What's new...

It has been quite some time. With being mama, wife, wannabe crafter and pregnant that doesn't leave much blogging time! We've been through quite the few weeks but as always, come out remembering the faithfulness of our God and seeing His blessings and feeling sanctification all over.

As far as reading goes... I finished "Pushed" by Jennifer Block, I mentioned I was reading that a few months back. It was quite the read, very text book-ish, I think I mentioned that already but it stayed true to that format which was okay by me. The end took a plummet I thought, with the author's feminist undertones but the overall message was spot on. I found myself wishing it wasn't a library book a few times so I could highlight or underline a couple paragraphs. I would in-fact recommend this book to expecting mamas, it aids in asking tough questions and following where the information leads - despite popular belief. Check it out from your library or buy it at a local bookstore. I'm also reading through the book of Acts and slowly Genesis. I am baffled by Peter's prayer for further boldness. As I read the accounts of Peter's ministry I think "can he get more bold?" yet there is he praying to be bolder, still. Then Genesis, oh my, what's blown me away the past few weeks is this small sentence... "And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them." The immense grace the Lord shows to Adam and Eve following the fall astounds me. They had just displayed their lack of trust in God's word and as a result disobeyed, allowing sin to enter the world. Not long after curses fall upon Satan, man and women does God kill the first animal to cloth his children. God shed the first blood of an animal to provide, protect and love those who just disregarded Him. I could go on about the volumes this sentence and the entire story of the fall is doing to me but I won't. Instead I'll end with 1 last thing, learning the Old Testament, reveals God's character, standards and sovereign grace in such a way that without it the blood of Christ is not as rich or satisfying.

As far as crafting goes... I haven't been in the basement much to sew, I've been down there to rinse out poopy diapers and switch loads though. I did sew Aubrie a beanbag! I wanted to see if it'd be something she's interested in yet and she's not. So I only made one and figured I'd try to introduce them again later haha! Crocheting is going wonderfully though. I am loving it! I started to make myself a cowl as you can see...

And about 10 minutes after this decided I wanted to use the yarn for something else and unraveled it completely! What I want to use the yarn for, I have no idea but I didn't want to cowl anymore and considered it good practice following a pattern and getting more comfortable with the few stitches it required. Instead I embarked on a different crocheting journey... boots for Aubrie!

This was me all geeked I finished the sole and sent a picture to my friend Jonna. I finished them a few days later and could not, for the life of me, get a good picture. Let alone one with her wearing them! So the picture doesn't do them justice but they are DANG CUTE!

Aubrie likes them, especially trying to pull off the flowers, like I put them on there as a challenge for her. I'm not sure if you can tell via the picture but the sides have pull up slots in them to get them on easier. I love them and can't wait to make more things for my girl. Which leads me to my next project... a blanket for Aubi. The blanket she sleeps under every night in her crib has, hate to say it, stains from previous diaper leakage and no matter how many times I was it, they stay. So it's the perfect timing for me to make her a new one! my friend Jonna (who I mentioned earlier) just released her first blanket pattern (Frayed Knot - check her out!). I bought it and plan to start her blanket anytime now. I'm not going with the blue like Jonna did, but rather eggshell, light and dark purple - to match Aubi's room. I hope she loves it and I'm sure it'll be sometime until I finish so check back to see my progress :)

Lastly....

As far as pregnancy goes... Can I say headache?! With Aubrie I didn't have a single one. With Bacon bit #2 over here, every stinkin' day. I actually had my midwife appointment today and she gave me some tips, hopefully they work or else... I'll have to take some stupid medicine and I really really dis-like that. Even though I don't have a belly shot, although the belly is growing, I'll post the info...

How far along: 14 weeks

This week, baby is the size of an: A lemon (aw!)

Gender: My convincing Ian to be surprised was an epic fail. Although I assured him it's a she based on the very vivid dream I had last night where I delivered our baby and pulled her up, took a look and saw she was a she! I was so excited. 

Due date: August 20th

Quality of sleep: I love sleep. Always have, always will. 

Best moment this week: There are two... trying to explain to Aubi there's a baby in mama's bell so she can nurse by laying on my belly. She just looked at me weird and I said "Aw Aubi it's a baby in mama's belly, be niiiiiiice, give the baby a kiss," and she kissed my tummy. Too cute! Also today when we met with the midwife and she used the doppler and found the strong heartbeat within 3 seconds, it was so reassuring and such a beautiful sound. 

