tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35697117078032518672024-03-21T13:50:24.893-07:00Simple--SatisfactionOne woman's journey to Simplicity, Contentment, and Satisfaction in all of life's Seasons..........This season: Lots of Littls at home with daddy, a preemie in the NICU with me living close by, seperated from the rest of the family."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-21567817707861544832012-03-07T08:31:00.008-08:002012-03-08T18:15:06.616-08:00Hannah's Birth Story<div><div>Hannah's early birth was anything but expected.</div><div>Please note: this post contains grapic descriptions of a birth, if you don't like the words Uterus or Placenta, ect. you won't want to read this post. Also, this is my perception of events, both emotional and medical, from what I have pieced together. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>For about a week before my prenatal appointment i had some slight swelling in my feet. I had called my midwives, and we had determined it was probably from the pressure of the uterus laying on a vein, which was causing some retention, as one foot was bigger than the other and I also lacked the other classical signs of pre-eclampsia. I did the exercises they suggested, elevated my feet ect and noticed the swelling would go down. In fact, my feet would switch in puffiness depending on which side I was laying on when I was sleeping. We didn't worry and I kept my regularly scheduled appointment. The weekend before my apointment, my feet got a little bigger but I was feeling pretty fantastic. </div><div> </div><div>Monday came along, I puttered thruout the house, and babysat my friends children. The kids had a blast, and I really enjoy the little bit more I could get done with them so happily distracted. My feet got pretty puffy, but I figured it was because I hadn't had my feet up.</div><div> </div><div>We drove up to Carmichael to meet with our Midwives, as we were still planning a homebirth. I was in their office less than 10 miunites and she had already weighed me, checked my blood pressure 3 times and had me test my urine. I saw her face when she looked at the test strip, and I knew what she was going to say. I remember saying to her first "I know what that means" she pretty much nodded, and then made some phone calls. </div><div> </div><div>Within minuites I had my records in my hands and was told that UC Davis Med Center was expecting me for testing and to go right away. I may be pre-eclamptic and we needed to know how severe and what our options were. She said the tests would take several hours and they may keep me overnight. </div><div> </div><div>I spent an hour in the wating room, while they processed my paperwork. The kids were happily playing, and I was just nervous and tired. Garrett and I decided he would take the kids out and find a place to play while I had my testing. When they took me back they told Garrett to come back in an hour.</div><div> </div><div>They took my weight, my urine, then my blood pressure. The nurse asked me alot of questions...and asked how long I have struggled with high blood pressure. I replied that I don't. my blood pressure is borderline too low. She looked suprised. </div><div> </div><div>Within 5 miunites I had a Swarm of doctors around me, and several nurses as well. one was placing monitors on my belly, the other running an IV. The doctor introduced herself and said in a kind way, I need you to relax. She actually guided me in deep breathing and visualizing my "happy place" and then quickly explained that I was not leaving the hospital today. I said "oh, for 24 hours of observation, right?" she said "No. Not untill you deliver" It didn't quite register.</div><div> </div><div>I was then told I was pre-eclamptic, an my blood pressure was very high. The IV was Magnesium something, and it was to protect my brain and the baby's brain in case I had a stroke. They explained every procedure to me and why it was needed before they did it. I was very greatful for that, as I basically had no real choice, but it was nice that they were so thurough in making sure I understood what was going on. I recieved a steroid shot to help develop the babies lungs, as well as some medication to lower my blood pressure. They did an ultrasound to guess the baby's weight...and i remember telling them that the gender was a suprised. The entire team obliged me and we all agreed to call it "baby" or "she" as that is what I called the baby, they actually seemed quite delighted with the idea of a suprise baby.</div><div> </div><div>While all this was going on, Garrett wandered into the room with 3 very cuious and shocked looking children. He hadn't been told anything. I told him I had to stay, at least overnight and most likely untill the baby was born. I remember trying to explain to the kids that I was sick and had to stay at the hospital. Jacob wanted to know what each machine and wire and tube did. I was feeling quite woozy by then. Garrett took the kids home.</div><div> </div><div>The magnesium really kicked in, and it burned. it made me feel hot and dizzy I had a brief moment of panic,but one of the nurses talked me through it. my water was rationed, I was allowed a total of 6 oz of ice chips or 3 oz of water every 2 hours. I was told that with the combination of edema(swelling) in my feet and the magnesium they had to be very very careful in measuring my fluids what went in and what came out. "My" nurse was named Brenda, she was from South Africa and we hit it off right away. She was happy to chat with me and keep me distracted. The night nurse took over, she was lovely as well. She had to draw my blood several times duing the night, but I hardly felt it she was so good at it!</div><div> </div><div> The next morning I woke to yet another team of doctors surrounding me, rapi-firing questions. I am not sure any of my answers were coherent. I was doing very well, so well, that they wern't sure it was pre-eclampsia after all, but it might be an autoimmune disorder such as lupus. More tests were ordered, I was taken off the magnesium, and moved to a recovery room since I was "passed teh danger of iminent delivery" They were quite optimistic that I would be able to stay on bedrest and keep the baby in untill at least 32 weeks. I called Garrett, and told him to bring the kids up, as it was my birthday and I was going to be stuck in bed for at least a month. They sent me downstaris on a stretcher for an ultrasound of my kidneys.</div><div> </div><div>The test took all of 5 miunites, and then they parked me in line, and I had to wait for someone to bring me back to my room. I think I waited nearly an hour. At this point, I noticed my braxton-hicks contractions felt a little crampy. I started timing them, and urged the staff to get me upstairs ASAP. I had Brenda (who was my nurse agin today) monitor me, she quickly strapped me up and began studying the tape. She stepped out of the room a moment, and I felt a warm gush. It was blood. My mother walked into the room, I held up my hand and said..."Get a nurse NOW" she ran off, I kept hitting the call button. Mom returned with Brenda. I said, get someone to check me!!!! </div><div> </div><div>The team of doctors who admitted me showed up. The head doctor, whom I liked very much, explained that sometimes high blood pressure can cause a part of the Placenta to seperate from the uterus, and we were going to do a quick check to see if I was dialated so we would have a reference point, and then we would try and figure out if the placenta had abrupted. My heart hit the floor. Placental abruption was one of the pregnancy complications that terrified me the most. It can cause the death of the baby, and puts the mother at high risk for hemmoraging (and eve death) as well. The head doctor talked a student thru the examination (UC Davis is a learning hospital, half the teams I met were comprised of students and residents) I watched the doctor's face change as she was looking over the student's shoulder. She gently moved the student back and took over the exam. "You're 10 cm dialated and there is a bulging bag of waters." "ok, are we going to stop it."</div><div>"lets just see if we can keep you pregnant just a little longer" Yet another whirlwind of activity happened. More needles, Iv back up, more magnesium, another shot of steroids, move me back onto the birth bed, wheel me out into the hall for the trip back into the delivery room.