Dandelion Seeds

The Third Trimester and Beyond.....

2011-12-03T21:21:00.001-06:00

So.
Here we are, 31 weeks into this thing.
Some things are falling into place though.
That's both unnerving and comforting at the same time. I'm unnerved because I'm not in control. I'm comforted because I'm confident that we will be just fine. We will be taken care of.

However, there are still lots of unknowns.
We don't know if our baby #2 is a he, or a she and I'm okay with that.
We don't know how Emery will respond to a new sibling, but he seems to be getting excited about it.
We don't know Where Owen will be working or how long, if at all, he'll be able to stay home when the babe arrives.
We don't know how long my Maternity leave will be.
We don't know if I'm returning to work after my Maternity leave.
We don't know how we will afford childcare for two kids.
We don't know where we feel comfortable leaving our 6 (or 8) week old infant. or if we feel comfortable doing that at all.
We don't know where we will be living once our lease is up here....but we HAVE to move. We're not happy here, and its soooo tiny.

So needless to say, I have a lot on my mind these days.

Some decisions seem to be making themselves, but its hard for me to trust that they are the right thing for our family right now. It's a waiting game.

If you happen to know of any places for rent, or any awesome caretakers that you would trust your newborn with, or how I can start trusting that things will be okay, please......pass them my way! Thanks!

-Erin

Why I want to be A Midwife

2011-10-13T21:23:00.001-05:00

“Having a highly trained obstetrical surgeon attend a normal birth is
analogous to having a pediatric surgeon babysit a healthy 2-year-old.”
Marsden Wagner MD
“Midwives see birth as a miracle and only mess with it if there’s a
problem; doctors see birth as a problem and if they don’t mess with
it, it’s a miracle!” Barbara Harper in Gentle Birth Choices

When I think of childbirth, I don't think of it as an emergency, or a
sickness, or something that needs to be managed or controlled.
Women have been having babies since the dawn of time. It wasn't until
the late 1800's that Doctors started to get involved. The Cesarean
rate in the United States is sitting at 32% as of 2011. In my
opinion, this is due to the increasing number of unnecessary
interventions inside of Hospital Delivery rooms. How do we get away
from such a high Cesarean rate and unnecessary interventions? Doulas,
Homebirths, and Midwives.
My son was born at home with his cord wrapped around his shoulder and
chest into the hands of my skilled Midwife, Ellie with her amazing
Apprentice, Shawna looking on. Ellie swiftly and skillfully unwrapped
his cord and handed him to me. He came so quickly that he forgot to
breathe. Ellie grabbed her oxygen tank and mask and administered it to
Emery. He pinked up immediately and Daddy cut his cord. All of this
happened in a matter of seconds, and I honestly didn't think anything
of it.
I'm currently 22 weeks pregnant with our second child. This child will be
born at home as well. I have a different Midwife because we live in a
different state, and this time I planning on a Water birth. I'm not
one bit concerned. It's like breathing to me. It's birth. I trust my
body. I trust my midwife. My Labor is not an emergency or a medical condition
that needs to be managed or controlled.

How did I get to this point?

I have older sisters and I have friends and they have babies. I've
been witness to many Hospital births, and nearly every single one has
left me feeling unsettled. Not because anything went wrong, but
because in nearly every single one, there seemed to be a sense of
urgency, emergency.
Unnecessary interventions happened. The moms
didn't want to trust their bodies, and if they did, they were led to
believe that... "it would be better if..." or "Intervention x-y-z-
will make this easier for you"

In 2002 I began babysitting for a woman who had a 4 year old boy, a 2
year old girl and another baby on the way. All who had been, or were to
be, born at home.

This family was so foreign to me.

They lived simply.
They were happy.
I looked at pictures of both of the births.
Candice was smiling in all the pictures, she looked ecstatic, she was
eating and drinking, walking around and getting massaged.
Guess what?
They were at home!
No monitors, no IVs, no doctors, no nurses.
Just them, a Midwife (or two) and a comfy bed.
To follow up, a luxurious looking bath with mom and baby together, right there, nursing.

Candice let me borrow her copy of "Spiritual Midwifery" by Ina May
Gaskin, and my whole world was turned upside down.

Women still did this? They birthed at home? Without doctors and nurses
and IVs and Monitors, and WOW!

Suddenly my mind was asking all sorts of questions that I didn't have
the answers to.
What if I could spread the word that childbirth is a natural body process?
What if I could be a part of this magic called Labor?
What if I could be a Midwife?
Whoa! Hey, I could be a Midwife!
From that moment on, my whole life changed, literally.
Candice asked me if I thought I would have my babies at home.
I smiled at her and said, "I hope so."

