tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24985019734223906172024-03-13T17:05:27.902-05:00Loaves Abound!One woman's spiritual journey of rediscovering food and learning to bake bread from scratch.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-27387963656048306572013-02-14T12:00:00.002-06:002013-02-14T12:00:49.620-06:00Farewell I think the time has come to say farewell.<br />
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Loaves Abound! has been good to me, it has been a place to journal my reflections, adventures, and even served as a final in one of my classes whilst in graduate school. Now many of the pictures I've used are missing, much time has lapsed, but what is more profound is that I am not the woman I was when I started this blog. She no longer exists. My identify has forever been changed with the <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/07/birth-story-part-1.html">birth of my daughter</a>, yet I do not mourn that woman, for I know a deeper and more profound love than I could have ever imagined.<br />
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I am starting on a new journey and do not find that Loaves Abound! fits my needs anymore. I need a new space and a fresh start, so I am beginning over at <a href="http://www.joyfullwithless.blogspot.com/">Joy-full With Less</a>. It has nothing on it yet, but it will soon, and not too often but often enough I will share about our family, our faith, and our journey the life more joyfully together. I hope to see you there, but before I can begin, however, I feel like I need to close this chapter and say good-bye.<br />
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I hope you keep baking bread and continue discovering the spiritual truths about your food, as that is something that I continue to do everyday.<br />
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Thank you for following and supporting me here.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-63788038817744184632012-10-10T21:24:00.000-05:002012-10-10T21:24:44.338-05:00They grow so fast... I am writing this post because of a little positive peer pressure and a desire for pictures from my dear friend and college roommate Megs... but I have to be honest, I just haven't felt like blogging. I just have a little one to spend time with and play with, and I don't have the desire to blog every day like I used to. Plus I get really frustrated that I can't just sit down and blog... I am almost always interrupted, (Yep, was just now) but I sure do love snuggling with the interrupter.<br />
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I used to LOVE taking pictures and writing, and I did it pretty consistently for a year, but I think perhaps that phase has passed. I'll still do posts every now and again to share a bit of our lives, and while I know I would love to have a record of Linnea's first years in my blog, I don't want to miss precious moments while sitting on the computer and writing either...<br />
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Some new mommy updates: </div>
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I'm back at work, missing Linnea like crazy but really liking the work I'm doing with the <a href="http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/topics/preventing-waste-and-pollution/sustainability/minnesota-greencorps/minnesota-greencorps.html">Minnesota GreenCorps</a>. It's nice to finally be challenged and to be using my degree, though it is a bit overwhelming sometimes to get going in the mornings and fitting pumping sessions into my days. So worth it though.<br /><br /><a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/08/adventures-in-breastfeeding.html">Breastfeeding</a> is going very well now after our initial struggles, and I am surprised at how much I love doing it. I am proud of myself for sticking with it because I know I'm giving Linnea such a gift of health. Who doesn't love something that's free and the perfect food for a baby?<br />
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We also LOVE our <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/06/cloth-diapering.html">cloth diapers</a> and find them much more convenient that disposables - as in we NEVER have to run to the store to pick up diapers and wipes, we just have to run downstairs and get them out of the dryer. Linnea has never had diaper rash since we started on them (only in the disposables from the first two weeks) and I can't say enough how much we LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Cloth is the way to go - better for the planet and your budget.<br />
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We also LOVE<a href="http://babywearinginternational.org/"> babywearing</a>, and find it super convenient and cozy. I have yet to use a stroller and have no regrets, though I am going to keep myself open to liking a stroller once she is heavier. For now, my 13 pound love bug is content (as am I) being wrapped up in a carrier. One of my goals is to do a carrier review post at some point, because I love different carriers for different reasons. Someday. No promises. (See the pictures below...) PS Babywearing is not a new fad, it is how people have been carrying their babies for age, and as Ross said it's probably just as old as fire, if not older. (Papoose anyone?)<br />
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We also finally found a church community we like and decided to join <a href="http://www.pilgrimstpaul.org/">Pilgrim Lutheran in St Paul</a> and we are going to baptize Linnea at the end of the month. It feels so nice to finally be part of a faith community again, though we miss <a href="http://www.ctslutheran.org/">CTS</a> a TON! It was definitely something that I dearly missed in our transition and move to Minnesota.<br />
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One more piece of advice: If you are thinking about getting pregnant in the next two years, find your daycare tomorrow and make a deposit. UGH. Vent vent vent vent vent... at any rate...<br />
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Here's a little more of what we've been up to:<br />
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Loving Bath time! But HATES getting out. </div>
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Said goodbye to summer... </div>
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First ever canning experience! Homemade marinara sauce with Jenna! </div>
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And welcomed in Fall:</div>
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Linnea's first Pumpkin Patch - Loving the <a href="http://www.babyhawk.com/">BabyHawk</a></div>
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<br />And first corn maze... while visiting <a href="http://www.pinetreeappleorchard.com/">Pine Tree Apple Orchard</a>. That warm day ended with a picnic on the shores of White Bear Lake with Blake and Jenna and apples, cheese and homemade sourdough bread. Blake's, not mine, but wonderful. </div>
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Then 3 month photos! (I'll share 2 month when I get them from the <a href="http://www.rodradtkephotography.com/">Grandpaparazzi</a>) </div>
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Mommy's a Broncos fan... </div>
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But Daddy likes the Packers. </div>
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Can you believe she was this small?!?!?! Less than a week old...</div>
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Until next time... !que le vaya bien! </div>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-75027921938274474862012-08-17T12:14:00.002-05:002012-08-17T17:47:07.123-05:00Summer Bounty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baby's first Farmers Market! Gotta start her out right. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This summer we got to participate in the <a href="http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/fmnp/fmnpfaqs.htm">WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program</a>. "The <span style="background-color: white;">FMNP was established by Congress in 1992, to provide fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants, and to expand the awareness, use of, and sales at farmers’ markets." As if we really needed any more motivation to get to the market, but how great is it that one of our nation's public health programs are supporting local and organic foods?!?!</span></span></div>
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Our loot from the <a href="http://www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com/">Saint Paul Farmers' Market</a>: </div>
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Green bell peppers</div>
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Zucchinis</div>
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Onions</div>
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Tomatoes</div>
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Yukon gold potatoes</div>
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Early Season Apples! </div>
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All for under $20! I love August for thus very reason. </div>
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My summer favorite, a <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2011/08/summer-bummer.html">Caprese salad.</a></div>
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That's the only one I managed to take pictures of... most of the time I'm just lucky if I get to eat in one sitting. But here's some links to meals we've made recently using the bounty of the summer: </div>
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<a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2011/07/spiral-garden-pesto-pasta.html">garden pesto pasta </a></div>
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<a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2011/06/easy-quiche.html">easy quiche</a> </div>
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Though we used different ingredients this time: onions, zucchini, bell peppers, bacon and mozzarella! This meal is a great "garbage" dish because you can toss in whatever veggies you have leftover or whatever you have on hand. Mix up the cheeses, go sans meat, whatever you desire. </div>
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<a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2011/04/potato-pancakes.html">potato/zucchini pancakes</a></div>
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<a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2011/09/zucchini-bread-muffins.html">zucchini bread muffins</a></div>
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Next week Jenna is going to teach us how to can tomatoes!!! Linnea and I can't wait! </div>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-85469852174613029812012-08-14T14:26:00.003-05:002012-08-17T11:56:53.849-05:00The First Six Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.rodradtkephotography.com/">Rod Radtke Photo</a> </div>
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I cannot believe that Linnea is nearly 7 weeks old already! What a crazy, exhausting, heart-wrenching and heart-warming adventure it has been so far! I say heart-wrenching because it breaks our hearts to see her cry, but every happy little smile and coo just warms our hearts right back up! This picture just melts my heart... grandpa does such good work. We had a blast taking her 1-month photos, and I am looking forward to our photo shoots every month!</div>
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Now that we are on this side of the first 6 weeks I feel great. My body is mostly healed, I only have 5 more pounds to lose and most of my clothes fit, and <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/08/adventures-in-breastfeeding.html">breastfeeding</a> is finally easy as pie. Well, except for the part where I tend to overproduce and Linnea has to try to drink from a fire hose. #goodproblemtohave<br />
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This is seriously what happens... <a href="http://breastfeedingbasics.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/spring_leak.jpg">source</a></div>
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Linnea is a pretty happy baby, doesn't cry too much and she is easy to soothe when she does. Most of the time. She's even cute when she cries! She wails the hardest when she is overtired, which is great actually because the harder she cries before we get her to sleep the harder she sleeps. She's gaining weight nicely, doesn't spit up too often, and I am constantly amazed at how her breastmilk poos don't stink! She's even started smiling for us, and she rolled over from her tummy to her back twice so far. The little things in life!<br />
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<a href="http://www.rodradtkephotography.com/">Rod Radtke Photo</a></div>
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In the first couple weeks I remember thinking that I was never going to be able to get dressed again, let alone go out and about. A few days postpartum I remember my father-in-law commenting "wow you got dressed!" (For the record, I had been mostly just wearing a robe, not nothing at all.) I still can't believe we came home from the birth center a mere 4 hours after she was born! I definitely felt weak but it sure did feel good to be in our own bed, the three of us all snuggled up together. A hospital surely wouldn't have allowed for such snuggling on that single bed.<br />
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How things have changed! We are definitely figuring out our rhythm as a family, though Ross says that Linnea really is the one that runs this family. We function on her time, sleep on her time, etc. But she's so worth it! I'm feeling so much more confident as a mother, and Linnea and I can even nurse and walk at the same time!<br />
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Proud Papa</div>
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We have also been extremely blessed in these first few weeks, not only by our beautiful, babbling baby girl, but by the love and support from our family. And we loved all our visitors.<br />
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Ross' mom spent the first two days home with us and she took care of everything. She was our postpartum nurse essentially (since we didn't have those two days in the hospital) - and I don't know what we would have done without her. She made sure we ate, slept, bathed, and of course that Linnea got lots of cuddle time. She also went grocery shopping for us since we had been planning on going that Friday, but someone made her debut on Wednesday.<br />
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Linnea and Grandma</div>
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My Grandma Caryl was in town for a wedding and stopped by to meet Linnea when she was 12 hours old!<br />
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Great Grandma</div>
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Then my Dad and Grandma flew out for a couple days and made sure we were showered with love (and fed as well.) Seriously, making sure we ate meals was the toughest things in those first couple weeks (and still is sometimes!) My Dad was even kind enough to sweep our floors!<br />
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Proud new first time Grandpa! </div>
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Four Generations! Great grandma Barb, Grandpa Don, Jenn & Ross and Linnea </div>
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Ross' Cousins Blake and Jenna came over one night and make us pizza from scratch! Blake's bread making skills definitely rival mine. ;)<br />
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Blake</div>
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Jenna</div>
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My Grandparents, sister and Niece came out for 4 days to visit as well! We had lots of fun realizing how not toddler-proof our home is (it's ok, we have time) and we took Linnea on her first outing to the <a href="http://www.visitsealife.com/Minnesota/">Sea Life Aquarium</a> at the Mall of America. My grandparents also made me my favorite meal of theirs - spaghetti with Italian sausage. Once again, love the meals!<br />