</div><div> </div><div>That's when I saw my husband, carrying my baby Abigail and some flowers, and the two boys standing next to him. Abigail cried out "mamma, mamma!!" and lunged towoard me. The boys were yelling "Happy Birthday! We brought you prizes!" as I pulled passed them their faces fell. I sent my mom out to take them to the downstairs lobby. I heard them crying as they left. When I arrived at the delivery room, I told the doctor "I'm feeling pushy" "no, not yet!" she replied, and then once agian helped me go to my "happy place" and deep breathe thru the contractions while the team assembled. I kept asking for Garrett, but he had gone to move the car as he was in a timed spot and didn't want to get a ticket. They called him, and he ran thru the parking garage and around the maze of a hospital to get to me. At this point I asked them if they were going to stop the labor. I didn't quite realize what was happening, they said no, and I thought then that I was going to have to just live with the contractions and try and stay pregnant for a few more days.</div><div> </div><div>Garrett grabbed my hand, still breathless. I was given permission to push. I tried to do it gently, but as the baby moved down, I just knew I had to get the baby out. She popped out, I saw the doctor lurch to the side, and I heard a small cry. I saw a little pink baby being passed over to the NICU team. I told Garrett to find out what we had...as the entire team knew not to announce it. "Its a little Girl!!!" he declared. I cried. I cried alot. Garrett stayed with me untill the team took her upstairs, he followed Hannah. </div><div> </div><div>They pulled on the cord and "massaged" my belly. I saw their faces as the placenta delivered. A group went over to study it while another team cleaned me up a bit. I heard things like "torn..." "Abrupted..." "this part looks older..." I shuddered at the thought of how close we both were to the edge. They had some trouble getting my uterus to "firm up" it would do it, then relax, and finally it seemed pretty firm, so they tidied me up.</div><div> </div><div>I saw my mom and the kids at the door, they were given permission by the staff to come in, Auntie Kate was there, as was my sister Cassie. Abigail wanted on the bed with me, but I was too tired. there were kids running around, looking in cabinets, pushing buttons. It was joyful chaos. I was so delighted to see My children and my darling nieces. They wished me happy birthday, and kissed me. Jacob demanded to know where his baby was. I explained that she was tooo tiny right now and the doctors were looking after her, that Hannah and mommy were going to have to stay here for awhile. He looked just crushed.</div><div> </div><div>I still wasn't feeling very good, and I told everyone I was worn out. Kate and Greg had planned on taking the kids when it was time for me to deliver, so between her, my mom and my sister they were able to get all the kids to her house where they spent the next 3 days. </div><div> </div><div>Nurse Brenda came over to check me again, "Massaging" my uterus (this massage basically entails a nurse putting the full weight of her upper body on a small inch section of your stomach and rocking back and forth a bit) a HUGE amount of blood clots gushed forth. The doctors were around me in seconds again, they tried more pitocin, and some other drugs. They swept my uterus manually, looking for bits of retained placenta. Another hour or so passed, more massages, more rounds of meds. The doctor got out the ultrasound to help locate any missed pieces, they were talking about a possible D&C. I flipped. They finally found the piece, they thought they could reach it. I asked for drugs. Just a touch of something I can't pronounce, and I was able to handle them getting the last piece out. The bleeding stopped almost immediatley. No D&C needed. </div><div> </div><div>I was unable to go see Hannah, for nearly 8 hours after she was born. It took a long while to get me stabalized, and I was too dizzy to sit up in the wheel chair. I finally got to go upstairs and see her. She was perfect. A tiny reddish little baby beautifully formed with lots of black hair. She had tubes and wires everywhere, but she was alive and was given very good chances at living a totally normal life. I was so greatful, so happy that we were both alive and well.</div><div> </div><div>I view this birthing experience as a Nighmare scenerio that happened in a most perfect way. Things could have gone much, much worse....but I firmly belive that God guided my body and the doctors to deliver Hannah safely into this world where she could thrive. I thank God for our lives. I am fully satisfied.</div><div> </div></div>"Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-83877932717749082452011-07-21T14:27:00.000-07:002011-07-21T16:02:18.356-07:00Raising your Debt CielingRaising your Debt <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cieling</span><br /><br />Today we are having a Toy Story marathon. Everybody has been sick and grumpy the last few days, with a wonderful break between the fevers and the hoarse coughing. and on to today's topic...Debt!<br /><br />What do you do when your income drops unexpectedly? Lets just say you belong to a 2 income household and you lose one. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hypathetically</span>. What is your first reaction?<br />Are you a spender, or a saver? Do you have reserves? Credit cards? Other sources of income? What should you cut first?<br /><br />Let's play out this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">scenario</span> with a hypothetical family. Joe and Jane <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Spenderson</span> are dual breadwinners. they have 1 child. Mom and dad live with them too, as well as great grandma. They live in a large home on the coast of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">California</span>. The kids are enrolled in private school as well as several activities. Great grandma requires full time care. Mom and dad pay a small rent to live in the "in-laws quarters" behind the house.<br />Jane loses her job.<br />Jon says not to worry, they have plenty in the bank. They continue their lifestyle with no changes, other than Jane is now at home full time, coordinating the maid service and meal deliveries. The months tick by, their savings is gone, their credit cards are maxed out.<br />At this point, they open a second mortgage on their home. Now flush with new cash, the whole family goes on a Cruise to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">relieve</span> their stress. Their son takes on another activity and mom is just tired of it all and starts spending her time at the spa.<br />The funds run out again.<br />They dip into granny's Health Savings Account. <br />The funds run out again.<br />Jon drains out <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Juniors</span> college funds.<br />The funds run out again.<br />You see where I am going with this?<br />The family is now hugely in debt, there are no college funds, there is nothing to provide for granny, or mom and dad for that matter, their house is underwater.<br />At this point they decide to hold a family meeting.<br />Jon announces that there needs to be some changes, and that the family is welcome to submit their ideas. An argument <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ensues</span>, in which everybody holds on dearly to the things <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">that</span> matter most to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">them</span>. Junior wants to stay in private school as well as hockey, football and fencing, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Jane</span> wants to continue at the spa. Jon likes his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">beamer</span>. Mom and dad like their current rent rate. Granny needs her private nurse. After hours of arguing their new plan looks like this:<br />Jon will pull out a third mortgage on the property, Mom and dad will pay double the rent, granny's pills will be rationed and the family can't afford to buy groceries anymore so they will just eat out.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmmmm</span>.....<br /><br />Let's revisit this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">scenario</span>, replacing the previous family with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Frugalsons</span>.<br />Ben and Beth are dual breadwinners, They have 3 children. Mom and dad rent the apartment over the garage and great-grandpa lives with them.<br />Beth looses her job, their income is reduced by half.<br />Ben immediately holds a family meeting. Everybody agrees to cut back. Ben will carpool and take his lunch to work, Beth will take over helping granny out, Mom and Dad will pitch in a bit more rent and the kids will drop one activity each.<br />Time goes on and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> savings slowly dwindles. <br />They dip into their vacation savings and replace the bills with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">IOU's</span>. <br />Still they are not making it.