tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58619031855353911452024-03-05T01:14:54.994-08:00A Breastfeeding, Homeschooling Mom's JournalStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-7387678040279371922010-08-03T13:20:00.000-07:002010-08-03T13:25:55.016-07:00this is the end...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2NdmC4goc8oM0uoy6K6pJyrPwXTRbjjgVaU-ntOkkKU2ubP5vRaksKeLwqNfqeHI-qD9olAEQFhyj_q4UO-3iQ6TLzAo6pGUBVSDb74lco7w_9ZjVw2xadccy-79w41G7E2UtxAN8wew/s1600/end+times.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2NdmC4goc8oM0uoy6K6pJyrPwXTRbjjgVaU-ntOkkKU2ubP5vRaksKeLwqNfqeHI-qD9olAEQFhyj_q4UO-3iQ6TLzAo6pGUBVSDb74lco7w_9ZjVw2xadccy-79w41G7E2UtxAN8wew/s400/end+times.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501281423276118818" /></a><br />So I had to go to the doctor today. I have chronic pain issues and just plain old issues. And each of these issues now require medication so I've had to actively wean Isaiah this week. He's just nursing at night now and I'm trying to be done by friday. I'm sure there will be much crying but he'll be okay. My goal was 2 years and we did that and then some. I'm sure there will be much crying on my part too. I'll officially be leaving baby land forever this time.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-74831644489577817052010-07-14T13:31:00.000-07:002010-07-14T13:41:09.635-07:00Isaiah turns 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez52JCFvxpPFafM3lxZvqArEOLFNqjR7cT5BJiCgcZwYLdycRx_YeMICWFHpTOOOg50BYKUg9vnBtGq6qnZbNSMvVt_K32QxsT5HCAhE5QPcQ64fm3Q3taXKidZllUsVd-3cHFHIpT1RE/s1600/iz+purple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez52JCFvxpPFafM3lxZvqArEOLFNqjR7cT5BJiCgcZwYLdycRx_YeMICWFHpTOOOg50BYKUg9vnBtGq6qnZbNSMvVt_K32QxsT5HCAhE5QPcQ64fm3Q3taXKidZllUsVd-3cHFHIpT1RE/s400/iz+purple.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493862312735471554" /></a><br /><br />Yes, I'm still nursing my son.<br />Yes, he did just turn two.<br />No, I don't know when he'll wean.<br />Yes, I'm quite sure it will be before college.<br /><br />No, it's not causing his teeth to rot.<br />No, it is certainly not spoiling him.<br />Yes, he does eat other food.<br />No, it won't cause him to be too thin or too chubby.<br /><br />Yes, he does squirm a lot.<br />Yes, he does refuse to be covered up now.<br />No, it doesn't hurt.<br />Yes, I know it's because he's healthy and strong.<br /><br />No, I don't rush him.<br />No, I don't think he's done yet.<br />Yes, I will know when we're done.<br />No, it won't be today.<br /><br />Yes, sometimes I'm a bit "touched out".<br />Yes, sometimes I say no to him.<br />No, that doesn't mean I have to stop.<br />Yes, I'm very happy with this nursing relationship.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-47621657689746917192010-06-15T04:52:00.000-07:002010-06-15T05:01:35.314-07:00funny thing about nursing a toddler #212Isaiah was nursing before naptime yesterday. He was getting that sleepy, zombie look on his face so I thought he was ready to fall asleep. Then all the sudden he pops off, tells me all about some big truck and how it drives here and there and all around and then latched back on and went to sleep. <br /><br />Isaiah turns 2 next month and I know these days are almost done. Part of me is ready to be alone in this body, not have to worry about having a beer or taking some motrin. But I just can't believe we are here already. Why does it have to go so fast? <br /><br />Last week Isaiah was pretty sick. He had hand, foot, mouth disease- a virus that kids often get. He had a high fever and a sore throat that made him scream in pain. He didn't even want water because it hurt his throat so much; but he would breastfeed. It was like having a newborn again. And although at times I found myself getting frustrated with so much time on the couch- I tried to be mindful that this was likely the last time I would ever be doing this. I was so grateful we were still nursing. <br /><br />I am so grateful.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-39580226410395845162010-05-02T18:32:00.000-07:002010-05-02T18:37:59.389-07:00homeschooling lesson- spring harvest jellyLast fall the kids and I gathers acorns to make pancakes. This spring we gathered dandelions to make jelly. Our yard had plenty so we didn't have to even leave home for this project. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYcBe9lop3vDOfacd1tV4cFf8V0zk1YTZbFxXgJlAaDjLn4Nnl_VQHkZ5KSU-nR_SrTQDoWAWKp1VEyY2Xe6pwLcQKQHalx6zVuoyP8ulaZF_V4kvnzTYLqAeEaNYUdBVlzyIR_SuUKKh/s1600/soldande.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYcBe9lop3vDOfacd1tV4cFf8V0zk1YTZbFxXgJlAaDjLn4Nnl_VQHkZ5KSU-nR_SrTQDoWAWKp1VEyY2Xe6pwLcQKQHalx6zVuoyP8ulaZF_V4kvnzTYLqAeEaNYUdBVlzyIR_SuUKKh/s320/soldande.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466851159353580930" /></a><br />We needed 4 cups of the yellow parts of the flower- that is a lot of dandelions!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3i8hMi2djeguMpehhPx6ciggqLszAwaF624Cg7ALo4UNwHGX1YIOP1LxVdaqJOVIVor67BPX0EgsUt210o-YFgkpfsXzuQ9oEjMVgtDegVNU4bGoPqtJDckVdCM54FUBR_M1peH_dvJg/s1600/izdande2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3i8hMi2djeguMpehhPx6ciggqLszAwaF624Cg7ALo4UNwHGX1YIOP1LxVdaqJOVIVor67BPX0EgsUt210o-YFgkpfsXzuQ9oEjMVgtDegVNU4bGoPqtJDckVdCM54FUBR_M1peH_dvJg/s320/izdande2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466851148841214338" /></a><br />Isaiah helped too!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaU3esxm3AYqdbIsfpic5Vsc_yO-QJDjxP8KlcbFXD3P03Ta06q_t_ql-iQ6npC0m1aGCpvfK-x3lYjWuwNnz89yUkEJpbjYD3uTn51l1GR5UUyuhEqk5ngqPG5eNnHjj00hT9X2abqRCX/s1600/dande2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaU3esxm3AYqdbIsfpic5Vsc_yO-QJDjxP8KlcbFXD3P03Ta06q_t_ql-iQ6npC0m1aGCpvfK-x3lYjWuwNnz89yUkEJpbjYD3uTn51l1GR5UUyuhEqk5ngqPG5eNnHjj00hT9X2abqRCX/s320/dande2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466851141772764642" /></a><br />This was his contribution.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhbbCfe5M2WfJDqc025AEVPACHS3SPbL5YtvC86ycTR_tbE5gLrMd7mpKi0oVMR9YHMeFteRX82Cxizzf5pg4cCibWEzpgoZQuzdG75nwTvYezDzP27d3kuOkGCTuSD3wSKzh0Jr1jfgc/s1600/izdande.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhbbCfe5M2WfJDqc025AEVPACHS3SPbL5YtvC86ycTR_tbE5gLrMd7mpKi0oVMR9YHMeFteRX82Cxizzf5pg4cCibWEzpgoZQuzdG75nwTvYezDzP27d3kuOkGCTuSD3wSKzh0Jr1jfgc/s320/izdande.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466851155475233906" /></a><br />See the rest of the story <a href=http://apronstringsandknittedthings.blogspot.com/>here</a href>.