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Marissa, Grandma, Me, Renee, Papa and Linnea</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_606966178"></span><span id="goog_606966179"></span>Linnea's first ferris wheel</div>
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Then my dear friend Krystal came out from Omaha, though she just returned from a year long masters program in Hungary. We hadn't seen each other since my wedding! It was wonderful to have her around, AND she helped us out so much. We hadn't cleaned our house since before Linnea was born (over a month at this point) and Krystal did it all, made us food, and just helped us catch up on all those silly little chores that pile up. I feel so much more relaxed and on top of things now that I don't feel so far behind! We also had a lot of fun, going on walks to <a href="http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=252">Minehaha Falls</a>, napping, and visiting the <a href="http://www.comozooconservatory.org/">Como Zoo</a>!<br />
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Someone got hungry at the zoo! </div>
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We are blessed beyond measure, and looking forward to sharing our lives with our beautiful little girl.<br />
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<a href="http://www.rodradtkephotography.com/">Rod Radtke Photo </a></div>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-72766843152761697142012-08-05T22:33:00.005-05:002012-08-05T22:49:06.466-05:00Adventures in Breastfeeding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In honor of <a href="http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/">World Breastfeeding Week 2012</a> - here's my story. </div>
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And what an adventure it has been! Breastfeeding has been the most physically, mentally and emotionally challenging thing I've ever done. Yes, I had a <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/07/birth-story-part-1.html">natural</a> <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/07/birth-story-part-2.html">unmedicated</a> <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/07/birth-story-part-3.html">childbirth</a>, but this has taken far more endurance, support and encouragement than I could have even imagined. I was very confident going into labor, I trusted my body and knew that it was meant to do this and that biology wouldn't fail me. Breastfeeding, I thought, would have been the same. I was perhaps even a bit <i>idealistic</i> about how it would go, I mean - my birth had been a dream, but it sure was quite a slap in the face with how much I struggled.<br />
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First off, even though she was only a week and a half early, pre-term babies have a tougher time sucking. We had latch issues from the get go, she was very lethargic, and within 24 hours my nipples had tiny blood blisters on them and I was so sore when she would wake up to eat I would just start crying. Everyone offered their advice to tell me how painful contractions were, therefore I could mentally prepare for it, but no one told me how painful breastfeeding is if you don't do it right (although I really appreciate my sister stocking me up on nipple cream and a friend reminding me to have it handy.)<br />
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Breastfeeding is a 4, perhaps 5 handed task at the beginning. I wouldn't be nursing today if I didn't have Ross by my side holding my boob, adjusting the seven or so pillows, holding her arm as she squirmed and fussed, creating the super baby swaddle (where you swaddle just the arms to allow for continued skin-to-skin contact). He was unwavering in his love and support and was always cheering us girls on. A bit of criticism I got in deciding to breastfeed was that Ross would never be able to feed her (which sharing feedings is really no reason to decide not to breastfeed... you'll probably have to pump and use bottles at some point) - but PLEASE, he was there every feeding making it happen. Emotionally he was my rock, and enabled me to continue to give our daughter an incredible gift of health.<br />
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At our 24 hour homevisit with our midwives I got lots of help and coaching and was reminded that we both just have to learn how to do this - and the learning curve is huge. Other than the occasional mother at work and my cousin when I visited her for a weekend, I'd never really seen women breastfeeding. I'd read a book and watched a few videos, but it didn't quite click. At 36 hours I was crying to Ross and while I knew I couldn't give up I knew why so few women actually breastfeed their children - there are so many barriers! Short, often unpaid maternity leave, lack of experience and support, formula companies advertising about how great their overpriced-infant-digestive-and-immune-system-havoc-wreaker concoctions are. I get why so many women give up: it's hard, not instinctive, and society doesn't make it any easier on us.<br />
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But I decided that it was important enough to me to persevere, and I was determined to make this work, so we pushed on. We ended up using a <a href="http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/tips-and-solutions/112/nipple-shields">nipple shield</a>. It makes it easier for baby to suck and get milk, and protects your nipples. I thought of it like wearing wool-skin in your hiking books to prevent blisters, thought it's temporary, once you form those callouses then you are fine. And it definitely helped, allowed me to nurse my baby pain free after a couple days, she could get all the milk she needed, and we were off and running.<br />
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Except that I hated it - it had a bit of a reservoir and milk would leak everywhere (especially when she would bat it off) and it was one more thing to clean, to pack, to make sure we ALWAYS had with us. And I felt hurt by it - that my own breasts and nipples weren't good enough for her. So after our three week appointment my midwife suggested going cold turkey, and that it would be like starting over (it was, and I didn't like it) but that I would be so much happier in the end (I am!).<br />
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The whole process was depressing to me - she outright rejected my nipple at first and I felt terrible, like I wasn't good enough, and that I was just a failure. I spent an entire 3 or 4 days where I decided I wasn't going anywhere, doing anything or letting anyone visit until we figured this out. She and I just hung out in bed, didn't get dressed or anything, and just worked on breastfeeding. Sometimes it would take an hour of fussing and crying until she would take the nipple, but then it was 45 minutes, then 30, then she finally realized that I had what she wanted and this was the only way she was going to get it. And boy did I feel like a champ once we got it! Of course my nipples were super sore for about another week and a half, but now they've toughened up and she's a nursing pro. It feels SO good - and I'm finally comfortable heading out into the world with my little one.<br />
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Now I LOVE breastfeeding, and am actually enjoying it and all the benefits! We have milk for her ready to go at any moment, at the right temperature, and we don't have to do any extra dishes. I don't even have to get out of bed at night for nighttime feedings, I can just roll her into my side, nurse, and we fall back asleep together. We get so much more sleep!!! I can even walk and nurse at the same time. I'm only 4 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight and fitting into nearly my entire wardrobe and I've been eating whatever I want (my midwife told us that we need 500-800 extra calories everyday while nursing... I'm going to enjoy it!). I'm giving my baby incredible health benefits, aiding in the development of her immune system, and growing her myself. Oh - and it's all FREE.<br />
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As I'm reflecting on it now that we've almost made it to the 6-week mark and things are going well I want to share my words of wisdom:<br />
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DON'T GIVE UP - especially on a bad day; it gets better.<br />
BUY - Nipple cream and soothing gel pads.<br />
GET SUPPORT - having our midwives on call 24/7 made it possible, a lactation appointment, talking with a La Leche League leader, friends and family offering their love and prayers, and an incredible husband/partner to help you through those tough times. Don't wait to ask for help.<br />
ATTEND - a La Leche League meeting while pregnant or after and watch other women breastfeed. It's not creepy, trust me, and the mother-to-mother support is incredible.<br />
READ - as much as you can beforehand when you have more time. Get <a href="http://www.llli.org/thewomanlyartofbreastfeeding/">The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding</a> and keep it by your side.<br />
LOVE - the beautiful bond that you have with your little one. I love that I'm the only one who can nurse her, it means I get dedicated time with her that no one else can take away from me.<br />
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I know that for some there are significant medical barriers to breastfeeding, but I really believe every woman is capable just as our ancestors have been for millennia, and I just hope my story offers a bit of hope and support out there for you if you are trying to make it work. You can do it! Your body was made to produce milk!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Breast milk is the best milk!</span></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-45491214648742009302012-07-15T13:11:00.000-05:002012-07-15T13:13:41.134-05:00Birth Story: Part 3<br />
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The Birth Story of Linnea Joy Radtke – June 27th, 2012 - “Is This For Real?”</div>
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Part 3: Immediate Postpartum and Going Home (Read <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/07/birth-story-part-1.html">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/07/birth-story-part-2.html">Part 2</a>)<br />
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First Family Photo </div>
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The hours after her birth are somewhat of a blur, but so much happened! After that Ross and I just got to enjoy our beautiful baby girl, eat pizza and weigh her: 6lbs 13oz and 20in long! I got to see that placenta, the “tree of life,” though Ross decided that he would leave the room to grab our pizza at that point. I totally zoned out while they were doing her newborn exam, but Ross was with her the whole time. I sent a few text messages spreading the news, called my sister and my dad, and took it all in. Ross’ parents, aka the new grandparents, came down to meet her and of course Grandpa Rod took some photos! After they left the three of us took an herbal bath which was incredible soothing and a special moment for the three of us.<br />
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Ross and Linnea... I got out to pee. Warm water again... </div>
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After that we were on our way home. Dressing her for the first time was challenging, as was situating her tiny body into the carseat. As Ross was carrying her out to the car he had to stop in the lobby and take her out to check her breathing, and as I was walking out with Audrey we came upon him crying again holding her so gently. It had hit him that she had spent her entire life in the birthing room and we were about to take her out onto the roads for the first time and he felt a little panicked. Ross also drove 5 under the speed limit the whole way home while I rode in the back and just started at her to make sure she was still breathing.<br />
When we finally arrived home at 4:00am the exhaustion hit us. I was sore, Ross was exhausted, but we were home with our baby girl. As I walked into the kitchen I realized that when we left earlier that day I didn’t think about how our lives would be changed forever, and that we were now three living together, and I still couldn’t quite believe it all. It didn’t seem real.<br />
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Rachel told me that I labored beautifully and that it had been an honor for her to attend my birth. Myriah and Rachel were proud of me, and I was proud of myself and our whole birth team. At our one week postpartum appointment Rachel confessed that she had started to cry at one point, and Myriah had pressed her hand to her heart, both from watching Ross. They said the intensity of love for me shone so strongly on is face that it overwhelmed them. Rachel said that whenever they had to do anything Ross would watch my face to see how I reacted, and if it was ok he would then nod his approval for whatever it was that was going on. He was so protective, and is such a wonderful and protective father. He has taken such good care of us!<br />
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I also have to talk about Katie our doula (<a href="http://www.birthingwellness.com/">Birthing Wellness</a>): she was such a blessing. As a doula awaiting her certification she had to attend a few births to gain experience first, so she spent nearly 12 hours with us, supporting me through my labor, absolutely for free. She was a perfect companion for me, as I am introverted and like quiet and peace, I really appreciated her calm, steadfast and quiet demeanor. She was respectful, gracious and her strength never waivered, and she is truly a wonderful doula. I couldn't imagine doing this without her support!<br />
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And <a href="http://www.morningstarbirth.com/index.cfm">Morning Star </a>– what an incredible model for women’s health and prenatal care! Not only was I taken care of so well during my pregnancy (they even helped us fight to have our insurance cover the birth center!) but we left after our delivery with their cell phone numbers in our phones with instructions to call night or day with questions or concerns. We had a 24 hour home visit which was wonderfully helpful, Myriah spent lots of time with us on breastfeeding and was a huge support when I felt overwhelmed. We were so well taken care of, and I couldn’t imagine giving birth any other way! Things really could not have gone better.<br />
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"39 weeks"</div>
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One last thought: I remember feeling tremendously guilty that I didn’t cry when she was placed on my chest, and honestly, I didn’t “fall in love” immediately. I was waiting for my rush of oxytocin the “love hormone” but it just wasn’t there. I felt very neutral for the next two days in fact! It wasn’t until Friday morning that it hit me, I just started sobbing uncontrollably as Ross rushed back into the bedroom to see what was wrong all I could tell him was that I loved her. I love her so much, our beautiful baby girl: Linnea Joy Radtke.<br />
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-91089185164218727722012-07-14T12:05:00.000-05:002012-07-15T13:13:25.450-05:00Birth Story: Part 2The Birth Story of Linnea Joy – June 27th, 2012 - “Is This For Real?”<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Part 2: Active Labor and Delivery (<a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/07/birth-story-part-1.html">Read Part 1</a> & <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/07/birth-story-part-3.html">Part 3</a>)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
We decided not to take the highways back home since it was rush hour but instead took side streets. But that was a HUGE mistake as there was a lot of construction, closed roads, and detours. It took us about an hour to get home, and it was close to 5:30pm at that point. Katie was gracious and stopped to pick me up some raspberries and peppermint water to help with the nausea I had been feeling.<br />