<br />Ben feels bad for all the sacrifices his family made and takes out a credit card. Debt creeps in.<br />When that card is maxed out, they have another meeting. <br />First, the family agrees to tear up the vacation <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">IOU's</span>, it was imaginary debt anyway. Beth will start selling extra things around the house on e-bay. Ben will take on extra hours. Mom and dad have their eyes on an investment property next door, and ask to stop paying rent in order to invest in it, in return they will give a portion of the income to the family. The kids agree to help keep up the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">yard work</span> on both houses.<br />The months pass, the debt is slowly eliminated. The neighboring property is bringing in a healthy rent and Mom and Dad are able to increase the amount they were paying in rent by 25% The kids found great satisfaction in doing the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">yard work</span> and have branched out to mow several neighborhood lawns. They are now adding to their college funds. Ben got a promotion at work, Beth was able to hire on a home health nurse part time to give herself a bit of a break. The family took a small vacation that year and ended with a small surplus in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> family fund.<br /><br />Think on this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">awhile</span>, we will analyze it later, as the movie has ended and my kiddos are hungry for dinner."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-38527709607529830262011-07-17T09:20:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:30:15.790-07:00100th post spectacualr!Whilst the baby is occupied playing with a potato, and the boys are distracted by a cartoon I will quickly try to accomplish this, my 100th post spectacular!<br />I really mulled this one over, and fretted about it and then forgot about it for awhile. After spending may hours researching America's current demographic, generational, financial, economic and political condition I came to see the truth in the quote "Impression without Expression leads to Depression"<br /><br />Boy have I been DEPRESSED. My darling daughter was born nearly a year ago, my hubby was laid off work nearly 9 months ago and I lost all motivation. I am taking steps now that have given me some hope. This blog is part of my "recovery" plan. I hope to begin posting more regularly again, and perhaps make a difference in my little corner of the universe. I would like to share some reflections and study I have done on the "bigger" picture and tie that into our "little" picture.<br /><br />Today's Topic: INFLATION and the COUPON CRAZE<br /><br />I Love couponing! I am seriously addicted at this point. I have been doing the "Extreme Couponing" thing on and off for the last two years, since our first long term struggle with unemployment. My dear friend Amber introduced me to www.thekrazycouponlady.com website, which showcases the deals found in my area. I have now been able to save 90%+ on my toiletries/paper goods budget, and I save at least 50% on my food. This is a substantial amount for us and has enabled me to stretch our budget further than I could have imagined as I am definitely a frugal type. Having found this level of success I was so happy to see my favorite blogger featured on the TLC special "extreme couponing" early this year.<br /><br />All of the sudden Everyone jumped on the band wagon, shelves were empty, people were literally racing in to my local rite aid to be the first to land a good deal. There was a great stir in the couponing world, wondering what was going to happen. Stores changed policies, new limitations were placed, coupons weren't as "good" anymore, prices rose. The influx of new converts was blamed. <br /><br />I think this was actually a symptom of something greater. INFLATION.<br /><br />The US government breaks down the prices of consumer goods and produces an index of cost in order to gauge inflation. Here is the official Government website noting inflation on food items is only 3.7% higher over the last 12 mos. http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm<br />Please note, these are only the prices over one year, if you start adding the increases up over time, you can see how prices have been rising.<br />In my experience, however, I believe the cost of food and products have gone up much, much more. This is a site that breaks down commodities and their inflation rate over the last year.<br />Here is a good list of consumer goods and their inflation rates, not included in the cpi<br />http://escapetyranny.com/2011/02/15/inflation-anyone-check-out-the-12-month-price-increases-on-this-commodity-price-index/<br />Many of us aren't going to go out an buy a bushel or corn, however it is found in nearly all of our food products. When Corn goes up, Manufacturers pass on their costs to us in their food prices.<br /><br />Take a close look at some of the goods you always buy. Is it just me or are they getting smaller, serving less? Comparing my expired coupons to the ones that are being released as well shows a definite loss in savings for me some coupons are consistently 25 to 50 cents lower than they were two years ago. Prices in the supermarket have gone up as well. I don't even need to talk about gas prices. <br />All of these things are categorized under "hidden inflation" The blogger at the Modern survivalist has a wonderful post on this here: http://www.themodernsurvivalist.com/?p=1033<br />This man lives in Argentina and has experienced first hand hyper inflation and the collapse of their currency.<br /><br /><br />Yes, great you say, but what does this have to do with me? I'll break it down.<br /><br />We have been VERY blessed in America to spend so little to feed ourselves. That time may be ending due to our current fiscal policies. Expect food prices to go up. We are in the middle of a serious financial mess, and it is going to take some hard work to get out of it, in the meantime we CAN NOT rely on anyone but ourselves to look after the interests of our family. So, here is what to do.<br /><br />1. Stockpile. If you haven't done it yet, do so! Start couponing. Take your budget for food and toiletries and see how far you can stretch it. Just last week i was able to buy toothbrushes for just the tax. You can too! Having been thru two periods of extended unemployment i highly recommend 1 YEARS worth of food. Seriously. We are working towards that end now. <br /><br />2. Plant a garden. During WWII it was known as a Victory garden. Our country pulled together before and we can do so again. If you don't have dirt, form a community garden in you apartment complex, or look into indoor gardening. You will appreciate fresh produce while you live off of your stockpile. I highly recommend Heirloom or Open Pollinated seeds, you can save seeds from this years crop and grow more next year.<br /><br />3. Give. There are many in our society who are totally dependent on the government. This is bad. We aer having trouble meeting our obligations now asn radical reforms may take place. Do your part, Help those around you and educate them in your frugal ways.<br /><br />Times are changing, we need to change with them! Inflation is happening, in spite of what our Government reports. Remember when they kept insisting the housing market crash wasn't happening? It was. Look at your corner of the universe thru the big picture and you can connect the dots.<br />More later."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-68478371852706432562011-05-23T06:42:00.000-07:002011-05-23T06:50:34.573-07:00A lovely visit.We had a wonderful Sabbath visit with Lark and Val. It was waaaay to short, only a few hours! I had tried out some new Indian recipes, and found one to keep and one never to try again. I miss Lark so much. she was one of my best friends growing up we flew off to Springvale Academy together, and attended dozens of camps and youth group trips together as well. The sweet thing about our friendship is that the passing of time and the great distance has done little to diminish it. When one of us finally makes contact again, it as if no time has passed at all. I pray she will always reamin my dear friend. and also her hubby Val is cool too. He is like the extra brother I never had. you know, the one who didn't tease me incessnatly. We geeked out together over homebrewing, and I got tons of advice and will begin my first fermentation project as soon as I can get ahold of the equipment.<br /><br />Now, back to the daily grind. I take the weekends off from cleaning, and I am beginning to think this isn't such a great idea. I had lots of fun on Sunday, shopping and clipping coupons but now I beleive every dish in my kitchen is dirty. If we are going to have breakfast at all today I need to get cracking. But I just don't want too."