A Big Change

     A big change is coming! I want to let everyone know that Life's Lemonade is moving from blogger to a stand alone URL. The site is not up and running just yet, but soon, so very soon! I realized that if I want the blog to grow I was going to have to take steps to ensure room for growth. I am very excited for all that is about to happen!
      I also want to ask you fervent followers to help me. I will be posting a "Mug of the Month". It will be different recipes for a mommy getaway minute or special treat for the kids. I would like to ask you all to post a recipe for publish... Maybe it is a special coffee drink or perhaps a cookie in a mug. The possibilities are endless. Credit will be given where credit is due. :) Also, I am looking for life hacks I have dubbed Lemonade Tips. Email me some suggestions! busymom791113@gmail (DOT) com                                     I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!

Tamra

To Bless a Homemaker

Homemaking, it's the work you do everyday, it's the life you live, and is a most praiseworthy calling! Ladies, we want to encourage you. We want to remind you that diligently serving your family and caring for your home each day is of value, eternal value. And we want to Thank You for encouraging us through your comments and responses. This summer 30 bloggers joined together To Bless A Homemaker and gave away a Brand New Installed Dishwasher! This week we are offering another giveaway to bless another Homemaker. This time the winner will receive a brand new, shiny KitchenAid mixer!

Each of you will also find new, encouraging blogs to read and glean from, as well as home businesses run by Christian Homemakers. The winner can opt to gift her mixer to a friend or relative if she'd like. Christmas is right around the corner!

Click here to enter---> a Rafflecopter giveaway

Homeschooling and House Work: Just Pick One

     I've had it... Too many days have gone by when only a subject or two of school has gotten done and my house looks a mess... I have finally realized that I have to pick just one... Homeschool OR House work... I cant do both at the same time minus running the laundry. This may change as we get older and more efficient in our adventures. But for now things have to change. Far too many times does the TV get turned on in the morning and not turned off until noon... Well, that ended this morning. Now the mornings will look like this... breakfast, teeth brushed, dressed, then school... School will happen off and on through out the morning and early afternoon until we are done. Then it will be chore time. I cannot believe it has taken me this long to figure it out... Whew, I feel relieved... I know this is a short post, but I had to post my 'ah ha' moment! Do you have a home management/homeschool 'ah ha' moment you would like to share? I maybe see an e-book in the future. ;)

Have a blessed day. 
-Tamra

The Home Schooling Husband-Sharing the Load

 

   Up until 5 days ago I didn't have a homeschooling husband. I had a husband who supported homeschooling. I have always dreamed of my husband sharing some of the duties schooling our children, but really never saw that actually happening... That is until I had a small voice speak to me one evening while lost in thought about how I was doing teaching my daughter math... Not my strongest subject by any means. Lets just say I know how to use a calculator well. ;) However, my husband is a living calculator.... Able to give answers to equations before you give him all the variables. I truly admire his mathematical abilities. :)

     Now... giving that I am not fluent in the mathematics and he is gave me the perfect opportunity to ask him if he would share the joys of homeschooling our children and teach them the math concepts they will need in life. His reaction surprised me... He was thrilled! He was happy that I asked him. The next day he told our homeschooler he would be teaching her math. She was very happy as she loves her daddy and she also loves math... Win-win for her! Any way, he has been busy looking at all sorts of curricula and I think he has picked Singapore.

      I have found this to be very humbling... I cant teach every, but God has given me the perfect help mate in everything, including schooling our children. Too many homeschooling mamas are at their limit and could use some help in just one subject or two. Dad's volunteer to help out! If your schooler has to wait until dad gets home from work... That is fine... Homeschool... remember? There is no M-F, 8AM-3PM... School happens all day, every day.

     So, homeschooling moms and dads... remember you are each others perfect helper... given to each other by God... And if you've been called to homeschool then God will see you and your helper through every tiny bit of it.

Have a homeschooling tip or question? Let us know!