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When we got home I took my underwear off (more blood in my pantyliner) and lay on the bed to relax, while Ross made himself some dinner. I started to doze off in between contractions. Katie continued to press on my hips for relief. Ross brought me a small glass of wine to help me relax. Things were picking up and getting more intense, so Katie suggested I think about them as ocean waves. I began to visualize the ocean, and thought about surfing. Suring is hard work: you have to paddle to get out, then paddle like hell to catch the wave, but then once you’ve caught it it’s smooth sailing in to shore and there’s some relief.<br />
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A short while later (6:30pm) I felt a warm fluid begin to trickle out of my vagina, and I realized that my water had broken! We called Morning Star and they gave us the green light to come back. I did not want to get back in the car, and I seriously considered having a home birth instead, but we didn’t have a big enough tub. I asked Ross for a glass of wine, and he brought me another tiny glass. Pshhh. We grabbed the birth bag again, and I put on a pair of “adult protective underwear” since my water broke and I was leaking.<br />
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Gosh I really didn’t want to get back in the car. At all. So on the way out the door I saw the bottle of wine Ross had opened (3-buck chuck!), so I grabbed the bottle and took a big swig. Then I ran for the car and we drove to the birth center on the highways again since rush hour was pretty much over. We made good time but not fast enough, this was my 3rd trip in the car during labor. I had the rice bag under the seat belt again and when I would feel a contraction coming I would grab the “Oh Jesus!” handle with one hand and Ross’ thigh with the other. I would pull myself up with the handle and sway my hips as best I could while squeezing Ross’ leg as tight as I could. I remember thinking the whole time “only a couple more in the car. Only one more in the car…”<br />
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About a block away from the birth center I told Ross to just run the stop sign. When we arrived the Birth center was empty except for Mryiah and Rachel since it was after business hours. I walked straight back to the exam room, and they started fetal monitoring for ten minutes, but it was hard for Mryiah or Rachel to find the heart beat with the band monitors since baby kept moving and squirming around. Despite the difficultly I never felt worried about her, I was confident and trusted that my body would take care of me and my baby. During the monitoring they started filling up the birth tub.<br />
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After they monitored me through a couple of contractions I asked if we could be done, and Mryiah graciously said “Yes, I think we can be done now.” (Gosh I don’t know how women labor with those things on strapped to a bed!!!) They took the bands off my belly and they told me I could head back to the birth room. And I walked straight through the offices (a HIPPA violation, my first of the night) because it was a short cut. The moment I walked into the birth room I stripped off my sundress and practically jumped right into the tub. After one contraction the warm water did its thing and I had to pee. Rachel said that I could pee in the tub since it was sterile, but I didn’t want to pee in the tub, and I also didn’t want to get out of the tub and walk to the bathroom. I asked for something to pee into, and Rachel handed me a blue vomit bag. I squatted and peed into it then handed it to Ross, Rachel took it from Ross after a couple dumbfounded moments. Clearly at this point I had lost any concept of modesty.<br />
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I squatted in the tub with Ross holding my hands and Katie pressing on my hips. And I asked again and again, “is this for real?” Audrey, the nurse/birth assistant arrived (who, by the way, went to kindergarten with Ross) and she did some intermittent fetal monitoring with a waterproof doppler. A short while later on Rachel told me that I was entering transition. I asked, “Is this where I think I’m going to die?” She answered, “This is where some women think that.” At this point I found myself thinking <i>yeah, I totally get why women choose to have an epidural. I get it. Might be nice. But if I want one I have to get into a car, and I’m not getting into a car, so here we go!</i><br />
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I remember being amazed, because right before she had said that to me I had started to feel a little pushy. Rachel and Myriah didn’t need to check my cervix to tell me where I was, they just knew what labor looked like and could tell by my vocalizations and movements where I was. These ladies really know their stuff!<br />
I continued to squat through contractions but my legs started to get really tired so I switched to being on my back in the water. A few contractions later Rachel said that I was sounding really “pushy,” so she wanted to check me and make sure that there was no cervix left. I remember feeling her fingers and thinking that they sure didn’t go in very far compared to the last two times I had been checked. “Oh my goodness Jenn your baby is right there.” There was a little bit of cervix left, so she asked me to go back to squatting for a few contractions. I was really glad to be in the water so that this switching was fairly easy. After those couple contractions I switched back to my back and Rachel told me I could start pushing. It really does feel like you are taking a huge poop! While pushing I started to sway my hips side to side in the tub, and Rachel kept telling me to “dance my baby out” I could feel her head rocking into my pelvis and back with each contraction and I moaned through each one, low and loud. Ross said I was primal.<br />
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At this point I realized that the glorious thing about contractions is that you get a break in between, and during that break, nothing hurts at all. In between I could close my eyes and just rest, and nothing in the world hurt or mattered at all. I was safe and secure, surrounded by people who were all there for me, to love me and support me and help me bring my baby girl into the world. A month ago I felt terrified that I might die in childbirth, but in the moment I knew everything was going to be just fine. I was in good hands, Ross’ on the left and Katie’s on the right, with skilled midwives and birth assistants there to encourage and empower me to give birth under my own power.<br />
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All the sudden I stated feeling some burning, and I asked if her head was crowning? Audrey shone a flashlight and Rachel said they could see more and more head each time. They asked Ross if he wanted to catch and explained that Rachel would be there to assist as well. Ross walked around the tub to get a better view of what was going on down there. After one contraction Ross had seen enough and headed back towards my head and held my hand. Rachel asked if I would like her to perform “perineal support” to prevent tearing. I told her I didn’t know what the hell that was. She rephrased using words a woman pushing out a baby could understand, and simply said “does this feel good?” and offered me support by gently stretching my skin as her head crowned. On the next contraction I pushed out her head, at 10:14pm. I heard Rachel say, “Head is born, head is born.” I asked, “The rest is easy, right?” “Easier” was the response. And oh the pressure on my sacrum!!! This was the only contraction where I felt pain in-between them, and Rachel told me that on the next contraction that I need to hold my breath and push, that the body needs to be born… and something about a nuchal hand. As I felt the next wave I started grunting again, and Myriah had to step in and forcefully tell me to just hold my breath and push! Then, at 10:18pm, with one final push, I felt her slippery body come rushing out. She had the cord around her neck once so as she came out Rachel gracefully somersaulted her in the water to remove the cord and then immediately placed her on my chest.<br />
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Ross was on my left side and I kept looking from our newborn daughter and then back to Ross, who was absolutely bawling, and then up at Rachel. Ross and I kissed. Then I remember asking her two things at this point: one, “Is she real?” and two; “Am I supposed to be crying?” Well, she is definitely real and Rachel told me whatever I was doing was exactly what I was supposed to be doing. I just kept rubbing her back to stimulate her breathing as she was having a little trouble transitioning. There was a flurry of activity and they decided to start oxygen and an ambu mask to help her breathing. As scary as it might have been I was never worried about her, I totally trusted the midwives and my entire birthing team. I was calm and kept staring at this little being on my chest. She never really started crying like you would think, but her breathing came around and she got nice and pink. At this point Rachel asked Ross if he wanted to cut the cord (as it had stopped pulsing) but he decided against it, he just wanted to stay (upright and) up at my head and by our sides.<br />
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Shortly thereafter they wanted me to get out of the tub and walk to the bed to deliver the placenta, so I told Ross to take off his shirt and take our baby girl in his arms. Ross gently took her and then went to sit on the other side of the bed while Audrey helped me walk over to the bed. My legs sure were shaking! I lay down on the bed and Ross handed her back to me so we could let her try to start nursing. It was incredible to see her little tiny head bobbing around searching for my nipple; she already had such a strong neck! After a short while she found it and started sucking!<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rachel then reminded me that I still had work to do and that I had to deliver the placenta, which at this point I thought would be no big deal. WRONG – the “fundal massage” was worse than pushing AND worse than laboring in the car. Rachel just dug into my abdomen and helped the placenta right on out. There was no point during my whole labor in which I had wished I could escape or began to beg for a way out of my body until this moment, I screamed at her to stop it! Rachel was very sympathetic and just said that this was the part where she had to be mean to help control any bleeding. Well, she must have done a damn good job because I only lost 2 ½ cups of blood! It was easy enough to birth the placenta; it felt all warm and squishy coming out. I was really anxious to know if I had torn or not, so after they collected the placenta (which we had encapsulated, Ross was very protective of it and reminded them not to use a biohazard bag. We were in good hands and he needn’t have worried, but it was so sweet) Rachel examined me to find only a hairline internal tear, nothing external. Such a relief!<br />
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And now we had our beautiful baby girl in our arms!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/07/birth-story-part-3.html">Part 3</a> - Immediate Postpartum and Going Home<br />
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-31241596599913731692012-07-12T22:49:00.003-05:002012-07-15T13:14:16.805-05:00Birth Story: Part 1<br />
The Birth Story of Linnea Joy – June 27th, 2012 - “Is This For Real?”<br />
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38 weeks - just 3 days before I went into Labor</div>
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Part 1: Early Labor<br />
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Monday night (June 25th) when I got home from work I was feeling really anxious, like I had some sort of cabin fever. I was also ravenous that evening; I ate an entire box of macaroni and cheese, fruit, Nutella on toast, and was still starving. I tried to nap, but it wasn't restful. I organized things around the house and Linnea’s room, putting away all the <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/06/tie-dye-strawberry-shortcake-kabobs.html">onsies that we tie dyed</a> the other day. But I was still unsettled. I paced the house waiting for Ross to bike home after his shift ended at 10pm. The moment he walked in the door, sweaty from his bike commute, I asked if we could go to the late night happy hour at <a href="http://www.tiffanysportslounge.com/">Tiffany’s</a> since it was wing night. He was all about it, so he locked up his bike, put some deodorant on and we made the 3 block walk (downhill) to the bar. We each ordered Buffalo wings, which were perfectly spicy for me and made Ross sweat. I enjoyed and O’doul’s Amber while Ross had a couple Shocktops. We joked about how spicy food can induce labor, but it better not work that fast seeing as Ross was in no state to drive. We really enjoyed the evening, savoring the ability to just go to happy hour on a whim.<br />
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Tuesday afternoon (June 26th) when Ross got home from the morning shift at the pool we had gallo pinto (a typical Costa Rican dish) for lunch and got ready to head to our midwife appointment at <a href="http://www.morningstarbirth.com/index.cfm">Morning Star</a> that afternoon. At the appointment we got good news that I was GBS negative, that I wasn’t anemic anymore, and that baby was in a good position. I mentioned to Myriah that I have been noticing lots of Braxton Hicks contractions but nothing painful, to which she replied, “good, your body is getting ready.” She also recommended that we pick up evening primrose oil capsules, and start taking them 3 times a day to encourage labor gently. I mentioned to Myriah that my last day of work was Friday and we were going to go grocery shopping later in the week and make some freezer meals ahead of time. Later that evening we stopped over at my friend Cathy’s to BBQ and enjoy the weather. I went to bed really early that night to rest before a job interview at 7:45am the next morning.<br />
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Tuesday night into Wednesday (June27th) throughout the night I noticed that I kept waking up to contractions, but it was easy to fall back asleep and I didn’t take them very seriously. I woke up bright and early to a text from my friend Janean that said “any day now!” and then I showered and got ready for my interview. (I should have known then that I was going to have her that day because back in October Janean texted me the day we conceived asking if I was pregnant because she had dreamed I was… though I didn’t know until two weeks later. Also, Brad (my stepdad) totally called it – he said she would come between the 22nd and 29th!) I kept noticing contractions, and I decided to start timing them, even though I was convinced they were more Braxton Hicks. As I drove to the interview I definitely had to breathe through one while on the highway. I just kept thinking they were more Braxton Hicks and had a really great interview. I did count four contractions during the interview, but mercifully the interviewers were talking during them. On the drive home I called Ross and asked him to make me a lunch for work because I was running late. However, I noticed a slight increase in intensity, probably because I was finally paying more attention to them and not the interview.<br />
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When I walked in the door I told Ross what was going on, and that I wasn’t sure if I could effectively do my job. I decided to call in and tell the team lead that I was either going to be late or not come in at all, and that I would call them back after I had talked to my midwife. I asked Ross, the first of many times, “Is this for real?” I texted my sister and told her that I was having contractions but I didn’t want her to tell anyone until we were leaving for the Birth Center. Meanwhile, Ross started to time my contractions with an app on our smart phones. After timing a few we called our doula <a href="http://www.birthingwellness.com/">Katie from Birthing Wellness</a>, to see what to do, we explained to her what was going on, and I asked if this was for real or not. She said that it definitely sounded like it could be early labor, and that she was in Blaine today and we should keep her updated.<br />
