Saturday, February 11, 2012
I made this!
Using only my fingers. Finger crocheting is very appealing to me as I
only need the yarn and my own two hands. My husband keeps asking why I
don't use a hook, but I am not that coordinated. I saw a blog post and watched a few youtube videos
on how to do it. I did not use a pattern, am not entirely sure I was
doing the "correct" stitching, and it is chock full of mistakes (uneven
ends in a few spots, some visible knots, and one little 'hole'). But
there is something satisfying about working the yarn with your hands and
having something to show for it. I found my groove in my own way of
doing it. Despite the mistakes, I think it came out pretty, and will
still keep my bear cub warm! It was made with love, and intention, for
him, often while I was nursing him. Working on this has been
therapeutic, I forgot how much I enjoy 'crafty' working with my hands
and how relaxing it is, simultaneously clearing my mind and bringing
clarity and focus. Next up, a pretty purple and pink blanket for my
little bear. As she said when I showed her the finished product, "It is
SO cozy, mom! Can I sleep with mine every night?" Not perfect, but I
enjoyed doing it, and am proud of the finished product. Sort of a
metaphor for life, no?
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Going Primal
I have mentioned on here that our family has made some big changes with regards to how we think, eat, and consume our food. Normally, I eat pretty healthy, but this past year was not my best and we ate out a lot (both good and fast food). About 2/3 of the way through my pregnancy I developed a nasty little Coke habit, one that cost me a cavity, and more than a few pounds I am sure. It wasn't long after I had my little cubby that we were living in a hotel, moving, and getting settled in a new house/area. Then it was the holidays. Oh, the cookies that were made here! I started feeling a bit like a sugar addict, craving all sorts of the badness that tastes so good when it hits your lips! I didn't like how I felt, or looked, and knew it was time for a change.
I read Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson and it was a easy and great read that flies in the face of everything you have ever learned about nutrition and exercise (Conventional Wisdom). Backed up by science, it focuses on eating real food (not processed), minus sugar, trans-fats, grains, and legumes - just like primal man did before the age of agriculture when all of today's chronic illnesses and epidemics got started. It was pretty much a summation of all different nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle information that I had been researching the last couple of years. It brought it all together in one place and was the first "diet" book that was really and truly about a lifestyle change. The author asserts there are 10 ways of being Primal in the modern world:
1. Eat lots of animals, plants, and insects (no bugs here, thank you!)
2. Move around a lot at a slow pace
3. Lift heavy things
4. Run really fast once in awhile
5. Get lots of sleep
6. Play
7. Get some sunlight every day
8. Avoid trauma (be smart, seatbelts, etc)
9. Avoid poisonous things (McDs, anyone?)
10. Use your mind
So really, only the first one is about the actual diet, although it probably is the biggest component. The rest is how you move, think, act, and be in the world.
Many people, when they hear of how we have changed, say, "I couldn't do it." My response is that I couldn't either, until I did. And honestly it is a lot easier eliminating a whole food group than counting calories, eating fake food, or counting points. I did a complete overhaul on our cupboards, throwing or giving everything away with hydrogenated oils, trans fats, canola and other vegetable oils, flours, grains, high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, genetically-modified organisms, etc. We buy and eat a ton of meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and fruit, and nuts. We buy mainly organic, local, grassfed, pastured meats, eggs, poultry, and pork. I cook just about everyday and we eat primarily out of our fridge and off the counter. Real, fresh food. And it tastes great and is very simple. We both feel amazing and have taken off about 10 lbs each. Eric has 2 inches gone from his waist in a month. We aren't super hungry anymore either, and we eat until we are satisfied, which is a lot less than we ate before - just naturally. Eric's migraines are almost gone, and he has more energy. For me, I just feel good!
We have had a few "treats" here or there, but honestly very rarely ever feel the urge to stray. And if we do, it is more of a thought than a "omg, I must have that NOW" type feeling I've had on other programs. I have also had to give up dairy due to Oliver's sensitivities, so that has been a big change. I miss cheese, (and could technically have quality full-fat cheese with this way of eating), but found substituting coconut milk for smoothies, and creamer is working just fine. I find it much better to focus on what we CAN have, which is pretty much anything else. We eat plenty of great meat, use plenty of fat in our cooking (extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, and butter - just call me Paula!), and haven't met a roasted vegetable we didn't like!
It has only been a month, but I can truly see this being a very long-term thing for us. Personally, I need to incorporate the exercise portion (which is hard with a baby and the winter up here), but I do pretty well with all the others, most of the time. We aren't perfect, and even the author says to shoot for 100%, knowing you will realistically hit the 80% mark. And I am cool with that. And how can you not love a program in which you indulge in a glass of red wine with some dark chocolate every night?!?
