still out!!! but back.....

Lovelies, I am coming to you from hubby's computer! I can't post the pics I want because they're eitheron my crashed computer or on my camera. Bah. How was your Christmas? We had a fun Christmas eve with my parents and a fun Christmas day with just the six of us.  Oh- did I tell you that 5 out of 6 of us (including S4) were in the Christmas play at church? It was fun. S4 played herself, S3 was a letter, S2 was an angel and S1 was a student playing a shepherd.  Watch out Hollywood! ;)

I went back to work today. You would have been proud because I didn't cry! Yay me! My mom even called to see how I was doing.  I thought that was super sweet.  Yay Mom!  When I got home, S4 gave me the biggest most wonderful, toothless smile ever.  So sweet! Next week I am back full time. eek!

I will continue to keep you posted as my computer dilemma drags on- hopefully not too much longer! Thanks for sticking with me!

still down.... but not out......

Hello Lovelies,
I am coming to you today from hubby's computer.  I would post pictures but I don't want to mess with his folders! Let me see if I can figure out how to post from my Blackberry....  I'm waiting on a friend of mine to save me from this madness! I need my pictures and documents!

Are you done with your Christmas shopping? I kind of shop all year.  I got some amazing deals on Amazon in the last two weeks that I couldn't pass up though.  Of course, I will be putting some gifts away for birthdays and other occasions.  Target has already discounted their Christmas trees by 50%! Really though? I'm sure Boxing Day ('day after Christmas') will be just as nutty as Black Friday.  Seriously.  There have been some crazy sales and deals- a lot of stuff even better than Black Friday!  I have had to be very disciplined! You would be proud! So do you shop all year for Christmas or do you wait until the last minute? Do you brave the 'after holiday' sales, or do you just take the sales as they come?

baaaaah!

My computer crashed lovelies!! I spent hours on the phone with Dell and I am sitting here at my husband's computer letting you know that I have not disappeared! The people at Dell are sending out a tech with a plethora of stuff to repair my computer with and reassure me that my information has not been lost.  All I want are my pictures and my document files, so I will make sure that I can see everything before the tech leaves. Ahh.  I hadn't realized how much time I spend on the internet. Wow. I will have to be better about my time management, especially when I go back to work.
I'm not sure when I'll be back on- hopefully in the next three days (at least that's what they  tell me).   So let's have a round of 'There I Said It Thursday!'
I am going back to work in a couple of weeks.  I hate that Americans don't see value in giving mothers the time they need to be with their babies. I am really trying to be grateful that I have had 12 weeks/90 days/3 months off, but my friends in Canada get an entire year. AN ENTIRE YEAR!!! Some places in Europe get three years.  OMgoodness!!! So yeah, I think that the US needs to rethink and revamp the way things are going when it comes to maternity leave and maternal care... I could go on about the long term societal effects regarding mom/child bonding, but I won't. Not today anyway.  So, bottom line is that I think that as advanced as US believes itself to be, I think major improvements can be made to the way mothers are cared for and how it affects the babies they birth. There, I said it.

It's fun, fun, fun!!

Ohmygoodness Lovelies, I know I am old.  Sunday, I got home from a concert with S2, S3 and my neice at about 7:30pm and I was beat. However, this was no ordinary concert.  It was YO GABBA GABBA!!! The Party in My City Tour was in Phoenix this past weekend and we girls soaked it all in.  I think the kids were in awe in the beginning because they really didn't start dancing and singing until about halfway through.  We had amazing seats, thanks to Kia Motors and Michelle Sisco (PR).  There was lots of great energy while we were waiting for the show to start. We munched on free organic snacks and put on our DJ Lance glasses!

outside the theater

Of course, I had to be the fun mom/auntie and get the girls some light sticks to wave around- it's now Tuesday and these things are still going strong. LOL.

 We all channeled our inner DJ Lance Rock and went to town.  The Supermusic Friends Show was fantastic, the Dancey Dance was great- the 'peanut butter stomp' is a classic at my house.  However, hear me when I scream that BIZ MARKIE was there for Biz's Beat of The Day!! BIZ!! We (meaning all the parents my age) stared and grooved in awe as he beat boxed on stage then with a line of little kids.  I don't think the girls fully appreciated what Biz's beatboxing did to music. ;) I was secretly hoping that he would bust out with 'Youuuuuuuu, you got what I neeeeeeeeed! LOL.

Brobee came down our aisle! eeek!

Party in my tummy!

The girls chatted about the show the whole way home.  Hopefully they will remember this concert as fondly as I remember my mom taking me and my younger brother to kid concerts when we were young!  If for some reason they don't remember, I have TONS of pictures! ;)

tired, happy (trust me, they were!) rockers!

YOOOOOOOO!

