floats your boat! My husband and I both prefer whole wheat crackers, oddly enough. Has an interesting flavor. Anyway, I set it up as thus, to minimize mess and nuisance. Chicken goes to my 4 o'clock, egg wash to my 6 o'clock, flour at 10 and bread crumbs at 2. I take the chicken (pre-salted) and dip in the egg, then the flour, and give it a lick and a promise kinda coating (not very much) and then into the crumbs, and then back into the flour. I make sure I coat it very well this second time. Then plop into the now hot oil in the skillet. Oh, and be sure and save a portion of the flour mixture before you start this process, for the gravy later.

Continue til all the chicken is in the skillet and happily sizzling. Granny Gran, can you smell it?

Now here is the tricky part. You don't want to bother it too much, or the breading will fall apart. I let it go maybe 5 minutes before turning it the first time. Then I turn them over every 3-4 minutes afterwards til they are a nice golden brown. Feel free to cut into it and check and make sure it's done before serving. You probably knew that anyway, but hey, I felt like saying it anyway.

And we're done!

Now, time for gravy! Some say this is the best part. I can't say I disagree. You take your still sizzling skillet full of chicken drippings and stuff, taking care to use a fork and fish out any large clumps of breading, or not, whatever, I rarely do.

Add that flour you saved earlier.

Splash in some milk, or water if you prefer, about 1/4 a cup? I have no idea exact measurements for this, I literally splash it in there.

Here you need to hurry, it will set quick. Stir continuously and as soon as you think you see it's almost set where you want it, transfer it to another bowl, which you have previously set aside in a handy location. It will continue to set in that bowl. If you wait til it's already set as thick as you want in the skillet, it will be too thick by the time it's in the bowl. It happens really fast, I promise! If you do happen to let it overthicken, just splash in a bit more milk. And if need be, if you over-compensated and it's too thin, add more flour. And voila, gravy! Spilling milk as you do your patented "splash" is entirely optional and not at all recommended, unless you enjoy extra range-scrubbing.

Enjoy your classic southern meal! I like to serve mine with mashed potatoes and green beans. The gravy goes great with the mashed potatoes too. Oh, and finishing it off with some faux tea in your great granny's carnival glass pitcher is entirely optional as well, but oh so recommended.

For some reason, I feel like I should say "entirely optional" one more time.

Waterlogged

2009-06-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

On my husband's side of the family, they are all about water safety. My husband, his sister, and her mother were all lifeguards before and it's a subject dear to their hearts. Considering my own fear of water and my own terrible swimming ability that's taken years and much help/instruction on improving, I also wanted to make water safety a priority with my kids. This year, like last year, we focus on getting them not only used to the water, but to also have a respect for it. We also try to train them to instinctively go for the edge of the pool, if they fell/got in.

So, today was our first day in the pool this year. Here they are jumping into awaiting arms.

A Breastfeeding Checklist

2009-06-18T19:29:00.001-07:00

Before ever having children, before even trying to conceive children, I knew I wanted to breastfeed. I had learned of the many benefits of breastfeeding. I was determined. Plus, I am an admitted hippie and it's honestly the hippie thing to do. And that was that.

While trying to conceive, I informed myself even more, now placing emphasis on improving the chances for success at breastfeeding. When I learned I was pregnant, and especially when it was discovered to be twins, well, I was even more revved up for it. I read books, websites, consulted with other moms who've breastfed. I did it all.

Despite my immense desire and drive to breastfeed, the whole time I also held a healthy acceptance of the fact that it may not work out. Indeed, many mothers don't breastfeed, for various reasons. Whether by lack of a healthy supply, not enough family support, or simply because for whatever reason, it's not a good fit for your family, and I fully support that. I admit- there are things about breastfeeding that are irksome and not at all glamorous as you'd imagine something so natural and elemental, and almost magical, to be. A large part of it is, or was for me, but that painful and annoying underbelly is indeed there. It's just something you have to decide for yourself. For me, I was excited and ready.

So when Oscar and Matilda was born 6 weeks early, I put forth every bit of knowledge I'd gleamed from my many resources, every aged tome, every acronym-laden mommy forum, every parenting magazine, every cheesy birth show on daytime cable, you name it. And come up with this lovely to-do list for myself. I followed it to the T for the first month or so, and most of it til Oscar was finally getting his milk from the tap versus pumped, which was around 3 months old. It makes me look/sound pretty OCD, I admit, but hey, maybe I am.