I started taking Infant Massage classes so I could be involved with
these families somehow.
I began looking for ways to become a midwife, or be close to midwives
and try to figure them out. How do they work? What do they think, how
do they act?
I started massaging a lay midwife (unlicensed) who would wash my
Massage linens in return. She had me put together a "Benefits of
Infant Massage" for her clients prenatal classes, then she told me
about a school
called ARMSS (Arkansas Midwives School and Services) I began saving up
money to enroll, then the school closed and I put the whole Idea on
the back burner.
While working at Ozark Natural Foods, I met a midwife. she shopped
there, and had the cutest little boy.
I got brave one day and asked her if I could apprentice under her, or
if she knew of any midwives that were taking on apprentices.
She suggested I become a Doula, and then we'd go from there.
A Doula? I wasn't interested in emotional support. PSHAW! I wanted to
get my hands dirty, per se.
I began looking elsewhere to start my education.
My answer was to move out of state. I had some college under my belt
and I found a College of Midwifery in Portland, OR that offered a
Bachelor of Science in Midwifery.
My brand new doting husband was willing to help me follow my dreams so
off we went. Away from every friend and family, all the way across
the country, just so I could enroll and take a chance on my dreams.
Three days after our arrival in Portland, I found out we were
expecting a bundle of joy all our own. I didn't let that stop me!
I went ahead an applied to the school. I was accepted but after
talking to all the instructors, and my Midwife (who was also an
instructor there at the time) I decided that it would be really
difficult to be a full time mom to a newborn without a support system
and I opted to sit it out and wait for the next enrollment period.
While waiting for the next round of enrollment I became a Doula.
The second enrollment period, I was put on the waiting list, but we
couldn't wait anymore.
We moved to Texas to pursue my husbands dreams of becoming a chef.
He's a Chef now, and I work in a Grocery store offering advice and
suggesting supplements and herbs to folks looking for alternatives to
Over-the-counter meds and prescriptions. Its a great job, but I also
get all kinds of questions from pregnant mama friends wanting advice
on how to handle common pregnancy complaints and what not. I have way
more fun talking to them and educating them about home birth, natural
child birth, attachment parenting, and breastfeeding.
I'm not able to quit my day job and go to school, or exercise my Doula
skills full time because of our financial situation right now.
I live and breathe Midwifery, and all things Childbirth and pregnancy
related. I am a self proclaimed "Birth Junkie".
I have tried several different times to find my path to Midwifery
certification, and it hasn't ever worked out.
I believe I've found a solution though.
We currently live in Texas. In my never ending search for Midwifery
education, I stumbled across this school,
http://www.texasmidwives.com/education/

Here's a Blurb from their website describing how the program works,

The Association of Texas Midwives philosophy is that midwives should
be trained by other midwives, be that training in a school or through
apprenticeship. ATM has been involved with the education of aspiring
midwives for over 30 years. The development of a curriculum to better
help the student integrate academic learning with the clinical
training received with an experienced midwife-teacher (preceptor) has
evolved and grown as the needs of both midwifery students and
consumers of midwifery care has evolved and grown. This culminated
with the ATM Midwifery Training Program (ATMMTP) being designated as
an approved midwifery education program by the Texas Midwifery Board
in 1999. ATMMTP graduates are eligible to take the North American
Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam as a Texas agency candidate, and upon
successful completion, to obtain the Texas midwifery license, and then
the NARM Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential.
"The ATMMTP is an eight-part comprehensive midwifery education program
whose curriculum is based on the Midwives Alliance of North America's
standards for practice and "Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery
Practice", and fully incorporates and exceeds all NARM educational
requirements. These requirements are met through a variety of methods,
including home and internet based coursework, required reading, and
research and community projects. Each of the 8 parts, or modules, ends
with classroom time in the form of 2 or 3 day mandatory workshops
where review, application, integration, and testing occur. The
Program's expected completion period is approximately 2 1/2 - 3 1/2
years, including the required clinical training."
The Clinical Training is an actual Apprenticeship with a Midwife in my
Community, and takes place in conjunction with the coursework if I so
choose.

Now, here's the kicker.

The Program tuition is $7000.00, or $875.00 per module.
We don't have that kind of money just laying around.
If I was able to make this happen finally, my 9+ year quest will have
come to an end, and my destiny will have become a reality and the rest
of my life, as a Midwife can begin.
Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings. I hope you enjoyed
it as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you!

My Project Totus

2011-10-11T22:46:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted in a while. I can't really apologize because, well. I've been busy.

Doing what you ask?

Gestating.
Mothering.
Managing.
Dreaming.
Planning.
Formulating.
Praying.

You know, the important stuff. Due to the simple fact that I've been busy, I just thought I'd pop in and give my readers an update. However, this isn't going to be a normal update, that'll come later. This post will be full lovely little links that will carry you to another place entirely. This travelling elsewhere will be worth your while because it all leads to an update on me, and where I stand with the way things are right now. Please click on the links, and enjoy what you see. :)

First and foremost, I have this amazing lady for a friend.
Her name is Jasmine and she co-owns (authors....er, blogs....um...maintains) a blog with her friend Sadie. They are both busy mamas that find the time to be real and authentic about themselves, their relationships, and their mommy-ness through this deliciously delightfully fun to read blog called The Brokins.