Have a blessed day
-Tamra

Home Management on an Empty Tank

It has happened again... Another night has gone by and I have had enough sleep to question why I was even trying to sleep. Ever been there mamas? I am sure if 'Mama' has become your official title than you know what I am talking about. Well, I want to encourage you Mamas out there to give yourself permission to coast through the day on fumes and let some things go; to snuggle with your little ones a little longer today. Here are some tips that can help.

1. Get the crock pot out and dust if off. Use that person free cooking to your tired advantage. Pick recipes with just a few ingredients and little prep work.

2. Just do one small load of laundry and put it completely away... I'm telling you, it will make you feel accomplished!

3. As the day goes on sweep the kids' messes into one pile per room and only clean them up about an hour before dad gets home. We do this tired or not. It is a very efficient way to clean up the floor... When it is clean up time I get three baskets; one for laundry, one for toys, and one for trash. We go through each pile, collect the tings in each basket, and then put them away. It only takes me about 20 mins to clean up 2000spft. We do try to be a little neater when we may have guest over, but that is rare.

4. Limit school work to the easiest 2 or 3 subjects... Maybe the ones that are student lead workbooks and do not require any teacher prep.

5. If you have any phone calls to make do so after you've had a little nap or quiet time. That way you will be a little refreshed and hopefully able to communicate like someone who had more than a wink of sleep.

6. After the mess piles, phone calls, and laundry is put away go take a quick shower and get dressed. Yes I know you will spend most of the day in PJs... That is ok, really... Just try to be "dressed" when hubby gets home.

Mamas I hope you can see that despite being absolutely exhausted you were able to get a full days worth of stuff done on very little effort. Your home will be tidy and dinner will be done.

Commit yourself to going to bed a little bit earlier tonight. Well, maybe after you watch Star Trek with your hubby. ;)

Praying for rest today weary mamas.
-Tamra

Elderberry Illness prevention and Recipe

     An important part of home management is working to keep germs from spreading and illnesses down to a minimum. I'm not talking about general cleanliness, but instead being very intentional about good nutrition and supplements. 

     Today I want to talk to you about elderberry. It has been used for ages to treat colds, flu and other like illnesses. It is high is vitamins A, B, and C and other immune busting goodies like antioxidants, potassium, beta carotene, calcium, and phosphorus. 

    
     Made into a syrup and blended with honey, ginger, clove, and cinnamon you have one powerful illness fighting supplement! Honey and cinnamon are known for their antibacterial properties while clove and ginger for their anti-inflammatory properties making them great partners in this syrup. This syrup taste delicious and I have had no problems getting my kids to take it. 

      It is very easy to purchase elderberries from Amazon, vitacost, and other online bulk herb stores like, Mountain Rose Herbs. It is just as easy to make elderberry syrup yourself and I am going to tell you how! 

Things you will need:
2/3 cup elderberries
3.5 cups of water
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/2 tsp cloves; whole or powder
1 Tbsp ginger ( I tried 2 T with my last batch and it was too spicy for my kids); fresh or powder
1 cup raw honey

a medium sauce pan with lid
a fine strainer
a jar with lid to store syrup in

The steps:

1. Mix the berries, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and water in the pot. DO NOT ADD THE HONEY. That comes later.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for about 45 minutes or until the liquid have reduced by half. 

3. Strain the liquid and discard the elderberries. 

4. Allow to syrup to cool to about room temp. It cannot be hot when doing the next step.

5. Add the honey to the cooled syrup... Too hot and all the goodies in the honey will be destroyed. 

6. Put your syrup into your storage container and place in the fridge. Keeps about 2 months.

Dosing instructions:

Adults take 1 Tbsp daily
Children take 1 tsp daily
Since this syrup is made with raw honey it is NOT for infants under the age of 1. 
If cold or flu does happen take the full dose every 2-3 hours until symptoms disappear. 