Either way, it's pretty cool I think. I still have it too, tucked in their keep-sake drawer.

28 months old!

2009-06-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

So, the kids are now 28 months old. I have absolutely no idea on their height/weight, I'm guessing around 32-33 inches tall and 24-26 lbs? They haven't been to the doctor's since their 2 year check-up, which went smashingly. Healthy as can be! And I am so in love with their pediatrician, Dr. Amy Self. She is so knowledgeable and comforting, and so supportive of parents' right to parent as they see fit (within reason of course.) She just loved that I was still breastfeeding them. She walked in and immediately goes "ok, first things first, are you still breastfeeding?" When I replied that yes I was, she slapped her hand on her knee and goes "I KNEW it! I knew you could do it! That is just awesome!" It's nice getting that sort of support and encouragement, when you have had your fill of random strangers and distant family members sharing their negative opinions. It gets old, really quick and I don't mind saying it!

With a heavy heart however, I must confess, the kids are now weaned. I stopped them cold-turkey. It was getting were it felt strange and I felt like it was keeping them from eating more solids, and since they, or Oscar to be specific, was not eating much at all and not gaining weight, sometimes even losing it, I felt it was the best decision for our family. As much as I miss it, and believe me, I do, I still do feel it was the best decision. His appetite for solid foods have picked up, so I guess it was a success? They still ask for it, but they don't get upset like they did the first week. It was just so hard to arbitrarily decide to stop, when they were getting so much enjoyment out of it, and I enjoyed those special snuggles too. It was like for those moments, they were my teeny tiny babies still, comforted by their mommy like no one else could. Oh well...on to happier things...

They are both evolving from toddlers to little children, with the advent of their own little games. It is so intriguing to watch. One game in particular I think is something of their own invention. It seems basically like tag, except you sit there and just tag each other in the chest, while giggling and going "Gassy!" At first, you'd think they were saying "Got you" or "Gotcha" but they can say that clearly, so I have no idea what they are saying. But they love the game, so I guess that's all that matters. They also love kitchen play and working in the garden. Oscar especially loves helping me with chores, and his dearest favorite is to help me wash the laundry. He must assist in every step of the way, from transferring the wet laundry to the dryer, putting the dirty in the washer, adding the soap, twisting the knobs, turning it on, and then overseeing the water filling up. We cannot leave til he sees bubbles. It's funny...and a bit OCD I believe? LOL. And Matilda really couldn't care less about helping with chores, she is all about her jewelry and stickers. We've been trying to potty train them, or at least get Matilda not so terrified of pooping in general, so we've taken to giving them stickers as "potty prizes." I got them a roll of stickers from the Dollar Tree, a buck for a whole roll. Tilly only wants the pink one. She also only wants the orange vitamin. She is getting picky picky with colors!

So, that's our update. Here is a recent picture. This is from our family church's "homecoming" where everyone comes over one Sunday, brings a dish, and we sit around, socialize, and visit the graves of those who've passed before us.

After a hiatus...

2009-06-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

We're back! Sorry for the lack of activity. Just kind of got carried away with other things. But now we're back, so be sure and come back to visit us. :)

First, a recap of our summer thus far...

I've been working with my garden pretty heavily this year, and was expecting a boon of strawberries. Well, the raccoons, slugs, beetles, and birds all have different ideas on that. But finally, I think we have such a plethora of berries, that even all the wildlife can't eat them all up. Here is a recent batch. Tiny, but so juicy and just the perfect tarty sweetness.

A bounty of herbs: coriander, chives, oregano, rosemary, lavender, italian basil, dill, sage, thyme...plus a single berry. This was when the various varmints were getting into my garden and absconding with the fruits of my labor. Literally!

And my pride and joy, my great great grandmother's rose. She lived in this house before we did, many years ago. The house changed hands, to non-family, several times I believe, and it now back to us. I've been struggling to identify the particular rose it is, but I feel confident now that it's Nurse Edith Cavell.

So, that's it for now, but I will update on the kiddos soon!

My Twins Are 2!

2009-02-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

And still happily breastfed!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-24T12:41:00.001-08:00

Fluff

2008-10-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

I love cloth diapers. It's not as hard as you think either. You just put them on, and then when they are dirty, you wash them. Voila! There are certain detergents to use but it's not near the rocket science it's often perceived to be. Nor as gross.