I really encourage you all to read the book, but I will warn you - it slaps conventional wisdom right in the face. Eat fat to lose fat? Saturated fat is healthy for you? Carbs are ruining your body and your hormonal sensitivities? YES, all true. Open your mind, and if you decide to give it a shot, I'd LOVE to hear your experiences.
****Of course, I am totally a Primal Mother (extended breastfeeding, babywearing, bedsharing, etc) but that is a post for another day :) See, it all ties in so nicely!
I read Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson and it was a easy and great read that flies in the face of everything you have ever learned about nutrition and exercise (Conventional Wisdom). Backed up by science, it focuses on eating real food (not processed), minus sugar, trans-fats, grains, and legumes - just like primal man did before the age of agriculture when all of today's chronic illnesses and epidemics got started. It was pretty much a summation of all different nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle information that I had been researching the last couple of years. It brought it all together in one place and was the first "diet" book that was really and truly about a lifestyle change. The author asserts there are 10 ways of being Primal in the modern world:
1. Eat lots of animals, plants, and insects (no bugs here, thank you!)
2. Move around a lot at a slow pace
3. Lift heavy things
4. Run really fast once in awhile
5. Get lots of sleep
6. Play
7. Get some sunlight every day
8. Avoid trauma (be smart, seatbelts, etc)
9. Avoid poisonous things (McDs, anyone?)
10. Use your mind
So really, only the first one is about the actual diet, although it probably is the biggest component. The rest is how you move, think, act, and be in the world.
Many people, when they hear of how we have changed, say, "I couldn't do it." My response is that I couldn't either, until I did. And honestly it is a lot easier eliminating a whole food group than counting calories, eating fake food, or counting points. I did a complete overhaul on our cupboards, throwing or giving everything away with hydrogenated oils, trans fats, canola and other vegetable oils, flours, grains, high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, genetically-modified organisms, etc. We buy and eat a ton of meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and fruit, and nuts. We buy mainly organic, local, grassfed, pastured meats, eggs, poultry, and pork. I cook just about everyday and we eat primarily out of our fridge and off the counter. Real, fresh food. And it tastes great and is very simple. We both feel amazing and have taken off about 10 lbs each. Eric has 2 inches gone from his waist in a month. We aren't super hungry anymore either, and we eat until we are satisfied, which is a lot less than we ate before - just naturally. Eric's migraines are almost gone, and he has more energy. For me, I just feel good!
We have had a few "treats" here or there, but honestly very rarely ever feel the urge to stray. And if we do, it is more of a thought than a "omg, I must have that NOW" type feeling I've had on other programs. I have also had to give up dairy due to Oliver's sensitivities, so that has been a big change. I miss cheese, (and could technically have quality full-fat cheese with this way of eating), but found substituting coconut milk for smoothies, and creamer is working just fine. I find it much better to focus on what we CAN have, which is pretty much anything else. We eat plenty of great meat, use plenty of fat in our cooking (extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, and butter - just call me Paula!), and haven't met a roasted vegetable we didn't like!
It has only been a month, but I can truly see this being a very long-term thing for us. Personally, I need to incorporate the exercise portion (which is hard with a baby and the winter up here), but I do pretty well with all the others, most of the time. We aren't perfect, and even the author says to shoot for 100%, knowing you will realistically hit the 80% mark. And I am cool with that. And how can you not love a program in which you indulge in a glass of red wine with some dark chocolate every night?!?
I really encourage you all to read the book, but I will warn you - it slaps conventional wisdom right in the face. Eat fat to lose fat? Saturated fat is healthy for you? Carbs are ruining your body and your hormonal sensitivities? YES, all true. Open your mind, and if you decide to give it a shot, I'd LOVE to hear your experiences.
****Of course, I am totally a Primal Mother (extended breastfeeding, babywearing, bedsharing, etc) but that is a post for another day :) See, it all ties in so nicely!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Simply 2012
This will be a year of rebuilding (and creating new infrastructure) for us, in many ways. Especially after the big upheaval with 2011: a husband home, but not really; a pregnancy with some minor complications, the whole process of the house being ready/shortsale; the move; and the holidays. The move, so long an endpoint, is now well over and has given us a fresh start. I have already told you how much I am loving my life right now, and I don't want to be redundant. But as I did last year, and promised a few weeks ago, I will give you my word for 2012.