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-32974232934770230022010-04-30T11:43:00.000-07:002010-04-30T11:51:00.143-07:00the benefits of breastfeeding my potty-trainer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxc-01K-laPh58zeiGP7J4mf3Yauxkh8vSnz3NSCx1E07nPP0dUhoV-KXZ0SwS6yyuUCLXI5VzbIaQQyLCNXV6GzpdA8eprwEoL2AcDaIBgv0TwICg9Hi2hOATOFrHdtdeEbtFDeMy7V3/s1600/nom+nom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxc-01K-laPh58zeiGP7J4mf3Yauxkh8vSnz3NSCx1E07nPP0dUhoV-KXZ0SwS6yyuUCLXI5VzbIaQQyLCNXV6GzpdA8eprwEoL2AcDaIBgv0TwICg9Hi2hOATOFrHdtdeEbtFDeMy7V3/s400/nom+nom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466003794299336050" /></a><br />22 months and still nursing happily- Isaiah and I are both happy with keeping this relationship going. I had never considered before today the benefits of nursing during potty training! Yesterday we got home from seeing the Tigers and we were all tired out from a long, fun day outside. I wanted to just crash on the couch but Isaiah declared he had to poop. He'd only been on the potty once before just as a joke more than anything, but I believed him and put him on there- and he DID IT! Pee and poop. And he seemed to understand how to make it all work on demand! Yes!! I love child-directed parenting. He was ready, so he asked to do it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTXNv7BMlZhhTbSm9azLLwum1UFQr4hBE_QfAJt7XeUl66CALF8asYzBSXBhfbmyGFXOlAQlGBa19QIlIPpRiIQjp2wjcHNHcCeWGLccyhzCYZVr9LYOCJH_2IPf8eFMAqLiDjzRVmePB/s1600/Copy+of+potty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 363px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTXNv7BMlZhhTbSm9azLLwum1UFQr4hBE_QfAJt7XeUl66CALF8asYzBSXBhfbmyGFXOlAQlGBa19QIlIPpRiIQjp2wjcHNHcCeWGLccyhzCYZVr9LYOCJH_2IPf8eFMAqLiDjzRVmePB/s400/Copy+of+potty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466003787614463522" /></a><br />Today, so far, he's been dry all day and has asked to go when needed. The benefits of breastfeeding have been that I don't have to reward him with junky candy or wasteful stickers- he just has a little milk when he's done. He feels happy, supported and very big!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-53783561948040562512010-03-30T09:48:00.000-07:002010-03-30T09:52:12.864-07:00thoughts on nursing a toddlerI've never made it this far into the breastfeeding relationship. Solstice was only just over a year and Aiden was about 18 months when they weaned. Isaiah is 20 months now and this is a whole new thing.<br />1. I've never nursed a talking child before. It adds a whole new dimention to "don't talk with your mouth full".<br />2. When the first breast is out of fast flowing milk, Isaiah will sign "all done" and then quickly sign "milk" meaning he wants to easier milk that would come from switching sides.<br />3. Often I am awaken as night to Isaiah climbing over me to get to the breast with more milk. He just helps himself (which is good) but he finds it easier to go over me than around.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-4918978677421839462010-02-18T14:12:00.000-08:002010-02-18T14:28:02.273-08:00tick tock<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjRIOaCAkrN1LrKdTxbaTDAtYx2dZiOCRgt5rG-yNtGVmlm-Tygt-bs1Ovy8VLm1H-PK4H5ZQXbeU__FWfrPpH3kARaYMfLnPVL3h7LZ8X-t5hM04VjXksuSviYlopTSdLq7W_7zSvZwU/s1600-h/bf7.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjRIOaCAkrN1LrKdTxbaTDAtYx2dZiOCRgt5rG-yNtGVmlm-Tygt-bs1Ovy8VLm1H-PK4H5ZQXbeU__FWfrPpH3kARaYMfLnPVL3h7LZ8X-t5hM04VjXksuSviYlopTSdLq7W_7zSvZwU/s320/bf7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439711471306794146" /></a><br />Isaiah is still breastfeeding on demand. He doesn't ask as often throughout the day, but he really hasn't slowed down yet.<br /><br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uF9v0FQnzgckrkg2v5MJIPHm94wWL884CNw5RS1PJwDvyOIZXf4jB_tDV4DiR6euEL-g7MIkjv812xzvdLDGH2lu5ZjDVsTPBFbpbYzR6C9JB44mnn_S5crvwwPS0MJ81EK39kjd3Tnf/s1600-h/bf6.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uF9v0FQnzgckrkg2v5MJIPHm94wWL884CNw5RS1PJwDvyOIZXf4jB_tDV4DiR6euEL-g7MIkjv812xzvdLDGH2lu5ZjDVsTPBFbpbYzR6C9JB44mnn_S5crvwwPS0MJ81EK39kjd3Tnf/s320/bf6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439711470895504354" /></a><br />But I know the time is coming. Aiden and Solstice were both weaned at this age. I've been hoping all along to make it to his second birthday and I have no reason to think we won't.<br /><br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNQhgYV_MsZIYVNtA4P0HXKlHHOVkI0hMK64X4pMhSTY2BkvPcUjKFhoH3tC9PURiHiO3l9tVxY6oWmFceLC33fqLTapw2ygIHHu4jroecaorWK2846YsfprH_fKaUS-QPObPyNcgnl7m/s1600-h/bf5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNQhgYV_MsZIYVNtA4P0HXKlHHOVkI0hMK64X4pMhSTY2BkvPcUjKFhoH3tC9PURiHiO3l9tVxY6oWmFceLC33fqLTapw2ygIHHu4jroecaorWK2846YsfprH_fKaUS-QPObPyNcgnl7m/s320/bf5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439711465892203842" /></a><br />But everyday that goes by and gets us closer to his birthday makes me a little sad. I really hate the idea of giving up this part of our relationship. I know new and exciting things will happen in his second year but there is something so magical about right now. <br /><br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiyk9OQMEYOTbTLcNZU3YVZe-UFWE6bSz0imWIIFolkxu1L12tVJ2WWdPZb1ILd6BIHnTCkDfrQnrgsVnkQ4y4NOAyz-QjjC3iOB7PlOKgMRYOtJhsWQ0kDz1fkniocRVMtg347c_WzsG/s1600-h/bf4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiyk9OQMEYOTbTLcNZU3YVZe-UFWE6bSz0imWIIFolkxu1L12tVJ2WWdPZb1ILd6BIHnTCkDfrQnrgsVnkQ4y4NOAyz-QjjC3iOB7PlOKgMRYOtJhsWQ0kDz1fkniocRVMtg347c_WzsG/s320/bf4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439711465182595234" /></a><br />I love that he can ask for milk and tell me when he's all done. I love how we communicate when he's busy nursing. I love how he fits perfectly on my lap. <br /><br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUE7vpLD3OMiY6QdcmETwsMiK2wG9-lGZJQvJca0j5OZiouz-JXV2UDlXe4Ndyn0d4x-4GNkvKIXnmpT9RtwLW28lJSKmOouRL89G5LF72rjBhbky1QhY0kbbysM_kwJTH2yRMCQ9bjAs/s1600-h/Copy+of+bf9.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUE7vpLD3OMiY6QdcmETwsMiK2wG9-lGZJQvJca0j5OZiouz-JXV2UDlXe4Ndyn0d4x-4GNkvKIXnmpT9RtwLW28lJSKmOouRL89G5LF72rjBhbky1QhY0kbbysM_kwJTH2yRMCQ9bjAs/s320/Copy+of+bf9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439713264363924962" /></a><br />Why do they have to grow up?Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-34182856338343379522009-09-17T12:26:00.001-07:002009-09-17T13:00:13.057-07:00Acorn PancakesThe kids and I are on a great adventure this year- we are having a go at homeschooling. So far, it's been a lot of work! but very fun and a great challenge. We are currently studying life in Colonial America. They have never learned much of basic American history so I thought it would be a great place to start. We are also doing a basic study in plants (classification, identification). So, we those topics in mind, I thought it might be fun to go out in the woods and harvest acorns to make into colonial-style pancakes. My main objectives were to get them to be able to identify the kind of acorns we wanted and then to get a good understanding of how hard people used to have to work to get their food.<br />I think I we managed the last objective.<br />Here is the process for eating acorns- it took all evening yesterday to prepare them, the roasted over night and then we made the pancakes this morning for breakfast.<br />We gathered about half of a plastic grocery sack full. I didn't want to empty out the park but I wanted to make sure we had enough. It ended up making just a cup of acorn meal. About 1/3 of the acorns were bad- full of worms or rotten.