After trying it out myself last year and seeing how well it worked I didn't want to hog all the wonders it has to offer. I hope you benefit from it as well. :)

Prayers of health and wellness this cold and flu season
-Tamra

Delaying Solids and the Breastfed Baby: Pt 2

   
   In my last series post, Delaying Solids and the Breastfed Baby: Pt 1,  I gave you four reasons to delay solid foods.      Today I am going to give you 5 more reasons to delay solids.

 5: Delaying solids to reduce future childhood obesity?
It has been noted that early introductions of solid foods is associated with increased body fat and weight in childhood.

6: Delaying solids helps mom's milk supply.
Studies show that the introduction of solids completely replaces the nutrient complete milk in a baby's diet... Not adding to it. The more solids baby takes in means less milk baby gets from mom which means less milk mom has for baby which means disaster for her supply.

7: Delaying solids to space out babies?
Breastfeeding can be an effective birth control method as long as baby is EBF and getting all their nutrients and suckling needs from mom and only mom.

8: Delaying solids makes introductions easier?
I find this to be very true. Delaying means baby has lost the thrust reflex. Baby is much less likely to have allergic reactions. Babies have learned some abilities to feed themselves(pincher grasp). It also seems like baby has more interest in food, wanting to explore the sensations of taste and texture.

9: Delaying solids because I'm lazy.
...No... not really, but starting solids means more work...bleh... With just EBFing there isnt any prep involved, no equipment to need and etc. I sit, hold baby, and plop a nipple in her mouth :). Easy, Peasy, and Lazy ;P

Even though I fully support delaying solids, the introduction of solids can be very fun, not only for the infant, but for the care givers involved. Join me Saturday as we look into the introduction of solids starting with baby cereals... Perfect first food or toxic concoction?

Have a very blessed week.
-Tamra

Disney 2013 and Milestone

     The Griggers' family just took a trip to Disney! It was a blast... the first two days.... The third day everyone was tired and grumpy, but we made the most of it and had fun. We would do things differently next time. Maybe a post is in order on how to survive Disney with littles. ;). Speaking of littles, Baby Avalynn has hit so many milestones this month I am about to cry... She has mastered sitting, crawling, pulling up to knees( I know she can get to her feet), and a new tooth... All in a month... Well, Anyways here are some pictures and a video of our trip.

On our way in!

Aaron and Hayden in the Iron Man Armory 

Me and Avalynn-She was screaming here

It was way colder than we were expecting

Huntington Beach

Mater knew it was my birthday!

Best part of the trip!

Hayden was the last kid to fight Vader and he defeated him!

Ariel's Grotto

Ariel's Grotto

Ariel's Grotto

Ariel's Grotto

Ariel's Grotto

Over all it was a fun trip full of memories and laughter and that is all that matters!

The Garden

     I decided to take up container gardening this year in an attempt to provide my family with whole nutritious foods. And to teach my children where our foods come from... Something I think today's youths are missing... a sense of where things begin. I started several weeks ago outside, but the weather here in AZ(phoenix) is still very hot and they were not doing so well. Then we had monsoons that were drowning them, so I brought them inside and they were doing well until we went on a 5 day vacation.

     I had them covered with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in and it did it job, but in a couple cases they had too much water and I thought I lost those plants. Surprisingly though they are still alive... So far I have growing broccoli, tomatoes, basil, carrots, and a couple of my potatoes have started to grow roots.

     All of my plants are organic in an attempt to get rid of the harmful pesticides and GMOs, so that means pests to deal with...  I thought I had aphids in my garden, so I tried to kill them with the method of soap and water... but it killed most of the plants... Sigh... So I have started over and did some more research and discovered that I didnt have aphids at all, but a microscopic bug called Springtails. I also learned that a few drops of peppermint essential oil diluted in 4oz of water will kill aphids if I get them. That would be great if it works.

     Anyways, I think I will move my plants back outside this weekend because fall is finally setting in here in the desert and while it is still hot the sun isnt as brutal. Well, there you have it... This baby gardener will update you next Thursday as to what the garden is doing. If you are a gardener and have some tips for me or fellow readers please feel free to comment. I am always eager to learn all I can.