The Yo Gabba Gabba Prize pack winner is Kevin! 

Thank you so much for entering!

There, I said it Thursday....

As I sit here and enjoy S4's facial expressions and listen to her coo and laugh, reality hits- I hate post partum. I hate loathe my body, I hate the hair loss that I know is coming and I hate the though of having to go back to work at the end of the month. There, I said it.

wordless tuesday/wednesday

Unscathed.....

AHHH. I have managed to make it through Black Friday and Cyber Monday pretty much unscathed.  There were some amazing deals to be had, however I did get some Rockin Green Detergent and Funk Rock ammonia bounce for my cloth diapers, so I spent less than $24 total between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  I'll get Christmas shopping done with the next paycheck as I spent this one paying bills! Boo on bills.  I have a list of things I want, but I also have a list of things I need and of course, the fridge is leaking. LOL.  I won't complain though. I just need to prioritize. ;)

There, I said it Thursday....

I am thankful for so many things. My God, my moody husband, my loud and happy children, my lovely parents, my great brothers, my friends, my home, my job, my naughty dogs, coffee, my lovely blog readers and the list goes on. This year brought three significant and wonderful new people into my life and I love them all.  I am also thankful for trials that come my way- they teach me lessons including appreciation, patience and how to grow as a person. I am thankful for every blessing that has come my way both big and small, even though I don't always ackowledge them. 
So, Happy American Thanksgiving. I thank you and love you all.  There, I said it. <3

3rd one's a charm? Hevea Pacifier Review

To use a paci or not to use a paci?? I started out determined not to give S4 a pacifier, as her big sisters didn't take them; they were always spat out and somehow managed to find themselves falling on the ground then rolling into the dustiest place they (the pacifiers) could find.  Anyway- S2 had her two fingers and S3 didn't seem like had the need to suck anything after she nursed.  S1 on the other hand was an addict until the age of two! I still have his first paci in a box. :)   So, after nursing S4 at night until there seemed to be nothing left, my mom suggested (for the billionth time) to get her a pacifier.  I've tried 2 brands already. They've been rejected with fury. So when the opportunity came to review a pacifier made by GroVia, I jumped on it. GroVia makes my favorite hybrid cloth diapers. I could go on about the company and their amazing dipes all day long! The GroVia pacifier is called the Hevea Pacifier:

The paci is Danish designed, is made with 100% natural rubber (free from all the bad stuff- BPA, PVC and phthalates) and is sustainably produced. What more could you want from something that will be going into your baby's mouth?  The pacifier that we got for review was the one designed for 0-3 months, orthodontic shaped with a crown design.

 I sooooo wanted S4 to love this pacifier because it is so cool and is one continuous piece, and all natural and is so well made! Alas, another paci bites the dust in S4's world.   While I realize that all babies are different, S4 may just come around and start to love this paci in the next few weeks- I hope so, because I need some sleep! ;) Check Hevea out on their website or on their Facebook page.

Mmmmmmm, salad!

Lovelies, I'm not sure if I told you that I am the volunteer site coordinator for my location of the Bountiful Baskets produce co-op.  It is a wonderful thing not only to volunteer but to eat fresh food! (Check out the website, as they are in many States and are expanding at lightning speed!)  So in an effort to diversify my salads, this is a take on a recipe I found online, using ingredients from my co-op:

Pomegranate, grated persimmon and marinated, uncooked collard greens.  Omgoodness lovelies, sooooo yummmmmy!  You may be thinking- wait, raw collards? Yes. I marinated them in a oilve oil based salad dressing overnight, which breaks the hardness of the leaves down to a fabulous consistency.  To me, better than cooking the crap out of them with a side of pork (don't get me wrong, I love greens. However, I like them green and not grey!)
Aren't the colors just gorgeous?

What do you think?

Alright lovelies, I think I will implement a segment on my blog on Thursdays called 'There, I Said It' Thursdays. So today will be the first Thursday where I will say that skinny jeans and sweater dresses are not for everyone. There, I said it.

I refuse.....

I refuse to play Christmas music before Thanksgiving. There, I said it. Is Christmas coming earlier and earlier every year? Halloween candy was barely on clearance before merchants were hanging up holiday wreaths!  All things Christmas in my home will occur after Thanksgiving, unless it's on sale at a massive discount.  :P

Cloth Diapering!