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwULYYT6cTwMKbXW_C0m70W2IVzrzVBJSjoE7DA57DmDmX5ABcpysQ11OVDnVK7HQzEqcWEHvOHS-zczxl3dyqdOZKg_rXVMO-oBs6VVM_r-vRRxA_le5JZFykCZMGzWGzutoZiVeSZJKj/s1600-h/acorna4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382521811501248194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwULYYT6cTwMKbXW_C0m70W2IVzrzVBJSjoE7DA57DmDmX5ABcpysQ11OVDnVK7HQzEqcWEHvOHS-zczxl3dyqdOZKg_rXVMO-oBs6VVM_r-vRRxA_le5JZFykCZMGzWGzutoZiVeSZJKj/s200/acorna4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeX3t5qjR108a2zbxCa-nc5gjgovUa1deCD9PP7ra2cZIGveI79bRiVeIXR7FLwcf8Vrw48owiDy_GaF-J4Xbs7boGKEfLAv26lYuLTmTNMn5SDTUFgi98Eln0JyHS-jXqW79A2Ut-7kq/s1600-h/acorna6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382521593507927378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeX3t5qjR108a2zbxCa-nc5gjgovUa1deCD9PP7ra2cZIGveI79bRiVeIXR7FLwcf8Vrw48owiDy_GaF-J4Xbs7boGKEfLAv26lYuLTmTNMn5SDTUFgi98Eln0JyHS-jXqW79A2Ut-7kq/s200/acorna6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FEsaIT2lhYGz2xfX9Zn3KoHGEJtB4wCpBS2ViBXP4cqP76jkGT0dxZylQDE-CRnvc9ABD3g_5i8sIX0DhfZJWcLfy8SIhlLrcwnqD5w1NnbozjQ7GU0EFNgtDcjU7LMWnEoCDH0xY7vx/s1600-h/acorna7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382521981362739778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FEsaIT2lhYGz2xfX9Zn3KoHGEJtB4wCpBS2ViBXP4cqP76jkGT0dxZylQDE-CRnvc9ABD3g_5i8sIX0DhfZJWcLfy8SIhlLrcwnqD5w1NnbozjQ7GU0EFNgtDcjU7LMWnEoCDH0xY7vx/s200/acorna7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It works best to boil them in the shell for a few minutes so the knife can go in easier.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamScIxaFT_H9qW82JmLlnmMy0FJIRWPBLOw7uTYyWF0AvZEqU2DR4pmcP8JBdyoE_sevzpH-VQwe7QJ4TJfR15gmFf8g9XfNA7VUVkqLQVrWXzuepT8tPZHx3t2h3InVigV5GpNkDrJJ8/s1600-h/acorna5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382522670303633010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamScIxaFT_H9qW82JmLlnmMy0FJIRWPBLOw7uTYyWF0AvZEqU2DR4pmcP8JBdyoE_sevzpH-VQwe7QJ4TJfR15gmFf8g9XfNA7VUVkqLQVrWXzuepT8tPZHx3t2h3InVigV5GpNkDrJJ8/s200/acorna5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I have a great knife for this task- the end broke off so there is a blunt end that I used to dig into the shell. This took a long time but was the kind of repetative kitchen task that soothes me.<br />So then you have a pot of acorn meat. This needs to be boiled to remove the tannins. It smells SO good while you are doing this! Kind of like carmel and wine and brown sugar. Yum.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZIISol-R0uEtDRjffCdt6OuQmghws98bsrpJX6gwfYmYMn2T8uDgUAauqENB9lUBGeOIScp5iuaOOLMEgeOHb5NTiLnIkq4pdJ635omFfH71hnny4gKt05Zh5pZs1cXPCWn110nblYXp/s1600-h/acorna3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZIISol-R0uEtDRjffCdt6OuQmghws98bsrpJX6gwfYmYMn2T8uDgUAauqENB9lUBGeOIScp5iuaOOLMEgeOHb5NTiLnIkq4pdJ635omFfH71hnny4gKt05Zh5pZs1cXPCWn110nblYXp/s200/acorna3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382524351019547810" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWJhSf_HNbTLF3UK5jNtwI3kgGhlZkNGSM3guyEDrWH3AdYkEjanMC_LppqdCIEWqN4yLN-bWV7nO_S8rKWVTPu_iMLC2NdAxNefhfg2Jm9518pjkNkjppv0ou50bSwbzAdwiVlcU1_l_/s1600-h/acorna2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382523976538820210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWJhSf_HNbTLF3UK5jNtwI3kgGhlZkNGSM3guyEDrWH3AdYkEjanMC_LppqdCIEWqN4yLN-bWV7nO_S8rKWVTPu_iMLC2NdAxNefhfg2Jm9518pjkNkjppv0ou50bSwbzAdwiVlcU1_l_/s200/acorna2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8DCIGgdLJJS8T-1kZWv1ZJOoaBeRO0NOmLCTHcC6Y3ehg7YGEqSD8vh1jht7uVM6Iob7K8SktW45kJj0qlue2HLhuHJ9tGIWTmbuFEoRAY8cr8vG9havnKBpSvp2UJxtPkqqgKOKBQOO/s1600-h/acorn9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8DCIGgdLJJS8T-1kZWv1ZJOoaBeRO0NOmLCTHcC6Y3ehg7YGEqSD8vh1jht7uVM6Iob7K8SktW45kJj0qlue2HLhuHJ9tGIWTmbuFEoRAY8cr8vG9havnKBpSvp2UJxtPkqqgKOKBQOO/s200/acorn9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382524706894173506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj048D2cXRwDXy4VIWza-tS6slxGAPIXvg02kmjn4PqZWuwkbGvaaYtvPv0WB6Ns7jbWL1ULLH29lbm8xX2RJ8uP2FFgzBxJIB7c8P04RiP4gVuOyiIjungKD11j-K07b9ZL-Iyf_vvwGsq/s1600-h/acorna1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj048D2cXRwDXy4VIWza-tS6slxGAPIXvg02kmjn4PqZWuwkbGvaaYtvPv0WB6Ns7jbWL1ULLH29lbm8xX2RJ8uP2FFgzBxJIB7c8P04RiP4gVuOyiIjungKD11j-K07b9ZL-Iyf_vvwGsq/s200/acorna1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382524698723412066" /></a><br />So I let it boil for 10 minutes and then I strained it out through a cloth in a strainer. Then you have to repeat this process over and over until the water starts to run clearer. I tasted it after a few times and it was still pretty bitter (like crazy strong walnuts) so I kept going. I'm not sure how many times I did this, maybe 10.<br />Then I ran the acorn meat through the food processer to make it more like a meal. If I were going to do this ever again, I would get some kind of flour mill. The food processer just didn't really work for this task. <br />Then the roasting. I spread it thin on cookie sheets and put it in the oven set on a real low temp (260). I roasted it like this for about 2 hours before bed (stirring ever once in awhile). Then at bed time I turned off the oven but the pilot light kept it hot enough to continue roasting over night.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEvfnaiAgUEf7TkiCAIIIPmEz08xER4ir271qQJFDv5ofpQ5Of7U1p0es2zXVCbuZebBbjFwx1y67Chvas5ozhEK0XysHzLu33r9zf5_4Otf5pdTC2VYagsq0THCC4c0pwW6cq633Jrld/s1600-h/acorn7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEvfnaiAgUEf7TkiCAIIIPmEz08xER4ir271qQJFDv5ofpQ5Of7U1p0es2zXVCbuZebBbjFwx1y67Chvas5ozhEK0XysHzLu33r9zf5_4Otf5pdTC2VYagsq0THCC4c0pwW6cq633Jrld/s200/acorn7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382525538372478146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoy2Ox3vXYRZMm-5a-jnUgpKyU3vaePSOVQn4uNfUahz6dAm4dxWzylNPcyEuiGSW_eS_SQ_2f_CGjlXbjP68S1R3bRsshxKha9TEN5N01TY7ZFNcvIoFKUgmD25tIG8ZWEOF_W7ikJNBf/s1600-h/acorn8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoy2Ox3vXYRZMm-5a-jnUgpKyU3vaePSOVQn4uNfUahz6dAm4dxWzylNPcyEuiGSW_eS_SQ_2f_CGjlXbjP68S1R3bRsshxKha9TEN5N01TY7ZFNcvIoFKUgmD25tIG8ZWEOF_W7ikJNBf/s200/acorn8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382525527794433026" /></a><br /><br />In the morning, it was much darker and the taste was real mellow. I ran it through the food processer again to try and get it more like a meal, but like I said, it just isn't meant for that. So it was the best it was going to get. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkjtbn5ynWGT4N1OxInW7JGby9K1Euv0laEN8M6ltUAKvkEQAHUZSyOax29Qsnf5rJoqKWe842ELHeFDdY1QtCrIbF_2aL4Zre1hahG08D48cWtNHcjNJkSVwHNWLhHaCkDHa-Gby9bT6/s1600-h/acorn4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkjtbn5ynWGT4N1OxInW7JGby9K1Euv0laEN8M6ltUAKvkEQAHUZSyOax29Qsnf5rJoqKWe842ELHeFDdY1QtCrIbF_2aL4Zre1hahG08D48cWtNHcjNJkSVwHNWLhHaCkDHa-Gby9bT6/s200/acorn4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382526838218938402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTT7QZosYkQRH0mHdr9vEaO7N31ldPCCqKZQvarokQcT6wNMTPcjXghYNO-ieuz3YZJLhcvxPnioWPsnUz9bMifX1Z4lOOJPrWTzOd80nG_89aCcWBJdm_POAVJVLQadXeEX73v-eWzUj/s1600-h/acorn5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTT7QZosYkQRH0mHdr9vEaO7N31ldPCCqKZQvarokQcT6wNMTPcjXghYNO-ieuz3YZJLhcvxPnioWPsnUz9bMifX1Z4lOOJPrWTzOd80nG_89aCcWBJdm_POAVJVLQadXeEX73v-eWzUj/s200/acorn5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382526831484767954" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2GyS9491pt6_5Hb3hK9RMgNG7F4M2NkPW_5HGegrbHi1xp9NyG3r-LWk19VLWPXwPY_2ujRyK5N3lp02fcKhQT-W05mGjWSc313M4wEbkKu6vrnAcDN9MBgjp3DJB5pBM1OAW1vLwLW0/s1600-h/acorn6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2GyS9491pt6_5Hb3hK9RMgNG7F4M2NkPW_5HGegrbHi1xp9NyG3r-LWk19VLWPXwPY_2ujRyK5N3lp02fcKhQT-W05mGjWSc313M4wEbkKu6vrnAcDN9MBgjp3DJB5pBM1OAW1vLwLW0/s200/acorn6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382526826992851682" /></a><br />This is the recipe I used:<br />1 cup flour<br />1 cup acorn meal<br />2 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />3/4 tsp salt<br />1 egg<br />1 1/4 cup milk<br />3 Tbs vegetable oil<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiA8d1kZqiCT71HlaWBbfNGWFCjT2SjFs8maS1Ojb3-6-IAweDtwlCiogLI6l1mn1xrjWE-G3w_m01a3VP-4DvsOfvHe-P04zDwpvikMl50zZN_E1fpbd1U_JZnjAGfqwkiQG6sDDSVyAa/s1600-h/acorn3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiA8d1kZqiCT71HlaWBbfNGWFCjT2SjFs8maS1Ojb3-6-IAweDtwlCiogLI6l1mn1xrjWE-G3w_m01a3VP-4DvsOfvHe-P04zDwpvikMl50zZN_E1fpbd1U_JZnjAGfqwkiQG6sDDSVyAa/s200/acorn3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382527483995271010" /></a><br />We ate them with raspberry syrup we made this summer after we picked raspberries on Solstice's b-day. We also boiled up the apples we found in the woods yesterday. Yumm.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TfsGD06kwuLylSMFMO0zIzUkSznidM_S_01B7AzT5a2_7Yx3XLwm1nTRx8ivihfeqDplnvjav7bhtwOY9H-w3npN2QAtWvXJBStYugeuDOrxqVNCLCtKaWU2TRCD0TcoGv9PW5i7Mqfc/s1600-h/acorn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TfsGD06kwuLylSMFMO0zIzUkSznidM_S_01B7AzT5a2_7Yx3XLwm1nTRx8ivihfeqDplnvjav7bhtwOY9H-w3npN2QAtWvXJBStYugeuDOrxqVNCLCtKaWU2TRCD0TcoGv9PW5i7Mqfc/s200/acorn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382527877438135666" /></a><br />So, what did the kids think?<br />The pictures speak loud and clear:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2N-LMddOvk2Bu54B-K0QzIQzDZqBy_ZRJO8EfihnPsT8crFi5zEg3PURUJunjJ1rcnf5nLDO9gZVoW1-PPe90MeI8fU2AGQx3EJSjMtp9li33L5ItWQ-JmoH3Gyqxo1WqkAUh80e5wlQ/s1600-h/acorn2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2N-LMddOvk2Bu54B-K0QzIQzDZqBy_ZRJO8EfihnPsT8crFi5zEg3PURUJunjJ1rcnf5nLDO9gZVoW1-PPe90MeI8fU2AGQx3EJSjMtp9li33L5ItWQ-JmoH3Gyqxo1WqkAUh80e5wlQ/s200/acorn2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382528334346160130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24nwwB3Cx33qhcAKKjRa3TANcMO9ZMZ2ychruSjZnK3WWOFBkNFhsieFfHhCXzdKD_TwvzUqK7Gj5VwvFZHOEpjb3Rl8Zcj9MhAvjDi8AVczwGOztydpVzZhCRctmswZuh_FFz7MSGHFQ/s1600-h/acorn1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24nwwB3Cx33qhcAKKjRa3TANcMO9ZMZ2ychruSjZnK3WWOFBkNFhsieFfHhCXzdKD_TwvzUqK7Gj5VwvFZHOEpjb3Rl8Zcj9MhAvjDi8AVczwGOztydpVzZhCRctmswZuh_FFz7MSGHFQ/s200/acorn1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382528329253536850" /></a><br />Was it worth the effort? Yes.<br />Will we do it again anytime soon? No.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-14411607697675694652009-02-27T06:30:00.000-08:002009-02-27T06:48:18.878-08:00weight lossOne of my New Years resolutions was to eat better and hopefully lose some weight. I refuse to diet ever again. Life is too short to not eat chocolate. I've been trying to eat as <a href=http://www.vegan.org/>Vegan </a> as possible. And I've been doing pretty well with that. I'm certainly not 100%. <br />For breakfast I've been eating oatmeal everyday. I make it on the stove with just some salt. Sometimes I put raisins or apples in it. I mix it with some soymilk after its cooked. I'm really loving it. And it keeps me feeling full for hours and hours. <br /><img src=http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:HYMbkoU7bEruYM:http://www.reallynatural.com/pictures/51tLf6DVkQL._SS500_.jpg></img><br />For lunch lately I've been eating hommus with crackers. The crackers are extra high fiber crackers. I don't have any info to back this up, but my theory is that lots of fiber has to be good for a diet and must balance the higher carb rate. I don't eat a lot because I'm usually still pretty full from the oatmeal.<br />I eat whatever everyone else is having for dinner. This is where I have a harder time staying vegan. I use a lot of milk in baking and in the winter soups I make. But whenever I can leave out the cheese for my own dinner I do. And I've tried to make sure that half of my dinner is made of vegetables. If I want more I make myself have more vegetables too. It seems to fill me up just as well and gets me to eat more raw vegetables (which I love but have a harder time eating in the winter).<br />And then the biggest change for me is NO snacking after dinner. I'm a huge snacker. I love popcorn or ice cream in the evening. But no more. Lately Andre and I have been making a pot of tea in the evening and I just sip on that. Its been a good routine.<br />I've not been strict and there are cookies and bites of chocolate mixed in there for balance. Like I said, I don't want to feel like I'm dieting.<br />And its working. Since december I've lost over 20 pounds. I don't weigh myself often. I think it's just evil to have those numbers in my head all the time. But I weighed myself at my sisters this week and was so surprised by what I saw! I knew I was doing good because my clothes fit so different but still I was shocked!<br />Guess I'll just keep doing what I'm doing.<br />And of course, I'll keep my biggest diet tip- Breastfeeding burns about 500 calories a day!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-37005569794788172992009-02-25T11:18:00.000-08:002009-02-25T11:37:46.806-08:00i want*a <a href=http://www.seafoamwoodturning.com/Shopping/spurtle.htm> spurtle </a><br /><br />*a woven <a href=http://www.afreximltd.com/products/woven-baskets> basket </a> to carry to the farmers market this summer <br /><br />*this <a href=http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-VISUALLY-Knitting-Consumer/dp/047027896X> book </a> about knitting socks<br /><br />*a <a href=http://www.mysigg.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=528> SIGG </a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-33557113010116060622009-02-22T14:23:00.000-08:002009-02-22T14:24:33.741-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrTKeOaXEKbxJx4Cm65b6bU47KktYFAEQDTBwibKHvYnheJqQ6sMfhPykOH6uofL-nArJ4ONEVVG_P0D6lXm56aOSRoGW1mxjBtJ-qFL4_tqXKNQd0HplqcqWjmggH1Lho8UtoxZ6X37A/s1600-h/bfing11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrTKeOaXEKbxJx4Cm65b6bU47KktYFAEQDTBwibKHvYnheJqQ6sMfhPykOH6uofL-nArJ4ONEVVG_P0D6lXm56aOSRoGW1mxjBtJ-qFL4_tqXKNQd0HplqcqWjmggH1Lho8UtoxZ6X37A/s400/bfing11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305751148202520354" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-3092036766362542232009-02-22T11:10:00.000-08:002009-02-22T11:24:10.094-08:00knitting ideas for the year-I've been sick and while laying around I've been thinking about what I want to knit this year. <br />I've accomplished one of my knitting goals this week, I learned to cable knit. I was trying to find a pattern for a cable knit oven mitt but I haven't had any luck yet. I was thinking it would be a good holiday gift idea. (I know its early to be thinking of these things, but with a baby this year, its gonna take a long time if I want to make gifts this year). I can find plenty of cable knit mittens but kitchen mitts could need to be thicker and I'm not sure how to do that with cables.