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After we knew we wouldn’t sound stupid we called <a href="http://www.morningstarbirth.com/index.cfm">Morning Star </a>and got connected to Myriah, who was the midwife on call that week. I told her what was going on. At first they were about 4-5 minutes apart and about 20-35 seconds in length. Myriah told me that they could continue and this could be the beginning of labor, or they could fizzle out. She did tell me that I was not to go to work today, “by order of your midwife.” She left the decision whether Ross should go to work up to us. She said that if they were Braxton Hicks contractions they might fizzle if we went for a walk or if I lay down to take a nap. Ross installed the car seat while I called Katie back and let her know what the midwife said, and that we were going to go for a walk and we would keep her updated. Despite the heat we went for a walk, down the alley instead of the busy street we live on. I remembered reading in Ina May’s book how some couples would walk in the woods for hours while in labor, pausing to hug their husbands and sway their hips during contractions, and that’s exactly what we did, but only for about 20 minutes… it was hot, and there were no private woods to walk through, just quite residential streets.<br />
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We came back inside turned on the AC and I drank lots of water. I started to labor in child’s pose on the bed during contractions and Ross continued to squeeze my hips to open my pelvis. Sometimes he was messing with the contraction timer app on his phone instead of holding my hips, and I might have yelled at him once. Or twice. And I may have used some colorful language too. Around noon we called Katie and told her that we were ready for her to come and needed her support. While we were waiting for Katie, Ross read me birth stories from Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. I continued to ask Ross the same question, “Is this for real?”<br />
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Once Katie got to our house she suggested that instead of child’s pose I use hands and knees so that I could rock my hips more, and it definitely felt better. I asked Ross for some apples and peanut butter, and Ross realized that he had not eaten anything and told me he was going to eat the sandwich he made me for lunch. For the next few hours we continued to monitor contractions, read more stories from the book, and more hands and knees with Katie stepping in to squeeze my hips. By around 2:00pm I had really started vocalizing and when I went to the bathroom I noticed some blood tinged mucus. So we called Morning Star and they said that we could come in but didn’t have to yet. But since it was getting close to rush hour we decided to leave at 3:00pm.<br />
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We heated up the rice bag for my belly and brought the water proof mat for the seat just in case. Traffic wasn’t too bad and we arrived about 20 minutes later. When we walked into the lobby I paused to lean over the table and work through a contraction. Then they directed us to the exam room. Mryiah, our midwife, asked if we were comfortable with Rachel, the student midwife, taking the lead on our delivery with Mryiah assisting. We said sure, ok, so Rachel came in she checked my cervix. I said that I didn’t want to know any objective numbers, and instead I told them to tell Ross and Katie. As it turns out I wasn’t quite far enough along, and it turns out I did want to know the number. I was at 3 ½ and stretched to 4cm while she checked me. It was close, but they suggested that we go home and labor some more because it would be more comfortable and they didn’t know how long it would take to progress to active labor as a first time mom. I went to the bathroom before the car ride home and I cried and told Ross that I didn’t want to leave. It wasn’t the contractions I was worried about, it was the car in rush hour! But we did indeed have to go back home.<br />
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Read On: <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/07/birth-story-part-2.html">Part 2 </a></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-27231920291919463762012-06-24T11:48:00.000-05:002012-06-24T11:48:20.056-05:00Tie-Dye & Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs<div style="text-align: center;">
When my sister passed along a TON of plain white onsies, I knew instantly that they wouldn't stay white for long. Not because of stains from baby vomit or other bodily fluids... but from tie-<span style="background-color: white;">dye!!! Therefore, Ross and I decided to throw a little tie-dye party to help us make them all. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">So I made some summer treats.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs </span></div>
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Ingredients: </div>
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1 pound organic strawberries </div>
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1 large Angel Food Cake</div>
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1 bag marshmallows (we used vegan Dandies) </div>
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Almond Bark or other melt-able chocolate </div>
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Bamboo skewers </div>
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Directions: </div>
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Slice the green blossom off the strawberries and cut into bite size pieces if needed, the rinse thoroughly. </div>
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Assemble your kabobs - skewer the strawberries, cake and marshmallows in the pattern of your choice. </div>
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Then melt the chocolate according to the directions on the package and drizzle on top of the kabobs. </div>
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Let cool and enjoy! It's really that simple, and the result is delicious! </div>
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Invited over some friends and family.</div>
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Some friends came all the way from Alaska - so happy to see <a href="http://therunnersplate.com/">Michelle from The Runner's Plate</a> and her sister Kristy! </div>
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And we dyed some onsies!!! It's really quite simple - pick up a pack of dye from your local craft store <a href="http://www.michaels.com/Tulip%C2%AE-One-Step-Tie-Dye-Kit%E2%84%A2--Rainbow%E2%84%A2/gc1493,default,pd.html?cgid=products-generalcrafts-tulip&start=4">(like this one)</a> and follow the directions. The great thing about it is that you really can't mess it up - just tie the shirts with the rubber bands and dye away! </div>
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The results were beautiful! </div>
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I can't wait to dress our little one in these! </div>
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-14861007294307969202012-06-21T21:51:00.000-05:002012-06-21T21:51:21.002-05:00Third Trimester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The third trimester is coming to a close... and while I'm not done yet, I thought I would share some thoughts just in case they don't get written down. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">This trimester is definitely more difficult than the second, but I think better than the first. Second tri is great - I felt energetic, belly wasn't so big it got in the way, and I don't have morning sickness</span><span style="background-color: white;"> like in the first, though my appetite has definitely been wonky lately. I've been craving more carbs and meat while some veggies have just not been as appealing to me. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">This idea of being "full term" at 37 weeks is weird... it basically means that baby will be healthy on her own outside the womb, but chances are high that you'll still be pregnant for another 3-4 weeks and it is good for her to come out when she is good and ready. On the other hand, I'm starting to feel good and ready for her to come out. </span></div>
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<b>Highlights </b>
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This baby girl is active - it is so crazy to see how much she moves. </div>
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Pre-natal yoga at <a href="http://www.blooma.com/">Blooma</a></div>
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Baby Showers!!! </div>
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Maternity Photos at <a href="http://www.rodradtkephotography.com/">Rod Radtke Photography</a> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Receiving</span> my first mother's day cards/gifts </div>
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Moving into our own place and finally setting up a<a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/06/nursery.html"> nursery</a> </div>
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Feeling a bit more <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/06/feeling-like-myself-again.html">like myself again</a></div>
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Insurance FINALLY came through for us... more details to come <a href="http://www.morningstarbirth.com/">=)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.childbirthcollective.org/">Childbirth classes</a> - we feel so much more empowered and prepared!</div>
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Savoring one-on-one time with Ross </div>
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<b>Lowlights</b> </div>
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Being anemic and having to supplement iron = slow digestive system </div>
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Stretch marks... Sigh. Welcome to motherhood! </div>
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Even some of my maternity clothes are getting snug...</div>
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I have this crazy fear that she's a he. </div>
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Rolling over at night and crawling out of bed to use the bathroom are definitely Olympic events. If she was due later in August, I would travel to London to compete.
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Work is getting exhausting... it is challenging to be on my feet for 6-8 hours and I feel like whimp even though I shouldn't (I am growing a person after all). </div>
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28 weeks </div>
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29 weeks </div>
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30 weeks </div>
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31 weeks </div>
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32 weeks </div>
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33 weeks </div>
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34 weeks </div>
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35 weeks </div>
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36 weeks </div>
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37 weeks - FULL TERM!!!</div>
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Three questions everyone asks: </div>
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1. When are you due? </div>
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2. Is it a boy or a girl? </div>
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3. What's her name? </div>
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I am getting really tired of them.... so I start making things up. I've been telling guests at work that it's a surprise so we don't even go to question #3. And I lie about her name to everyone... I keep saying it will be "Liberty Belle" since she's due on the 4th of July (after Juno's little sister). Ross tells everyone that she is going to pick when she's old enough. </div>
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Well - here's to hoping and praying for a safe, speedy delivery and a healthy baby!!! </div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-38118997570486758782012-06-12T20:06:00.000-05:002012-06-12T20:06:55.165-05:00Shrimp Kabobs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Shrimp Kabobs</span></div>
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One of our favorite easy summer meals are making kabobs. It's also a great meal full of nutritious whole foods! Simply gather some good ingredients - we used bell peppers, red onions, fully cooked shrimp, and red potatoes (I roasted them ahead of time). You could also marinate some chicken, or add pineapple or apples to the skewers for some sweetness. </div>
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Chop the veggies into large bite-size pieces and place them on the grill! We used the George Foreman because we didn't want to go find our camping grill in the basement, but any grill will do! </div>
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Delicious! Ahhh the glory of summer. =)</div>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-47265675279674088672012-06-09T09:36:00.002-05:002012-06-09T09:36:15.841-05:00Cloth DiaperingMy Mother-in-Law found a little gem in Blaine called <a href="http://www.allthingsdiapers.com/Allthingsdiapers/WELCOME.html">All Things Diapers</a> - and was a treasure it has been! They are a great local business, answered all our questions (and believe me, we had a TON) and got us all set up for cloth diapering. They even have great <a href="http://www.allthingsdiapers.com/Allthingsdiapers/Workshops.html">workshops and education</a> events as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.allthingsdiapers.com/Allthingsdiapers/WELCOME.html">source</a></div>
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Why on earth use cloth diapers?!?!?! Because we're crazy. Crazy broke and crazy in love with the earth. And disposable diapers are just that... disposable. They go right into landfills and don't biodegrade (even biodegradable diapers don't because the conditions in landfills are not conducive to it). Solid waste then goes into trash cans instead of into the sewer system. </div>
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To be honest though, it's not really an all-or-nothing thing for us. For instance, we really won't start using cloth until she grows out of newborn size (I didn't want to buy cloth newborn diapers for what would be such a short time, so we'll use disposable for a short while. Plus it'll be just a little bit easier in the first few weeks that I'm sure will be crazy enough anyway.) And I'm definitely using disposables when we travel/camp - it just doesn't make sense - how on earth would I wash them? </div>
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AND... it's a heck of a lot cheaper. Thanks to wonderful family and friends, we have only spent $9 towards getting our cloth diapering system ready. But even if we hadn't been gifted so much it still would have cost only about $200 for everything on this page. Disposable diapers cost about $1000 a year. So add in a little extra laundry detergent and a little extra on the utility bill... the cost savings is just incredible. </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">The Basics: Cloth Diapers </span></div>
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Initially when I started researching cloth diapers and read a bunch of blogs it seemed like all-in-one diapers like the <a href="http://www.bumgenius.com/">Bumgenius</a> were the best - they were cute, convenient, and so highly recommended that we thought that was for sure the way to go. After going into All Things Diapers and getting a little tutorial and looking at our options, however, we decided that the classic pre-fold route was not only cheaper (by more than half) but the process was more appealing to us. I think what it comes down to are which companies are getting bloggers to write about them... and it had me convinced. Ross and I are pretty happy with what we decided to try out - and will definitely let you know if we are still happy with it after!