Lovelies, I should let you  know that many close friends and relatives think that I am absolutely certifiable for the choices I have made with for children (and for myself- mamacloth, diva cup, encapsulation) over the past few years, especially when it came to S4- midwife, homebirth, cloth diaper, (I breastfed all of them, currently nursing S4) cosleep and the list goes on! I get the raised eyebrow more times than I care to say!  However, a few of my peeps have come forward in asking questions about my choices- the most popular being cloth diapering.  Now, when you hear the words 'cloth diaper,' what comes to mind?  I will admit that before I even considered cloth diapering, I was determined not to subject myself to pins and plastic pants, because that was all I knew.  Then as I became more involved with my beloved Babywearing community, I discovered that cloth diapering was not as poopy (heehee) as I once thought it was.
This is my experience!! If you have anything to add, please let me know!  Ok, so there are AIOs, AI2s, hybrids, pockets, envelopes, boosters, prefolds, longies, shorties, snappies, covers, prints, plains, snaps, velcro, PUL, liners, sprayers, deoderizers, wetbags, and the list.goes.on.  I decided that in order to get hubby on board with cloth diapering, we would have to go with the easiest possible route- AIO (all in one).  This diaper is like a disposable, but it's cloth- usually made with a waterproof outer layer. It can come fitted according to your baby's weight, or adjustable to fit your baby through potty training. Then I checked out the AI2 (all in 2)- same outer as the AIO but with a detatchable liner (liners are what absorb the wetness and stuff).  For this one, all you have to do is replace the liner when your baby needs changing.  Easy peasy.  Hybrid- AI2s that you can use with a cloth liner or a disposable liner.  Yes! disposable (earth-friendly, flushable and compostable) liner.  For me, these are great for outings.  Alright. Do you remember that I won a bunch of diapers? The style/type that I won are called 'pocket' diapers.  The liner fits into a pocket, between the outside layer and the inside layer, never touching baby's skin. I love, love, love these for nighttime. Haven't had any leaks, especially when the inside layer is accompanied with a booster.  Is your head spinning yet? You have got to learn the language.  It really is a whole new world. LOL. Moving on- I admit that I got scared when I looked at prefolds and longies/shorties.  Even so, I made my own pair of longies from a felted sweater just in case.  The longies are adorable but they never made it onto S4. Prefolds- luciously thick liners made of hemp, cotton, bamboo or silk.  They come diaper shaped or square/rectangle and you use fasteners to keep them together,  (my friends mainly use Snappis no chance of sticking yout baby with a pin!) with wool longies- pants or shorties- shorts.  Oh- and there are these dryer sheet looking liners that you can put on the inside of the diaper to help with catching poo.  For me, it's a crapshoot (heehee) depending on if S4 poosplodes or not. 
I have been advised to get a diaper sprayer- an shower-like sprayer that hooks onto the toilet.  I am told that it is a godsend and after S4's poosplosion yesterday, a diaper sprayer will be going on my Christmas list! lol.  I have a wetbag (for dirty dipes) in my diaper bag and have used it not only for wet dipes but for barfy onesies. Love it. I also have one that hooks on the change table.  Holds in the smell.  I love the smell erasers, natural detergents and other stuff available for cloth diaperers (CDers- yes, we have a title!)- so many cool work-at-home-mom companies to try out!  Did I cover everything that I listed above? I am sure I missed something because there are so many amazing options and choices when it comes to cloth diapering.  So far, my journey has been a great one.  For me, it has been a learning experience as well. I've been playing around with covers and liners of different brands to see what works for us.  All I can say is don't be afraid of the cloth! Even my mom was impressed at how much it has changed!  Do your research! It took me 3 children to be convinced that cloth would be a good choice!
Wanna see my stash? This is a chunk of it because some were in the laundry when I took the pic.  Pretty stuff eh? Honestly, there is nothing cuter than a baby in a cloth diaper.  Fluffy bums!

So much fun, so much better for the environment!

wordless wednesday

(ok, not so wordless- rucksack back carry in a piselli pink didymos wrap!)

Party Party! Giveaway too!

Lovelies, remember this post about Yo Gabba Gabba? Well, I am personally setting out a one woman campaign to get The Roots to the Phoenix Show at Comerica Theater on December 5th.  Seriously.  So if you know any of the band members, please put in a good word for me!! You want to join me at the show?  Want to see Yo Gabba Gabba in your city? Check out Yo Gabba Gabba's website for ticket details!

Can't make it to the show? It's ok- I've got a Yo Gabba Gabba Prizepack to give away! (like how that rhymed? lol) 

In the prize pack is:

BOOK: Yo Gabba Gabba! Party in My Tummy - Based on the popular song from Yo Gabba Gabba!, Party in My Tummy makes healthy eating fun for little ones! Lift the flaps, sing along, and find out what everyone in Gabba Land is bringing to the party! 

And “Yo Gabba Gabba!: Music is Awesome Volume 2.”   A new, super radical compilation of music featured from Seasons I, II & III, YO GABBA GABBA! MUSIC IS AWESOME! VOLUME 2 hit shelves nationwide on August 31, 2010, timed with the launch of the live tour, KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY. Jam-packed with Super Music Friends & all of the songs you’ve grown to love including those from Weezer, MGMT & Jimmy Eat World. A deluxe edition featuring bonus songs from the hit series will also be available on iTunes. 