Food cravings/aversions: Soooooooo weird for me, but Oreos??? I don't even like Oreos, or so I thought? I'm not buying them again. I will not. Other then that I haven't been craving much but I want some Chipolte man, always want Chipolte and never get it. 

Movement: I could of swore I felt my uterus move a few times but who knows? 

How's Mama: Aside from these headache's I'm good. Tired but not anything too crazy. Everyday life and Aubrie sure keep my busy and my mind doesn't wander to be pregnant much but it'll come I'm sure. Especially after we finalize baby's name and find out if she's a she or he's a he. 

What I'm looking forward to: Buying a new to us car this upcoming week (or the following week).  I'm also looking forward to knowing the gender, deciding on it's name, warmer weather and the day when Aubrie Lilian learns to say "I love you" back. 

Let's end the post with the some picture of my little miss... she's such a ham!

Happy week to you all!

Learning new ways to create

You gotta start somewhere right?!

When I was younger my mom began to crochet, she taught me how to make a chain and I thought it was the coolest. She wanted to teach me more but I became a teenager and was no longer dazzled by a hook, yarn and the creations that come from working the two. Fast forward some years and again I want to learn! A friend of mine has inspired me by her crochet designs, she writes and sells patterns and does it very well! I decided I want to try some of her patterns and can't do that unless I learn to crochet, right? Also, how cute would Aubrie look in a lite headband with a flower,  cute leg warmers or cozy mittens? What about if I want fingerless gloves or around the house type socks? Well I can't ask Jonna to make everything for us. So I borrowed a ball of yarn and hook from my mom and got to YouTube. Tonight I had a 5 minute mini session with Jonna at church and I can single stitch now! It's VERY rough and takes me probably 5 times longer then a beginner haha, but I'm learning.

Now now, this doesn't mean I've abandon sewing. I do enjoy sewing but honestly with my sewing area being in the basement and the freezing weather,  I have not felt like going down there - at all. I want to stay cozy on my couch during the time I have free, or snuggled in my bed... With crocheting I can do that!

So... If anyone knows of any links, videos or helpful tips - send them my way. I am a brand new,  beginner and could use all the help I can get :)

Oh yeah, check out Jonna's Facebook, it links to her Raverly and Craftsy sites and her blog :)

Bacon Bit #2

How far along: 10 weeks / 2 1/2 months

This week, baby is the size of an: A prune or a kumquat

Gender: I'm trying to convince Ian to have this gender be a surprise but he's not going for it...

Due date: August 20th

Quality of sleep: As long as I'm not too hot, I sleep great! I've been napping during Aubrie's nap each day and that's helped a ton!

Best moment this week: Seeing the quick thumps of his/her heartbeat. This whole pregnancy has almost felt made up because the very few and very mild symptoms I've been expierencing. To see the baby's form shocked and calmed me simultaneously. 

Food cravings/aversions: I usually don't like ice-cream much but have been wanting a little almost nightly. But, more then ice-cream, Buffalo Wild Wings, Parmesan Garlic and Spicy Garlic sauce. Ian and I bought some the other day and put it on our own chicken - SO GOOD. It's not like anyone goes to BWW's for the quality of their chicken.. now we've brought it home and it's AWESOME. Haha I'm pretty excited about it if you can't tell. 

Movement: Obviously still not feeling any but we saw him/her extend their spine and jolt during our brief ultrasound meeting. 

How's Mama: Not as tired as I was a few weeks ago, which I'm sure is due to daily naps, thanks to my awesome napper Aubrie Lilian. I am doing well, slightly struggling with not being able to afford a home birth or at-home midwifery care but at the same time SO thankful that the insurance I have covers a birthing center. Emotionally, a hot mess... I could look at a kitten and cry or think about Aubrie too long and start to cry, it's weird. Physically I'm doing just fine! I almost feel bad saying that knowing how tough the first trimester is for some mama's, but it's not like I want nausea or morning sickness... 

What I'm looking forward to: Spring. I want to take Aubrie to the zoo, the park, out riding her bike and to do things that come easy to a mom with one baby. I'm sure with 2 babies a simple grocery shopping trip will be an event. 