Pictured above, my two rascals are dancing in front of a fan in a blue Kissaluv sherpa fitted (Oscar) and a farm-print terry cotton fitted by Patchwork Pixie (Matilda). Typically fitteds use covers, but in this case, they were coverless. The covers are made of water-resistant fabrics like fleece, wool, or polyurethane laminate (aka PUL) fabric.

The more classic-style diaper, flats or prefolds, also require a cover. We have some prefolds, like this one Matilda is wearing, also from Patchwork Pixie, bought used and in excellent shape, from Meagan (owner of PWP herself). They no longer need pins to fasten, there is a wonderful invention called a Snappi that holds it all together.

Here is an example of a cover. This is a purple fleece cover from Calico Baby. It goes over fitteds and prefolds.

Then there are "all-in-one" styles, such as what Oscar is wearing. This is a Mudpie. All-in-ones are just what it says- all-in-one. An outside layer of something water-resistant, much like a cover. Inside there is an absorbant material, often velour, cotton, flannel, etc. These are great because unless there is a poop, you can just swap the wet liners out with a clean one, it's very practical. The downside is they tend to be more expensive. And most are made out of PUL which breaks down faster than other materials.

Here's my favorite- it's a "pocket" style. It's basically like a all-in-one, but is pillow sham-esque in that you stuff the water-resistant cover with an absorbant liner. They are easy as pie and I wish I had 2 dozen. The best, in my opinion, is Fuzzi Bunz. Here is Oscar modeling a train print Fuzzi Bunz.

By the way, all but the Calico Baby cover and the blue Kissaluv were bought used (aka previously loved) and are in great condition, no stains or anything. The Kissaluv is a "seconds" which means it is imperfect in a cosmetic way and still works as efficiently as a regular quality Kissaluv. In my case, I can't tell what is different, it looks great to me.

Moo...Yay...

2008-10-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Found some yummy locally-produced milk. There is a great Mennonite family that lives in our town and they sell milk, ice cream, butter, cheese, molasses, and other stuff. They are in town every Tuesday. I'll definitely be hitting them up. The milk is so good, it's so creamy and clean tasting. I did get some gas later, I suspect it's too rich for as tall a glass as I like to drink. Worth it though.

Random Chicken

2008-10-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Occasionally for dinner I will make "random chicken" which is basically chicken baked in whatever I have on hand, nothing special. This time I decided to use stuff from my garden. In this case:

approx 2 Tbsp chopped chives
approx 1 tsp chopped purslane leaves
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 package Chik Fil A Polynesian sauce
approx 1/4 cup red wine vinaigrette

It was ok. Definitely maintained the tropical sweet kick of the sauce, but nice and herby with the chives and purslane. Chad said it was ok to put "in rotation" so I guess it was pretty decent. I thought it looked pretty too.

KISS

2008-10-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

Keep It Simple Sweetheart...

Remember that catch-phrase?

Well, I am trying to implement it. First area of attack- KITCHEN!

Look for an update soon.

Pumpkin Hunting

2008-10-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Took the kids to get pumpkins. Hard to get decent pics, they were too excited. Click the pictures for larger versions.

Me=Dunce

2008-10-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

I broke my sewing machine I think. Can someone wiser than me figure out what I did? It all started when I tried to make a shirt for my cousin's daughter's birthday. My cousin is a major Elvis fan, so I wanted to sew a panel of this fabric onto a plain shirt for her daughter. I have a simple machine and the prettiest stitch I can make is a zig zag. Well...it started great. Til I realized I had sewn through both layers, front and back, of the shirt. DOH!

I removed the screwed up shirt and went and bought another and tried again but this time my zig wouldn't zag. The top stitching is working, but the under-stitching isn't. I probably am not using the right terms, sorry. Complete novice here.

Can anyone see what I have done wrong? I had my granny and mom, both experienced at sewing, and they don't see a problem with anything and can't figure out how to fix it. I keep rethreading it and rethreading it and it does it EVERY TIME. Also, the thread comes out oily. And my last project was a mei tai carrier. I think I tried to sew through too thick a set of layers and it bucked on me once or twice and since then, it's been acting ugly. But rethreading it always fixed it.

Flowers and herbs

2008-10-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

My rose bush, perhaps a rugosa or Dr. Huey? Was planted by my great grandmother Maudie circa 1960.

At first I thought this was some strange moth that looked like a spider. Then I realized it was a spider eating a moth. That explains it!

Here are my lovely chives.

and my strawberries (Quinault)

A mystery plant, maybe an herb that I planted early spring and forgot about? It's all around that side of the bed. It looks familiar. I admit though, it may just be some random weed.