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-51683945348595988942011-05-20T10:05:00.000-07:002011-05-20T10:10:03.932-07:00wow i am so behind.I have had a pretty rough winter, dealing with depression and family drama, and I feel like I am finally coming out of it. The change in weather has been good for me, and I hope to get on this more frequently. I have so much to share with all of you! For now, I am trying to get our house company ready. NO before/after shots, as I am truly embarassed at the amount of clutter that has built up around here the last 7 months!<br /><br />To do: <br /><br />Prep lasagene, start foccacia, make salad dressing<br />Tidy up and vaccuum front room<br />de-clutter kitchen<br />fold and put away laundry<br />scrub out bathroom<br /><br /><br />If I have time:<br />organize paperwork<br />boil and sun pocket diapers (they have developed a smell lately) <br />make apple pie"Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-76872338088940900502011-02-10T08:59:00.000-08:002011-02-10T09:00:35.205-08:00I'm baaaaack!well then, the last few months have been jam packed with drama. I'm just done. So here I am again, back into the bloggosphere, ready to muse away at the world, Family and our Ulitmate Purpose in life."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-51863965531834088712010-09-27T15:10:00.000-07:002010-09-27T15:15:40.404-07:00moms of many young siblings...I have wondered in the past, why it seems there are no blogs out and about written by moms who have lots of little ones. Many of the blogs about big families seem to have teens and older kids, and their advice about getting the big ones to help with the littles is nice, but does not apply to me. At this point I seem to be struggling with everyday existence and just wonder how this is all going to work out. I long for the company of someone else who is walking the same path I am.<br />I realized something the other day, moms like me just don't have time to do the blogging thing. I certainly don't. I am hoping to get myself back on some sort of schedule soon, in order to free up a bit more time for the blogosphere."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-23737569801868092982010-09-01T13:42:00.000-07:002010-09-01T13:51:35.412-07:00surrenderI have fully resigned myself to my fate...while that sounds rather dismal in reality it is not. I have been embracing the chaos that is this season of my life. When the baby cries, I simply pick her up and tend to her needs. When the boys need a boo boo kissed, I do so and give them a little extra snuggling as well.<br />This is the good life.<br />There was a bit of backsliding in this earlier today, I started worrying about getting the house "done" we wound up skipping outside time. BIG mistake. the boys got all wound up and wouldn't stay in bed at naptime. I finally bribed/rewarded them with an offer of going swimming if they stayed in bed. <br />It looks like I'll be taking them swimming in just another hour or so.<br />Here is my plan.<br />J. in life Jacket, playing by himself at the stairs...he LOVES this.<br />S. in arms<br />A. in baby seat in the shade.<br />When J. wants to be carried, trade out the life jacket. <br />Set a timer, let the boys know we only have until the "Beep beep" goes off, or until the baby cries too much.<br />Call grandpa and see if he can come over after work and hang out poolside to hold A.<br /><br />I will be trying to acquire another life jacket, and possibly a hose so we can use our water sprinkler toy in the common areas...for the next couple of weeks anyway."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-10570571929377619252010-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:002010-08-27T10:01:22.647-07:00finding a new routineThe last few days have been an adventure.<br />Wednesday was frustrating, everything went "wrong"<br />Thursday was spend in the moment, except for the late evening when cranky boys who hadn't napped wouldn't stay in bed.<br />Today I thought I had a plan that would work. A. isn't cooperating. She has foregone her usual sleep in an hour later tan everyone else routine and wants to nurse instead. I did get the bathroom cleaned up, and hopefully we will have some breakfast soon.<br /><br />I am still working on living in the moment. WE had some wonderful success in that yesterday. I read a book about bugs to the boys, then we went outside and found some. I didn't bring a book or my phone, we just wandered around the common area and played in the dirt. A. slept in the sling. Later in the afternoon I was scrubbing down the dining chairs and the kitchen floor and the boys wanted to help. I gave them some plain water and rags, and were they ever helpful!! we even dried the floor together. They also wanted to help with the dishes, which just turned into splashing around in the water while I nursed the baby...again.<br /><br />we also had some massive failures. We went outside and both the boys melted down initially, J. had an accident. I dragged everybody upstairs in spite of tantrums, feeling quite angry myself, and then realized in our enthusiasm to get outside before the heat, that we forgot to eat breakfast, and use the bathroom! I felt bad then, but we made up a picnic breakfast and went back out for some wonderful play time. Bedtime was a nightmare, I am out of ideas. They just won't stay in bed, and they are totally exhausted. J. has been keeping himself up late and awake during nap time as well, the result is an extremely grumpy and somewhat aggressive toddler. I guess we will just try again today and see what happens."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-35368412900701027222010-08-26T07:28:00.000-07:002010-08-26T07:31:21.975-07:00Mixed feelingsThe post partum perioud can be a huge emotional roller coaster. As the body adjusts back to normal hormonal levels things can get a bit wonky.<br />Yesturday was hard. <br />Today I am changing priorities a bit. I'm going to attempt to keep a closer watch on my emotional state, to remind myself to remain positive. It tends to melt down in the afternoons. The boys just don't want to be in bed at nap, and I am running out of ideas.<br />So, take care of self, remain positive, live in the moment."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-33682370711857400462010-08-23T08:50:00.000-07:002010-08-23T08:57:28.974-07:00Morning snuggle timeIn the spirit of learning to savor the moment, I thought I would post a few moments from the day that I really enjoy.<br /><br />Morning snuggle time! Pregnancy makes me extra tired, so the boys and I got in the habit of snuggling in the morning...mainly so I could doze off for a few more miunites. They wake up pretty early, between 6:30 and 7:00. they would both climb into my bed and snuggle. Now that we have our little princess, I have been continuing the tradition. S. snuggles uner my left arm, A. is under my right and J. snuggles next to "his baby" and reaches over to play with my hair. All in all, a wonderful way to spend the morning, untill of course they start getting squirmy and silly. <br />I don't know if I am going to continue returning to bed in the morning after Garrett leaves when I am off my "Restricted duty" then again, I am loving the lazy mornings! I am excited about re-vamping my days. This break has really helped me to learn to relax and re-focus!"Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-1359854484729975492010-08-19T07:41:00.000-07:002010-08-19T07:54:27.878-07:00the art of relaxationThere really is a knack to relaxing guilt free. For quite some time I have struggled with this concept. I was raised by a very high-energy industrious mom, who always seemed to keep everything together...and here I am, very low-energy and, well, just not nearly as efficient. Enter the self-imposed guilt.<br />But you know what, I'm not my mom. Nor am I Martha Stewart, Julia Child or June Cleaver. I am me.<br />I want to be me. I am truly starting to enjoy just lazing about the house, bonding with the new baby and playing with my boys. I think I will keep doing this. Hang the housework. <br />The house has carried on without me, thanks to a few dear friends and family members...everyone does a chore now when they come to visit the baby. It is working quite well. Too bad I only have a week left on my "no housework, no lifting, no going downstairs, no working" ban. I could get used to this.