I have a bunch that came to mind, so here is the list:
I finally settled on simple, or simplify, as I feel it best encompasses all these areas, really. My life has slowed down and it feels REALLY good. I didn't realize that I was so busy! I sort of feel like the pendulum is swinging the other way right now, and that is a good thing. This year I want to focus on being, not doing. Here is a quick run-down on how I plan on simplifying each area of my life:
Home: I am continuing the pre-move purge into the post-move purge, and just continuing to streamline. This is and will always be a work in progress, and I probably still have more than enough, but for me as long as it is practical and visually appealing, it can work. Currently I am reorganizing the playroom and creating a rotating toy library, which is A LOT of work but I think is good for everyone in the house. I hired a lovely cleaning lady that comes every 2 weeks so I can complete the day-to-day tasks and still have time to enjoy my babies. We are working on a good rhythm of our house and also limiting media consumption in all forms. This is going pretty well, and has sort of happened naturally, which is nice.
Relationships: We wrote, and are trying to live out, our Family Mission Statement. A huge focus is on parenting, connection with one another (all of us), and our marriage. Family comes first in lieu of involvements and commitments to the best of our ability. We are spending quality family time with one another. Totally loving being a mom of 2 and family of four, I feel like I am "becoming", fulfilling my potential as a mother. This truly is a vocation!
Faith: This has been an area which is faltering for us. Not our faith per se, but our practice of it. It has been hard to leave a parish with which we identified as our home. Everything about that church I miss - the people, the priest, the songs, the community, the activities, etc etc etc. Our new church here is just fine, nothing will ever compare to what we had. And so we find ourselves less than excited and it definitely affects how we worship. SO, now we need to get back to basics. I need to remember that my faith doesn't need to "look" or "be" a certain way, and that we may be going through this for some reason. I need to just make it simple by praying without ceasing, and realizing my faith in a whole new way now. Other than just talking with God, I am working on some more ways to make this more of an active part of our lives.
Work: Eric has moved to a regular job and life feels much more normal! As for me, I am not doing my breastfeeding group here, but did find one to attend, and may end up teaching some childbirth classes in a few months. I am not doing my private practice, and I miss all of that so much. I am still working on completing my project, but simplifying leaves room for that. Julia Cameron said, "The creative process is a process of surrender, not control." And I have to open myself up to that.
Health: I addressed most of this in my post about how I am digging it here. A big focus is on our lifestyle right now, and we have totally changed the way we eat. Eric and I have just about completely cut sugar and grains (including corn and legumes) out of our diets and are concentrating on eating primally. Eric's migraines are gone and we have never felt better. We simplified to eat slow, real food and not processed crap. Sometimes it is more work, and definitely more money, but well worth it! We buy fresh, local, organic when we can, and have access to fabulous grocery stores, CSAs, and Farmer's Markets here. We are also continuing in our green efforts in an effort to reduce waste - some new things, we have given up our microwave and are now composting. If it works, I may also try gardening, but we will see. As far as exercise, we just need to move! Just walk, play, yoga, and TTapp, who knows? I just have to get started. Nothing fancy, just keepin' it simple.
Finances: Ugh. LOTS of work here thanks to our continuing shortsale process (don't even get me started, it has been a trial) and the move. Our plan is to Dave Ramsey it up once this house deal closes. And we get our tax return. Simple - pay down our newly acquired debt, tank up savings, and invest. Baby steps.
In some ways, the move and the life we lead here begets and fosters these changes just because of circumstances. Its a good, coming together feeling. Like I can practice and live how I have wanted to. I already feel like we are on a solid path, but continue on our journey of ever-improving. This post isn't as eloquent as I'd like or even how I saw it in my head, but I just wanted to get the ideas down someplace other than scribbles in a notebook. This is it, folks, home and family, with a random smattering of friends and activity here and there. This is our time to rebuild.
"Be Still and Heal" ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
I have a bunch that came to mind, so here is the list:
- health
- calm
- balance
- home (as a place of refuge)
- family
- simple
I finally settled on simple, or simplify, as I feel it best encompasses all these areas, really. My life has slowed down and it feels REALLY good. I didn't realize that I was so busy! I sort of feel like the pendulum is swinging the other way right now, and that is a good thing. This year I want to focus on being, not doing. Here is a quick run-down on how I plan on simplifying each area of my life:
Home: I am continuing the pre-move purge into the post-move purge, and just continuing to streamline. This is and will always be a work in progress, and I probably still have more than enough, but for me as long as it is practical and visually appealing, it can work. Currently I am reorganizing the playroom and creating a rotating toy library, which is A LOT of work but I think is good for everyone in the house. I hired a lovely cleaning lady that comes every 2 weeks so I can complete the day-to-day tasks and still have time to enjoy my babies. We are working on a good rhythm of our house and also limiting media consumption in all forms. This is going pretty well, and has sort of happened naturally, which is nice.