Another mystery plant. I think it looks like basil or oregano, both of which I also planted in the bed early spring/summer. My granny says it's poke salad. Who knows?

My lovely lavender...

and some visitors...

and my daisies and marigolds...

cookies...mmmm

2008-10-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

I've restarted my new "lifestyle". I refuse to call it a diet. This is something I want to keep up forever. But I am really wanting to bake some of my tried-n-true chocolate chip cookies.

God grant me strength!

Obama Mama

2008-10-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

I am voting for Obama.

There...I said it.

I am Christian and pro-life, but I don't think Roe vs. Wade will ever be overturned, and that, coupled with the terrible treatment of the middle class and underprivileged, I am happily and confidently casting my vote for Obama come Election Day. Even though I know in TN, this vote will be basically meaningless. It means a lot to me. I am making my vote on principle and have put much thought into it. To me that makes it mean more, at least philosophically, than someone who cast their vote without research or delving further into the topics that come across their desks in e-mail forwards, usually tantamount to urban legend, pure fabrication. Same goes for the mud-slinging ads, and as far as that goes, I am disappointed in both candidates.

Anyway...here in Tennessee, its electoral votes will undoubtedly go to McCain. Especially in West TN, where I live. Funny family history trivia is relevant here. My great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather, Captain Asa Nelson "Black Hawk" Hays, who served in the Civil War, pro-Union, was once said to be such a devout Republican that he ordered his children to never vote Democrat, or else they'd be outcast from the family.

Sorry Grandpa Asa, I think the world is vastly different. Please don't disown me. ;)

Trip down memory lane...

2008-09-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

I decided I'd "introduce" everyone to my children. They were born 6 weeks early. Matilda Raven was born first, at 7:28 pm on 2/23/07, after 2.5 hours of pushing, plus 11 hours of labor. She came into the world pink and screaming, her APGARs were a stout 9 and 10. Oscar Robert was born exactly 2.5 hours later, at 9:58 pm, 2/23/07, after about 2 hours of pushing. But he wasn't born vaginally. I pushed for those 2 hours and unfortunately, he wasn't coming out and his heart rate kept dropping, so he was born via an emergency c-section. My doctor cut me vertically on my stomach but my womb he cut transverse, in hopes of aiding a future VBAC. Oscar was very sick. He never cried and needed immediate intubation and help breathing. By 6 am the next morning, he was on a ventilator. He had developed pneumonia in both lungs with one collapsing and the other 3/4 collapsed. In the meantime, I pumped my breasts and tried to deal with all the stress as best I could. Matilda did excellent, thank God, and 9 days after being born, she came home. She was exclusively breastfed and off the pumped milk, by 2 weeks old. Oscar struggled for 6 days at our birth hospital, and was transferred to Vanderbilt because nothing else could be done where we were and Vandy had ECMO, basically a heart/lung bypass machine for babies. He was there for another 5-6 days and sent back to Jackson after regaining strength and being weaned from the ventilator to CPAP. He stayed in Jackson's NICU another 2-3 weeks and came home to us at a month and a day old, on oxygen and apnea monitors. Those first months were a blur and he refused the breast at first. For months I tried and I was just about to give up when my mother-in-law, who had breastfed her children, came up with the ingenious idea to get him going on a bottle and then switcheroo to my breast. It worked and from then on he started refusing bottles. They are both still breastfed now, at 19 months old, and show little sign of stopping any time soon. I am extremely proud of myself for this accomplishment. I can't express how much I love breastfeeding my children. Don't get me wrong, I rant and rave about some of the negatives like night-feedings and refusing bottles and such, but I still love it. Anyway, here is a picture-filled timeline of the answers to my most oldest prayer...my children.

It's TWINS!

My last belly pic, at almost 32 weeks, just 2 weeks before they were born.

Matilda, first born

Oscar, first born

"kangaroo care" in the NICU with Oscar, about 4 weeks old.

Matilda's first cloth diaper! Shout out to Muttaqin for the diaper and Pishypants for the tie-dyed cover. She is about 4 weeks old.

Together again for the first time since birth, 1 month old

Breakin' out the bumbos...about 3 months old.

Mama kisses! About 4 months old. Oscar had just started breastfeeding from the "tap", notice the new chub!

at the Pumpkin Patch, 8 months old

Good Morning! 9 months old

Bathtime, 9.5 months old

Merry Christmas! 10 months old

Happy Birthday Oscar and Matilda!