Until next time... God bless
-Tamra

Play/School Room

I have mostly finished it. I am so pleased. There are still bugs to work out in the school area, but we are getting there one day at a time. Right now the room smells strongly of essential oils (OnGuard)... Its such a lovely smell... Here are some photos! 

I am going to enjoy its current clean state... because it is rarely this tidy :)

It feels so nice in here! 

Solid foods and the breastfed baby: Why Delay? Part 1

     
     Most parents start getting excited around their child's 4th month air side because its "time" to start solid foods, but I am going to tell you why I dont even think about solid foods until baby is at least 6 months air side or older. A lot of research has come out recently stating that delaying the introduction of solid foods until at least 6 months or older is preferred to the old recommendation of 4-6 months. Most health organizations have updated their standards, but the vast majority of healthcare providers have not done so. There are a number of reasons why delaying is optimal, not just for the breastfed baby but as well as the formula fed baby. 

    1. Illness protection- When baby is getting less of moms milk baby is getting less antibodies from mom. 

     2. Gut maturity- An infants gut is rarely mature before 6 months of age. There are many reasons that support this, for example, protein digestion is incomplete during those months. The pancreatic enzyme amylase doesnt reach appropriate levels for digestion of starch until the age of 6 months and carbohydrate enzymes such as maltase, isomaltase, and sucrase do not reach adult levels until around 7 months. Infants have low bile salts and lipase until 6-9 months when they reach adult levels making fat digestion immature until that time. 

     3. Gut maturity continued: Allergic reactions- Infants also have what is known as an 'open gut'. The space between the cells in the small intestine easily allows nutrients and antibodies directly into the blood stream. Allow me to illustrate. Open gut- 0 0 0 Closed gut(after 4-6 months)- 000. The open gut is great at allowing the good stuff in, but it also lets in those whole proteins that could cause the body to react negatively. Exclusively breastfeeding at least until 6 months allows the breastmilk antibodies to coat the intestine and protect it passively until the gut closes reducing illness and the chance of allergic reactions. By 6 months the baby is producing the antibodies on its own, around the same time the gut closes. 

     4. Iron absorption and early solids- Studies are showing that introducing iron fortified foods and supplements early are reducing the absorption into the body. Healthy full-term infants who are exclusively breastfed for 6-9 months are able to maintain normal hemoglobin levels. Pisacane 1995 study shows babies who were EBF for 7 months and not given iron supplements or fortified foods had significantly higher levels at one year of age than breastfed babies who received solid food earlier than 7 months and concluded that EBF for 7 months reduced the risk on anemia.... I feel so lied to by doctors past because they told me my baby NEEDED the iron from the cereals because they would get enough from me... research begs to differ...

(info from Kellymom.com) 
When did you start solid foods with your baby?

Coming up: Part 2 and later... Infant cereals... Perfect first food or toxic concoction... 

Blessing for a joyous week
-Tamra

The Griggers' Homeschool: Year at a Glance

     

     Last year was rough... Between my pregnancy and a child who wasn't ready for formal education we didn't get much school done... That's alright, really... We've already caught up this year... Its amazing what you can do with a child who is mentally and emotionally ready. This year looks a lot like last year truthfully. We chose to make sure we are learning well...not learning a lot... Did that make sense? :).

 I will be blending kindergarten and first grade this year because of a wonderful idea from a friend... Summers in AZ(Phoenix) are brutal... We will be doing most of our school during those 115* days when we are stuck inside and taking the winters off school because its sooo nice here during that time. I plan on doing kinder through Feb/March taking an April break then hitting first in May when the temp is creeping up.  