Another day, another soup

Okay the soup this week was a.m.a.z.i.n.g! I'd love to go on about it to try and convince you to try it but I'd just sound redundant. I don't know what else to say other then it was so yummy! Here's the recipe, give it a try or share a favorite soup recipe with me :)

Creamy Spinach and Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients -

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 ounces of dry country gravy mix

4 cups water

14 ounces low sodium chicken broth 

Sliced mushrooms

Chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (we used more, we like spicy)

12 ounce box gnocchi 

12 ounce can evaporated milk

6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped

Ground black pepper to garnish

Parmesan cheese to garnish 

Directions -

Bring 4 cups of water and chicken broth to a boil.

Chop, season and brown chicken in lightly oiled skillet.

Prepare country gravy according to directions on mix, add to water and broth

Prepare mushrooms, onion and spinach until water has come to a boil

Once boiling, add gnocchi - once gnocchi are cooked (or have risen to the top of the boiling water) add sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, minced garlic, basil, salt, oregano, cayenne pepper and stir

Once all the added ingredients are nicely combined stir in evaporated milk and spinach. If desired, sprinkle individual bowls with black pepper and cheese.

Note - sometimes with soup recipes I add  some more water, a little more a little more broth and whatnot to assure plenty of leftovers, feel free to do the same - it's soup after all, taste as you go! 

Nursing - to infinity and beyond!

Ok, so not really. Aubrie only turned one last month but to combat with some comments and controversy on why you hear a mama should stop nursing at one I did a little research. 

For the record, any nursing is better then no nursing at all. With all the troubles I had in the beginning (story here) I set mini goals for myself. Goal one- Start strong and get encouragement! I didn't do my Pediatrician homework and just went with the one who was at the hospital. Big mistake. She was a sweet lady (kinda), with no children and could careless about breastfeeding. On 2 occasions she said she "had to send me home with formula" because of the issues I was having and how "slowly" Aubrie was gaining weight - even though I told her I wasn't going to use it. The third and final time I saw her, she said that although things were getting better, my desires for not supplementing and the fact that I was having to nurse Aubrie literally every 2 hours to the minute in order for her to get back to that oh so holy birth weight, was unrealistic. EXCUSE ME??! 

Anyways, I NEEDED encouragement at that time and if I wouldn't of had it I might have supplemented or given up. Ok so my goal one - start strong. Goal two - three months, then once I reached that, six months, nine, and 12. When we were approaching the 12 month goal is when we found out Bacon bit #2 was growing. So now my goal of two years seems more up to Aubrie then me. 

I've read a little bit on tandem nursing and I guess a high percentage of toddlers will wean before the next baby arrives. I of course am hoping Aubrie is not one of those. I've come up with a theory as to why she might not be, and I think it's fairy legit. She only has two teeth.. and it looks like another one, possibly two are coming in. So my thoughts are, with her being a late teether the desire for my milk and the comfort it brings will help combat the teething pains, and her desire to nurse will be greater then any changes that may occur with my milk (or belly) because of the pregnancy. And if that's not the case then it's okay. I will not force her to nurse and am all for her self weaning if that's what she wants. 

Not only did we find out we were expecting again when Aubrie turned one, I got questions asking how I was going to wean her, if she was doing okay not nursing anymore, how much longer was I going to breastfeed and why would I nurse after one and how unnecessary it is... things like that. And this is what I found as to why Aubrie, Bacon bit #2 and any other children the Lord blesses us with will be nursed after one... 

This is when I told Aubrie "no nursing right now Aubi, mama has to do the dishes!" Then she gave me this face and of course I nursed her. Dishes could wait...

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1. Nutritionally beneficial 

“Human milk expressed by mothers who have been lactating for >1 year has significantly increased fat and energy contents, compared with milk expressed by women who have been lactating for shorter periods. During prolonged lactation, the fat energy contribution of breast milk to the infant diet might be significant.” – Article by Dr. Mandel (2005)

As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed1 for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health2. Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. - World Health Organization (2001) 

In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:

• 29% of energy requirements
• 43% of protein requirements
• 36% of calcium requirements
• 75% of vitamin A requirements
• 76% of folate requirements
• 94% of vitamin B12 requirements
• 60% of vitamin C requirements

– Extended Breastfeeding Fact Sheet, Dewey (2001)

2. Contributes to Overall Health

Breastfeeding toddlers between the ages of one and three have been found to have fewer illnesses, illnesses of shorter duration, and lower mortality rates  (Mølbak 1994, van den Bogaard  1991, Gulick 1986).

Some of the immune factors in breastmilk increase in concentration during the second year and also during the weaning process. (Lawrence & Lawrence 2011, Goldman 1983, Goldman & Goldblum 1983, Institute of Medicine 1991).