<br /><br />So, enter reflections on my routines. Here are the new rules. I WILL take coffee/tea breaks when the kids have their snack. at least 15 mins of doing something just for me. At nap time, I will nap if tired, or work on a fun project. NO chores or balancing the checkbook. Fun stuff. One video a day will be used, guilt-free, when I need time to do something...like cook dinner without two toddlers trying to hover about my legs. Outside play time everyday...until the weather gets too bad, and then off to the mall for inside play time! Grocery shopping will be done on Sundays, EARLY so I can leave the boys at home, and Garrett can haul them up. I will stop by Starbucks and enjoy a coffee on the trip. I will actually spend some of my spending money each week. If it is not spent, it will be removed in cash and tucked away for a later date. I will allow myself to pause and enjoy the moment wherever we are at.<br /><br />now, off I go to snuggle down on the futon and finish toy story 2."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-37651444899533798362010-08-18T09:19:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:56:11.146-07:00The birth storyHere it is, if you are a sensitive reader be forewarned.<br /><br />This was either my longest labor ever or my shortest, it depends on how you count it. The previous week I had a full 20 hours of contractions, following my usual pattern as based on my previous two labors. They were 10 mins apart and somewhat intense. Eventually they got down to 2 mins apart, and stopped. Completely. Verrry frustrating. I had the entire house prepped, snacks for the birth team made, the kiddos at their aunties,and my hubby missing work. I was so totally confident that this was going to be it that I was shattered. I also only progressed 1 cm during that time. On the bright side, we had a nice dinner and I got the best sleep I have had in about 3 1/2 years.<br />During the following week i had contractions EVERY afternoon until I went to sleep. these were NOT braxton hicks, every day they got more intense and "painful" and every day a bit more of my body got involved, until it felt like the contractions went from my chest to my knees. Not very fun. I stopped letting my midwives know, as they just kept stopping as soon as I was able to sleep.<br />Tuesday afternoon there were no contractions.<br />Tuesday evening my sister in law called to announce she was pregnant. I was super excited,and jumped around a bit. Two hours later contractions started again, it was nearly 11 pm.<br />I ignored them.<br />I went to bed.<br />I tried to sleep.<br />They didn't stop.<br />At 5 am I got up and made my DH his breakfast and packed his lunch, and sent him to work.<br />the contractions were STILL 10 minutes apart. Logically, and according to my previous labors, I had plenty of time.<br />I was afraid.<br />I tried to do the dishes...neglected from the previous day. I crawled back into bed. S. woke up around 5:45 I pulled him into bed with me and we snuggled. J. woke up not much longer, they were both fussy and I was really REALLY cranky. I put on a movie and called my mom. She stayed on the phone with me and insisted I call dad. He came right over and watched the boys for me. The contractions picked up in intensity, but still 10 mins apart. It was 6:30. I called my midwives to let them know I was in labor and would probably need them sometime that day. My contractions suddenly jumped to 5 mins apart. at 6:45 I called them back and told them to come NOW! I called Garrett's boss, who sent him home...two minutes prior to the work day starting. I made myself eat some toast and drink some powerade, still figuring I had hours and hours to go. I was quite miserable. I started making noise during the peak of each contraction. I was shivering and dizzy in between, I felt like I was riding on waves of sensation. Dad kept poking his head in the door and asking if i was OK EVERY contraction, at the peak. I yelled at him. (Sorry dad) <br />Finally Garrett got home, a full hour after I called (a pretty good commute time actually) dad whisked the boys away. I told Garrett to get comfy as I was going to need him. He started to take off his boots and overalls.<br />I stopped him.<br />I needed to throw up, right NOW!<br />He half carried me to the bathroom and held my hair back. <br />I was afraid.<br />I crawled into the bathtub and put the shower on. My contractions subsided somewhat.<br />I made him call the midwives and ask where they were.<br />I demanded he prep the tub.<br />He did all this still partially in work clothing, I htink he even had one boot on still.<br />My midwife Claudia arrived.<br />I hobbled to the couch, sitting on top of a chux pad.<br />I begged for the tub.<br />I needed to push.<br />I declared I didn't want to do this anymore and I was afraid....I still thought I had hours and hours to go.<br />Nope.<br />It was time to push.<br />I did one or two lying on my side. It felt good. I changed position, thinking, logically being upright would help it end sooner, gravity would help. <br />I stopped pushing.<br />I tried the birth stool.<br />Still didn't want to push.<br />Midwife Jen was still on her way, I overheard Claudia say she might miss it. I was afraid to push. <br />I refused to push.<br />I laid down again, Jen arrived.<br />Tried pushing again, felt some progress. <br />Breathed through a few more.<br />Jokes went around about having the baby in time to get to a Midwifery/Medical board meeting scheduled for that morning.<br />I pushed a little more, wussy pushes.<br />We discussed the fact that my waters were intact, I was worried the baby wouldn't come out. we agreed to wait a bit and see what happened.<br />the next contraction I HAD to push. I pushed HARD.<br />My waters exploded.<br />seriously.<br />I couldn't stop pushing at that point.<br />I remembered what it felt like then, to push a baby out. The sensations were familiar, I knew it was almost there.<br />Abigail entered the world at 9:11 am on Wednesday.<br />I didn't believe it was already over.<br />In fact, I stated that, several times, while clutching my lovely pink newborn. <br /><br />She was perfect, just enough crying for us to know she was ok, then she snuggled down and rested. <br /><br />We had nearly two hours of bonding while the midwives cleaned up. We cleaned up and then did the newborn exam all together. Garrett cut the cord. (they do it twice, once after the birth, leaving a long end, then again a neater, closer one.) She was perfect.<br /><br />Then we called the family at about 11:30. My parents came over, the boys met their sister. Everyone left and we slept.<br /><br />Overall, it really was a beautiful birth. I am still having a hard time believing I went all the way to the pushing stage on my own, no drugs, no tub, no nothing. <br /><br />I wonder what the next one will be like."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-68112210055619981902010-08-18T09:13:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:19:31.003-07:00Resting and recoveringI had a remarkably easy birth this time through. I feel fantastic. I am still supposed to be "resting" allowing my body to heal from the last 9 months of pregnancy. This has proven to be quite difficult at times. But I must say the "permission" to forget about the hosework is certianly easing much of my guilt. Actually at times it is quite nice, in fact I hope to retain this low stress low guilt attitude even when I am able to get up and around. Now, if only I can keep off of the couponing web-sites and just forget about the deals I am missing....they will come again, in a few months, but it would be so nice to hit CVS and pick up FREE items. sigh. But, really, in the long run I might be trading in my health to save a few bucks. Definately not a good bargain."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-42520175162889041532010-08-17T10:26:00.000-07:002010-08-17T10:58:34.943-07:00Introducing Abigail!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdgEopl2sEyyqp4GHplXIa8yfGDX_0Icdm_Upoov9peh2PAiYg0TTHZYM8eflhOuRq2riz4iGJ3-9jKXhvLAXavFXQl0dpiCQIlCl_LkKNNVw9_F6ZIyA4YeRwvqUS_jfmrwlp1bDu8Tf/s1600/may-august+2010+250.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/AVvXsEgAdgEopl2sEyyqp4GHplXIa8yfGDX_0Icdm_Upoov9peh2PAiYg0TTHZYM8eflhOuRq2riz4iGJ3-9jKXhvLAXavFXQl0dpiCQIlCl_LkKNNVw9_F6ZIyA4YeRwvqUS_jfmrwlp1bDu8Tf/s320/may-august+2010+250.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506439212847869714" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileHU7mbOktOWWOhgXWsCTKdB8LIgS57_G5PU-AWlYefMgc-Ads6Xmh12w4OhT6h5Pd3KWo5gC2GQyevh1H5KHsVQUvE9q6JExvRdgPl-tH66Xg0-JG7Ix4riJjX6gArvZOhi1wC1OI568/s1600/may-august+2010+212.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/AVvXsEileHU7mbOktOWWOhgXWsCTKdB8LIgS57_G5PU-AWlYefMgc-Ads6Xmh12w4OhT6h5Pd3KWo5gC2GQyevh1H5KHsVQUvE9q6JExvRdgPl-tH66Xg0-JG7Ix4riJjX6gArvZOhi1wC1OI568/s320/may-august+2010+212.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506439209364508274" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS0lwe0RpmZdlNyZc0YbL94wL865Nc40QsusGI9yEr_5I7WXxoC_sBri6r8Bc-x24V2hQX8iugQoMxRlFGB4Zh9fIl0UOBWyQ8ZQceWV2IpyooeeKdMeb86X-gQazq-gTZyTf2zUSf9zn/s1600/may-august+2010+204.