Relationships: We wrote, and are trying to live out, our Family Mission Statement. A huge focus is on parenting, connection with one another (all of us), and our marriage. Family comes first in lieu of involvements and commitments to the best of our ability. We are spending quality family time with one another. Totally loving being a mom of 2 and family of four, I feel like I am "becoming", fulfilling my potential as a mother. This truly is a vocation!
Faith: This has been an area which is faltering for us. Not our faith per se, but our practice of it. It has been hard to leave a parish with which we identified as our home. Everything about that church I miss - the people, the priest, the songs, the community, the activities, etc etc etc. Our new church here is just fine, nothing will ever compare to what we had. And so we find ourselves less than excited and it definitely affects how we worship. SO, now we need to get back to basics. I need to remember that my faith doesn't need to "look" or "be" a certain way, and that we may be going through this for some reason. I need to just make it simple by praying without ceasing, and realizing my faith in a whole new way now. Other than just talking with God, I am working on some more ways to make this more of an active part of our lives.
Work: Eric has moved to a regular job and life feels much more normal! As for me, I am not doing my breastfeeding group here, but did find one to attend, and may end up teaching some childbirth classes in a few months. I am not doing my private practice, and I miss all of that so much. I am still working on completing my project, but simplifying leaves room for that. Julia Cameron said, "The creative process is a process of surrender, not control." And I have to open myself up to that.
Health: I addressed most of this in my post about how I am digging it here. A big focus is on our lifestyle right now, and we have totally changed the way we eat. Eric and I have just about completely cut sugar and grains (including corn and legumes) out of our diets and are concentrating on eating primally. Eric's migraines are gone and we have never felt better. We simplified to eat slow, real food and not processed crap. Sometimes it is more work, and definitely more money, but well worth it! We buy fresh, local, organic when we can, and have access to fabulous grocery stores, CSAs, and Farmer's Markets here. We are also continuing in our green efforts in an effort to reduce waste - some new things, we have given up our microwave and are now composting. If it works, I may also try gardening, but we will see. As far as exercise, we just need to move! Just walk, play, yoga, and TTapp, who knows? I just have to get started. Nothing fancy, just keepin' it simple.
Finances: Ugh. LOTS of work here thanks to our continuing shortsale process (don't even get me started, it has been a trial) and the move. Our plan is to Dave Ramsey it up once this house deal closes. And we get our tax return. Simple - pay down our newly acquired debt, tank up savings, and invest. Baby steps.
In some ways, the move and the life we lead here begets and fosters these changes just because of circumstances. Its a good, coming together feeling. Like I can practice and live how I have wanted to. I already feel like we are on a solid path, but continue on our journey of ever-improving. This post isn't as eloquent as I'd like or even how I saw it in my head, but I just wanted to get the ideas down someplace other than scribbles in a notebook. This is it, folks, home and family, with a random smattering of friends and activity here and there. This is our time to rebuild.
"Be Still and Heal" ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Irony
Facebook has been frustrating me lately. When I nurse or am otherwise "stuck" in a chair with a sleeping baby, I often scroll through Facebook on my phone. And for some reason, it is making me a bit crazy and I am not sure why. It is almost overstimulating, all the links, photos, and information sometimes makes my head swim. I have always enjoyed Facebook, but now am having some ambivalence. I also have always read a bunch of blogs on nutrition, breastfeeding, parenting, etc. They give me ideas and tools to use that I never considered. I have cleaned up the ole Google Reader and have started reading them again, and for all except a few, I am feeling the same way. Information overload maybe?
Another thought. Your family and childhood friends know you, how you have come up in the world, and your backstory. They knew you when. I have often wished through life when I met someone new, especially in college, "oh, if you only knew me back in the day, you would understand why I am like this." So true. But as time has marched on, I have grown and evolved into a completely different person along the way. That person I was then is still there, but in a whole new way. I have traveled many different paths to arrive where I am now. And, in the process, have collected and surrounded myself with a bunch of friends who are similar to me and how I live my life. They are my advice columnists, my support, my normalcy. We are not exactly the same, and differ widely in the areas of religion, politics, etc, but I know who my peeps are for each and every circumstance that may come up. I feel like Verizon, I have a Network. It occurred to me recently that the very same family that I felt used to really "get" me, doesn't really even know the real me anymore. Of course when you go home, you sort of succumb to who you were and flashes of the now come out occasionally. But do they understand? Do they "get" me now? This divide often leaves me feeling defensive, but I am learning to shrug it off. I think they are comfortable with who they think they know, and that is enough. [I don't even know if this makes sense to anyone, because I am having a hard time putting into words what I am feeling. And no, I am not leading a secret life.]