     I am hitting reading and writing hard this first semester. With those skills she can teach herself about anything. For history this year we are learning a little about each of our presidents. This includes a workbook I found at target for $1, color pages, and lapbook. For geography we are learning the states, doing lapbooks for each one. For Bible we are learning creation again, as well as, fruits of the spirit, and character qualities.  Lapbooks and other activities to go with them. Social studies are wrapped up within everything we are learning. Science will consist of the human body, crystals, plants, animals, life cycles, and whatever else sparks our curiosity... I love science and I am sure we will be doing a lot of it.... Math.. My sore spot... Right now I am going day by day here... We are learning to write numbers by learning our phone number and address, as well as emergency numbers.... After that perhaps money math, learning to add and subtract well, and then time... I am looking into a math curriculum for other concepts. It is kinda hard with her... silly girl has taught herself much of the math... We will be in the car going somewhere and she will yell out a math equation and its answer... 

Next year I think we are going to invest in some pretty pricey hands-on curriculum from Timberdoodle... Mainly for Hayden. He is very hands-on and I see the need for it. I am currently transforming the playroom in to a playroom/schoolroom. When I am finished( hopefully today) I will edit this post and add a picture. I'll let you know when I do. :). Well there you have it... Simple and to the point. I am unsure what next week will bring, but hang around anyways. :)

Blessings and Love

-Tamra

How a well Meaning Comment Reaffirmed my Desire to Homeschool

     

     Most who know my family know we homeschool, but not too many know that we have a son enrolled in the public school systems special education program. We have struggled with a severe speech delay with him and the program has been wonderful and his speech development has taken a drastic turn for the better over the last year. Last Thursday was the first day of school. He goes to the special education campus three days a week for a couple of hours. I wont lie, I enjoy those couple hours because that boy can be a handful, but that is another post. ;) 

     Well, I went to pick him up and the teacher's aide handed him over to me and gave me a very wonderful comment... "Hayden is one of our favorites." As well meant as that comment was it pierced my heart... It was one of those Awesome/ouch moments for me... While my son may be one of the favorites there are others who aren't. Before you say that she says that to everyone, think about school when you were young... You know there were those who got special treatment for being a favorite...Maybe because of looks(yuck), or the sport you played, or maybe even how well you applied yourself academically...But there were the favorites...And we all know it... 
     
     My heart sank for all the children who weren't the favorite. I put myself in the position of the kids, the parents, and the teachers... I didn't like what I found... I found kids in depressions from not being accepted or with feelings of "I am not good enough"... The " favorite" kids now have puffed out chests and begin to bully those who are not up to their standard... I found parents who were clueless. Their kid's grades are low and they don't know why... The child is trying to tell their parents that she/he knows the teacher just doesn't like him/her and the parents just brush the notion off as an excuse... I see teachers abusing their power as roll models... Aren't they supposed to be mentors??? 

     And now I am sure you can at least partly see why I have a problem with that comment... As a mother/teacher I absolutely cannot chose favorites... They are my very own flesh and blood... each one is different and I embrace every difference. I love that it forces me as the teacher to adapt how I am teaching to fit into their needs. That simple comment sent me sailing into confidence in homeschooling... My children's education is more important than where they stand in ranking with other children.... My kids are unique....  


Join me next week as I tell you all what we are doing this year! Until then.... Blessings!
                                                                -Tamra 

Chore System Ideas: The Chore Jar

     This has been, by far, the best chore solution I could find... Well, I didnt find it... I just got tired of the kids getting "bored" with their set chores everyday... Or if I asked them to help here or there they would snap back that it wasnt their chore... Then it hit me... They needed spontaneity with their chores... mystery if you will... So I wrote down all the "chores" on craft sticks I could think of that were age appropriate and put them in a mason jar. Each child gets to pick three at first. After they complete those they can pick as many as they want. It is simple, to the point, and they actually enjoy picking and getting it done. Give it a try. Its surprisingly simplistic. I am not sure what I will blog about next week, but until then BLESSINGS and PRAYERS for all of you! 