 You can score a free download of YGG Super Music Friends – Weezer’s track “All My Friends Are Insects” at www.yogabbagabba.com/freedownload 

MUSIC IS AWESOME! VOLUME 2 is available on CD at Target, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and independent music retailers nationwide 

READY TO WIN?

Here's what you've gotta do: Please post each entry in separate comment forms on this post! You MUST complete the mandatory entry or your other entries will not count!

  Mandatory entry- tell me who your little one's favorite Yo Gabba Gabba character is and why! 

Extra entries:

1.  Publicly follow my blog and let me know you did!  If you already follow, comment that you do!

2.  Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following: RT @cdnexpat08 @yogabbagabba Win a Yo Gabba Gabba Prize pack at Suburbanly Crunchtastic! http://tinyurl.com/3a2wnhu 
(you can do this one time per day!)

3.  Blog about the giveaway and post the link when you comment!  

4.  Follow @yogabbagabba on Twitter and let me know you did!

Giveaway will end on 12/4 and winner will be announced after notification. Winner will have 24 hours to respond.  If winner does not respond within 24 hours, another winner will be chosen.  

Ok ready, set, ENTER!!!!  

Is it holiday picture time already?

Oh my goodness lovelies, it is not even mid November yet and I am dreading the holiday family portrait.  We have not been very diligent over the years in taking family photos- alright, who am I kidding; we haven't taken a decent family picture since S2 was little (uh yeah, early 2006?).  Tragic!!!  Well, all that is about to change. I have recently discovered Shutterfly and all its photo goodness.  For years, we have wrestled with what card to send/do we send a 'family update/Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, etc and Shutterfly has not made it any easier with their amazing variety of holiday and winter themed stationary, but at least you get to look at fun things and get great ideas!  Go ahead, browse all of the yumminess.  I'll wait.  



Let me tell you that Shutterfly has rescued me from the depths of photo madness, thanks to their awesome discount codes.  I have been able to print out all my digital photos from the last two years for under $40! Yes lovelies.  I love to take pictures, so getting them all printed was no small task.  Due to the fact that I have yet to decide on what photos to put on our Holiday greeting card, I might just opt into making a photo calendar- that way, I can dazzle you with how cute my children are for all of 2011. No? Ok then, my favorite (because it's pretty and there are a lot of us in my family) is Mod Merry Ornament.  Flat cards with enough photo spots for everyone and enough space for me to be short and sweet with the greeting!  You know I am going to add matching address labels because we have to coordinate!

Now all I have to do is get the pictures taken.  Wish me luck! Hahaha!

Wow...

Life with 4 is busy lovelies.  I tried to stay in the house for the traditional 6 weeks, but it has been virtually impossible, starting with S4's first pediatrician who sent us to the children's hospital ER (yes, ER) and to the cardiologist when S4 was just 3 days old.  So obnoxious because we knew exactly what was going on.  The ped just wanted to 'make sure' everything was alright.  I understand that, but don't be an alarmist.  I don't deal well with alarmists.
So yes, I have been to the grocery store, the second hand store, the park, S1 and S2's school and to my parents' house.  I have spoken to some of the lovely women at church and they specifically told me that they would fuss at me if they saw me (at church or anywhere) before my time to be out. It has been difficult.  I have been getting some kind of sleep, but not enough.  I feel ok, because S4 is getting into a routine but I am still kind of discombobulated because I stay up late anyway.  It's really a matter of me getting to bed earlier and trying to get some sleep in while she is sleeping. Wish me luck on that one!! LOL.
On the great side, hubby and I managed to get the garage organized and will be making a trip to the Salvation Army to drop off a load of donations. I will be going to the second hand store to drop off a load of trade ins.  It feels good to get that done.  We'll be tackling the office and kitchen this week.  If you don't hear from me within a reasonable amount of time, send someone over! Ha!

My shoes....

FIT!!!

Lovelies, I bought a couple of pairs of shoes while I was pregnant with S4- a pair of Frye heels and a pair of Ugglebo clogs. Neither pair fit until today.  Oh my goodness. I didn't think that my feet had swelled up that much, that early! I bought the Frye heels about 3 months into my pregnancy and my heel was completely over the edge.  With the Ugglebo clogs, I couldn't get my foot in even halfway! Talk about sad.  I couldn't bring myself to return either work of art. ;) I was so happy that I ended up buying a pair of shoes today at my favorite 'buy new and used' store.  Lovelies, I scored a pair of olive green BCBG zapatos for..... wait for it........
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$4.99!!!!!!! (but really free because I had a merchandise credit for items I brought in). Yes honey, ever so slightly used BCBG olive green heels. 