If you followed that at all, you will probably think this is normal stuff people realize all the time. Not sure why this was such a revelation to me the other day. Facebook has a habit of bringing this to light, though, as all "friends" from all walks of life converge on your thoughts or links shared. And since I have been feeling a bit irked by all the online media, I am considering taking break from it for a while. Just tossing it around, no plans just yet. Maybe for Lent? The problem is I really like the connection I have to so many friends and resources who I have moved away from. Maybe I just need new limits?
Ultimately, as much as I use the internet for research, ideas, etc, the "voices" can be too many, and after awhile they all sound the same. Maybe some truths I need to discover on my own. Maybe I need to focus on just being. And let the cards fall where they may. Who knows, these are all things I am working out in my already overstimulated brain. Maybe it is because my life has slowed down to a comfortable pace and it feels so good that all the rest feels like "too much".
I am just writing out loud here, people. This is my space, my one spot, that I can truly be "me". Yes it is published online, but I don't share with many people. If they stumble across it, that is fine. Obviously, it is public. I just like having something concrete that I can pour the litany of thoughts into and get it out of my brain. Just another stop on the information superhighway, adding to the overload. Oh, the irony!
Another thought. Your family and childhood friends know you, how you have come up in the world, and your backstory. They knew you when. I have often wished through life when I met someone new, especially in college, "oh, if you only knew me back in the day, you would understand why I am like this." So true. But as time has marched on, I have grown and evolved into a completely different person along the way. That person I was then is still there, but in a whole new way. I have traveled many different paths to arrive where I am now. And, in the process, have collected and surrounded myself with a bunch of friends who are similar to me and how I live my life. They are my advice columnists, my support, my normalcy. We are not exactly the same, and differ widely in the areas of religion, politics, etc, but I know who my peeps are for each and every circumstance that may come up. I feel like Verizon, I have a Network. It occurred to me recently that the very same family that I felt used to really "get" me, doesn't really even know the real me anymore. Of course when you go home, you sort of succumb to who you were and flashes of the now come out occasionally. But do they understand? Do they "get" me now? This divide often leaves me feeling defensive, but I am learning to shrug it off. I think they are comfortable with who they think they know, and that is enough. [I don't even know if this makes sense to anyone, because I am having a hard time putting into words what I am feeling. And no, I am not leading a secret life.]
If you followed that at all, you will probably think this is normal stuff people realize all the time. Not sure why this was such a revelation to me the other day. Facebook has a habit of bringing this to light, though, as all "friends" from all walks of life converge on your thoughts or links shared. And since I have been feeling a bit irked by all the online media, I am considering taking break from it for a while. Just tossing it around, no plans just yet. Maybe for Lent? The problem is I really like the connection I have to so many friends and resources who I have moved away from. Maybe I just need new limits?
Ultimately, as much as I use the internet for research, ideas, etc, the "voices" can be too many, and after awhile they all sound the same. Maybe some truths I need to discover on my own. Maybe I need to focus on just being. And let the cards fall where they may. Who knows, these are all things I am working out in my already overstimulated brain. Maybe it is because my life has slowed down to a comfortable pace and it feels so good that all the rest feels like "too much".
I am just writing out loud here, people. This is my space, my one spot, that I can truly be "me". Yes it is published online, but I don't share with many people. If they stumble across it, that is fine. Obviously, it is public. I just like having something concrete that I can pour the litany of thoughts into and get it out of my brain. Just another stop on the information superhighway, adding to the overload. Oh, the irony!
I like my life
I was thinking today just about how we are now living like I have been wanting for some time. I love being a family of four, my heart bursts with love for all of them. We have oodles of family time now and are really finding a good rhythm, tweaking when necessary. My spouse is supportive and loving and sweet and caring and helpful, my true partner. My kids are so freaking amazing and I really enjoy being their mother, even when it sucks sometimes. We are working together to meet our family mission statement, namely with regards to money, parenting, our household, and our life. I like how we are being conscious with our choices and consumption - I breastfeed, we cloth napkin and diaper, we make our own laundry detergent and deodorant, the kids and I use only natural products from small companies (still working on E), we got rid of our microwave, we buy fresh, local food from farmers at the market (and it is AMAZING), we have recently cut out grain, legumes, and most dairy from our diet and are feeling FABULOUS (and dropping some extra weight too!), we have a Berkey water filter, Vitamix, and SodaStream and I love them all for their healthy aspects, we compost now(!), and of course, continue to recycle. It just feels like all of these things that I have been wanting to do but have been on hold for one reason or another is finally coming together. I am living the way I have always wanted, and it feels great (notice a theme?). It totally helps that Eric is on board and going the journey with me - that whole "same page" thing really makes the difference!