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So we have the pre-folds, which are just an absorbent cotton diaper worn against the skin. </div>
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Then of course you need the waterproof outer diaper! You need 1 cover for every 4-5 diaper changes, which of course will vary as they get older. We got four from <a href="http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/products/">Thirsties</a> - their <a href="http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/products/cloth-diapers/duo-diaper/">duo diaper</a>. They ran $12.95 ($1 more for prints) in the store. We got 3 with snaps and one with Velcro - I personally feel like the snaps are more durable, but thought we could try out the Velcro as well. Who knows what we will really like. Great thing is we can return/exchange everything!!! </div>
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I like that the Thirsties come in a size one and a size two - so you should only need two sizes until potty training as opposed to ones sizes in newborn, s, m, l, xl. They get a bit better fit than one size, but are still very adjustable. </div>
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This one was on consignment for $6 so we decided to try it - a <a href="http://www.bummis.com/ca/en/super-snap.php">Bummis</a> size small. (That's another great thing - they have a used/consignment section!)</div>
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These next two are one size and adjustable - we have them snapped to the smallest right now (I should have taken pictures with them unsnapped). This is a <a href="http://rumparooz.com/">Rump*a*rooz</a> cover. </div>
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<a href="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/523553_620738658143_450384978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/523553_620738658143_450384978_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And these two are <a href="http://www.econobum.com/cover-detail.php">Econobums</a> which were by far the best deal at only $8.95, and we definitely wanted a couple plain white to go under certain outfits. As cute as the colors and prints are, we thought they might show through some clothing and having plain colors would be nice. </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">The Accessories </span></div>
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No more pins!!! For which I was relieved. The are called <a href="http://www.snappibaby.com/products/snappidiaperfastener.html">Snappi Diaper Fasteners</a> and work the same way that those little metal clips on an elastic bandage would. </div>
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Something awesome that my soon-to-be cousin-in-law (1 week til her wedding!!!!) Jenna found were these flush-able, biodegradable diaper liners from <a href="http://www.osocozy.com/wp/?page_id=186">OsoCosy</a>. The line the pre-folds so that solid waste easily goes right where it should - down the toilet. Makes for easier clean up and as my sis-in-law said, she would be much more willing to work with cloth diapers if should could use these liners. A pack of 100 cost $8. Not sure if these will be a permanent part of our system, but maybe! Makes for a nice hybrid between cloth and disposable. </div>
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These are flannel wipes from <a href="http://www.osocozy.com/wp/?page_id=186">Osocozy</a> - instead of buying wipes! You just wet them with warm water and use one every diaper change. Toss them in with the diapers when you are ready to wash and you're good to go! These were also a great deal - $6.50 for 15. </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Cleaning </span></div>
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Seems like it could be the worst part right? Eh... shouldn't be too bad. </div>
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My dear friend Krystal sent us this beauty (along with a few diapers and such) - a <a href="http://www.minishower.net/#bottom">hand held diaper sprayer </a>(among other things)! It just attaches to the toilet and when you wish to use it you pull the lever and have a high powered stream of water to use to rinse soiled diapers and put solid waste directly into the toilet. </div>
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Also we got two diaper pail liners (large) to keep diapers in between washes (recommended is every 36-48 hours) and a small wet bag to use if we are out and about. Both are cloth, waterproof, and go right into the wash with the diapers. I imagine we may need to pick up another small travel one, but we'll see how it all goes. </div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSpPbY2KBNKU2DqWfeQGXq2Wcme8qrl6LDhBGIFhIjNveEh8Tvv-Q" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSpPbY2KBNKU2DqWfeQGXq2Wcme8qrl6LDhBGIFhIjNveEh8Tvv-Q" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Laundry-Detergent?gclid=CPuctqigv7ACFWQDQAod5xPnnw">source</a></div>
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Many brands of cloth diapers make their own laundry detergent, but really you just need something that is additive free like <a href="http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Laundry-Detergent?gclid=CPuctqigv7ACFWQDQAod5xPnnw">Seventh Generation Free & Clear.</a> Plus you can find this brand at Target or the like - which is much easier than worrying about ordering it from a website.</div>
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For washing you just use a hot wash, cold rinse, extra rinse perhaps, and it's best to line dry in the sun (will remove the most stains) but tumble dry is fine in the winter. </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Practicing </span></div>
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You can see the use of the Snappi here. </div>
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Then we tried a couple covers on our Slumber Buddy Frog. This one Ross did... and then he ran away when I grabbed the camera. Oh well. </div>
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Looks like Froggy is giving us a thumbs up! </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Any tips or advice for using cloth diapers? </span></div>
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-4119485320652129562012-06-07T09:57:00.000-05:002012-06-07T09:57:26.318-05:00Mexican Quinoa Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Mexican Quinoa Salad</span></div>
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I love food with lots of colors and lots of flavor. I have been trying to make some meals ahead for the week so that I have easy, healthy options to take for lunch at work, and this is my favorite so far!!! </div>
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<b>Ingredients: </b></div>
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1 cup dry quinoa</div>
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1 cup frozen corn </div>
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1 bunch fresh cilantro, torn </div>
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1 bunch green onions </div>
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1/2 medium red onion</div>
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1 tomato</div>
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1 bell pepper </div>
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1 jalapeno pepper, if desired </div>
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1 lime</div>
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1-2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed) </div>
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Seasonings al gusto: salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic</div>
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First cook the quinoa according to the directions (I did 1 cup dry quinoa with 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth, cooked on the stove-top until all the liquid has been absorbed.) </div>
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While the quinoa is cooking you can chop up all those other colorful ingredients into small pieces.</div>
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The in a large bowl mix the quinoa, beans, and everything else! Squeeze the juice of 1 lime and add seasonings as well. I just put it in the fridge overnight to let the corn defrost and it was ready to go! </div>
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This tasted so fresh and summery wrapped in a tortilla with a little bit of cheese. It's a super easy salad that would also work great for a summer potluck. </div>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-90589726668165785662012-06-03T19:42:00.001-05:002012-06-03T19:47:04.618-05:00The Nursery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We were so excited when we found our duplex because the smaller bedroom was already painted green! It really didn't take too long for the nursery to come together, and I love how it turned out! </div>
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A couple things in this photo that I'm excited about include the little frog on the top of the cube wire shelf - a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Summer-Infant-Slumber-Buddies-Crib-Soother-and-Nightlight-Frog/-/A-13002036">slumber buddy!</a> It plays white noise and shines stars all over the ceiling. I also love the color the fabric storage boxes add - they are full of books, bibs, toys and one is empty! </div>
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The dresser/changing table is awesome and gives us a lot more storage. The top drawer is full is butt paste, diaper rash cream, baby sunscreen, and all sorts of things. The other two drawers are full of blankets, extra crib sheets and the like. We've also got a cloth diapering system in the works though it is not complete, and I'll talk about this more and share how it all goes for us as well. </div>
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I LOVE the big <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60054636/">leaf canopy from IKEA</a> as well as the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50176761/">hanging mobile of bugs</a>. The decals for the wall came from Target and are just adorable, and they really add some color and character to the room. </div>
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This is a poster I bought while I was in college and decided that right above the changing table was the perfect place for it, and that it fit the theme of the room so well. The poster is a shortened version of the poem, and I think the advice is sound for a little one who is growing and all of us. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2015665126">Advice from a Tree</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.treelink.org/woodnotes/vol1/no1/advice.htm">by Ilan Shamir</a></div>
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<center style="background-color: white; color: #0f0f0f;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Friend,</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Stand Tall and Proud</i></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Sink your roots deeply into the Earth</i></b><br /><b><i>Reflect the light of a greater source</i></b><br /><b><i>Think long term</i></b><br /><b><i>Go out on a limb</i></b><br /><b><i>Remember your place among all living beings</i></b><br /><b><i>Embrace with joy the changing seasons</i></b><br /><b><i>For each yields its own abundance</i></b><br /><b><i>The Energy and Birth of Spring</i></b><br /><b><i>The Growth and Contentment of Summer</i></b><br /><b><i>The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall</i></b><br /><b><i>The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter</i></b><br /><b><i>And delight in their presence</i></b><br /><b><i>Look up at the moon that shines down upon you</i></b><br /><b><i>And the mystery of the stars at night.</i></b><br /><b><i>Seek nourishment from the good things in life</i></b><br /><b><i>Simple pleasures</i></b><br /><b><i>Earth, fresh air, light</i></b><br /><b><i>Drink plenty of water</i></b><br /><b><i>Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes</i></b><br /><b><i>Be flexible</i></b><br /><b><i>Remember your roots</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Feel the wind and the sun</i></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Be content with your natural beauty</i></b> </span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy the view!</span></i></b></center><br />
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This rug was also an <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50203793/">IKEA purchase</a> and one of my most favorite things in the room. I can't wait to see our little girl crawling on the rug and how it might spark her imagination as she grows! </div>
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The wall decals are from Target, we only $12 and really gave the room some character. At first Ross and I poured over nursery sets and couldn't decide on a perfect one, but in the end I realized that getting a matching set is not only super expensive, but it's not as much fun as just letting some pieces inspire you. </div>
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Plus the homemade quilts and other gifts make it so much more unique - like this quilt my dear college roommate Megs made, or the teething caterpillar my friend Hayley picked up at the <a href="http://www.fremontmarket.com/">Fremont Market</a>. </div>
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For a while we were worried that the room was too green and bland, so we decided to hang this quilt that my Great Aunt made - cute and pink with butterflies. </div>
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The close is full of all kinds of goodies! I love this <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Munchkin-Hanging-Closet-Organizer/-/A-13296344">hanging organizer</a>, and it was fun to wash and organize all kinds of tiny little onsies and dresses. Also got a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Graco-Element-Pack-n-Play-Erin/-/A-12327408#?lnk=sc_qi_detailimage">Pack'n'Play</a>!</div>
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Some things we decided to buy with Baby Shower gift cards include a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Boppy-Bare-Naked-Pillow-White/-/A-10463711">Boppy</a> and a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Bumbo-Baby-Seat-Lime/-/A-13260424#?lnk=sc_qi_detailimage">Bumbo</a>. </div>
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All kinds of goodies for breastfeeding - a pump, bottles, tubes, and lots of storage bags. </div>
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My dad got us an <a href="http://store.ergobaby.com/Baby_Carriers/Performance">Ergo Baby Carrier</a> which we are very excited to have! It will be perfect for our hiking and outdoorsy adventures. We also got a <a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/">Moby Wrap</a> which we spent some time last night practicing how to tie. I'm excited to get to try it with her outside of my belly! The amount of fabric that the Moby Wrap has was definitely intimidating, but after practicing tying I decided it's not that bad at all! Just like learning new knots for rock climbing. The Moby is definitely a better choice for us that the Baby K-tan (which is essentially the same kind of wrap but pre-sized) because the Moby is adjustable and both Ross and I can use it. No point in spending the money to buy two! I can't wait to try them out and let you know what I think. </div>