3. Benefits Mental and Social Development 

According to Elizabeth N. Baldwin, Esq. in “Extended Breastfeeding and the Law”:
“Breastfeeding is a warm and loving way to meet the needs of toddlers and young children. It not only perks them up and energizes them; it also soothes the frustrations, bumps and bruises, and daily stresses of early childhood. In addition, nursing past infancy helps little ones make a gradual transition to childhood. Meeting a child’s dependency needs is the key to helping that child achieve independence. And children outgrow these needs according to their own unique timetable.Children who achieve independence at their own pace are more secure in that independence then children forced into independence prematurely."

Dr. Jack Newmen believes that extended breastfeeding actually promotes a child's independence and emotional development. He says, "The breastfed toddler is more independent in the long run because his independence comes from a deep-seated security that comes from breastfeeding.

4. Even Mom Benefits!

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. Studies have found a significant inverse association between duration of lactation and breast cancer risk. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and endometrial cancer. - National Cancer Institute (2002)

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. - Karlson (2004)

Breastfeeding moms may lose weight easier. - Dewey, KG (1993)

The "mothering hormone," prolactin, relaxes you, while oxytocin stimulates loving , nurturing behavior. As mothers of nursing toddlers know, this can be very important to your mental health and well-being. Life with a toddler is not always easy! You also benefit from the intimacy that nursing provides. Taking time out of a busy day to cuddle is as important to moms as it is to their babies. - D. Donovan (1999)

5. If Extended Breastfeeding Isn't Wrong, Maybe we are?

in many parts of the world, it is normal to breastfeed for two or three years or even longer. - Dettwyler (1995)

68% of the women who breastfed longer than one year returned to employment before their infant was 1 year old. - Hills-Bonczyk SG (1994) 

According to one study, the major themes that emerged from women`s comments were the importance of being strong in the face of social unacceptability, development of a close mother-child bond, and the naturalness of breastfeeding beyond 12 months.

In a society that still gets squeamish when a baby is nursed in public, the idea of continuing to nurse that baby until he’s a toddler or even a preschooler is a real show stopper. But much of the world doesn’t share the U.S.’s uneasiness. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breast-feeding up to a child’s second birthday “or beyond.” Most U.S. mothers don’t even meet the recommendation made by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Surgeon General that they skip infant formula and breast-feed exclusively for six months. According to the CDC’s 2011 Breastfeeding Report Card, 75% of U.S. mothers start out nursing their babies, but only 44% have stuck with it by the time their child is 6 months old — and just 15% are breast-feeding exclusively by that point. By baby’s first birthday, less than a quarter of mothers are breast-feeding at all. - Time Magazine Article

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If anything, I hope this little bit of information encouraged you to continue nursing your little one until you, and he/she is done, do not let critics tell you it's time to wean if you're not ready! Also, I hope this has given just a GLIMPSE of how beneficial breast milk is. There has been so much research done and it reaches the same conclusion: Breast is best! I also hope this has shed some light on what mother's like me are feeling and how we'd LOVE some support in our nursing endeavors :) 

Nursing, which is one of the most loving, selfless acts I can think of has affected me greatly. It's helped me enjoy Aubrie's infancy, I've gotten hours of cuddle time praying over her and memorizing her features, I've gotten to know her in a way I wouldn't have without our nursing sessions, we've grown to have this awesome bond, it's saved our family money AND I feel like I'm using the PERFECT gift of breast milk from God, that He intended for my girl, to benefit her immensely. Nothing, not formula or anything created by man could come close to breast milk, a perfect creation by THEE Creator. I could truly go on and on but am so under-qualified and emotionally attached that I really have a hard time seeing as to why it's viewed the way it is in the States or not more accepted. I'm beyond thankful for this year and hope this time next year to have two beautiful, healthy babies at my breasts praising God for it all. 

Some Resources : 

-http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/3/e432.abstract-

-http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/infantfeeding_recommendation/en/index.html

-http://www.whale.to/a/extended_bf_factsheet.pdf

-http://kellymom.com/ages/after12mo/ebf-refs/#BreastCancer2

-http://fhea.com/main/content/breastfeeding/May2009.pdf

-http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7857467?dopt=Abstract

-http://www.mothering.com/community/a/extended-breastfeeding <-- This article is awesome and a more intense, detailed version of this post.