<br />Anyway- I did find this non-cabled, felted pattern I might do:<br /><img src=http://www.johnnysstew.com/craftpic/ovenmitts.jpg></img><br />For Easter I think these would be fun:<br /><img src=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1N5t2SfY4d2ypIthAdjAPQvdsy09yWWVl7F171tcr59u75Jd6RF6vnT72YSFT9f9clLki8Vx7x51KBgEDIE2xUDp-4GiUY4asOLs1JJsfgzGqvug_NWDxjZWqWe755lbqZAIOYbgASfTv/s400/bunny+2.jpg></img><br />I want to make this crown for Isaiah's first birthday:<br /><img src=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XADQcTxzd21eAxHRI8kn3WmePfuj2y7iQiAjXUIwBnD6oCwK7BAJwJGLUxuOYxeKRcmdxwAfVbPyvfTE_YQzt0jG_cyQ668ywl_ejuLjA7IH6RCObHfajzQUKJwTEDbQR_YseM-Rs7fS/s400/three+crowns.jpg></img><br />I also found an apron pattern but I'm not sure about it. I love the idea. I might just figure one out on my own.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-6048147138261782492009-02-19T08:58:00.000-08:002009-02-19T09:01:21.689-08:00peek a boo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRak4gr41FKEqa-tBmnkLXRT4DOjW-ShIV1lcHsyMiH5CB2NhQN1uZk4HOBCN0pzn1zsoQkeaaEFrkhU92PfJZi5iwIt52GR8To4rkiR58HmWcw1fL3B4eIxa3Ol57nT5EhY6xHgeeYtBd/s1600-h/peeka.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRak4gr41FKEqa-tBmnkLXRT4DOjW-ShIV1lcHsyMiH5CB2NhQN1uZk4HOBCN0pzn1zsoQkeaaEFrkhU92PfJZi5iwIt52GR8To4rkiR58HmWcw1fL3B4eIxa3Ol57nT5EhY6xHgeeYtBd/s400/peeka.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304554181303958642" /></a><br />I know the picture is terrible- it was kinda dark in the living room last night while we were hanging out on the couch. Andre and I were playing peek-a-boo with Isaiah and he was laughing and playing along. Then he took the blanket and started playing too! He's never done that before. It seems so early for him to be able to play games and know he's being funny! I was laughing so hard I was crying! It was great! Andre and I had him playing again today too.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-51750589959477280572009-02-16T14:07:00.000-08:002009-02-16T14:12:29.173-08:00another milestoneor two I guess.<br />Isaiah now has two teeth. He's doing a great job learning not to bite me and I'm very grateful for that.<br />Today he was sitting in his car/walker thingy and I fed him half of a cheerio and put the other half on his tray. He promptly picked it up, between thumb and finger, and ate it. It doesn't sound like much, but it's a huge milestone for babies. <br />It means that he understands eating and will soon be feeding himself. Of course it also means we have to watch him non-stop because everything will now be making its way into his mouth. Before, he could only really grab bigger objects, things I didn't have to worry about him eating, but now everything (fuzzies, dirt, etc) is fair game. <br />Also, he's going to be crawling any day now.<br />These seven months have gone by so fast!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-90860135562500086132009-02-06T09:20:00.000-08:002009-02-06T09:25:37.468-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S917Sa9BR3NlprWqFku_BZ8hcgqGkOkUjZRg7kWPP_4F__dxuahcIrptOh5GarTMZ632Cw-9WKUhGK5jRA-xWDhYATF4ZjY73yN-L2ZsjvMdgrjS7gDjSYWzs3xABYxFpZ3XSKZV36UF/s1600-h/n557865211_5846767_2471.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S917Sa9BR3NlprWqFku_BZ8hcgqGkOkUjZRg7kWPP_4F__dxuahcIrptOh5GarTMZ632Cw-9WKUhGK5jRA-xWDhYATF4ZjY73yN-L2ZsjvMdgrjS7gDjSYWzs3xABYxFpZ3XSKZV36UF/s400/n557865211_5846767_2471.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299735692556850898" /></a><br />Last weekend we did the Dedication service at church for Isaiah. My church doesn't do baptism for babies, we believe its a decision that the child should make for themselves when they are older. But we do make a commitment before the Lord to submit the child to God's will and to raise that child according to God's Word and God's ways. (okay, I copied that last bit, it was much more articulate that I was in trying to describe it). It meant a lot to me and I was so happy and honored that our families came together to celebrate Isaiah.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-82658912548882144372009-02-06T09:17:00.000-08:002009-02-06T09:20:12.892-08:00milk coma<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThuLCDZJylq8gARNOqo6rbdUVvlub8ZzBjkvUcwKFjOmHa363w-vjuE-GfIlQMIZsmxlg_2qP7-lb54hsx1hqkKUcWzS86AWUBf-4qEJZgbtjIdofEmK1c-NVggDTDpCeBpU3N7xOrDn7/s1600-h/milk+coma.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThuLCDZJylq8gARNOqo6rbdUVvlub8ZzBjkvUcwKFjOmHa363w-vjuE-GfIlQMIZsmxlg_2qP7-lb54hsx1hqkKUcWzS86AWUBf-4qEJZgbtjIdofEmK1c-NVggDTDpCeBpU3N7xOrDn7/s400/milk+coma.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299734963760769026" /></a><br />I just had to share that picture. He fell asleep nursing, and I couldn't put him down- he was too cute. Then he smiled in his sleep and the little milk drool was running down his chin. <br />It is good.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-90351113814124859572009-01-20T09:46:00.000-08:002009-01-20T09:54:47.446-08:00HopeI stopped the whirlwind of my day to watch the inauguration of President B. Obama today. I sat, with baby on breast, with a pile of diapers at my feet waiting to be folded, with lentils simmering on the stove for dinner, with apples waiting to be turned to baby food, with the wash and dryer running, I stopped to breath a deep breath of hope. <br />I'm glad that this is the man that my children will have clear memories of as president. I hope he can be a shining example to them that one person can really make a difference, can really change the world.<br />And then I thought about myself and if I've really changed the world in anyway, in folding diapers and cooking lentils. <br />But each leader, each Obama, Clinton, Kennedy, each Washington, had a mother who cooked for them and kept them well, who taught them about love, and hope and what is right and what is wrong. I hope I can mother in the shadow of those women who taught their children so well. <br />God bless America.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-29302466692783282372009-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:002009-01-19T08:11:53.360-08:00ahhhh winterWinter is tough on the stay-at-home mom types. I realized this morning that I have not left the house since thursday. And that was just for a chiropractor appointment. I have not spoken to another adult besides Andre (and he is working a ton right now so that isn't even too much) in days. When Solstice and Aiden were babies I had other mom friends with babies the same age and we were pretty good at visiting each other so no one went coo-coo. <br />I'm feeling a bit coo-coo at this point.