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/AVvXsEhhS0lwe0RpmZdlNyZc0YbL94wL865Nc40QsusGI9yEr_5I7WXxoC_sBri6r8Bc-x24V2hQX8iugQoMxRlFGB4Zh9fIl0UOBWyQ8ZQceWV2IpyooeeKdMeb86X-gQazq-gTZyTf2zUSf9zn/s320/may-august+2010+204.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506439200207616562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2otEv9kozuXG1uG9SB0AfqgO8Sw1aJRafWz-QjSV3SwucaFoigdLfOakw1K1bU8Pbng3msWwPFb-sOZqwGAUlbKeN9S7YKU5JU81d7LkIsBwIEFkym7dLuEg1kTPYu9whI9Ojlyypcm9/s1600/may-august+2010+202.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/AVvXsEiB2otEv9kozuXG1uG9SB0AfqgO8Sw1aJRafWz-QjSV3SwucaFoigdLfOakw1K1bU8Pbng3msWwPFb-sOZqwGAUlbKeN9S7YKU5JU81d7LkIsBwIEFkym7dLuEg1kTPYu9whI9Ojlyypcm9/s320/may-august+2010+202.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506439198816795026" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqpeKAIJOIKwzod7P70L7mHh7mc4Y-81qobWezZpviQXr-s3RKXStPOrDsDxdR40qfx98x-wm4ovg0ZjeFM-moZ8eN_MEllW8Ej2UcGqURm1gXhx5BEHP0Owvn-SKRlot5a_FleUCjW29/s1600/may-august+2010+196.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/AVvXsEhEqpeKAIJOIKwzod7P70L7mHh7mc4Y-81qobWezZpviQXr-s3RKXStPOrDsDxdR40qfx98x-wm4ovg0ZjeFM-moZ8eN_MEllW8Ej2UcGqURm1gXhx5BEHP0Owvn-SKRlot5a_FleUCjW29/s320/may-august+2010+196.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506439188799706082" /></a><br /><br />I am not entirely sure how to do this, but I am attempting to post some pics of my new baby girl. Alright, s they went in reverse order, and all I see in my box are lines of code, therefore they will stay this way, so view from the bottom up. The botom shows parts of the newborn exam, and up to brother holding her, and finally at 4 days old at the top.<br /><br />A. made her way into this world at 9:11 am, on August 11. She weighed 6lbs 8oz, and measured 19 inches. It was a beautiful and (mostly) peaceful birth. She is doing very well, as am I. Birth story to follow soon!"Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-69997947656456694992010-08-10T09:28:00.001-07:002010-08-10T09:39:40.920-07:00My pantry......is in the midst of an identity crisis. Seriously. Several months ago we had gotten rid of pretty much all the junk food in the house and I had moved to making nearly everything from scratch. It was wonderful fun.<br />Then I got bitten by the coupon bug. Who can resist a 25 cent (large) box of poptarts? or totally free yoplait yogurt?<br />The problem with that is it perfectly coincided with the exhaustion of late pregnancy and the need to have a bunch of easy to make "food" in the house for the postpartum period.<br />So here we stand, with half of the shelves overflowing with good, whole foods or "ingredients" as some people know them. The other half is crammed full of "convenience foods" boxed inferior versions of what I was making from scratch. Sigh. Really it wouldn't be so bad, except I keep dipping into these stockpiles and am getting out of the habit of making things myself. I am using the excuse that the baby can come at any moment now, but really it is just laziness. <br />so, tonight we are starting from scratch again.<br /><br />Today's lunch will be turkey wrap ups, using fresh veggies, leftover turkey and whole wheat tortillas.<br /><br /><br />dinner is Guacamole cheeseburgers, using pure natural ingredients and NO mixes!<br /><br />If the baby stays put, I will be making a batch of my dad's famous chili and cornbread for Wednessday.<br /><br />woo hoo!"Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-43249235425057783912010-08-09T09:37:00.000-07:002010-08-09T09:51:06.693-07:00waiting, and waiting and waiting.I am learning about paitience. <br /><br />In my previous two pregnancies, I went into labor about a week before my due date. This time around I have been having contractions for several hours a day for over a week now, and I have officially passed my due date. It has been very very hard to practice peace and try and just be in the moment. I am incredibly anxious at this point to just have labor start "for real" But, as always, God is in controll and I have something to learn from all of this. I am continuing on in my little home projects. Right now I am in the middle of sorting out my sewing box---a giant jumbled mess, and at naptime today I will be quickly mending up a pile of laundry and sewing some cushion covers for some pillows I have laying about. <br /><br />The de-cluttering process has nearly been completed! I went through every box stashed under my bed, my dresser, and my half of the walk in closet. EVERYTHING fits now! no more jumbled messes! I actually gave away 2 huge trashbags of clothing, most of it I was just not wearing. I have done the same with the children's clothing.<br /><br />We now all have roughly 8 matched outfits for Summer, 8 for winter and 8 for Spring/Fall. The Spring/fall will always stay in the drawers and the winter/summer will swap places as needed. I am LOVING it! I managed to hang up all of my outfits in the closet, each outfit to a hanger. It is making my mornings soooo easy, as my brain dosn't work upon waking and I have absolutely no decisions to make, just grab a hanger and pull it on. I would like to purchase two or three more nursing tanks in various colors to match up permanently with my outfits so I don't have to hunt for them in the morning.<br />The boys have matched outfits folded together in their drawers, with the shirts outside and the shorts tucked into them. J. is now able to simply grab the shirt he wants to wear, and, more often then not can actually get dressed all by himself! He is thrilled with the arrangement. we just need to work at keeping the clothing on him now!<br /><br />I am learning to be grateful for every day I have with just my boys, and I am doing much better at keeping up with our little routine. I am hoping to have everything settled in before she arrives. well, we will see! At this point, labor can begin at any moment."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-11012001214479472892010-07-28T08:53:00.001-07:002010-07-28T08:54:10.350-07:00restlessJust feeling restless today. My house is clean, food is stocked up, and all I have to do right now is maintain order and wait. I think I am going to go nutty with the waiting."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-72338473089988089792010-07-23T06:17:00.000-07:002010-07-23T07:13:22.571-07:00The birth-tub is here...and I am so ready for this baby to arrive!<br /><br />we have caused quite a stir here in the condo complex. In fact, not 10 minutes after the midwives made it upstairs with the tub, I had people knocking on the door wondering if I was in labor yet. I'm planning on putting a do not disturb sign on the door when the time comes. <br /><br />of course, now that my house is the cleanest it has been in nearly 9 months, and the majority of my little projects are done the baby is going to wait. She'll wait until we have eaten all the groceries I have stocked up and there is a big pile of dirty dishes and laundry everywhere. and on a Monday. <br /><br />I had two dreams about the baby last night. The first one I had twin girls, but we forgot to call Garrett. He arrived later in a police car.<br /><br />The second dream was much more pleasant. We were watching tv and the baby decided to arrive right then so we delivered it and then called the midwives. <br /><br />I would find it more alarming (in real life) to not have Garrett present rather than the midwives. If things did move that fast, then most likely everything is just fine (just think of all those stories of women having babies in cars on the way to the hospital) we have read up on Emergency childbirth, and have midwives on call to give us assistance as they rush over!<br /><br />There is just so much fear surrounding childbirth in our society. I find that sad. Yes, things can go wrong. Yes, there are some pretty scary complications that can happen, but, the majority of the time things go just fine.<br /><br />In fact, in reflecting on all of the "I nearly died in childbirth" stories that people are so delighted in telling to an obviously pregnant woman, I have heard only ONE that was a true complication in childbirth...one in which the placenta was separating before the baby. TRUE complication, very scary. The rest have been stories of medically caused complications, for example: <br />Nearly bleeding to death afterwards because she was left alone in the room for hours still actively bleeding and the nurses didn't answer her calls. (caused by the staff's inattention, in not making sure the bleeding had stopped or re-started as the case may be) <br />Having previously high blood pressure drop so low they had trouble stabilizing her after the epidural was administered (a rare but noted complication of an epidural)<br />Dying after anesthesia was administered. (due to a mistake on the part of the anesthesiologist...the person who told this story insisted this is why childbirth is still dangerous)<br />I have my own complications related to the drugs I chose to take the first time around and some extreme difficulty healing after a vacuum assisted birth. (which was most likely caused by my inability to push effectively in the supine position and my paranoid reaction to the drugs which kept me from squatting, and an allergic reaction to the stitching materials used to mend the tear caused by said assistance)<br />The thing is, actual un-interfered with natural childbirth is MUCH safer than one where there are lots of interventions and drugs. Most of modern childbirth horror stories I have heard involve at least one intervention.