Chore system ideas: Responsibility Board

     I have found a chore system that is working... It is also tied into our daily schedule... Which I will admit took a backseat while I recovered from illness last week. There are two parts to my chore system as of right now. I am trying to get a reward system in place. This first part is taking a little getting used to, but we are sticking to it...Kinda started it at a bad time with mommy getting ill and all... :/ 

     Everyday the children have "responsibilities" which are really chores in my mind, but I didn't want them to associate prayer time as a chore so we call this time "responsibilities". I took a chalk board and wrote down all the responsibilities needed to be done in any given day... It is not set up with times and is very flexible  Each child's name is written on top. As the children do their task for the day they get to draw something within that space... hearts, smiles,  flowers etc. This would work as a sticker chart as well. At the end of the day I erase parts of the board I have to, quickly redraw the lines, and its ready for the next day. 

     
     Next week I will talk to you on how the actual chore system works.... We call it the Chore Jar and it is wonderful! Come back next week to find out. Until then God's grace and love be with you.

When To Rest

   

Well on the Mend- Arthur John Elsley

      I sit here on my couch sick... I have contracted some kind of throat infection... Needless to say, I am trying to rest as much as I can to get better.... I said trying ;)..... Ever been in that situation? I'm sure you've been sick, postpartum, hurt, or just plain tired. Well, here are a few steps to help you remember to rest.


1. Stay in your Pj's- This tells those around you that you are still off the clock.


2. Stay in your room- At least as much as possible... Daddy can take care of the kids, I promise ;) And if the bedroom isn't an option, vow to stay on the couch...

    I bet your wondering why I am telling you things you already know. ;) Well, because even though I knew it to it took someone telling me again for me to remember...

3. A noise maker in your room...-We have one for our baby to help her sleep, but man oh man does it help drown out the noise from other parts of the house. Homedics makes one you can usually get at Walmart.

And finally...

4. Respect Hubby- My husband was irritated and angry Sunday because the children were not used to the change in primary care giving. So I came down stairs to help him... That made it worse... I was undermining his abilities as a father... He flat out told me to go rest and that me being up was adding to his frustrations... ouch! He is a great father but I was telling him, with my actions, that he wasn't......

    Remember mamas.... You will do more for your family in the long run if you sit down and rest when your body is telling you to... Its better than ignoring your body and ending up with more problems or in the hospital... Be kind to yourself...Its one of your greatest investments. 

     Join me next week as I tell you about a chore system that is actually working in this house. :) Until then, May the Lord bless all of you this week! 

The Well Planned Day Giveaway

     In celebration of getting a new laptop I will be giving away The Well Planned Day family homeschool planner. I recently was able to attend a homeschool convention and visited a booth that was selling planners. Being the type A person that I am, I looked the planner over and became more and more excited with each page I turned over. 

     The first thing I loved was that with each month there is an encouraging articles from the Home Educating Family Magazine. The second thing I love is a space to add a photo of my(or your) family currently. Wont it be nice to one day look back on this planner and see what our days looked like and what we looked like that year! Next there are pages for teacher plans and student plans. The next thing I love is on each day on the calendar is a scripture reference. Each month also has an encouraging quote, a place to add a reading list, field trips,perforated shopping list, weekly menu plans, and weekly catechisms. At the end of each semester there is a place for you to write all the accomplishments as well as progress reports. And at the very back of the planner are report cards for your little homeschool! 
     I dove in and purchased a bundle. Now I have an extra to give away. I need to do this fast because the planner starts in July! You may get it a tad late, but better late than never! So, enter for a chance to win this awesome planner! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Announcing a Giveaway!

Looking for help planning your day? Tomorrow a giveaway will go live and you wont want to miss it! Simple and easy to use, this planner will rock your day and your homeschool! The Well Planned day is full of encouragement! Come by tomorrow for a chance to win your very own copy!

The Birth Story of Avalynn Nicole

 

My brother and I one week before delivery

      My record long pregnancy and biggest test of faith and endurance. I was sure of my dates...Either I was wrong or the Lord needed to connect with me on a higher level. I never expected to deliver on or before my due date. My last two were "late" at 42 and 41 weeks, but I never expected to deliver past 42...past 43...nor nearly to 44 weeks. My patience was tested, my faith was tested, my joy, my peace...etc. Pretty much Galatians 5:22-23. Something I continually teach my children. Mom must have needed a refresher course. My thoughts were not peaceful. My heart was bitter. I nearly gave up hope, but one last encouraging prenatal, relieving ultra sound, and late night conversation with Crys, my doula, gave me one last hope to hold onto. I am still not sure what was holding things up, but that night I was able to talk to my King comfortably for the first time in months, Maybe that was all it was... My heart found peace. 