Fun in the sun! 16 months old

Playing with bubbles, 17 months old

Hairbow Medusa and Angus Young...18 months old. Shout out to Batik Bum for the AC/DC diaper cover! Love it!

Well, there you have it. My kids, my blessings, my all.

What sort of Mom are you? (quiz)

2008-09-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

I have researched the topic thoroughly and have uncovered a completely 100% accurate way to determine what sort of mother you are:

Pick which answer most describes your parenting:

1) What sort of delivery did/will you have?
a. A hospital birth, I'm concerned about safety if I did not.
b. A birthing center, near the hospital. Best of both worlds!
c. In the comfort of my home, where else would be better?

2) Will/did you receive pain medication?
a. Load me up baby! I want to enjoy my labor!
b. I'll try it without it, but won't beat myself up if I end up getting it.
c. I want to do it au naturale. I want my child born drug-free.

3) If you have a son, did/will you circumcise?
a. Yes! I feel it is easier/healthier, his father is circed, I don't want him teased, etc
b. I'm unsure. I may leave it up to his father to decide.
c. No way! It is completely unnecessary and is a risky procedure.

4) Will your child receive vaccinations?
a. Yes, and on the typical schedule. I feel the benefits outweigh the risks.
b. Yes, but on a delayed or modified schedule. I think this issue warrants more study.
c. No, my child has/will not be vaccinated. There are too many questions that need answers.

5) Do/did you plan to breastfeed?
a. No, formula is nutritious and satisfactory for my child.
b. I'll try it, but if it doesn't work out, that's ok too.
c. I am committed to breastfeeding. Breast is best.

6) If you breastfeed, how long will you breastfeed your child?
a. I'll just try to let baby receive the colostrum, the best milk.
b. My goal is 6 months to 12 months, give or take.
c. I plan on extended-nursing and/or child-led weaning.

7) What about slinging/baby-wearing your child?
a. I tried it, but I never got the hang of it.
b. We use a Bjorn, especially during shopping trips/walks.
c. I have a mei-tai, pouch, wrap, or ring-sling and use it very often.

8) Do you use any sleep-training/scheduling?
a. Yes, it was too hard to deal with no sleep. My baby thrives on a routine.
b. Somewhat. We modified it to fit our family situation.
c. No way! I follow my child's cues and it's worked out wonderfully!

9) Would you consider cloth diapers?
a. No, they sound like a lot of work, and that's the last thing I need.
b. I would try them, but I really don't think it's for me.
c. Oh yeah! I love the savings and the cute fluffy butts!

10) What foods do you give your child?
a. Typical baby stuff such as jarred purées, rice cereal, puffs, the occasional fast food treat
b. Typical baby stuff, but I try to get only organic brands, and I limit fast food.
c. I make all our babyfood myself, using fruits and veggies I myself grew. Absolutely no processed-food.

Answer key
mostly a's: You try to make the best decision for your family. You are an awesome mother!
mostly b's: You try to make the best decision for your family. You are an awesome mother!
mostly c's: You try to make the best decision for your family. You are an awesome mother!

There you have it! What sort of mother are you?

It's normal, dang-it!

2008-09-25T19:42:00.001-07:00

I am still breastfeeding my twins Oscar and Matilda. They are 19 months old.

*gasp*

That's 18 months more than is considered normal here. You can make it to 6 months, but before then you have already been bombarded with all manner of "advice." Be it well-meaning and merely misinformed aunties or downright rude and cruel strangers, it's still the same result. Little to no confidence or self-esteem in what is a process closely connected to the mother's confidence and stress. But I digress...

Yes, they have teeth, and yes they've bitten me. So what? If they throw their bottle or chew the nipple, does that mean they should be weaned?

Yes, they can ask for it. "Mama! Booboo?" "Why, yes son, you may"... If I kid can ask for "baba" does that prompt a bottle-weaning?

So, congrats! You made it to 6 months. Say hello to a semi-comfortable, unwanted-advice-free period from 6 months to 10 months, at least it was that way for me. I guess people thought, 'Well, she didn't wean at 6 months, I guess she'll do it at 12 months.' So when that deadline started creeping up, so did the inquiries about weaning. People started with the:

"Surely you'll wean it before it's birthday!"
"She can walk! Surely you're weaning her."
"You've done a great job so far. Surely you want a break."

