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05.09.08

Postpardum depression

I went to mamafest this week with some friends from my strollerstrides class and I was moved to tears by Michael Spangler’s talk on losing his wife to postpardum depression.

Just as every woman is different, every woman’s childbirth experience is different. And since the vast majority of new mothers eventually get some sleep, feel comfortable caring for an infant and fall into the rhythm of being a family, those who don’t feel only more isolated and alone.

That’s what happened to Annie Spangler. A naval officer, a pharmacist, she was stunned to find, at 46, that she didn’t feel in control. One day, it got to be too much.

His story is life altering and it will change the way you feel about anyone close to you having feelings like these. I am making a point to support this cause, please help out in any way you can.

05.09.08

Love and Marriage…..


Conner and I celebrated four years of marriage yesterday, we had a mellow night at home, with some of our favorite foods. It’s amazing that four years seems so long, but in the grand scheme of things it is really so short. We have gone through so much already in these four years of marriage. I do know that when we were hugging each other yesterday and looking at Van I felt so much energy and happiness for the moments we share and what we have built together. I have some beautiful flowers from my mom and sister, and lilly’s from Conner. I got a gift certificate for a massage too! Good luck this weekend in your surf contest, Dad! We love you.

05.04.08

It’s a relationship…


This coming week is a big one, Conner and I celebrate 4 years, mothers day, and Van turning 14 months old (Next Monday). Oh and I planned a little going away party for myself with my closest friends that I have made here. It is Saturday night! So I am looking forward to having them all together in one place with me for a night, so I can give them a little gift and celebrate having them in my life.

I do miss my most lovely friend so much, she is in South Carolina and I have not seen her in too long. I just stumbled upon this photo of us together before any kiddos were in the picture. Now I have a one year old, and she is growing a little one in her tummy. I am so excited!!!

I feel GOD working in me everyday, I have a relationship with him that I constantly maintain. I tell him things that I would never say aloud, he listens…. This relationship is not a certain religion in my mind. I speak to him even in my unconscious states. Sometimes when I am asleep I wake in prayer. I have found peace lately amidst the chaos. I have found that I am the only one who makes my days, and the better I am for myself the better I am for those I love. Yes I am working on myself, I am not going to lie. It is an ongoing process, but having a child look up to me makes me want to be a better person.

05.02.08

Clean baby…..

Van can hold his breath under water now, he is a little fish? He is just now grasping how to come up for air when his swim teacher pushes him towards the wall.

I love it when Van is clean, I met a girl at Van’s swimming lesson the other day and she was using her non disposable diapers and she told me all about how to make my own baby wipes. I looked it up when I got home and altered the recipe a bit, and it works great. No harsh chemicals and Van’s skin is soft with no irritations! I am using earthfirst 100% recycled paper towels from costco! These paper towels are not bleached using chlorine so no harsh chemicals on baby’s bum or face.

Making your own baby wipes will not only save money, but you will know for sure that no harsh or drying chemicals are touching your baby’s bottom. I found this article on about.com

Here’s How:

1. Cut the roll of paper towels in half with a knife and remove the inner cardboard core.
2. Mix liquid ingredients in container.
3. Place the paper towels in the container with the cut side facing downward.
4. Secure lid tightly and allow to sit until all liquid is absorbed into the paper towels.
5. Turn the container upside-down and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
6. Open container and ‘start’ the roll by pulling a towel from the inside of the roll.
7. Wipes are now ready to use.

Tips:

1. These also make a great gift for new parents. You can decorate or personalize the container and, of course, be sure to include a copy of the recipe.
2. Save the other half of the roll for use next time you make wipes.
3. Make sure the container is closed tightly after each use to prevent drying out.
4. When your baby is older and his skin is less sensitive, you can add about a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to the mix.

What You Need:

* Round plastic container (Rubbermaid #6 or #9 works well)
* Thick, strong roll of white paper towels
* Sharp knife to cut paper towel roll in half
* 2 cups water that has been boiled and cooled to room temperature
* 2 Tablespoons of castille soap – I like Dr bronners baby mild soap
* 1 Tablespoon olive oil
* 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract (you can find this at any health food store)
* 5 drops of lavender oil for scent and relaxation

05.01.08

Downward Dog

I am seeing a lot of this,
and this lately. It’s a new take on talk to the hand. It happens mainly when I am saying no or be careful. It’s Van’s way of protesting. He does know how to make me smile!