     The next morning, February 22, 2013 6AM... My son Hayden, 4, wakes up like a freight train...running around trying to wake his sisters up. Aaron, my husband, literally just left for work. I am sleep drunk, unable to think clearly... I just got blasted from REM. Some how by grace alone I was able to get that boy back to sleep... Whew... Then I notice it... That feeling. I lay there a few minutes and there is the first one. I got excited I quickly notify my husband and got in the shower... If this labor was anything like my last two I would have a baby in about 4 hours... So I expected...

      I am still unsure if this is true labor. Contractions continue and an easy but uneven pace. I call my husband home and let my mother in law, Carrie, know...That woman has sacrificed more for us than we will ever know. That woman is awesome beyond measure. I also notify the birth team. A couple hours later I am most certain I am in labor, but things are still slow going. I keep thinking, " I should have a baby by now". Gosh me and my expecting things... 

     Aaron is home now. He quickly gets everything ready while I labor easily. He gets our son off to speech school. I am sad that he is gone and hope the baby holds off until he is home..... yeah, I know I am crazy... Who wants to labor longer than they need to. Crys arrived and Aaron runs to the store, because Fridays at the Griggers house means you are hungry. My second doula in training Destinee arrives and we go for a walk. It is now 10AM. I am still laboring easily. When we finish the walk Destinee braids my hair into a beautiful birth crown while Crys sets up the birth pool. At 11:30 I get into the pool while my daughters get into the bath tub beside me. It was so cute. At 11:45 I begin to vocalize through each wave. I remember the verses I have on the wall... 

My girls taking a bath while I labor

Exodus 1:19, Lord thank you for the vigor and strength to deliver this child you have given us.

 "I praise You because I am fearfully made." -Psalm 139:14...

  Lord, you made me. You created me to carry and deliver children. Thank you for making me in such a fashion. 

"So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 40:10... 

Because You, Lord, are staying with me throughout my labor and delivery, I have NO reason to fear.... 

Those are just a few of the verses I had up. They and the prayers with them really helped me. 

     Now the midwives start arriving. First Stephanie, then Gwen, then Crystal. It is a birth party at my house. 12 total after baby arrives!  My blood pressure was checked because it had been elevated and I was rather concerned by it, but at that moment it was good...( so I was told). By noon I feel like active labor has just started. My daughter, Skylar, and little doula in training, is bringing me food and drinks while I facebook with my phone in a zip top bag, dropping my head during a wave. At some point I can not longer hold my phone anymore and need to hold a hand to help get through each wave. My husband puts Bailee, our toddler, down for a nap. I hope she doesn't sleep long. Hayden arrives home and I am overjoyed to see him.

Moments after my son arrived home from speech school

     It is now 1pm. I am no long laboring easily  but instead constantly remind myself I have control and to not panic. I try to keep my tone low and breathing even. Bailee doesn't sleep long to me, but my perception of time is way off. I feel like Dr. Who , floating in a time paradox. Just a small peak into my geeky life. 

      At around 2:30 I mention how I no longer wish to do this anymore. Followed quickly by that first pushy feeling. I let Stephanie know. She tells to me push if I have to, not because I am ready to be finished. The very next contraction I am pushing involuntary.  At 2:33 my water breaks with such force it hurt!!! Like a wet balloon popped against some very tender areas. Moments later baby's head was out. Suddenly, Destinee rushes out of the room, but moments later returns with Skylar, who wanted to be present at the birth. Thank you for remembering Destinee. Several more moments have passed and I cannot free her body. Stephanie tells me to raise up because her head was hitting the bottom of the pool. For four minutes I am trying to get her out. Finally I find an arm and pull her out. At 2:39 PM my fourth child swims air side. My husband remembers my request and turns on my birth song.... Beautiful Things by Audrey Assad. 