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-81373006137585277422012-06-02T19:09:00.000-05:002012-06-02T19:09:22.398-05:00Feeling Like Myself AgainIt has been a long time since I got to really hang out in the kitchen, in a kitchen that was my own, filled with our pots and pans and baking supplies. It feels so great.<br />
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Once we finally got unpacked (that was quite the process!) and I didn't constantly feel like there were things to be done around the house (which there always are) I got to finally just spend time <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2011/02/revolutionary-way-to-bake-bread.html">baking bread</a> and <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2011/04/lenten-from-scratch-4.html">yogurt making</a> as opposed to figuring out where things are going to go and hanging pictures on the wall.<br />
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It feels so good to be doing the things that make me feel like me again, like baking bread. Just wish I could go rock climbing with Ross over the weekend... we'll be able to do that in the fall. If we can stand to leave our little girl along for that long.<br />
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Ross also made popsicles!!! Just made a simple strawberry-banana orange juice smoothie and poured it into molds. It was surprisingly difficult to find a simple popsicle mold (the sis-in-law found it at Target)... apparently these apparatuses that will make instant popsicles are all the rage right now, but I didn't figure we needed another small kitchen appliance when we had a freezer. Seems a little ridiculous to be completely honest... a little patience was all it took.<br />
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And you know what else makes me feel more like me... blogging!!!! Soon I will have a couple of my recent recipes, some pictures of the nursery, and hopefully a much more regular routine again. Until we throw that all out the window in July and start a new routine with the little one! </div>
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-1276251974603933932012-05-31T18:35:00.000-05:002012-05-31T18:35:01.305-05:00Memorial WeekendFor Memorial Day Weekend Ross and I were lucky enough to get away for a couple days and "camp." It certainly wasn't camping like we have done in the past, but as I was 8 1/2 months pregnant, it was quite comfortable and a lot of fun. The In-laws decided I needed to do the classic Minnesotan get-away and they took me to all the hot spots in the Duluth/North Shore area.<br />
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We camped at the <a href="http://koa.com/campgrounds/cloquet/">KOA</a> in a Kabin - and they were very nice!!! Also very close to the newly remodeled bathrooms - which was great for me at 6am =) Ross' family has been there a few times before and they've been very happy with it. </div>
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The Kabins had two rooms, one with a double bed and then 2 bunks in the back room. The mattresses were surprisingly comfortable and I slept very well. </div>
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We enjoyed the swing on the porch and we had a little campground visitor.</div>
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We headed out to<a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/jay_cooke/index.html"> Jay Cooke State Park</a> on our only sunny warm day to check out the Saint Louis River (which was nearing flood stage) and walk across the Swinging Bridge. </div>
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Me, Lynn (my Mother-in-Law) and Lauren (sister-in-Law) </div>
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The we headed into Duluth and visited <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canal_Park_(Duluth)">Canal Park</a> and saw the Aereal Lift Bridge. </div>
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And made a quick stop at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Point">Park Point/Minnesota Point</a> - a nice beach! Almost reminded me of the West Coast... except you could see Wisconsin on the other side of the lake. </div>
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And we took a few pictures. </div>
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Lauren found a friend. </div>
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Since it was Lauren's 28th birthday we went out for Happy Hour!!</div>
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I'd be lying if I didn't say I miss tequila... </div>
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And for Dinner we went to Grandma's. I've heard a lot about this place and there is a ton of hype about it, but honestly... it wasn't all that great. There are probably better places to eat in Duluth, so if you are in the area I would say to pass this up and keep looking. The fries were cold, the fruit was bland, and the Monte Cristo was all Texas toast and not much filling. </div>
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The next day was a bit rainy and much cooler, so it was a great day for an indoor activity. I never would have picked to tour a mansion on a weekend camping trip, but I honestly really enjoyed myself and had a great time. It was very interesting and quite beautiful to see the <a href="http://www.d.umn.edu/glen/visit/tours.html">Glensheen Mansion</a>.</div>
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It's right on the shore of Lake Superior. </div>
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And flanked by this beautiful creek and bridge. </div>
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It got to be really cold due to the wind - I was sporting Ross' down jacket since mine doesn't zip over my belly anymore! </div>
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We made one final stop at<a href="http://www.engertowerduluth.com/"> Enger Tower </a>before we headed back to the campsite to grill. </div>
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Boy oh boy were my quads BURNING after climbing to the top of the 5-story tower, the wind was howling and bitter cold, but the view was great. Definitely worth a stop. </div>
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The next morning it was even colder (about 50°) and a misting rain was falling on us, so we packed up and headed home. By the time we got back to the Twin Cities I was stripping every layer I could (I had been wearing long underwear, a down jacket and a rain jacket) down to my t-shirt because it was 90°! I couldn't believe the temperature difference! You would have thought we had flown for 2 hours, not driven. </div>
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It was a great weekend, fun time with the in-laws, and our last little getaway before our lives change forever. </div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-912296963434450262012-04-26T12:04:00.000-05:002012-04-26T12:22:17.781-05:00Some Honesty: I Hate MoneyI think I just need to get a few things off my chest, and this might just be a long rant and a pity party, but here we go:<br />
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I HATE MONEY. Mostly how much I need it and just don't have it. I know I'm definitely not the only person who has been affected by this recession, and that things could be a lot worse, but times are tough. It sucks being fired because you are pregnant. There have been a lot of changes and transitions. And then it is has been a such a task finding even a part-time job for so little pay.<br />
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I started working at the Y, was making a decent wage, but I HATED it. Between the commute and the awful, rude and misbehaved inner city kids I was just downright depressed, and I really didn't appreciate getting slapped in the belly by a 7-y/o who I had to tell "no." <br />
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So I kept looking, and found something I really like, working at <a href="http://www.visitsealife.com/minnesota/">SeaLife MN</a> (the aquarium in the basement of the Mall of America). But here I am making $9.25 an hour with a masters degree, and I feel like my time, skills and efforts are worth so much more than that.<i> </i>I'm happier, but not making enough money nor even getting a lot of hours. And at 7 months pregnant... I just don't think it is the right time to look for something new. And as the summer starts and the season picks up there will be many more hours, but then I will be 9 months pregnant, taking time off, and will be ready to go back to work just in time for school to start in the fall and the number of available hours to drop off... ugh. And I don't even know how to work when Childcare will most likely cost more than I might make. We are barely making ends meet and then there is unpaid maternity leave coming up this summer... but we can't even save anything up. Ross has been picking up as many extra shifts lifeguarding as he can, and has been applying for additional jobs like crazy, but it is tough and slow moving.<br />
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And then there are bills... rent, utilities, gas, bus fare, food, health insurance, credit cards, student loans and medical bills for which my insurance has denied, a broken side-view mirror that needs replacing... it is enough to keep me up at night. (<i>At least I have the wonderful company of a little girl kicking me to comfort me at night... or to make it more difficult to fall back asleep) </i>Sometimes I wish I had listened to my daddy and stayed a little girl forever...<br />
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I just hate feeling so dependent. I wish I could take care of myself and pay all my bills and not have to ask for help. I wish I could just let it go and not worry like in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A25-34&version=NIV">Matthew 6:25-34</a>, but then there's another side to the story too: God helps those who help themselves. There's a joke about a flood and how this guy is praying for God to come and save him, and then a guy shows up in a canoe and offers him a ride. He declines, sayings that "God will save me." Then a rescue boat shows up, but he declines says that "God will save me." Finally, a helicopter comes, but he says the same thing: "God will save me." And then he drowns in the flood. He goes to Heaven and asks God why he didn't save him, and frustrated God replies "I sent a canoe, a rescue boat, a chopper..." So I do need to keep worrying, and keep fighting, and trying to make this better. But more than anything, I know I need to keep trusting.<br />
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Alright, after all my sharing about the tough things, and getting that off my chest, I need to sit back and <span style="font-size: x-large;">count my blessings: </span><br />
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1. We are at least somewhat employed, and Ross got an AmeriCorps position that will be starting on August 1! It will be so good for him and for us.<br />
2. This weekend we are moving into our own place and finally going to be able to have a place for our little girl to live, though we couldn't have done it without Lynn (my MIL) and my dad.<br />
3. We were showered with love over the Easter weekend and thrown a beautiful baby shower and give many things that the little one will need, like a crib, mattress, car seat and stroller. My grandparents and sister has been especially generous despite their tough economic times too.<br />
4. <a href="http://www.barackobama.com/splash/sms?">Obama</a> made it possible for me to have health insurance right now with my Dad, and he's working hard to help us with <a href="http://hr4170.com/">student loan debt.</a> For that I am very grateful and supportive! It's so nice to have someone out there fighting for us.<br />
5. I am healthy and the pregnancy is going well.<br />
6. I have an incredible husband who loves me and takes care of me, and lots of family who love and support me.<br />
7. We are applying for some county assistance, hopefully that will help and start soon.<br />
8. I got to reconnect with an old friend.<br />
9. I know that God won't hand us anything we can't handle.<br />
10. Things are, slowly but surely, getting better. We will get through this.<br />
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-74400844658391733482012-04-18T12:21:00.001-05:002012-04-18T12:22:41.024-05:00Second Trimester Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The second trimester is WAY better than the first, let me tell you! </div>
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<b>Highlights:</b> </div>
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<a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/02/its.html">Finding out that it's a girl!!!!</a></div>
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Feeling her kick!!! </div>
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SEEING her kick from the outside! </div>
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Having my appetite back </div>
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Feeling much more energetic </div>
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No more headaches</div>
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Thus far... no stretch marks (fingers crossed!!!) </div>
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Getting jobs</div>
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Starting <a href="http://www.childbirthcollective.org/">FREE Childbirth Classes</a></div>
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Spending Easter in Colorado for my birthday and a Baby Shower - pictures coming soon =)</div>
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Finding a non-alcoholic beer that tasted good! Go<a href="http://www.odouls.com/default.asp"> O'Doul's Amber</a>!</div>
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Finding a home! We're moving in 10 days!!! Can't wait to start nesting</div>
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<b>Lowlights:</b> </div>
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Insurance denying our request to use an out-of-hospital birthing center </div>
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Starting to see a midwife that insurance does cover only for her to tell me that she doesn't actually attend births anymore... and is retiring. </div>
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Getting jobs that still aren't quite enough... and trying to keep my chin up... sometimes it really gets me bummed out </div>
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Stranger belly rubs at work (really? What are you thinking? ASK!!!) </div>
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The baby girl is growing!!!! And thus the belly... =) Overall we are both doing really well, healthy, no problems except that I'm a little anemic. Baby girl is taking all the iron she needs and will leave me depleted, so I'm taking supplements. But she is very active (even kicked her daddy a few times the other night) and has a strong heartbeat. I think the thing I am most excited for now is to actually get to see what she looks like! Ross is really excited to start building things for her, such as putting together her crib soon. </div>