You have no idea how happy I am. Now I have to re-learn how to walk correctly in heels after being in flats for so long! LOL.

Dealing with blues....

Oh lovelies, it has been busy since S4 got here.  As a matter of fact, I started to get the blues. Not full on depression, but blues. I felt like I was losing control- S1 and S2 had fall break last week, so the timing was bad because everyone was at home.  Everyone at home made things a bit overwhelming and I just wanted to sleep. Plus, S4's first pediatrician appointment did not get off on a very positive note (story for another post).  So I felt like all I was doing was nursing S4 and being a lousy mom to the rest of the crew including my dear hubby.  My oh-so awesome midwife called me and told me that her oh so awesome student midwife would bring over my encapsulated placenta and some dark chocolate for me within the hour. Mind you, it was already about 8pm....
Wait, what did I just say? Encapsulated. Placenta.  Yes I did. The practice of consuming one's placenta is called 'placentophagy.'  After S4 was born, I asked my lovely student midwife (and friend) to turn my placenta into something I could consume.  Why would I want to consume my placenta?  This is why.  Now, this is my first encapsulation experience.  Some women are able to eat pieces of their placenta bit by bit, but my husband would freak if he knew that I had my placenta in the fridge and I'm not sure I would have been able to stomach cutting off bits!  So, into caps went my placenta and my mood and general outlook on things have improved tremendously.  S4 is nursing like a champ and I feel a little more rested.   Ah, our ancestors knew what they were doing back in the day.  More info for you here and here.  It's not for everyone, so I highly suggest doing your own research.  I am very thankful that I had the choice and the opportunity to reap the benefits of such an amazing organ.  My placenta made about 72 caps!

Wordless Friday....

taken 9/27... my two youngest. ;)

Can we chat a minute?

I have several things that are near and dear to my heart.  You've probably seen my posts on breastfeeding and birthing and babywearing.  Well lovelies, one of these freedoms is being threatened by none other than Consumer Reports and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to the irresponsibility of a big name company. 

Babywearing has come under scrutiny lately with the recall surrounding Infantino SlingRider 'bag style' slings.  There has been a lot of negativity and misconception about the benefits of  having your baby safely in a carrier.  Just yesterday, I found myself having to explain the difference between my SoulBaby NYC ringsling and the recalled Infantino!  The benefits of babywearing include bonding, calm babies, being hands free while having baby close, etc. The newly formed Baby Carrier Industry Alliance has been put in place by and for Babywearers to promote this ancient practice and to maintain safety standards both nationally and internationally.  There are so many amazing, safe and beautiful carriers out there lovelies, that I would hate to see them all disappear because of uninformed and negative publicity.  Please take a minute to check out the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (you can 'like' them on Facebook) and get the word out.

The quick and dirty version.......

Alright! I have a second!
Tuesday morning, my mw stripped my membranes and contractions started a couple hours later. They were pretty persistent and consistent by the afternoon, so I called my midwife back and got into the birthing tub. What a wonderful way to be! Chillin' in the tub.... MW at my house by about 6:45ish. Labored... labored... for what I felt like was forever. DH put some reggae music on and lit some really lovely candles. Felt like I was going to poop and was assured that it was probably the baby's head. Uh nope. poop. (sorry for the tmi). Right after the poop however I felt a pop. Seriously, I felt like I popped! My water broke and I could feel the baby coming. So I guess I pushed, and her head got stuck halfway out. All I knew then was that my MW had jumped in the tub with me and that dh was helping me up to stand. I pushed standing and with the MW's help, out came S4. Woo! No tearing thank heavens. Baby girl's torso was bigger than her head! LOL. All is well. She has no issues with nursing. 8lbs, 9oz, 20.5 inches long.

She's heeeeeeeeeeeeere!

S4 arrived on her due date of 9/28, weighing in at 8lbs, 9oz.  Born at home to the sounds of reggae music and the smell of lime-raspberry candles. Details in a bit.  Pics for your viewing pleasure!

no baby yet Lovelies!

However, I have had crazy contractions and pain in my hips and shoulders.  Oh my goodness! Can I get some consistency? I've tried everything lovelies. Spicy food, pressure points, walking, and even holiday undies. Even though S4 technically isn't 'due' until the 28th, I am tired of being tired and in pain!  I feel like I am the size of a small planet.
On a great note- my birth tub is here, my co-op produce was wonderful this week, most of the dishes were done this morning by my 13 year old son and the weather is *slightly* cooling off. I made LaborAid (see post below) yesterday and it is wonderful! It also tastes great with crushed raspberries. Oh- and my midwife totally rocks.
So, to the pain and intermittent contractions, I give you the 'really though' face.  Those who are on my facebook are familiar with it....I originally took it with my cell phone for my brother who had just informed me that he had eaten lunch at a Jamaican spot close to his work.  Umm, why would you tell a pregnant woman you had just eaten something that she has been craving for the past 3 months? Really though?