<br />Natural endorphins and oxytocin produced by your own body during labor have absolutely no negative side effects. Artificial pain medications and Oxytocin introduced into your body's system have documented possible side effects.<br />I am grateful for modern medicine, and will not hesitate to use it if necessary, but I honestly believe that there is not much to fear in childbirth...IF you are educated on complications and their warning signs and IF you are willing to get the help you need when you need it! so ladies, Educate yourselves, Empower yourselves, speak up for the changes you want! Medical opinion changes, for example a VBAC is now recommended by ACOG rather than a repeat c-section in most cases. make sure you are up on the latest trends, be your own advocate!<br /><br />I do feel quite strongly about these things. I do not mean to offend, or belittle those who have had bad experiences, or those who are in need of close medical supervision during complex pregnancies. I am simply saying, if you are low-risk and blessed with health, don't be afraid to seek the birth you want."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-60907105249967858242010-07-19T05:40:00.000-07:002010-07-19T05:49:35.939-07:00housekeeping paradoxThe last few weeks have been a time of frantic activity for me. I have been nesting and trying to complete all of my projects before the baby comes. Most of it is done now, and what isn't can wait a bit. I still have to re-paint part of the kitchen and touch up the boys room, but, to be honest, I am so not motivated right now.<br /><br />Lat week I slowed down...waaaay down. I had a day where I pushed myself way beyond my limits, and actually thought I was in labor, a whole month early! I had to finish my chores that day while sitting down. It was a challenge, but I wanted the house cleaned up in case I did have the baby early. I gained a whole new amount of respect for my husband's grandmother, who has to do everything from her wheelchair.<br /><br />I have noticed a paradox. The more I slow down and savor the moment, the more I seem to get done. I have truly enjoyed the last week, and I have also managed to keep the house at a reasonable level of cleanliness. Part of it is that I am no longer focused on all the extra projects, but I think that the satisfaction level goes up when I try to make it all a meaningful part of my day, instead of just another list to go through. <br />I still have a list.<br />At this point tho, it is just to remind me of what I wanted to do, If I get it done, great! If not, there is always tomorrow."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-64963183746961034972010-06-30T05:49:00.000-07:002010-06-30T06:02:30.376-07:00The Fourth TurningI am in the middle of the book, "the Fourth Turning" which I mentioned the last post. It is pretty heavy stuff, especially when you are 8 mos pregnant. I actually took a break from it and read some nice fluff by Lynn Austin. I really really like her writing style and her story-telling. She writes teh kind of books I would write, if I had/made the time!<br /><br />On another note, I am nesting hardcore again. On monday I prepped and froze 6 dinners. today, after my cleaning and prenatal appointment I will be making 3 meatloafs and about 100 meatballs. yum. I think. Garrett isn't too thrilled with the casserole idea, he is used to food not touching =) but most of what he likes can't be prepped ahead and just tossed into the oven and left alone. this is top priority for me when we have a new baby. I try to always prep at least two weeks worth of food....last time I had six weeks worth, but we also didn't have a working oven so it was mostly crock-pot cooking. I have to wait untill friday to assemble my lasagne and ziti, as I am out of freezer space and will be re-locating some food then. <br /><br />I am also trying to re-arrange and minimize everything in our house, as well as stock up on key items without overwhelming us! Hopefully I can find a place for everything, I might be stockpiling soda and stacking it under whatever furnature has room (it is on sale at Safeway, buy 2 get 4 free) as Garrett goes thru alot of it.<br /><br />sigh, in reality, I just don't want to be in the kitchen again. I do get tired of always cleaning up the same messes. well, it can't be helped, I'll just have to look for the positives!"Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-809964971423599072010-06-24T07:40:00.000-07:002010-06-24T08:05:30.410-07:00overdoing itWhenever I am doing something I shouldn't be doing, I get stopped. Yesterday it was simply walking to the store with the kiddos, and, well, shopping, losing my coupon organizer (which had coupons, store credits and gift certificates in it) stressing out, finding it, then taking a phone call I should have let go to voice mail, then letting said phone call stress me out, then walking back home with a cranky 3 year old in tow...and all without eating a proper meal first. I almost didn't make it home. We wound up sitting under a tree at the gas station a block form our home, raiding our groceries for a snack. I had to go slooooowly and pause every ten yards or so. It helped that J. was totally enthralled with the dandelion seed flowers and kept stopping to pick and blow them. In retrospect I can see that i was "Setting myself up for failure" but at the time I was just working down my "to-do" list and ignoring my instincts. I had to spend the remainder of the day resting, and coping with lots of annoying (but not painful) braxton-hicks contractions...they seem to be triggered by stress lately.<br /><br />God gave us instincts for a reason. I firmly believe He speaks to us in that way, allowing us to choose weather or not to listen. I am listening loud and clear.<br /><br />I will not go out alone like that again. I will allow my hubby to take care of me. I am (slowly) learning not to let others and my own guilt have so much power over me--realizing that I can control how I let things get to me. <br /><br />Today I feel free. I am happily resting and puttering about. I found an adorable crochet pattern for a little girls poncho and I hope to finish it by the time the baby comes. Just for today, I will forget the outside world exists and do what my mind and body wants to do...relax, focus inwards, and enjoy this little blessing growing inside."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-73089411754619015382010-06-18T06:10:00.000-07:002010-06-18T06:53:19.653-07:00Impression without expression......leads to depression.<br />and was I "depressed" yesterday! I was having an off-day and decided to putter about online a bit. I found some radio and video programs by the author of "from boom to bust and beyond" Jerry Tuma. The man is an economist and he uses demographics to predict/explain the current economic and social crisis. It is AMAZING stuff! There was just so much in it, and I had nobody really to share it with, my darling hubby was just too exhausted from the daily grind to listen to the complex details. Poor guy, but I guess that is my privilege in being able to stay at home and manage my own days. I do get to spend quite alot of time learning new things. I really really enjoy listening to lectures and sermons online while I putter about the house doing chores and playing with the boys.<br /><br />Back to Jerry Tuma. He predicted the housing market bubble, quite easily and used demographics (the study of populations) to explain what may happen next. Here goes..