Jasmine is in the midst of a wonderful life changing event right now that she is calling: Project Totus. I've been following her every step of the way and let me just tell you, she is as very inspiring lady. So inspiring in fact, that I wanted in on a little piece of this "Project Totus" for myself. So, I'm taking a HUGE leap of faith and hoping that I land somewhere near where I need to be in order to start on this Project Totus path of my own.

Granted, Mine will be a bit different because well, Jasmine and I are different people. What she needs, and what I need are the same, a community of supporters and cheerleaders, our end results will be similar because we are both reaching for a "whole-ness" we're just going about it in different ways.
Those of you who know me, know what I want to do with my life. You know what I live and breathe. But, I haven't ever really started down a path that will ultimately get me to the end result of MIDWIFE.
That's a bout to change my friends.
Here is a link to my own personal Project Totus starting line. Please take the time to read it, and share it.
Jasmine's Endorsement Blog post.
She'll be adding a few more tidbits to my story in the coming weeks, so please, come back often, and share it with anybody you'd think would be interested.

I love you all for believing in me.
Do you believe in Dreams, in Callings, in Destiny?
If you do, click on the link, and then pass it along.

Thanks for reading!

-Erin. Owen, Emery, and the Gestating One.....
;)

Placenta fun!

2011-08-25T21:56:00.000-05:00

I may be the only person reading my own blog, that considers this a "fun" conversation. Perhaps it has something to do with educationg others, perhaps it has something to do with being a Birth Junkie, or maybe it just so happens to be so near and dear tomy heart, who knows......
I mentioned casually on facebook that I didn't necessarily conider my self a Hardcore Home Birther, but that I did do some of the things listed.....
This is the response I got.
I love how it took a turn and let me reveal a bit more about myself, my plans, and gave me the opportunity to share my passion.
Enjoy!
Thanks everyone who shared their comments and insight, its much appreciated!
Erin Young via I gave birth at home. Not brave. Not crazy. Just educated.
I guess I could be considered an HHB by my more "mainstream" friends. :) I just consider myself a Birth Junkie...... :)

Melody OH MY GOSH!

Melody Sorry but that is FREAKING nasty! There is no reason to do that! COWS do that! We are not cows!
Erin Young I'm just curious Melody what is shocking to you about this? I'd love your input! :) I had my son at home, and I'm having thew one I'm growing in belly at home too!
Melody That is fine to have your baby at home. But to eat your placenta is NASTY
Erin Young Cows do what? Eat their placents or give birth at home? Im not eating my placenta but I'm encapsulting it http://www.kxan.com/dpp/health/placenta-used-to-fight-baby-blues

Placenta used to fight 'baby blues' | KXAN.com
www.kxan.com
It is an unusual way to fight postpartum depression, but a pillmade from placent...a is being touted as the natural way of fightingthe baby blues.See More
Erin Young Tons of benefits! check out the link!
Melody GROSS GROSS GROSS! I don't even want to see mine.
Erin Young What?! Why? Your body made it and nourished your baby for nine months! It's an organ created just for pregnancy, and then it gets tossed out with the trash. We buried our sons in the garden.
Erin Young To each his or her own...... I love educating people aboutit ! Iguess that canbe added to the hardcore homebirther list... :)
Nancy So placenta is being used to make an anti depressant? for postpartum depression am I right?
Jessica lol ok i wouldnt want to eat mine either, but i did want to see it, not that i got too... i plan on doing things completely different with my next delivery, im not brave enough for a home delivery but i want to attempt to go drug free... what does capsulating the placenta do?
Jasmine
There is no medical evidence of placenta encapsulation being effective for individuals with postpartum depression or psychosis. At best the evidence has been anecdotal and placebo. Moreover the article called steaming and encapsulating your... placenta "a natural process", which it is not. The sensitive neuro-proteins that are touted to ward off depression would be, at best, depleted if not destroyed in the streaming/drying process...
Jessica is that what it is erin? ^^^
Erin Young
‎Jasmine does have more experience with PPD than myself, and she is correct in the fact that process used could deplete the good stuff found in the placenta, however, it all depends on the tempertaure and lenghth of time its exp...osed to that temperature.
I want to do it more for healing benefits ie:) increased milk production, quicker lochia dispersement, hormonal balance, energy.....
This link talks about it more from an Oriental medicine/Eastern stance. Which is much more what I'm after.

http://placentabenefits.info/medicinal.asp

Placenta Benefits.info - Medicinal Benefits of Placentophagy
placentabenefits.info
Placenta as Medicine - medicinal benefits of placentophagy
Erin Young This has turned into a really interesting chat, I Think I'm going to post this on my blog...... :) Keep it coming ladies, and Jasmine--- I LOVE your insight! Thanks!
Jessica hmmmm this is very informative! even if i didnt use these techniques i love learning about it
Erin Young I like sharing the knowledge!
Jasmine Biologically you can't get passed that fact that any process OUTSIDE of eating it raw destroys the "medicinal" benefits of placenta encapsulation. Heat up oxytocin outside of the body and it breaks down. Moreover lower animals, according to biological studies, eat their placenta for reasons that nourished higher mammals don't need to...
Erin Young Good point. So, why has ancient chinese medicine been doing it this way for so long? Jana do you have any insight into this?