We still have work to do with being more active, but it is hard where we live, especially when it is freezing cold and you have a baby. But with time, and season change, I have no doubt we will get there. I still want to change up a few things in the diet area with my little bear, and she how it affects her. We got complacent when we moved and I need to weed out the "yucky" cleaners in the cabinet. All in our efforts to strive toward as chemical-free life as we can. We also want to jump back in to some sort of church life - it has been harder than we realized to leave the church we felt was home to us, and just aren't feeling it up here. I know we will get out what we put in, and so this is another area to work on. Eric and I need to work on finding time for us when we aren't exhausted to connect without little bear or the cubby around. But our communication is going strong, so that is a plus.
I still have goals for 2012 that I will put up sometime soon, I promise! There is ALWAYS room for improvement. Our house is not always happy, and there is plenty of frustration, but it is one of JOY. And, that my friends, is the ultimate goal. And we will continue to work to make it so. I really like where I am right now, and really really like my life!
We still have work to do with being more active, but it is hard where we live, especially when it is freezing cold and you have a baby. But with time, and season change, I have no doubt we will get there. I still want to change up a few things in the diet area with my little bear, and she how it affects her. We got complacent when we moved and I need to weed out the "yucky" cleaners in the cabinet. All in our efforts to strive toward as chemical-free life as we can. We also want to jump back in to some sort of church life - it has been harder than we realized to leave the church we felt was home to us, and just aren't feeling it up here. I know we will get out what we put in, and so this is another area to work on. Eric and I need to work on finding time for us when we aren't exhausted to connect without little bear or the cubby around. But our communication is going strong, so that is a plus.
I still have goals for 2012 that I will put up sometime soon, I promise! There is ALWAYS room for improvement. Our house is not always happy, and there is plenty of frustration, but it is one of JOY. And, that my friends, is the ultimate goal. And we will continue to work to make it so. I really like where I am right now, and really really like my life!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Happy New Year!
I have been knocking around some ideas for my starting off 2012 blog post, and with a baby and running a household, am finding it difficult sneaking time to write. My hands are always busy with food preparation, a nursing infant, my preschooler, laundry, the steering wheel, or a rag. I often browse FB on my phone, especially while my son cluster nurses in the evening, and read all sorts of posts that trigger things I want to write about. I am also reading a GREAT book called Simplicity Parenting, and I am trying to get things in order so I can implement some of the author's techniques (mainly reducing the amount of toys and clutter). I have also just read, and have started eating according to The Primal Blueprint, and I feel amazing! Basically, I don't eat grains or legumes, but do eat lots of veggies, fruit, proteins, and fat. My husband has started with me and he is completely on board. More on these topics later.
Lately I have felt (maybe due to my increased energy from eating better) like I need to conquer this house - finish our last boxes and organize, shop for and prepare nutritious meals, purge the playroom and reconfigure it, etc. I do this all while my daughter is at school and my husband is at work. My baby actually does sleep a bit during the day so I have some time. But, the more I do, the more there is to do, and I am feeling like I am not taking advantage of his babyness! (note: my daughter never slept unless she was on me or I was wearing her, so this is an entirely new perspective for me, and I am not used to it). I looked at him yesterday, and I just feel like time is slipping away from me, like he is already growing up so fast. And what if we decide he is our last? (again we are about 50/50 on the issue and this won't be decided for sure until a couple years from now, but still.) So how do I find that balance of enjoying his babyhood and still doing what needs to get done? Working on this daily. The same with my daughter who has been VERY attached to her daddy since he has been home. He has taken up a lot of my jobs with her, so my challenge is to find ways of being with her that don't involve me holding a baby as well. This post really hit home. Days can be long, and years short, but it seems like even the days are not long enough. I know these are not novel concepts, just some thoughts as we parent more than one child.
We are struggling a bit with our daughter's behavior, she is VERY strong-willed. And that is also a challenge: realizing what is developmentally healthy and appropriate for her age, reigning in our own emotions and reactions to the situation to be able to handle it appropriately, and finding a way to discipline her that respects both her and us as the parents. We strive to be gentle parents, and I think most of the time, we manage to hit that mark. And when we don't, we pick back up and try again in the next moment. And it is okay to be frustrated and not like it 100% of the time. This life we chose, and we wouldn't trade it for the world. My husband and I are sort of redefining our selves and our home life after his prolonged or frequent absences, a new baby, and a move. Here we are very family and home focused, and it is nice to be a family of four. We are working on the rhythm of the house, and the overall family culture. I will keep you updated. I think we have a good start. She is a great kid, we just all need to fine tune. This quote sums it up, "Parenting is 10% your child's behavior, and 90% how you react to it."