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22 weeks </div>
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23 weeks </div>
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24 weeks </div>
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25 weeks </div>
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26 weeks </div>
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27 weeks </div>
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28 weeks </div>
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28 weeks was also a costume party with some friends of ours: I went as Juno and our friend Kim went as Paulie Bleaker. It was amazing. </div>
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<b>Things people have said to me: </b></div>
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"Oh look at that belly!" - At work</div>
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"You are all belly! You look so good!" - At the baby shower</div>
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"It's a girl, right?" Fist pump with a yesssss! - Random old guy at Garden of the Gods </div>
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"Is that real?" while poking my belly - Fellow costume party goers... yep, I had a pretty convincing costume</div>
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-57684415679646056502012-03-28T22:06:00.000-05:002012-03-28T22:12:44.804-05:00St Joseph's HospitalThis past week we toured <a href="http://www.healtheast.org/st-joes.html">St. Joseph's Hospital</a> in Saint Paul, where we decided we will be <a href="http://www.healtheast.org/maternity.html">delivering</a> our little one (unless insurance changes their mind about covering a<a href="http://www.morningstarbirth.com/"> birthing center</a>, which we would prefer... but I'm not holding my breath.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.healtheast.org/images/stories/St-Josephs/exterior-dusk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="http://www.healtheast.org/images/stories/St-Josephs/exterior-dusk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.healtheast.org/st-joes/directions.html">source</a></div>
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I wished I had taken pictures! We'll get some when she decides to make her entrance for sure.<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cutemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/cute-baby-girl.jpg" width="318" /></span></div>
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<a href="http://cutemo.com/view/Cute/85">source</a></div>
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<b>Things that I really liked: </b><br />
- Single, private rooms for labor, delivery and postpartum<br />
- Tubs, showers and toilets in each room<br />
- A refreshment room to store food with a refrigerator, and no restrictions on eating and drinking in labor <br />
- Water birthing room with an enormous tub<br />
- Birthing balls and stools on hand<br />
- I can wear whatever I like<br />
- No required IV<br />
- No time limit in which I have to give birth<br />
- Nurses that are very natural childbirth friendly and supportive<br />
- I can labor and push in any position I find comfortable and effective (even hands and knees)<br />
- An extremely low c-section rate of 12% (most hospitals are in closer or in the 30% range)<br />
- Breastfeeding support and lactation consultants<br />
- Rooming-in encouraged<br />
- Allow for delayed umbilical cord clamping<br />
- Online resources, including pre-registration, <a href="http://www.healtheast.org/images/stories/maternity/st_josephs_bring.pdf">a packing list</a> and a <a href="http://www.healtheast.org/images/stories/maternity/birth_plan.pdf">birth plan</a><br />
- The maternity ward is all on one floor, separate from the rest of the hospital, and everything we could possible need it on that floor too (special care nursery, OR for emergencies)<br />
- When the time comes we just get to pull up to the Emergency room entrance and go right on in<br />
- Free parking for us and all visitors, waiting rooms for visitors<br />
- St Joe's is also working towards a being a <a href="http://www.unicef.org/programme/breastfeeding/baby.htm">Baby Friendly Hospital </a> and is only one step away!<br />
- Mom and Dad spa services if anyone is feeling generous =)<br />
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<a href="http://www.visualphotos.com/photo/2x3748524/baby_girl_9-12_months_crying_close-up_8546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.visualphotos.com/photo/2x3748524/baby_girl_9-12_months_crying_close-up_8546.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<b>Things I disliked:</b><br />
- It's definitely a hospital, not very cozy<br />
- Confusing to find our way around, but at least we just get to go in the ER next time<br />
- I get whichever midwife is on call as opposed to the one I see in clinic, so I have NO IDEA who she will be (this REALLY STRESSES ME OUT!) <br />
- More restrictions on water birth than a birthing center ... i.e. I have to get out of the water birth tub shortly after birth and can't deliver the placenta there <br />
- The single hospital bed. At the birthing centers they have queens so mom and dad can share a bed, but here they have uncomfortable chairs that fold out into cots for dad. Lame.<br />
- Claustrophobic - no access to the outdoors or a garden, it is right downtown and everything is cement. I will just have to try to labor at home as long as possible and enjoy the fresh air there.<br />
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Overall, even though I would rather not use a hospital I think that St. Joe's will be a great place to give birth. Clearly the things I liked are much more numerous than the things I disliked. They are very encouraging of natural childbirth and breastfeeding, have incredible stats, access to many types of birthing tools, and really seem to listen to the wishes of the parents as opposed to trying to satisfy a time limit or make more money for doctors/pharmaceuticals/insurance by pushing drugs and interventions.<br />
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I am also very happy to finally have one thing checked off the list of unknowns in our life! Still need to figure out so many things (where we are living, better jobs or at least more hours, health insurance for the little one after 30 days, etc.) but it is SUCH a relief to know where we will be going when labor starts, and that it will be a safe place for us where I don't have to be afraid of unnecessary interventions.<br />
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-84257514916819215622012-03-25T16:08:00.000-05:002012-03-25T16:08:13.207-05:00Maria's CafeRoss and I went to <a href="http://www.mariascafe.com/">Maria's Cafe</a> in Minneapolis on a recommendation from a friend - and I think it is my new favorite breakfast spot!<br />
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Inspired by Maria's Colombian upbringing, the menu offered a wonderful fusion of American and Latin American breakfast favorites.<br />
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It's been a long time since I've had a cup of this!!!! It was definitely decaf, but I couldn't imagine eating a Latin American breakfast without a cup of Colombian coffee. It was wonderful, and reminded me so much of my time in Costa Rica. </div>
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For breakfast I had Pablo's omelet, 3 eggs stuffed with rice, refried beans, onions, tomatoes, cheese and served with salsa and a tortilla. </div>
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On the side - the meal wouldn't be complete without plantanos fritos!!!!! It has been so long since I've sunk my teeth into one of these! </div>
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And the Ross enjoyed a meal much more on the American side of things: bacon, eggs and toast. </div>
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There were so many other things I wanted to try: they had many different types of pancakes, including the traditional Colombian corn cakes, arepas, plantain pancakes with cotija cheese... we will probably be back soon! </div>
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The cafe was simply decorated, the Latin music created a wonderful ambiance, and it was extremely affordable! Everything was under $10, sometimes well under, yet it was delicious and the service was great. I am glad I took the recommendation and am now passing it along to you! </div>
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!Fue increible!</div>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-65358647354342896882012-03-02T09:24:00.000-06:002012-03-02T09:24:33.369-06:00Over Halfway There!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't believe I'm over halfway there! The past 5 months have really flown by. The second trimester has been much better than the first - I love having my appetite and energy back. It really is the trimester of relative comfort, and I can tell the growing belly will only get more in the way as time goes on. My only complaint is that my bellybutton is already starting to stick out, and the occasional hemorrhoid. Ugh. </div>
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Oh, and insurance companies... who apparently don't care at all about what women want or are interested in patient health at all... but that's another story. Basically, still not sure where we are delivering or who our midwives are. We'll have that figured out by the end of March for sure. Stressful!!!! </div>
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I've been having fun with my new wardrobe! It was mostly gifted, consignment-bought or came from Christmas presents and gift cards, so it hasn't been too expensive at all. I would say I've spent about $150 for all the things I've bought - including some maternity pants, shirts, and a dress. Thank you to all who helped me out in finding things to wear! </div>
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Just in this past week I've been noticing people really looking at the belly - at church, while shopping, and especially the kiddos at work. They ask SO many questions, and are the only ones who have been touching without asking, which I really don't like...(I think some of these kids must get to affection at home for how touchy they are), but I haven't minded at all when my friends and family want to have a feel. =) </div>
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16 weeks - the first week the belly started to look like something! </div>
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17 weeks... future twins fan? It's only OK because they're in a different league than the Rockies. </div>
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18 weeks. </div>
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19 weeks - it's a girl! </div>
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20 weeks - felt my first movements! . </div>
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21 weeks</div>
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Favorite things people have said to me:<br />
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"That's brave." -Teenager in the row with us while flying. Not sure if she was talking about being pregnant, or being pregnant and flying.<br />
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"So how pregnant are you really? Like, is it just a sperm in there or what?" -3rd grader at the Y<br />
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"Are you in labor?" -Same 3rd grader at the Y at 5 months.<br />
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"You're so tiny!" -Co-worker at 5 months.<br />
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-7397461593151959772012-02-24T08:14:00.000-06:002012-02-24T08:14:01.316-06:00Early Retirement?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In church the other day the pastor was talking about stages of life, and what people do everyday, their vocations. Ross and I fell into the "do nothing/retired people" category, since the pastor did not include unemployment. After feeling left out and some reflection, I decided it really is like retirement.... we slept in, napped, read the paper, played cribbage at 2 in the afternoon.</div>
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At any rate, I guess I'm pulling a Michael Jordon and coming out of retirement... had some interviews, working part-time at the Y, hopefully things will be looking up! </div>
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But hey, what do you know? A slow-cooker chili recipe? Yummy! </div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">Slow Cooker Turkey and Bean Chili</span></div>
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Ingredients: </div>
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1 pound ground turkey</div>
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1 large onion, chopped</div>
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1 green bell pepper, chopped</div>
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1 cup dry black beans (or a BPA free can) </div>
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1 cup dry pinto beans (or a BPA free can)</div>
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1 can diced tomatoes (BPA free)</div>
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1 4oz can green chilis</div>
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1-2 cups frozen corn </div>
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32 ounces stock (vegetable, chicken, turkey, homemade) </div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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1 tsp pepper</div>
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2 Tablespoons chili powder </div>
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cheese to top (optional)</div>
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Directions: </div>
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The night before or early in the morning, rinse and then add the dried beans to the slow cooker with 6 cups of water. Cook on high for 3 hours, so that they are close to being done but still firm. Drain, store overnight or put back in the slow cooker. Omit this step if using canned. </div>
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First, brown the turkey along with the onions and peppers, then add everything together into the slow cooker. Leave on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.</div>
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Serve up with cornbread and enjoy! We loved this meal and ate leftovers for days. </div>
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-84202525200408499862012-02-14T09:39:00.000-06:002012-02-14T09:39:50.233-06:00It's a....<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Happy Valentine's Day! </span></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-44556307036052483082012-02-12T13:42:00.000-06:002012-02-12T13:43:18.771-06:00How We Told the FamilyWith Coffee mugs. And Christmas ornaments. And pictures. We never actually said the words "We're pregnant!" but we left everyone to their own devices.<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlxcj-Pe-_tCQDk_tPc2TnExaLAEXGrR8E-GxpJqOOwiw_vWZ6Qw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlxcj-Pe-_tCQDk_tPc2TnExaLAEXGrR8E-GxpJqOOwiw_vWZ6Qw" /></a></div>