Jasmine Ancient Chinese Medicine has been doing lots of things for a long time that are debunked. Poverty, Religion, Tradition, Social/Cultural normalization amongst other things keep it going doesn't mean it is valuable for what it claims to treat...

So readers, what do you think?!

12 weeks.....and some days.

2011-07-28T18:53:00.001-05:00

I'm 12 weeks pregnant.

That means that twelve weeks ago, a miracle happened when a piece of me, and a piece of my amazing husband found each other and made Someone enitirely new. ( I don't figure my dates the same way Doctors do, because I'm a unique individual. If I did, then I would be 14 weeks and some days).

I figured that by now I'd have more energy, I'd be more "glowy" and NOT so pregnant looking.
Seriously. I look like I'm five months pregnant.
I'm having a hard time with it, because I feel like I never really got back to my pre-pregnancy weight after Emery, so, I feel really big, and I'm already wearing Maternity clothes which are almost never very flattering unless you're super tiny and just have a baby bump and no extra padding, like me.

I have no idea wether there is a girl or a boy growing in me either. With Emery I had dreams. Dreams of a little boy....
This time around....nothing.
I don't really want to know either.

I want to be surprised.

Owen wants to find out.

Emery hasn't really grasped the idea yet either.

I'm worried that he'll be jealous, that he won't like the baby, that things will be really rough for quite a while. I 'm not sure how to get past that.

I'm also worried abot going back to work after the baby. With Emery I didnt work for a while, and then when I didgo back to work I was nannying so he got to come with me. I didn't have to worry about pumping breastmilk for him because he was with me. Its a good thing I didn't have to either because I never could get more than an ounce or two to actually pump.

I have a full time job. I have a lot of responsibilty. I can't take the baby to work with me. We can't really afford to put a baby in daycare, and honestly, 6 weeks is too young in my opinion to be in the care of someone other than me for a large chunk of the day, I'm just not comfortable with it.

I'm not sure where I had planned on going with this post, but that's okay because I didn't really realize I felt this way about some things. Typing it all out is sort of therapeutic.

I guess this pregnancy is becoming more real to me, not that it wasn't real, I just hadn't really envisioned what the future looks like as a family of four.

Interesting.

And so very Exciting!

I can't wait to see how this all plays out!

Thanks for reading. :)

CARS!

2011-07-03T14:31:00.000-05:00

We took Emery to see Cars 2 in 3D last night. He was such a trooper. He wore his kid size glasses the whole time. He sat quietly on mine or daddy's lap, and he didn't make a peep ( unless it was something like "Go Mater!" or "Lightening McQueen is so fast!". He even mastered the art of finding the bag of popcorn in the dark and shoving handfuls in his mouth without taking his eyes of the screen. When it was all done, he didn't want to leave.

Horrible ,awful, terrible, no good...yet wonderful day

2011-06-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

My sister called me last night and told me that my nephew might have cancer. Let me give you the back story.
Barrick is the first born to my baby brother. He is a joy to be around. He's an amazing big brother, he's very smart, sweet, caring, so affecionate, and funny!
This little boy has been through a lot in his short life. My brother and Barrick's mom married young, and didn't quite grow together. The end of their relationship was rough, and Barrick was caught in the middle, he was also subjected to a lot of tough stuff at the hands of caretakers, and then a bitter custody battle, finally to be completey signed over to my brother. Last week he was visiting his mother and got to spend time with Nana (my mom) when his mom was at work.
Nana noticed that his face was a bit swollen and figured he was cutting his five year molars. As time went on, the swelling wasn't going away. The insurance card was in TX with my brother so they took him to the ER. The ER doctors felt it was a bacterial/viral infection that was possibly clogging a salivary gland and prescribed a strong dose of antibiotics.
Fast forward to last night.
The round of antibiotics is done and the swelling is still evident. He has a fever that spikes and won't come down with medicine so back to ER they go.
That's when my sister called me. They admitted last night for blood tests and whatnot, and then this morning decided that he needed to see a pediatric oncologist.
Once the oncologist saw him, he was life flighted to Ft. Worth.
Its definitely cancer. We just don't know what kind. Its either Sarcoma, or Lymphoma.
Tomorrow they're doing a biopsy, and a bone marrow test in order to determine the type, stage, and treatment. I don't really have anything else to say about this right now. I'm just so heartbroken. I'm not sure where to go from here, or what to say to my brother in order to ease his mind. It just is. And it just sucks.
In other news, Emery stucka rock in his ear again yesterday. I took him to the pediatricina this morning and they tried to flush it out with water. Three bottles of water to be exact.
He hated it, and the rock didn't come out. So, we were referred to an ENT.
Right after leaving the pediatric office we had to rush across town because I was late for the appointment with April Bullock of Birthwise. She and I seemed to click, and she has midwifed a few couples that I know. I originally stumbled upon her in my attempt to find a midwife to apprentice with, then when I found out we were having #2, it just seemed like she would be someone that I would be comfortable with, and I was. As an added bonus, my insurance will pay her and I can have a homebirth, or if I chose to, at her Birthing Center. My next appointment is next week and we'll start the whole prenatal process with the health history, and the stats, and measuring and all that.