My son, oh my fuzzy headed, chubby little love bug! He is such a different baby than his sister. So much more easygoing, and less needy. He is such a happy little guy with a smile that will melt your heart. And you can't even think about holding him without constantly kissing his fuzzy little head. It has been so interesting to compare the two so far. He HATES the car seat and would work himself up into such a sweaty mess that I didn't feel like going anywhere (this is slowly improving). My daughter would cry but be okay if we kept moving. He likes to nurse, but when he is done, he is done. My daughter would have stayed latched 24/7 if it was up to her. He can be put down to sleep (in his swing) or in my bed, she needed to be nursed or worn or held or driven, and couldn't sleep next to me without a nipple in her mouth. He has refused a pacifier, she took one for about 8 months. He weighs as much at 3 months as she did at 5 and a half. Both enjoyed babywearing. I cloth diaper him, never even really knew about it with her. My daughter was a little fuss all the time as a baby (wish I knew what was the problem!) and my guy is pretty easy. My daughter ONLY wanted me (from birth, honestly) and my son is content with a warm lap and a smile (although when it is time to eat, watch out!) My daughter was the ultimate in portability as a baby and we did SO MUCH together, my son and I are pretty much at home with only occasional errands. My daughter was a nursing pro from the beginning, and my son and I have had our issues: had to clip a lip-tie, chiropractic visits, use a nipple shield for the first month, and more recently I have had to give up dairy and nuts. One child isn't better than the other, but it has been interesting to compare them. So different already. LOVE their individual personalities and that it shows up from the time (and how) they come into the world!
It is weird to me how weird it isn't having a son and having two kids. Honestly I think my first was SO shell-shocking to my "old" way of life, and now I have had time to reconcile that. Not that she is my practice kid, but I really wish I knew then what I know now, and feel much more comfortable doing. This is why the second kid is much easier in a way. I followed my instincts and my heart with her, but there were still the "voices" and doubt. Now I just embrace it (mostly) as our life and the way we live. And I think having a second kid has helped me cut away some of the crap and become the mother I am meant to be, to both of them. I say there was an Oliver sized hole that he filled, and I really think that is true. I feel like a much better mother, like I am becoming who I am meant to be, and like our family is expanding to its fullest potential. And with all that growth, of course there are bound to be growing pains! I have embraced this vocation in a way that I never had before, and it is fulfilling beyond words. Frustrating and busy, yes, but this is by far the best "job" I have ever had.
When I can compile my thoughts on my "resolutions" for the year, I will get that up too. Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful start to 2012 and that you are making it all that you wish.
Lately I have felt (maybe due to my increased energy from eating better) like I need to conquer this house - finish our last boxes and organize, shop for and prepare nutritious meals, purge the playroom and reconfigure it, etc. I do this all while my daughter is at school and my husband is at work. My baby actually does sleep a bit during the day so I have some time. But, the more I do, the more there is to do, and I am feeling like I am not taking advantage of his babyness! (note: my daughter never slept unless she was on me or I was wearing her, so this is an entirely new perspective for me, and I am not used to it). I looked at him yesterday, and I just feel like time is slipping away from me, like he is already growing up so fast. And what if we decide he is our last? (again we are about 50/50 on the issue and this won't be decided for sure until a couple years from now, but still.) So how do I find that balance of enjoying his babyhood and still doing what needs to get done? Working on this daily. The same with my daughter who has been VERY attached to her daddy since he has been home. He has taken up a lot of my jobs with her, so my challenge is to find ways of being with her that don't involve me holding a baby as well. This post really hit home. Days can be long, and years short, but it seems like even the days are not long enough. I know these are not novel concepts, just some thoughts as we parent more than one child.
We are struggling a bit with our daughter's behavior, she is VERY strong-willed. And that is also a challenge: realizing what is developmentally healthy and appropriate for her age, reigning in our own emotions and reactions to the situation to be able to handle it appropriately, and finding a way to discipline her that respects both her and us as the parents. We strive to be gentle parents, and I think most of the time, we manage to hit that mark. And when we don't, we pick back up and try again in the next moment. And it is okay to be frustrated and not like it 100% of the time. This life we chose, and we wouldn't trade it for the world. My husband and I are sort of redefining our selves and our home life after his prolonged or frequent absences, a new baby, and a move. Here we are very family and home focused, and it is nice to be a family of four. We are working on the rhythm of the house, and the overall family culture. I will keep you updated. I think we have a good start. She is a great kid, we just all need to fine tune. This quote sums it up, "Parenting is 10% your child's behavior, and 90% how you react to it."