<br />I wish it would at least warm up enough that I could take the kids out for a walk or something. Stir-crazy is not a good place to be. <br />I'm soooo looking forward to Burns Night this weekend!!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-439549758406569402009-01-16T07:29:00.000-08:002009-01-16T08:03:33.004-08:00teething beginsI swore to myself when I found out I was pregnant this time that I would take in every moment and not let it fly. I would try to memorize every sensation. I would try to take a mental picture at every smile, at every feeding, at every moment of peaceful baby sleep.<br />But somehow six months has flown by anyway.<br />And now Isaiah is teething. <br />He's also pretty good at eating. He loves apples and potatos mixed together. He can almost sit up on his own. He's taking less naps. He's waving (whether on purpose or not, we're not sure). He can play "get Daddys nose" and even play it with Mommy or sister or brother. <br />But back to teething. This is the milestone that has hit me the hardest. This is the big sign that he is entering into kid-dom. <br />He's such a wonderful baby, so happy and joyful. Teething has taken a toll on his happiness. He's been very miserable. Crying and even screaming at times. <br />I feel so bad for him. It must be awful to suddenly have this pain that you can't understand and it just never seems to get better- and it hurts most when you are doing what usually soothes you the most! Eating hurts him at times. That just makes me sad for him. <br />Overall he's handling it quite well. He's still more smiliey than any other baby I've ever seen.<br />Even last night when everything fell apart, he was able to give me a smile. He was up a lot last night. He's wake up crying, screaming, unable to be soothed. And then at one of the worst points of the night, I suddenly get a terribly bloody nose! That was just crazy! (of course Andre would have gotten up and helped me if I'd asked, for the record, but I really try not to bug him when he has to go out in the world and work all day) So I was running back and forth between trying to calm Isaiah and taking care of my nose. Life is crazy. But once he got calmed, he gave me a big smile and weent back to sleep.<br />I hope this tooth will break all the way through soon and we can have a little break before the next one starts.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-18640232966225684852009-01-08T17:41:00.000-08:002009-01-08T17:52:00.395-08:00chiropractic careA friend of mine from church mentioned to me a few monthes ago that she met this man in her small group that was a chiropractor and that his speciality was exactly the kind of injury that I have. She told me I needed to make an appointment. I was excited about the information but put off calling for a long time. After the accident I spent all my time in appointments. I think I was seeing around 15 specialists all in all. I just got tired of doctors and being messed with. So the idea of starting in on appointments with someone again was kinda scary. But I was complaining again and she totally called me out on not calling yet.<br />So I did finally. I've been so impressed with this doctor. I am hopeful for the first time in years that this injury might actually be healed. I had resigned myself to accepting that it might only be managed and I'd be dealing with it forever.<br />He's said he is absolutely certain that he can fix this neck injury. I've never had anyone say they think its completely fixable. And if the improvement that came from this first week is any measure, than I really do believe him.<br />He's explained to me how the top vertebrae (c1 and c2) are moved and how they have been compressing my brain stem all this time. He explained how that can lead to all kinds of feelings of depression. <br />That really hit me. I thought I was done being angry about this accident. I thought I'd put all that behind me, but this has stirred up those feeling again. If it hadn't happened, or if I'd had someone help me right away, I wonder what all would have been different. I've thought of this before, of course. But specifically the issues I had with depression and what actions that led to... those are the things that I regret the most. What if the depression hadn't crept into my life? What if I hadn't needed to cope with that depression? What if I hadn't been trying to cope and hide those feelings I was having? <br />I don't want to get caught up in the "what if" game. But its been on my mind today and I thought (hoped) writing it out might help those what ifs get out of my head so I can really truly start to heal.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-51855302797765396902009-01-04T13:24:00.000-08:002009-01-04T13:42:15.435-08:00grateful for...Sometimes its easy to loose sight of all the blessings I've received this last year. On a day like today when my head and neck hurt so much I can almost not stand it, it's hard to feel grateful for anything. But I have to stop myself and think of all the wonderful things that have happened to me and what a wonderful life I really do have. <br />This last year was especially full of blessings. Here are a few of the biggest (in no real order, because how could I even try and compare them?)<br /><br />1. Isaiah Jack Henry was born. He was such a surprise addition in my life and the pregnancy was such a crazy ride but he is such a joy!! He is so full of light and love.<br /><br />2. My Mom fought and won her battle with breast cancer. That phone call was so surreal. And seeing her sick was heart breaking. But she is stronger and even more amazing now. And we grew even closer through it all. <br /><br />3. My family reunited. What can I say? I am just so blessed and grateful. Love Never Fails.<br /><br />4. Although I don't know the exact day, I know I past the one year mark of being sober from vicoden (etc) and alcohol. I thank God for the strength to finally win that fight.<br /><br />5. I grew closer to my family. I got to know Megan even better, I spent more time with my Mom and my Dad than I had in years. Although the circumstances were often hard, that was a real blessing. (thank you again Megan for all your help!!)<br /><br />6. I grew and learned to trust God in all things. There were days when I didn't know where my next meal would come from- and suddenly the answer would be right there. He has never failed me, not once, this year. How could I ever doubt? Even when I wasn't faithful to Him, He was faithful to me.<br /><br />7. After some therapy and some praying, I have finally discovered that I am good just as I am. And for the first time in my entire life I am comfortable in my own skin and happy to be me.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-88915768530805180542009-01-02T06:37:00.000-08:002009-01-02T06:51:05.849-08:00resolutionsI'm not a big fan of resolutions. I don't want to make a list of promises I can't keep for myself. But I do have some general ideas of improvements I'd like to make this year.