Taking in our new daughter

     I pull her up to my breast, her face still purple... She doesn't cry... All I see is a purple face. I start to panic... Stephanie assures me that she is pinking up, but her head had been squeezed so long that her face was bruised. Her cord had also been wrapped around her neck. She wasn't crying but was making noise and clearing her airways. Her cord is still working to bring her oxygen... I begin to relax... Shes ok... Once the cord goes limp and white my husband cuts the link. I then pass her to him while he waits bare chested.

The pass off

     She immediately is hunting her food source. I get out of the pool and get into bed to deliver the placenta... which took way longer than expected... There's that wonderful E word again. I then get up and sit in my chair... Way better than laying in bed... Type A person here... I do not like to lay around. Gwen and Stephanie look baby over while Crystal looks placenta over. Destinee has already gone and Crys is taking the pool down... I already miss it... Stephanie brings the baby over and sings Happy Birthday to her. I fight back the tears. I AM NOT A CRIER.  She hands babe to me and we nurse. She is a pro already... Must have had good practice time with dad. 

     She is 11 weeks old now and it is bitter sweet. I miss the kicks and hiccups. I miss the regular visits with my midwives. I miss the belly rubs from my doula. I miss the sweet newborn smell. I miss how she once fit in one arm. I've packed away the newborn clothes and I'm ever so close to doing the same with the 0-3 month clothes. All those things I miss are replaced with baby smiles, cuddles, and coos. 2AM sleepy eye snuggles at my breast that generously soak me, baby, and bed. Glorious diaper blowouts that require 10 wipes and new clothes for baby and mom( not so much when using cloth diapers)... I am ok with that... One day I will miss that to. While this experience was nothing that I expected, it was everything I wanted... 

     Thank you Lord for giving me what I needed. Thank you my sweet children who endured a very grumpy mother. To my darling husband, Thank you for filling the roles abandoned by your wife in her time of need. Thank you to my mother in law, Carrie, who has sacrificed more for us than we will ever know. Thank you, Crys, the doula I wanted, but didn't know I needed. Thank you Destinee for your presence at the birth. Your energy was fun and my hair was beautiful. Thank you Stephanie for teaching me that it is ok to hug, to cry, to express love. Thank you Gwen for being my primary midwife. Your energy assured me that I was ok, even when I was concerned  Thank you Crystal for your parts in my care and birth. I felt warm and loved in your presence. 

Avalynn Nicole

February 22, 2013

2:39PM

7lbs 14 oz

20 1/4 " 

Perfect creation from God

The End, hope you enjoyed!

Gotta Keep Busy

I hope you all enjoyed the giveaway, even if you didnt win. :) There will be more in the future. 

      We are nearly there... Baby girl Avalynn will be joining us as soon as she is ready. In the mean time I have been trying to keep myself busy, but I must say I am running out of things to do. Everything is prepped for the birth and the house is as clean as this mama is going to get it. I have run out of all laundry to wash... just have a little bit left to put away, if I can get it upstairs ;). There has been no real signs of her unless you count moodiness as a sign. My last two pregnancies went to 42 and 41 weeks, so there is a chance I could be holding onto her for another couple weeks... YIKES... I do not want to do that at all.

        So, if that is the case I will be doing whatever I can to stay busy. My projects this week will include turning a couple cans into something to hold the products I will need in the bathroom. Second, if I get to it, is to redo our book case. Right now it is just an ugly brown hand-me-down book case... I plan on adding molding to the top and bottom, then painting it as well as distressing it. I kinda hope I can do it soon, but the canisters are a little more important as I have no place to store products in my bathroom discreetly. I also have some baseboards that I could paint... could is the magic word there...Tomorrow I may take the kids to the park with a bunch of our homeschooling friends. Well, the dryer just rang its last for the day. Can I have lots and lots of labor prayers???