<br />Most People reach the peak of their "spending" power in their late 40's, this is when they buy the house and all the fancy stuff inside. The baby-boomers have been buying up homes for quite some time now. The last--and biggest wave of boomers hit that critical time in 2005. The market was peaked (also super inflated due to the large demand for homes) builders kept on building, the next generational wave is MUCH smaller than the boomers (thank you birth control and the changing attitudes towards children in society) and therefore we wound up with too many houses and not enough people to buy them. If you pair that with the fact that people took out unsustainable loans and were foreclosed on housing values plummeted. We have NOT bottomed out yet. The ARM loans (the ones where your rate is fixed super low for 5 years then go up) as well as the "liars loans" (those that required absolutely NO income verification and had adjustable rates) are about to come due. Nearly 7 million more homes will be foreclosed on in the coming two years. It looks dire. <br />BUT there is good news! It will be prime time to invest in real estate in the next 2-3 years! Start saving every penny you can now, and perhaps you may find a real bargain coming up!<br /><br />History repeats itself, during the great depression when so many lost everything, those who were prepared for the coming crash made MILLIONS. Properties were picked up for pennies on the dollar, good stocks and investments were purchased at all time low prices and when everything recovered, their net worth did too. The same can happen for us if we look at this as an opportunity and not a time to panic.<br /><br />We are also, living in a time of a generational and a demographic change. Neil Howe has written a book "The fourth turning" using History to describe what is/may happen in the coming years. His book was written in the mid-90's when we were in the middle of the greatest economic upswing in our history and nobody paid attention. He accurately predicted the economic crash...as an event that would change us all starting in about 2005. HMMMM....did you know this has all happened before? Holland and the tulips anyone? His point of view is a generational one. Basically that every 'fourth' generation there is a rebirth or death of society. Every generation in history has connected with and acted like a previous one, and economics and politics have reflected that as well. We (those of us born in 1982 and after) are now emerging onto the political scene, and things are going to be shook up. Basically we all follow the same pattern: Generation 1 experiences a conservative high after a major war, the 2nd gen hits the spiritual revival mode, 3rd Gen has the wild unraveling of all the values that have come before, and the 4th generation experiences the Crisis that will reset or change everything. Generation 1 raised gen 3, Gen 2 raised Gen 4. Gen 4 has little contact with Gen 1 and therefore does not learn from their experiences so society must re-invent the wheel. This could be very very good, or very very bad. During this time of Crisis a political party will set itself up and try their darnedest to patch things up, but it most likely will not work...its the ones that come immediately after that will establish what America will look like for the next FOUR generations.<br />Once again, there is hope. WE can change things, as long as enough of us wake up and start voting our values and shaking up the political and social systems. Don't be afraid to express your beliefs and values, live the life you want to live and change your corner of the universe!<br /><br />The third thing is mentioned a bit by both authors (please note, I haven't been able to read the books yet, I am discussing based on their interviews and radio broadcasts) Is the demographic switch. Europe is in the middle of a demographic crisis. The birth rate in many countries are FAR below replacement levels (in fact, the world birthrates are just about there as well) Meaning there are less young workers to support the elderly retired. (china, anyone?) this is BAD for our current economy, and our social programs--all of which are based on an ever-growing economy. America is about 10-15 years behind Europe (I still find it odd that half of Europe is going bankrupt due to unsustainable government funded health care, retirements ect. and yet our politicians keep saying we NEED to be like them, it will save our society!) Basically Europe is dying off, and we are quickly following. Now, there are three things that can be done about this. 1.people can have more babies--many countries now offer tax breaks and outright payments to native-born citizens who are willing to have more children. This has not worked so far. 2. Active immigration. Allow those from developing countries (who have growing populations) to become citizens and start paying taxes. or 3. Change the system. (Yeah right, who wants to give up all their "free" government benefits and start doing things on their own.)<br /><br />SO, in reflection of all these ramblings here are my thoughts: This has all happened before and it will all happen again, there is nothing new under the sun. History has shown that. We will not repeat it exactly but it will echo the past. WE are in the midst of a great change, and if we stand strong and trust in God there is a chance for a great rebirth of society and even personal economic prosperity. <br /><br />What will I do? Save every penny I can squeeze out of my budget and get ready for the second wave of real estate foreclosures. I will continue to support politicians who want to radically change government BACK to the values of the constitution and who practice sound fiscal policy, who have strong moral character and a sense of absolute truth. I will keep having babies and not let this crisis mode destroy our dreams.<br /><br />whew. that was a tiring post, I hope it made sense! I am off to find some more stuff to study!"Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-61265089297720781762010-06-15T13:07:00.001-07:002010-06-15T13:18:13.870-07:00Building good habitsI have read before--many many times that in order to build a good habit you need to do the same thing for over 22 days, and viola, you have a new good habit. I could never do that. I always miss a day, or get this streak of rebellion halfway through my "Goal" time. I had to find what worked for my personality...<br /><br />"Right now, I'm going to choose to (insert whatever habit you want to establish here)"<br /><br />Here is how it works, In trying to give up soda--simply choose something else to drink when you are thirsty. Don't go cold turkey or wean yourself off, don't make some elaborate plan. The next time thirst strikes, choose something else "just for now" if you have to.<br /><br />I've been using it on my laundry. When the dryer beeps, I choose to fold and put it away immediately. As my dryer is well, rediculously small, this only takes about five miunites. I peacefully get it done, stacking it on my washer as I fold which keeps the kiddos out. After it is all folded, it goes straight into the drawer or hanger. It WORKS! Laundry dosn't seem like such a daunting chore...I used to always feel I was drowning in it. Now I am not. I used to just toss the clothing on a chair untill It built up to monumentous proportions, then put on a movie and sit down to fold...forever. <br />This has cut down on the need to iron as well. not that I actually did it, I just needed to.<br /><br />The next habit to build.... WASHING THE DISHES! not waiting for a "reasonable" sink-full to build up, just quickly doing each dish as it is dirtied. I am a bit behind for now, but I think after I finish this I will choose to quickly catch up...just for right now."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569711707803251867.post-90987789448448857642010-06-14T13:56:00.000-07:002010-06-14T14:10:19.570-07:00The beginning of the end....Less than 2 months to go...and boy am I feeling it! I have noticed a pattern in my pregnancies. Introversion always follows a long period of frantic nesting. I spent the last 4 months re-organizing and cleaning up my home and now I am done. Not all of the projects are, but I am. Now is the time to slow <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">waaaaay</span> down and focus on the changes to come, and on my little ones who are already here. I must say I love this time. Guilt is almost non-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">existent</span>. I don't always feel like I should be doing more, I want to do less and I have the perfect "excuse" to get out of almost anything. I am quite sure extended family and friends hate this time, as I quite literally forget that anything else exists. I forget to return phone calls, I forget to make play-dates, I forget birthdays. It really is terrible. But not. <br />So now, we have a gentle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">rhythm</span> to our days. I putter about the house and do whatever chores my body and mind will allow, and I don't fret when it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">doesn't</span> get all done.<br />If only I could capture this inner peace and attitude permanently, ditch the guilt for not always doing and still remember to call my family."Morethnrubies1"http://www.blogger.com/profile/06419489912702775222noreply@blogger.com0