<br />1. I'd like to journal more. I used to be better about writing each day. Blogging is nice, but of course its not the same. And there is just something so comforting about putting pen to paper.<br />2. I want to be a better Christian. Not louder or scarier- don't worry. I want to pray more, read more, and be more focused on being the person Jesus would want me to be; kinder, calmer, more giving, more loving. <br />3. I refuse to diet ever again. I will never give up baked goods again! But, I would like to loose about 20 pounds in the next 6 months. That wouldn't change my appearance too much but it would make me more healthy. My plan is to stop eating after 9pm and to try to be more active. I was thinking if I make a cd of dance music and dance around like a looney every day, that might be good. When it gets warmer, then I'll switch to going for walks.<br />4. I want to be a better wife and mother. I want to give my all to make their lives better, calmer and happier.<br /><br />*******<br />So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.<br />Matthew 6:34 New American Standard BibleStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-1209266852505735632008-12-30T05:42:00.000-08:002008-12-30T05:47:53.490-08:00the journey to solidsWe've put a hold on the solid foods for awhile. Isaiah just loves eating. He enjoys sitting up at the big table with us. He eats every bite with great joy and feet kicking. He doesn't spit the food out or make a mess because he enjoys it so much.<br />But we've had to pull back a bit a listen to the cues his body is sending us. I knew he didn't need to be eating solids yet, but since he was so into the idea we were letting him lead in this. But twice now after eating baby cereal, he has thrown up big time. Not just spit up, we are more than used to that! But full on barfing up all the milk and cereal in him little belly. Both times were while on my lap, of course. There is just nothing like being covered in your kids barf. (Do you know the story of Aiden barfing in Cafe Luwak? Ohhh my...)<br />Anyway, so we are putting a halt to the food experimentation for now. He's been good with little mushed bits of potato so I think we'll stick to that for the next month on the nights he really wants to join in for dinner. But mostly, he'll have to just belly up to the milk bar until his stomach gets a little more mature.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-78874386416337923752008-12-29T19:56:00.000-08:002008-12-30T05:41:58.658-08:00Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiNrwIJPQirVdN4PPteDOdC0Ispp2T2e_Djeq5OHoMdO7WUGGHjG0oLBJdmFona3lkkk-nGI00blDMSBJDnjQxw3-aZM63ax0nuyZsRcsyg2d-ZNtMeghrzudhiIdrRu5ijSd5ujnJ6ne/s1600-h/isaiah+jack+henry+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiNrwIJPQirVdN4PPteDOdC0Ispp2T2e_Djeq5OHoMdO7WUGGHjG0oLBJdmFona3lkkk-nGI00blDMSBJDnjQxw3-aZM63ax0nuyZsRcsyg2d-ZNtMeghrzudhiIdrRu5ijSd5ujnJ6ne/s400/isaiah+jack+henry+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285427178405041762" /></a><br />This Christmas ended up being one of the biggest times of blessing in my life. I won't get into all the details, but God showed His love to us in amazing ways this year and we had such a joyful day.<br />We had a busy day. We enjoyed a great morning with just the family, opening presents and eating some yummy breakfast pizza made by Andre. Then we went to my mom and step dad's and had some yummy food and great times with my family. Then we hoped back in the car and headed over to Elizabeth and Dan's house for more good food and family. It was a long day. I can't imagine having done a day like that when the other two kids were babies. Isaiah is such a good natured boy. The day went so well. He just napped on my lap when he got tired and woke up ready for a more fun and smiles. I can't imagine doing a day like that with bottles. I don't know how people do that. It was nice to be able to provide all the comfort he needed while on the road. It kept him happy and ready to jump back into the festivities. <br />The kidlets had a great Christmas too. They said it was the best Christmas ever. Hearing that made it the best for me. I loved seeing their faces so lit up and happy. I knew they would be thrilled with what Santa was able to bring and that had me so excited I was the first one up in the morning! I was pacing the floor waiting for them to wake up.<br />It was just a great day and so nice to end this crazy crazy year in such a blessed way.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5861903185535391145.post-60140746292813428352008-12-27T16:19:00.000-08:002008-12-27T16:23:52.059-08:00birth storyI was reading this on my old myspace blog. I can't believe its been almost 6 months! I thought I'd repost it here... don't really have a reason why. Enjoy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzVQQ58z_RkD65OGvPfKKqlMxGqR2PZXRtdcwTqaG4TKT89UJZoPTBNuItJfJSPkETebM7dDEDnKejcTp_aQQiBnnT3WTY05lDFTPpTRPY2OnCit_Ws9OZmoqmLxgpThw3uS_FaGMdNDF/s1600-h/isaiah1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzVQQ58z_RkD65OGvPfKKqlMxGqR2PZXRtdcwTqaG4TKT89UJZoPTBNuItJfJSPkETebM7dDEDnKejcTp_aQQiBnnT3WTY05lDFTPpTRPY2OnCit_Ws9OZmoqmLxgpThw3uS_FaGMdNDF/s400/isaiah1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284629849954022914" /></a><br /><br /><br />I woke up Friday morning feeling kinda crampy, I thought there was a chance that it could be the day. I got up and had a few contractions, but nothing to really pay attention to. I went out with the kids and got some last minute things done. Then we had an appointment at the hospital to get checked out, just normal post due appointment. The midwife checked me there and found me to be about 2 cms. She swept my membranes a little, she couldn't get in to do much. But after that I was having even more contractions. <br /><br />Andre and I made plans to go to the Celtic Fest that night. He needed to pass off his Mr. Pretty Legs crown. The kids were all set to go to grandma and grandpas house. I was contracting a lot by the time Andre got home but I was afraid to cancel our plans and then have labor fizzle out. All that false labor made me paranoid! So we went to the Celtic Fest and had a pretty good time even though I was contracting like crazy. We met some friends there and it was great to see them and share the excitement. The announcer said something about me being in labor so people were stopping us to ask if that was really true. It was pretty funny.