Um...no- we're not weaning. And don't call me Shirley.

So after their birthday, it was like open season. Luckily the people most close to me who were being negative were keeping mum. I guess by now they got it. Now came the uncomfortable silences when I would try to open dialogue with other moms, trying to make some friends. You tell someone you're still breastfeeding your toddler and they get this look. It's like you just said you feed them dog food. Actually, something worse than that- it's like breastmilk suddenly takes on this perverted or disturbing association. So, instead of dog food...maybe more like you just admitted you like to feeding your kid eat dog crap smoothies. Yeah, that describes that look much better.

Not only do you experience this from the lady you met in line at Kroger, but from medical professionals as well.

My son had physical therapists and some were very aggressive in encouraging weaning him. Not to mention the doctor visits I had for myself for various reasons. I actually had one convo with a dermatologist go thusly:

Doc: So, any allergies or anything?
Me: No, but I am breastfeeding.
Doc: Oh, that's nice. How old is the baby?
Me: It's twins actually, they're 14 months old.
Doc: HAHA! Seriously?
Me: *uncomfortable* Yeah...
Doc: What, do you just lay up and give them each a breast?
Me: Uh...yeah... it's easier that way.
Doc: Oh man...that's funny...*continues chuckling*

No, I won't be going back to him.

I can complain all I want but luckily I do have support. Most of my family are supportive, despite most being inexperienced with breastfeeding. Our hospital was very supportive of my efforts to breastfeed my twins. Oscar was very sick at birth and his doctor at Vanderbilt told me "It's as good as medicine." Their pediatrician is perhaps my most treasured gem. She is completely supportive and encouraging of extended nursing and child-led weaning. She herself has extended-nursed 5 children.

Bottom line, breastfeeding is natural and normal and most optimum for babies. You can't deny that. The AAP recommends:

"Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child... Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother... There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (2005)

The American Academy of Family Physicians noted:

"If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned." (2001)

Katherine Dettwyler, an anthropologist, researched lactaction and nursing among various mammals and found a range of typical weaning, in comparable human age, to be 2.5 to 7 years.

There are benefits to nursing a toddler. There appears to be a link to higher IQs, better social adjustment, fewer allergies, less illness, lower rates of cancers for both child and mother, among others goodies, directly correlating with duration of being breastfed.

Bottom line, when my children nurse and stare up at my with those contented eyes smiling and I feel their bodies relax and melt into me, feeling totally secure, how can I deny them that? Better yet, why should I, when what's urging me to are merely two generations of regular Joes and Joettes, befuddled by an aggressive formula propaganda effort early in the 1940s? It's not their fault, it's how they were raised, it's all they know. I get that, I really do. However, now we know better. Let my kids nurse in peace.

introductions

2008-06-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

My name is Melina. I live in a very small town in West Tennessee. I hear of places like Whole Foods and Trader Joes, but they may as well be The Lost City of Atlantis to me. My kids wear cloth diapers and people look at me like I am absolutely crazy. To them, breastfeeding is something only to be done until the baby is 6 months old or when they cut their first tooth, whichever comes first. And why wear your baby or co-sleep? Stick them in a crib with a pacifier and "train" them or else you spoil them and they'll become horribly selfish and totally dependant on you for the rest of their life. At least, that's what I'm told. Despite this unsupportive local atmosphere, I continue to try to be the best mom I can be for my 15 month-old twins, Oscar and Matilda. Yes- I still breastfeed, I co-sleep, I do not spank, nor rely on "training" or "scheduling". My son is uncircumcized and we selectively vaccinate. The farther I get into this whole trip called "Motherhood" the more I feel alone in this town. I have no friends, other than usernames on various parenting boards. Does that make me pathetic? Probably. Fortunately, I am determined and optimistic and on the look-out for new, like-minded friends and maybe in the near future I will find some. Until then, I will continue to trudge through my horrible grocery/super store and sniff through dusty cartons of organic fare, wearing my babies in my slings, while one or both of them probably will poke at my chest a few times in earnest. When people see me, at least most just politely, maybe uncomfortably, smile and nod.

(Also, let it be known, I don't judge any other mamas for breastfeeding or not, cloth diapers or not, circumcizing/vaccinating/organic/etc etc etc. My feelings are that we get enough of that judgement from other non-parents, why should we do it to each other? The first thing I learned about being a mother is that every choice you make is 6 of this, half a dozen of the other. Just research and make the best choice you can for your very own little one. That's all we can do.)