After April's appointment, Emery and I grabbed a bite to eat at a fast food place (ugh, disgusting I know, but its literally all we had time to do--and I was starving!), and then drove across town again for the ENT appointment. The ENT and I joked about things kids put in their ears, and how boys are boys all the while he was "looking" in Emery's ear with his tweezer type tool and a bright light. Literally 2 minutes later he pulled out a giant rock. Seriously, it was bigger than the pink one removed last time (shown in this picture). Emery didn't even make a peep, and it cost us a lot less than the last one.

So, with all of that, this has been a day full of emotions. I'm exhausted, and now, I'm watching "The Voice" with a nice glass of ginger ale to soothe my tummy. I love you all. thanks for your prayers and encouragement.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T22:11:00.000-05:00

Old picture of my big boy at the dentist!

Funny Bone Defensive Driving

2011-05-20T19:54:00.000-05:00

I was in a wreck about a month ago. It was my "fault" because the brakes were bad and I ran a red light t-boning a car passing through the intersection. Because my driving record it so impeccable (ha!) I was allowed to take a Defensive Driving Course in order to have my ticket dismissed. It's been a process, and I'm still not done. Today was my Defensive Driving class. There are lots of options when choosing a course. I opted for this particular one because I would rather be entertained than sit in front of a computer, or listen to some Monotone teacher preach at me about how I shouldn't drive the way I do.

Six hours later, this is what I took away from it.

Dana, the instructor, walked a fine line between being mildly funny, (lots of dry jokes and puns), and very professionally serious when talking about the most important matters.

Lesson 1~ DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE PEOPLE, JUST DON'T DO IT!

The dry jokes and puns were a much needed distraction from the mundane common sense items discussed that obviously some of the attendees definitely needed to re-learn.

The highlight of my day though was our lunch break.

We were given Austin's Pizza as our lunch. Totally paid for. We were also told that the company matches 100% whatever it is that the delivery drivers receive in tips and all that money goes to fund Autism research. Good cause right? I'm still researching the truth in this statement, so don't hold me to that.

But, I digress....

So, Dana went elsewhere for lunch. I'm sure after teaching 3000 plus classes, one gets tired of eating pizza. I would have gone elsewhere as well, if I could have.
We as a class, ate our pizza, and returned to the classroom to finish out our 6 hour "adult time-out" day.

We were waiting patiently for his return, and waiting, and waiting. He finally showed up 15 minutes later and informed us he had been in a wreck--in the parking lot. His first in 12 years.

Lesson 2~
SLOW DOWN PEOPLE! RUSHING IS DANGEROUS AND DOESN'T REALLY SAVE YOU ANYMORE THAN A COUPLE OF MINUTES-MAX.

Really those are the most important things I learned today, oh- wait and you can get fined $2500 max for throwing cigarette butts out the window in TX. Due to high drought conditions, a cigg *could* be considered Hazardous material. (they can cause fires yo!)

Lesson 3~
QUIT SMOKING-AND DON'T LITTER!

Thanks for reading.....
-Erin

2011-05-20T01:50:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching "Pregnant in America".

I first heard about the movie waaaay back before we moved from Fayetteville to Portland (Gresham if you want to get technical). I stumbled across a Myspace page for it actually. It was still in production, but the director and his wife were creating a buzz about it. Once we arrived in Oregon I avidly checked up on it via the myspace page, and nearly offered to support a showing of it, but I had no one to show it to at the time, I hadn't found my niche In Oregon yet, so I passed.

Then Emery was born. Things changed pretty vastly after that, midwifery pursuit and Birthingway were all put on hold for lots of reasons. I discovered Facebook, deleted my myspace account and we moved back to Texas.
Now, here we are in Austin. I'm trying deperately to find my path to midwifery. Desperately. Everyday I'm searching, looking, hoping, scouring every source that I know of, waiting for that AH-HA moment to say, " Here Erin, this is they way, do it this way." With no luck...yet.

So, being bored, I decided to peruse Hulu for a movie to watch...BAM! There it is, "Pregnant in America".
I know this movie.....could it be?
The Full thing?!
Not just a clip.....wow!