Harvest Moon and blessings

Still no baby, no additional contractions, no nothing. I do know however that I have wonderful friends from my childhood who have blessed me with lovely gifts and words of advice (on how to get labor started, among other things!)
A couple of gems that I have recieved so far:
LaborAid looks like a wonderful help to keep mamas hydrated and energized- I'll be making some tomorrow.
My fabulous friend from Canada made me a nursing necklace (she sent me the Labor Aid suggestion as well). Hello!!!! You have no idea how long I have been wanting one of these but could never find one that I loved or was wanting to spend big bucks on! Well, I could feel the love and warmth and time that was put into this amazing handmade masterpiece the second I opened the envelope.  Don't you love it? Sorry lovelies, it is one of a kind and all mine. My friend and her children made S1, S2 and S3 some gorgeous bracelets (I told all of them not to be surprised if they ended up on my wrists.  So cute).

 

So, I am loving the blessings.  

Alright lovelies, it's late evening and the Harvest Moon is making magic in some hospitals around the city.... Hoping it will sprinkle some moondust on my house so that S4 will come out and play! I will keep you posted!

I hate waiting!

Omgoodness lovelies,  I hate waiting.  Contractions started on the 17th and felt pretty regular, were sporadic on the 18th (didn't go to work either day) and other than some cramping and a chunk of plug coming out, here I sit today waiting for S4 to arrive.  If things are like this on Monday, I'll see if my midwife will give me the ok to go to the office.  She checked me on the 17th and said I was about 3cm dilated, which is cool.  The birthing tub is arriving today so maybe S4 is waiting to make her arrival in it? My dad's birthday is Monday and he has already said that he would love if the baby made her appearance on his day.  We'll see. 
Fortunately, I have gotten some decent sleep- it's the turning over that is killing me!!! I seriously have to gain momentum to switch sides! My hips and shoulders ache.  I am huge. I am trying to win a baby bathtub. I am rambling.
What if anything lovelies, have you done in order to get labor moving?

DIY foaming hand soap.

Tired of waiting on a Bath and Body Works sale so that you can get their foaming hand soap? Wait no more lovelies, as I have come accross an amazing (and green) recipe so that you can make your own!! I am probably totally late to the party on this one and I don't know about you, but even though I love the BBW foaming soap, I find myself diluting it just so the scent is not so strong.  Hubby can't use it because even me diluting it, he has an allergic reaction to the smell.   With this super easy recipe, you can choose your own scent and strength.  YUM!

You want the recipe? Do ya? Lovelies, it really works.

Pure and Natural Diva

So we have the green factor, using earth friendly ingredients plus we're recycling the empty BBW foaming soap bottles.  Pretty decent deal! I made two bottles this morning using Dr. Bronners.

Let me know if you try it! Leave a comment about how it works for you!

wordless wednesday

My midwife...

Is pretty smart. Ok, really smart. A couple of weeks ago, I told her that I thought that one of my fillings was cracked and that a cavity might be leaking through.  She told me to try swooshing a shot glass worth of olive oil in my mouth for 10-15 minutes at a time, so that the oil would draw the impurities out of my system.  This little tidbit is also known as 'oil pulling.'  I had done some research on oil pulling prior to her suggesting it, but I can't remember what I was looking at oil pulling for.  I shoved put her advice in the back of my mind because the thought of swooshing oil in my mouth was just not appealing at all. After she suggested the oil pulling, I went to my dental appointment and the dentist confirmed my suspicion about the cavity (I have a cracked filling and oh, another cavity!  Good times). He suggested loading the tooth with toothpaste to build  up the fluoride and to help dull the pain.  He also informed me that he would not be filling any teeth until after S4 arrives and that I can make an appointment on the way out.  Thanks dude. 

Anyway, as you can imagine, the toothpaste does not stay where it's supposed to and for some reason, the gums on the other side of my mouth have started to mess with me.  So because I know that my dentist will not do anything until after the noob makes her debut, I decided to actually try the oil pulling.  I did it last night with coconut oil.  It was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. There are pages and pages of oil pulling info online as well as videos on youtube. One of my favorite natural sites is Earth Clinic and the site had a plethora of oil pulling info, including types of oils and how they may or may not work depending on your body make up, etc. Very interesting stuff. I also happened on this holistic website which gives great info as well.