<br /><br />We walked around the fest for quite awhile and then went right to the hospital. I didn't think I was ready to be admitted yet, but I wanted to make sure Isaiah was okay, he wasn't moving much, and just to check where I was. In triage she said I was 3+cm and said I could stay there and walk for two hours and get checked again before I went home. We thought that was a good idea, I knew I wasn't going to be able to rest. The first hour of walking was intense, but I could handle it with Andre's help. But then it got much harder. Andre was so great supporting me, I was crying and really having a hard time. I already felt like I wanted to crawl out of my skin and escape. But he calmed me down and led me back to triage and we talked with the midwife again. She said she could admit me based on my history of long back labors. They'd get the epidural hooked up soon and maybe I could get some rest. So we got in, called the Megans(my sister and the doula), and soon I had my epidural. I was hoping my back wouldn't hurt this time, but it felt just like the other two. So after I was all hooked up, the midwife checked me and found me to be 8 cms and totally effaced! Wow!! This will go down in history as one of the best moments of my life. I'd never dilated like that before. I really can't describe how exciting this was for me! <br /><br />So the midwife said to get a little rest since I had a brand new epidural going. She said to just let them know if I felt any pressure or the urge to push. We rested and I dialed the rest of the way, so by 8 the next morning we started to work on pushing. It was exciting to get to feel that urge. With Aiden they told me when to push. Pushing felt great and I was so excited to be there. My back was hurting again, and that was frustrating but pushing helped focus my mind off it. So I pushed for 2 or 2 ½ hours in all sorts of positions. But nothing would get his head to move. The midwife was trying everything she could think of. She even called in a doc with an ultrasound to see just how his head was positioned so we could brainstorm more positions. I pushed for another hour after that but he still hadn't moved even the littlest bit. And my back labor was getting more and more intense. They gave me another full dose with the epidural and it wasn't even touching the back pain. <br /><br />Then things got very familiar. It felt just like when Solstice was born. The hinting around about a c-section. The worried looks. She kept telling me to rest more and not get all tired out. And with the back pain escalating, I agreed to a c-section. I was devastated. But some how I'd known this was how this baby wanted out. I tried to put on a brave face, but the tears kept coming anyway. <br /><br />They got me back in the O.R. pretty quickly. They were having a hard time getting me numb enough. There was a spot by my belly button that just wouldn't go numb. So they mega-dosed my epidural and now I still have spots that are asleep. While I was laying there on the table waiting, I noticed a familiar face. I knew my old friend Shadia worked in labor and delivery, and had been keeping an eye out for her, but didn't except to find her there in the O.R. It was a fun reunion and got my mind off being so afraid. And knowing she'd be there looking over things was so calming.<br /><br />Soon they were ready to go and they called Andre in. I was doing pretty good at this point. Scared, but excited to finally see this boy. It was slow going since they have to be careful about all the old scar tissue. But soon they were lowering the curtain so I could see Isaiah Jack Henry come into the world. He was good and healthy looking right from the start and making lots of clear cries so I could breathe easier. His apgars were 8 and 9. He weighed 9'4 at birth. They had him swaddled up and in Andre's arms pretty quickly. I wanted to be able to hold him, but I got the shakes really bad at this point. I couldn't control my arms. I was trying to hold onto the arm rests to keep my arms still. My jaw was shaking so hard I kept biting my tongue. I wasn't feeling well at all and started to go in and out of sleep. I could hear them as they were stitching me back together, talking about blood loss and knicks here and there. I could feel it all, but without any pain. I could feel them suctioning blood and moving organs. It's a very strange feeling. Then they were finally done and we got to go to recovery.<br /><br />I slowly started to feel a bit more human in recovery and got to finally hold this sweet boy of mine. The nurse I had was so awesome. She got Isaiah and I both stripped down so we could be skin to skin as he nursed for the first time. He was such a pro! I never even had to show him what to do. He's had perfect latch every time. It was beyond love at first sight. I'd had weird periods while pregnant where I would forget that I'd really have another kid after it was all said and done. So here it all really hit me and it was so comforting to know this little man was here to stay. Andre went out to gather up the family and let them come visit. Megan came in soon and my mom and step dad. Then my dad came in. Everyone was so excited and it made me feel so good to have their support. We were in recovery for a few hours and then went up to the smallest hospital room I'd ever seen! But it was cozy and at least a single (they were really crowded). <br /><br />Being in the hospital wasn't too bad. I had a very psycho nurses. Seems like the night nurses are the weirdos. But people were very nice. I was able to move around pretty well. I think better than with Solstice. One thing I hated was the medicine they put in my epidural before they took it out. It did help with pain but it made me terribly itchy! I couldn't even sleep because I couldn't stop itching! And the really bad part was that it was long lasting medicine so it was that way for like 18 hours. I got out of bed pretty soon and took a shower. That helped me feel more human again. We got visits from friends and family. That was great too. It was so fun to see Solstice and Aiden met Isaiah! They are so sweet to him. Andre and I got a pretty good system down of taking turns with sleep. So I got lots of time to rest and heal. They are so good together, Isaiah would just hang out with him and then let him know when he needed to come back to me and eat. <br /><br />And now we've been home for a few days and things are going pretty smooth. I've been making myself stay in bed most of the time and rest. My ankles have been swollen to outrageous sizes! And it is still complete agony to get out of bed. I feel like I was just sliced in half, pretty close anyway. But overall I think we've done pretty well. <br /><br />Isaiah is such a good baby. He is the best breastfeeder ever. He's pretty calm most of the time. He sleeps great at night. I haven't felt over-tired at all. He is very alert and likes to look at everyone. He knows all our voices and gets excited when someone walks into the room and talks. We had the typical issue with a c-section, my milk didn't come in as fast as normal so he lost a little more weight then I'd like. But the visiting nurse I had was awesome and said at that point she should suggest formula, but she's also a lactation consultant and just encouraged me to just keep up what I'd been doing and my milk would come in soon and everything would be fine. It came in later that night and Isaiah had gained a few ounces already when we saw the pediatrician the next day. He's a perfectly healthy baby.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236117364295038463noreply@blogger.com0