My son, oh my fuzzy headed, chubby little love bug! He is such a different baby than his sister. So much more easygoing, and less needy. He is such a happy little guy with a smile that will melt your heart. And you can't even think about holding him without constantly kissing his fuzzy little head. It has been so interesting to compare the two so far. He HATES the car seat and would work himself up into such a sweaty mess that I didn't feel like going anywhere (this is slowly improving). My daughter would cry but be okay if we kept moving. He likes to nurse, but when he is done, he is done. My daughter would have stayed latched 24/7 if it was up to her. He can be put down to sleep (in his swing) or in my bed, she needed to be nursed or worn or held or driven, and couldn't sleep next to me without a nipple in her mouth. He has refused a pacifier, she took one for about 8 months. He weighs as much at 3 months as she did at 5 and a half. Both enjoyed babywearing. I cloth diaper him, never even really knew about it with her. My daughter was a little fuss all the time as a baby (wish I knew what was the problem!) and my guy is pretty easy. My daughter ONLY wanted me (from birth, honestly) and my son is content with a warm lap and a smile (although when it is time to eat, watch out!) My daughter was the ultimate in portability as a baby and we did SO MUCH together, my son and I are pretty much at home with only occasional errands. My daughter was a nursing pro from the beginning, and my son and I have had our issues: had to clip a lip-tie, chiropractic visits, use a nipple shield for the first month, and more recently I have had to give up dairy and nuts. One child isn't better than the other, but it has been interesting to compare them. So different already. LOVE their individual personalities and that it shows up from the time (and how) they come into the world!
It is weird to me how weird it isn't having a son and having two kids. Honestly I think my first was SO shell-shocking to my "old" way of life, and now I have had time to reconcile that. Not that she is my practice kid, but I really wish I knew then what I know now, and feel much more comfortable doing. This is why the second kid is much easier in a way. I followed my instincts and my heart with her, but there were still the "voices" and doubt. Now I just embrace it (mostly) as our life and the way we live. And I think having a second kid has helped me cut away some of the crap and become the mother I am meant to be, to both of them. I say there was an Oliver sized hole that he filled, and I really think that is true. I feel like a much better mother, like I am becoming who I am meant to be, and like our family is expanding to its fullest potential. And with all that growth, of course there are bound to be growing pains! I have embraced this vocation in a way that I never had before, and it is fulfilling beyond words. Frustrating and busy, yes, but this is by far the best "job" I have ever had.
When I can compile my thoughts on my "resolutions" for the year, I will get that up too. Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful start to 2012 and that you are making it all that you wish.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Family Mission Statement
For the past year, I have been wanting to create a Family Mission Statement when I got the idea from a friend and another blog.
I have mulled over it, taking notes when an idea struck, and discussed
it with Eric. Finally, this is what we have come up with. I like the
idea to have something down on paper, a tangible reminder of what we are
trying to achieve with our lives, as a family. (to those who read both blogs, I apologize for the double post!)
Family Mission Statement
Using our Christian values as an overarching guide, we want
to live in service to God:
- Cultivating joy, grace, forgiveness, and unity in our family and our community.
- Striving always toward balancing.
- Showing respect to ourselves, others, and our environment.
- Making conscious choices with regards to food and eating, consuming, and parenting.
- Becoming more fiscally responsible and financially sound.
- Stewarding our resources appropriately.
- Focusing our energy on the family and our journey, which is our spiritual ministry.
- Prioritizing our relationships with one another.
- Parenting mindfully and gently.
- Acting from a place of love as our efforts are all to the glory of God.
I have two quotes that came from some of my home decor that pretty much sum it up as well (and more succinctly than I could):
May our home always be a place of Peace and Plenty,
A place of Strength and Sanctuary,
A place of Warmth and Laughter,
A place where Love resides.
Live Simply, Speak Kindly, Love Generously
Here
are some other pictures with sayings that I absolutely love that I have
come across and I believe are very true (sorry for the glare on the
glass, these were taken with my phone):
"What we do with our heart affects the whole universe."
"If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich" ~Tao Te Ching
Here is one from a friend's house that I loved:
And this is what my lovely sissa made me for Christmas last year! So talented, and now one of my favorite pieces!
Do you have a family mission statement?
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