Evidently oil pulling has a ton of health benefits.  It's also safe to do while pregnant.  So I am giving it the old college heave-ho this week because I am sick of chewing my food on one side of my mouth! 

So to my midwife Shell, once again, you totally rock my world.   xoxo

I want to say that I am not a medical professional by any means and that if you're thinking of doing this, you should probably talk to your health professional. 

wordless thursday.

my hubby's DIY 'build a bear.'  He left me to do the face.  It's for S3 and she loves it!

how much time left??

4 more weeks, lovelies! 30 more days until S4's due date.  We have pretty much decided on a first name and will decide on a middle name when we both sit down in the next couple of weeks.  I have enjoyed this pregnancy so far and my midwifery care has been more than I imagined it would be.  The only thing about this pregnancy that I have not enjoyed has been the weather. Oh wait- the hearburn, hip pain and the cavity that was just discovered can be added to the 'not enjoyed' list, but overall I am thankful to God for an uneventful pregnancy.

My dad's got jokes...

So lovelies, my dad went to Ghana (West Africa) on a Fulbright tour (yeah, he's smart like that).  So of course, he brought back some fabric and some presents for the kids.  After the family got their souvenirs, my dad came to me and said 'I have something for you- hold out your hand.' At this point I am scared because he doesn't normally say that.  I put my hand out and he drops this into it and after he told me what it was, we both busted out laughing:

Uh huh.  It's a small pendant of a fertility doll.  Now my dad is fully aware of the fact that I am pregnant and that I have three children already.  Yeah.  Jokes. ;)

Can I vent for a minute?

Ok lovelies, I freely admit that I have had a bit of an attitude problem lately.  It has been ridiculously hot here and I am 35 (??) weeks pregnant.  Do I need any other excuse?  Don't get me wrong, I really do enjoy being pregnant however I do not enjoy the heat.
So today, I was at a conference and this woman asked me if my pregnancy was an accident or planned.  Umm what??? So I looked at her and said "it doesn't really matter at this point, does it?" You'd be proud of me lovelies, other than this statement to this heffer, I held my tongue.  No comment on her weight or her jacked up weave.  I turned my back and attempted to drop the 'leave me alone' hint to her (she sat right next to me during this workshop).   She then proceeded to tell me that she has 'been there, done that' as far as pregnancy and that her husband wants a baby boy and she will probably end up having one for him.  Blah. blah, blah.  OMG!!!! I had to get up and leave her presence while she was in mid sentence about something I didn't want to hear about.  I didn't see her for the rest of the day. 
Needless to say, I was rubbed up like a magic lamp all day despite my repeated requests for people to not touch me. I don't care how cute you think I am pregnant, if I tell you not to touch my belly, have the decency to comply with my request. 
Rant over.

Cravings and other oddities....

Oh my goodness, I just scarfed down a cup of ramen noodles topped with feta cheese.  With the broth and pepper and lime for added flavor.  Do you think I will be suffering in the next hour? I would venture to say yes.  Eek.  Yum.  Eek! The other night I ate blueberries topped with condensed milk.  YUM.  Odd?  I don't know.  It tasted kind of like blueberry cheesecake.  It was so good I ate 2 bowl-fulls.

After eating all this stuff, I should probably get back to excercising, but I like being outside and it is still very hot out.  I know, I have DVDs but they are just not as fun, ya dig?

Lovelies, what crazy dishes did  you consume while you (or your significant other) while pregnant?  Did you have any unexpected cravings?

Handmade goodness!

Hello lovelies, I woke up this morning to wonderful rainy weather and a list of errande to run.  Unfortunately S2 is sick, so we decided to scrap the outing. What to do, what to dooooooo..... Well, I bought patterns on Etsy about 3 weeks ago and I have some fabric and this is what transpired about 2.5 hours later!
It's a pinafore from Heidi and Finn.

Isn't it delightful? S3 loves it! Onto a skirt for her big sister- a little something to help her feel better. ;)

wordless tuesday/wednesday

;)

muahahahahahahaha!!!!

Did you get my Dr. Evil laugh? I am actually giddy with excitement because Yo Gabba Gabba is coming to the PHX and I got tickets.  Just call me mom of the year.  Yes lovelies, the entire YGG crew will visiting in December at the Dodge theater downtown.  I haven't told the girls yet because being 7 months pregnant, I don't think that I could take the constant questioning about what day we're going (it's only August!)  As parents, hubby and I screen what our children watch and this is one show that we are happy to have playing on our television. 
So local lovelies, get your calendars marked for what you know will be a most rockin' family event! This is a nationwide tour, so definitely watch for the show in your area as well!!! I am personally hoping that The Roots will make a special appearance at the Phoenix show.  'Lovely Love My Family' is my absolute favorite YGG song!

www.yogabbagabbalive.com

School daze.....