So.

Now the Activist in me is all sorts of riled up!

Curse you Cytotec!
Curse you Pharmaceutical Companies!!
Curse you insurance companies!!!
Curse you Medical Industry!!!!
Curse us America for not allowing our women, our mothers, our society, our culture to know that natural birth is possible!!!!!!

All that being said-

Thank you advanced medical Technology to help when needed, but please, stay out of Birth until you are needed, and only when you are needed.
Thank you Insurance companies for supporting families, when it is needed.
Thank you America for being a nation that allows people, women, families, the right to choose their own way of doing things, now let it happen that way, please.

Maybe my life-calling/career goal list shouldn't read like this:

1. Become a Midwife
2. See Number 1.

Maybe, just maybe, it should read like this:

1. Become as educated as possible on the "flawed" aspects of the Birth culture in America.
2. Share this knowledge with all who will hear it!
3. Become A childbirth Educator (this is a great platform to share this knowledge!)
4. Become a Certified Doula. Advocate for those vulnearbale women at the mercy of the medical "McDonal-ized" Medical system.
5. Become a Midwife. (I may be 70 by the time it happens, but it WILL happen.)

Are you readers still willing to hold me accountable?
I'm going to need it.

-Erin

Wordless Wednesday-only a day late....

2011-05-19T10:53:00.000-05:00

Change is the only constant.

2011-05-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

The significance of the name change is that it means so much to me. There is so much wrapped up in these yellow 'weeds'. They are a very healing plant, yet most just consider them an annoying weed. For me, they are a symbol of constant rebirth and tenacity.

There is a song called "Dandelions" by a band named Five Iron Frenzy.

http://www.lyricstime.com/five-iron-frenzy-dandelions-lyrics.html

The lyrics are this:

In a field of yellow flowers,

underneath the sun,

bluest eyes that spark with lightning,

boy with shoes undone.
He is young, so full of hope,

reveling in tiny dreams,
filling up, his arms with flowers,

right for giving any queen.

Running to her beaming bright,

while cradling his prize.

A flickering of yellow light,

within his mother's eyes.

She holds them to her heart,
keeping them where they'll be safe,

clasped within her very marrow,

dandelions in a vase.

She sees love, where anyone else would see weeds.
all hope is found.
Here is everything he needs.

Fathomless your endless mercy,

weight I could not lift.

Where do I fit in this puzzle,

what good are these gifts?
Not a martyr, or a saint,

scarcely can I struggle through.

All that I have ever wanted,
was to give my best to you.

Lord, search my heart,

create in me something clean.
Dandelions
you see flowers in these weeds.

Gently lifting hands to heaven,
softened by the sweetest hush,

a Father sings over his children,

loving them so very much.

More than words could warrant,

deeper than the darkest blue,

more than sacrifice could merit,

Lord, I give my heart to you

I first heard it in High School and thought it was just a fun catchy tune. As I grew, it took on so much more meaning for me. I saw my future in that song. Love, Marriage, Motherhood, Worship.

Now I have a son with the bluest eyes.

I have a son that calls me Princess.

I have a son, that brings me Dandelions.

I struggle everyday to find out what my gifts are,

how they can be used,

if I'm doing all that I need to do to Glorify God.

I have a family that I love, and am so thankful for everyday.

Now, I can barely listen to this song without crying.

This blog was started to keep far away family informed, and updated on what's happening in our lives.

It's turned itno something different for me, and I hope you all don't mind where I might go with this blog. Maybe it'll be easier for me to maintain if I feel more vested in it.

Maybe.

Here's your challenge:

Keep me accountable.

Thanks for being you, we love you all!

-Erin

Austin

2011-05-03T22:26:00.000-05:00

We made it! We're here!

There is still a lot of unpacking, organizing and situating to do. Nearly all of our belongings have been in storage for the past three years so we're also doing a lot of sorting and sifting as well.

Emery loves his new bedroom and is settling nicely into his new chaotic schedule. He sleeps in his own twin size bed, in his own room, and allllllll of his toys -trampoline included.

With both Owen and I working full time, our poor little guy is spending about 8-11 hours a day in daycare. :( I'm not happy about that at all. so, that doesn't give us much family time, and our weekends blaze past in a blur, and finding weekend childcare hasn't been the easiest.

All that aside, we're happy here! we'll be sure to keep you posted on all thats going on......if I can find time to update the blog!

2010-06-13T21:44:00.001-05:00

I have reached the conclusion that if I want to maintain this blog, I will need to update via phone. So sad. My posts will be short and to the point from here

A post of pictures from the past few months......Enjoy!

2010-01-25T11:25:00.000-06:00

This was taken on the car ride back from Arkansas.

He likes to stand up and stick his head out of the sunroof.

This is the driveway between Aunt Christi's and Nana's.

Emery and Zoe when we went to see the lights on the square.