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The first family member I told was my sister via a text picture of the pregnancy test, and I am still amazed she kept it a secret for 6 long weeks! But thank goodness I had her to talk to, get excited with, and <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2012/02/first-trimester-fun.html">save me with Preggie Pops.</a><br />
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So 6 long weeks later, my Mother-in-law Lynn and my Dad (with his girlfriend Heidi and her son, Coty) came out for my graduation and to help us pack up and move, and since we knew that a) me not enjoying a brewski would be suspicious and b) we were dying to tell them, we made a plan.<br />
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First, we ordered these mugs from <a href="http://zazzle.com/">Zazzle.com</a>. We wanted them to look exactly like the one that says "World's Greatest Boss" on The Office.<br />
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<a href="http://rlv.zcache.com/worlds_greatest_grandma_mug-p168133644918828551zv4f3_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/worlds_greatest_grandma_mug-p168133644918828551zv4f3_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/worlds_greatest_grandma_mug-168133644918828551">source</a></div>
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Obviously, my mom knew before we did. Miss her everyday. This is the last picture we took together back in 2008. I ended up telling my grandma (mom's mom) sooner than I thought I would because I was supposed to gather as much information about her pregnancies as we could remember, but I'm glad I did. </div>
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Lynn flew in first on Thursday. We picked her up from the shuttle with lunch in tow from <a href="http://www.avenuebread.com/">Avenue Bread</a> and headed back to our place. We set the table, laid out the sandwiches, and Ross asked his mom if she would like anything to drink, intending on serving whatever it was she asked for in the World's Greatest Grandma mug while we had water out of regular glasses. Ross gave it to her, and we sat down to eat. And... SHE DIDN'T NOTICE. Ross and I just kept looking at each other and I started giggling like a school girl, and she noticed that. Kept asking what she was missing, what was going on. </div>
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Grandma-to-Be Lynn, Me and Ross after my Graduation </div>
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Ross finally said "I guess we should have just served her drink in a regular glass." Then, after what seemed like an eternity, it dawned on her. Her response: "What, what, how does that work?" Bahahahaha. Then she gave me a big hug and asked all the usual questions... when are you due, when did you find out, who else have you told. Definitely surprised but definitely excited. </div>
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<a href="http://rlv.zcache.com/worlds_greatest_grandpa_mug-p168222637490384084zv4f3_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/worlds_greatest_grandpa_mug-p168222637490384084zv4f3_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/worlds_greatest_grandpa_mug-168222637490384084">source</a></div>
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Since my Step-dad Brad (Or as Ross calls him, my Step-Brad) wasn't able to fly out, we decided to call him Thursday night. We knew the next few days were going to be so hectic, so we took advantage of the lull and texted him a picture from the ultra-sound that said "Hi Papa!" He called back soon and said "What the hell!" in a teasing voice but I could tell he was really excited. Since my niece was born last year, he knew the drill and had already gone through the anticipation and shock phase and was just excited. We ended up calling Ross' sister Lauren that night to tell her as well. He reaction: "I knew it!" How? We don't know. </div>
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Papa-to-be-AGAIN Brad and Me just a couple month before my wedding</div>
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Then my Dad came up on Friday, but he didn't make it before Ross had to work, so we changed plans and had to take the mug to dinner. We ate at the <a href="http://chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com/">Chukanut Brewery</a> and while we were waiting to be seated I "went to the bathroom." I really did, but on the way I tracked down the hostess and had her give the mug to our server, telling them both that whatever my dad ordered to drink had to be served in this mug. They were SO thrilled to be in on part of the scheme, and all so exciting. </div>
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As it came time to order drinks I simply told the server that I wanted to sample everyone's beer first and then decide. My dad ordered a <a href="http://chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com/available-in-our-taproom/36-kolsch.html">Kolsch</a>, and a few minutes later our drinks came. The server gave it to him, saying that this mug had been especially selected for him. He got it pretty quickly, and was speechless. Then Coty (8 years old) looked at it and stated very loudly "I thought that was what happened after she had a baby." HA ha ha classic. His mom looked at him and said "Think about it Coty." He got it eventually. Such a fun dinner! </div>
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Me, Grandpa-to-Be Don </div>
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Since Rod (my Father-in-law) couldn't fly out either Lynn had to wait an entire 3 days back after arriving back home without saying a word. I have to give her a lot of credit, I don't know if I could have done it. The night we arrived in the moving van we served him up some wine the mug. He took one look at it and said "Are you trying to tell me something?" Hugs all around. Then he asked "When?" And since it was so vague I said "Ross' birthday." Ha ha I had to get that in at least once! </div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316366_570316838873_55200680_31950111_8192586_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316366_570316838873_55200680_31950111_8192586_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lynn, Grandpa-to-be Rod, Ross, Me and Aunt-to-be Lauren </div>
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For Ross' side of the family, we decided to give the grandparents ornaments that looked something like this and have them open it as a gift in front of the extended family. Ross' maternal grandma (Lynn's Mom) just read it and said "How nice" while cousin Kjersten was about to pee her pants. Slowly it dawned on the other 20 people standing around but Kjersten had to whisper in Grandma's ear and explain to her what happened. It was pretty hilarious.<br />
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Ross' paternal grandma got it right away but kept really quiet, to which Aunt Julie shouted "Did you even read it?!?!" and was bursting at the seams! <br />
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<a href="http://www.ornamentsandmore.com/great-grandma-christmas-ornament-glittered-letters.aspx">source</a></div>
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We told other family members on my side while we were driving from WA to MN (the first time) so that they would know before Christmas, and it was a bummer to not get to do anything more fun but with traveling it just didn't work out. I've heard lots of fun stories about framing grandma/pa picture frames with ultrasound pictures and such, but I'm so happy with how we told out family. It was fun and simple, and as it turned out, came with some great stories!!! </div>
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And then, <a href="http://loavesabound.blogspot.com/2011/12/merry-baking-christmas.html">there's how I told you</a>! </div>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498501973422390617.post-80911628180395168542012-02-03T16:49:00.000-06:002012-02-03T16:51:54.964-06:00First Trimester FunOr perhaps mostly not so fun... but here is a brief recap of the first 3 months of Baby Radtke's life in-utero.<br />
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<b>1.When did you find out you were pregnant? </b><br />
Right before Halloween. It was a combination of my <a href="http://www.justmommies.com/articles/bbt-charting.shtml">BBT</a> staying high and my period not showing up, so we figured I should take a test. Around 5:45am one morning I peed on a stick, and sure enough there were two pink lines. There was no way I couldn't tell Ross right away, so I capped it and crawled back into bed with him, hardly believing my eyes. His response: "Well, what did you expect?" Typical Ross. I just kept staring at it, and Ross reminded me that he was the one that got me pregnant, not that stick, and that I should pay more attention to him. Always a Joker. ;-)<br />
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<b>2. What early symptoms did you have? </b><br />
Physical symptoms included: a sore throat and feeling like I had a mild cold, bloating and mild gastro-intestinal symptoms, headaches, sore nipples, and some blood after intercourse, which was very unusual for me personally.<br />
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The non-physical signs included a random text from a dear friend who told me she had a dream I was pregnant. The text came the day I think we conceived! The other odd thing was that I definitely had a <a href="http://www.dreammoods.com/dreamthemes/animals.htm">fish dream</a>. In my dream we were walking around a town like <a href="http://www.leavenworth.org/modules/pages/index.php?pageid=1">Leavenworth</a> with our families and in the center of the town there was a fountain. It was sunny and beautiful, and as I walked up to the fountain I looked down and there were many rainbow fish swimming around! Dreaming about swimming fish is thought to be a symbol of conception.<br />
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<b>3. What was the best thing about the first trimester? </b><br />
For a while it was just Ross and I who knew (and perhaps a few of my girlfriends), but it was so exciting and new and secret. Another thing I really appreciate was that I had my husband by my side to take care of me and help me when I needed it. I honestly don't know how I could have gotten through it without him, and I feel for those mommas without a partner to help out. Pregnancy really isn't meant to be a solo event.<br />
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Ross says the best part was not worrying about birth control anymore... although he also said that having sex now that I'm pregnant is overkill. Just kidding!<br />
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<b>4. What was the worst? </b><br />
The desire to share it with our family and the world yet so many fears. I was constantly worried at first: the fear of miscarriage was always looming in the back of my mind. My grandma had one, my mom didn't, and I'm pretty healthy, but you never know. It was such an incredible relief when we finally got to see the heart beating at a mere 6.5weeks!!!! It is so incredible how early the heart starts beating.<br />
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My other greatest fear was losing a job opportunity because I was pregnant, which ended up happening. While I must admit I am not over that completely, I know it isn't the worst thing in the world. I know God must have a plan for us even if we don't see it or understand it. <br />
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<b>5. How bad was the morning sickness? </b><br />
I was definitely nauseous and stayed in bed a lot. It wasn't fun, I'll be honest, but the most fundamental and vital stages of development happen in the first trimester. Morning sickness if our bodies' way of making sure no poisons or toxins can enter our body and harm the baby. It's a blessing really, as much as it sucks.<br />
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A lot of smells really bothered me, especially bacon - ugh! Ross made some one morning in the microwave and I didn't go into the kitchen for a week. I subsisted on macaroni and cheese, string cheese, chocolate, Mexican food and a bunch of junk (so unlike me!) Ross brought me many meals in bed while I chugged away at finishing my masters project, and he was such a dear. My sister also sent me <a href="http://www.threelollies.com/Portals/0/SmithCart/Images/pp-variety_72.jpg">Preggie Pops</a> which were a God-send: I highly recommend them!!!<br />
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6. <b>The belly?</b><br />
Well, it doesn't really exist in the first trimester. I started out being really bloated, and my pants were definitely tight after week 8, and I decided to move into maternity pants around week 10 just to be more comfortable. The hair-tie trick works well, but I just didn't feel great walking around with my pants unzipped. I tried <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Be-Mine-Maternity-Belly/dp/B000NDCHNW/ref=zg_bs_1285232011_1/184-6068622-1511433">belly-bands</a> too, and though some women love them I am not a fan and wouldn't recommend them. Thrift store maternity pants did the trick!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-SyHHyRKRw8jT_IB1cv1t4ytRR7Ff7WeoQkiRuACsw78nPlIh4XDhjmzbEr3Yx1ZRMXGLYKOxsr2JKpirAyAMu8LYQjxCkSxDQ8wxAxQM9kDv8sRdQ2502LwyzquSzQH-1JDJH7onqhv/s400/Picture+or+Video+1064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-SyHHyRKRw8jT_IB1cv1t4ytRR7Ff7WeoQkiRuACsw78nPlIh4XDhjmzbEr3Yx1ZRMXGLYKOxsr2JKpirAyAMu8LYQjxCkSxDQ8wxAxQM9kDv8sRdQ2502LwyzquSzQH-1JDJH7onqhv/s320/Picture+or+Video+1064.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-SyHHyRKRw8jT_IB1cv1t4ytRR7Ff7WeoQkiRuACsw78nPlIh4XDhjmzbEr3Yx1ZRMXGLYKOxsr2JKpirAyAMu8LYQjxCkSxDQ8wxAxQM9kDv8sRdQ2502LwyzquSzQH-1JDJH7onqhv/s400/Picture+or+Video+1064.jpg">source</a></div>
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Just for kicks:<br />
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5 weeks </div>
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8 weeks</div>
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11 weeks </div>
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14 weeks </div>
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<b>7. How did you tell people? </b></div>
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This needs a blog post all its own. Coming soon. </div>
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<b>8. What are you most looking forward to in the second trimester? </b></div>
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Since I'm already a few weeks into it, I'll tell you what I've been loving: a return of appetite and energy, the desire to eat green things again especially, the beginning of my belly, and coming soon: finding out the gender!!!! There's no way we can wait. I mean, if we had to we would, but we don't! </div>
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<b>9. When are you due? </b>Sometime around the 4th of July! I can't wait to meet this little blessing, and we're hoping for firecrackers to celebrate!</div>
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<b>10. Advice to other moms in their first trimester? </b></div>
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This too shall pass. Don't worry so much about your diet, exercising, and so on... as Ross has told me many times, "It is HARD WORK growing a person!" Rest, nap, and enjoy your little miracle! </div>
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14904897876699146120noreply@blogger.com0