Sigh. S1 and S2 start school on Monday.  S2 will be going to kindergarten.  She is so ready.  We went to orientation today and she looked excited and freaked out all at the same time.  I put on my social worker hat and the classroom looks decent.  Her teacher seems nice enough.  There is a 2-1 ratio of girls to boys in the classroom, which is not all that uncommon. 

S1 will be starting 8th grade this year.  I can't believe how big he has gotten.  He is so smart and kind.  At the orientation, his homeroom teacher (new to the school)  told him that she has heard wonderful things about him.  Lots of responsibility this year for him, plus he wants to do some extra curricular activities. 

It's going to be verrrrrrry busy in our world in the next few months.  It's exciting and scary all at the same time.  Not sure how I'm going to deal with all of it.  I supposed I will take things one step at a time.  Lovelies, how do you deal a ton of life stuff? I know what is coming, but it's still a bit overwhelming, ya dig?

thought you would want to know....

that I have 63 days left until the noob makes her debut!!!! (give or take)  Are you as excited as I am?  I am waiting for the AZ heat to loosen its grip because it is ridiculous hot!! the monsoon is helping but wow.

the bzz on mascara.....

Hello lovelies,
I recently recieved a tube of mascara to try out from BzzAgent.  A lovely purple tube of Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion arrived the day after I bought a new tube of a different brand (I had a great coupon) and had gotten my eyebrows threaded.  So what else is there to do besides a product comparison? ;) I put the Covergirl on my right lashes (your left) and the other mascara on my left (your right).

The result? From both brands, long, full lashes that were not clumpy! Gotta love that! I think they both looked great however it took me a couple of layers of the Covergirl to get the same result as the other brand.  I felt like my lashes were plumpy without looking fake- ya dig? I don't mind spending the couple of minutes to get the look that I want with the Covergirl at all.  At the end of my work day, my lashes still look great and nothing has dripped or smudged.  I live in the desert so trust me, I know all about drippy and melty looking!

Lashes look long to me! What do you think?

disclosure- i did recieve a free Covergirl Lashblast Fusion mascara from Bzzagent!

can you tell

that their father is a professional chef? This is the madness genius I get to witness on a daily basis.  The story behind this dish? The goldfish needed beds.  Need I say more? LOL

breastfeeding and cosleeping

I have done them both and plan to do so with the noob.  I think these are things that women of color don't really talk about.  Not sure why though.  For me, I have been made to feel guilty for keeping my children in carriers (ring slings, mei tais, etc) for longer than 3 months by some people.  Really? Whatever. My children have been worn and my three year old continues to be worn when she wants.  After all the research that says that these types of interactions- breasfeeding, cosleeping and babywearing help with the overall health of baby and supports the bond between parent and child?  I ran into a mama today who told me that she doesn't typically go around telling people that she cosleeps and breastfeeds because of folks' initial reaction to her decision.  I told her not to let people influence or get her down for what she is doing.  We moms need sleep and infants/babies need to eat.  I (or hubby, even though he would) don't want to get up at 3:47am to fumble around in the dark to make a bottle when I can just roll over with the goods, you know?  I am much happier doing this.  I think as women (and women of color), we are harderst on both ourselves and each other.

If you don't know, do some reasearch for yourself and stop harassing me about my decisions.  If you ask me, I will do my best to educate you however do not then turn around and belittle me about what I have decided to do with my babies.

What do you think? Do we talk about these intimate decisions enough? Not enough? What do we need to do to alleviate the stigma and not shame mamas for breastfeeding, cosleeping and babywearing?  (I feel like you lovelies know me well enough to know that I don't really mind what people say, however I am still trying to find my voice when people make snarky comments).  I think grassroots organizations have done a wonderful job promoting these topics but I know there is more we can do......

wordless wednesday

29 weeks!

What do you get when....

you cross a case of blueberries with my family? First, S3 will grab her own pint, thank you very much. S2 will put her pint in with her cereal and milk and I will make blueberry sorbet. Blueberry sorbet from here and here.  A visual journey for your enjoyment!
Blueberries!

Simple syrup with a couple of drops of lavender-

Everything in the processor-

Everything in the ice cream maker-

everything into the waffle cone and then into my tummy!

All I can say is YUM!!!!

MIA...

Hello lovelies,  sorry I have been missing in action this week! Between work and Vacation Bible school, it has been really busy.  I have a couple of fun posts in the works for you though as I experimented with blueberries from this past weekend's co-op!
Stay tuned! I'll be back in action this weekend!

We got a pool!

ok, really- my mother in law bought it, hubby blew it up and I came home to it.  It's a kiddie pool. The girls love it. Quick way to beat the summer heat!

 yes, my ankles are swollen.  it was the end of the day!