Emery and Dawn.

Zoe and Emery shared marshmallows, in bed.

Christmas Morning.

Helping Daddy put together daddy's gift.

Emery with his cousins Breonna and Joshua.

Nana and Emery

Emery playing with his train.

His Christmas Eve present from Aunt Gina.

The Rennaissance Faire.

Decorating the tree.

Decorating the Gingerbread house.

I think He's hiding the red hair somewhere.

2010-01-21T14:07:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that its been so long since I've posted anything! Christmas and january for that matter have come and gone Before you know it, it will be Emery's second birthday1 I'll try to post again before that happens.

Emery update? He went to the doctor a few weeks ago and she decided that he needed allergy medicine. So he gets a dose of that everyday. Along with his vitamins. which he would take three times a day if we would let him.
He is so smart. He can go to the cabinet and get out the ones that are his, and the ones that are mine, and the ones that Owen takes. Nobody has told him either. He just knows.

He is such an amazingly strong-willed, courageous, fearless, little spitfire. I swear his tow-headedness is just a guise, secretly it is really red. :) For example: lately he has been waking up at 4:00 every morning screaming at the top of his lungs for milk. I'm trying so very hard to night wean him to no avail. Owen said he's like a junkie going through withdrawals. If I didn't work so much I think things would be a little bit different. I need my sleep to work. It seems that sleep is really hard for me. I have a really awful time going to sleep and then if I don't get my full 8-10 hours, I'm a terrible awful no good, horrible mommy and wife. (I'm literally unbearable)Emery NEEDS his milk to make it through the night apparently. Last night I implemented the 4:30 am snack. Popcorn. It didn't help. he was awake until 5:30. and ready to start his day at 8.
Sigh. I digress.
When he eats, be sure that your are super alert, or you'll end up wearing his food. He tends to throw it when he's full, and just for good measure, occasionally his utensil will follow. This is honestly a daily ritual. We can't seem to get him to stop.
This morning I gave him a bowl of dry Life cereal. No problem. Once he started getting low, I added Cheerios. Emery then shouted, " Mo-om, spoon." I gave him a spoon, to which he replied. "mulk, mulk, mulk, mulk..." incessantly until I poured some milk into the bowl. Apparently all cereal, unless cheerios, must be eaten dry. Otherwise once the cheerios have been completely removed from the bowl, the remaining mushiness (Life cereal) and the entire bowl that contains it is to be thrown at Mommy.
Then he had the audacity to ask for eggs. I figured that he hadn't eaten enough cereal so I scrambled an egg for him. He was doing a wonderful job of scooping small pieces onto his spoon and putting the morsels into his mouth so I began to clean up the cereal mess. I look up and see Emery dumping the whole bowl of eggs over the side of his high chair tray, and then as if to make sure it wouldn't float back up magically, he drops the bowl on top, and throws his spoon into the floor.
Needless to say, he helped me clean that mess up, and had a time out.

Two days agao Owen and I took emery to a nearby school playground. He has been to this playground on a couple of occasions with Owen and Grandad. As soon as Owen got him out of the car and put him down, Emery took of running across the parking lot. He tripped over an uneven spot and began to stumble. I watched in slow motion as my baby landed on all fours, then his hands slid out from underneath him and he wacked his chin on the pavement. He jumped up. asked me to wipe his hands off ( he doesn't like them to be dirty) and trotted away with out shedding a tear. (I think it hurt me way more thatn him!) He had some skin missing from his little knees, ankles, and hands, but didn't seem to notice. Soon he was climbing the U-shaped ladder up to the top level of the equipment trying to slide down the slide by himself -head first.

I think it's gonna be a bumpy ride folks!

My next post, I'll try to post pictures from the last few months, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Arkansas trip. Blah, blah, blah.
Ciao.

Intentionally Honest- which leaves me feeling raw, open, and vulnerable.

2009-11-13T22:31:00.000-06:00

My friend Jasmine tagged me to write ten honest things about me. Since this is the only blog I have, and semi-keep up with, I guess this is where it will be written.
I suppose this is a good thing because really, the people I started this blog for don't ever read it anymore-and if they do, they'll learn some things about me.

1) I struggle daily with a raging temper. I'll scream, yell, and say nasty things. The problem is: I don't know why I'm so angry.

2) Because of number one, I feel like an awful mother a lot of the time. I feel like I'm going to somehow scar Emery for life causing him to be an awful friend, partner, and father when he is older.

3)I love, love, love my job. It actually is inspiring me to do more with alternative medicine/Health/Natural Healing beyond just massage therapy and Midwifery (Maybe possibly a Naturopathic Doctor or a Nutritionist someday?!) However, I hate, hate, hate leaving Emery every day. I want to be the one teaching him things, and watching him grow.

4) Because of number 1, 2, and 3, I am terrified of having another child, but lately it creeps into my every spare moment when I'm allowed to think about future possibilities.

5)I love Owen more and more each day and I am amazed at what a blesing from God he is in my life. I don't show him, or tell him this enough.

6) I don't know how to keep a home neat, clean and tidy. It drives me nuts to be surrounded by clutter, disorder, and chaos, yet I also find it strangely cozy.
I was never taught to 'clean', and I don't have the self-discipline to start a regimen all my own. I secretly hope and wish that I absorb housewifey skills as such from Judy (my mother-in-law ) while we are blessed to be sharing a home with them while Owen is in school.

7) I feel really alone a lot of the time. I really miss my family and my friends in Arkansas. I get sad when I think about them and I wish I could go see them right now.

8) As much as I complained about Oregon ("it rains, and rains, and it was too cool, and it rains, a nd we are so far away from everyone") I miss it, and all the friends we made while we were there.

9) I'm trying to wean Emery, for convenience sake, but I don't really want to. I want to let him nurse until he weans himself.

10) I spend far too much time on facebook, Blogger, and mothering.com. I guess that stems from me feeling alone a lot of time. Hi friends!

Pictures are worth a thousand words......

2009-11-06T17:02:00.000-06:00

......or so they say. Here is what happened in October, as told by pictures.

The first official haircut

2009-10-26T11:23:00.000-05:00

The pictures loaded in backwards order, so the first pictures you see are the "after" shots, and the last are the "before".

I didn't want to do it. I imagined his hair being very rockstar-ish. Somewhat long in the back, and curly. Yet, shorter in the front. NOT a mullet, but surfer-style. Do you know what I'm talking about?

Anyway, it didn't turnout that way. His bangs were getting in his eyes, and he was waking up with matted curls in the back. Owen said he had a mullet. So we went to get it cut. Here are the pictures. He's still adorable. He just looks more grown up.

Am I supposed to be blogging about this stuff?

2009-10-22T23:23:00.000-05:00

It seems as if nearly all the mommy bloggers I know post regular updates on their little ones and the different milestones that they reach. I fully inteneded on doing this when I started this blog, but clearly I have failed. So, here's your update.

Just so you know, Emery is an official toddler He's 18 months old. He's so much fun, and truly so much work. But, he's loved, soooo much. By everyone. He's a lucky boy. :)

We got his haircut today. We spent way too much moneyto go to a place that caters to kids. You know, those places that have chairs shaped like firetrucks, and taxis, and airplane. The place that plays loud obnoxious "kid-friendly" videos really close to their face in hopes of distracting them from the stranger holding sharp objects near ther eyes.
It was pointless. He was truly more interested in the stranger weilding a sharp object near his face to pay attention to the video. In fact, I think he enjoyed it. There were no tears, no meltdowns. He took it like a, well, like a little boy. He looks so much older now. I miss his long curly mop, but also love how grown up he looks. ;) (Pictures coming soon!)

I've been working. A lot. In order to give Grandma a break, I'm in the process of finding an affordable Motessori school. In all actuality it isn't really feasible to pay that kind of money, and we could use the government to help pay for daycare. But I feel like he should be well, learning something instead just playing. Am I wrong?

Emery says:

2009-09-30T09:03:00.000-05:00

Emery is sitting on my lap, and he wants to type so:

gh n xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxz
kj klkl mll r hglvhjm,ll,,m , .l.gkgjjgjhjjc rf f ,mn mn vvvvvvvvvvvvvv
c v bbbbbbbbbbbbbb ,mmgt
Love, Emery

So, I guess he likes the space bar, and the comma, and he thinks he's management.
:)

My heart has a skinned knee

2009-09-17T22:59:00.000-05:00

I got a new job. That will pay me m re and I'll be working the same hours, if not more, and it's a lot closer to the house, like blocks away. It's working in the healthy living department of a grocery store. I'm familiar with this stuff cause I did it for two years at Ozark Natural Foods. I'm excited! Bring on the healthy stuff!

Emery turned 17 months old on the 15th. Technically speaking I don't think he's considered a toddler until he's 18 months old. PSHAW! Have you seen my son? Have you had a conversation with him? He's a genius, and so very advanced for his age. He's been doing very toddler like things.

First, he went to the park today with Grandma. She said he went down the really big tall twisty slide all by himself. He rode on the merry-go-round and climbed the rock wall. She said she was really impressed with all the things he could do. She said it was like he had grown up a bit since last time at the park.

Then, the other day he put a roll-on bottle of pain-relieving capsacin in his mouth.......without the cap. I called poison control and they told me to give him yogurt and milk. His lips and mouth turned bright red and they swelled. He only cried for a few seconds and then he was fine. I felt so awful! I literally had just taken a mascara tube from him (that he had taken the lid off and was trying to put it in his mouth) seconds before.

Finally, he also fell and scraped his knee. It was one of the scrapes that break the skin, but only slightly. Just enough for the blood to peek through but not really go anywhere. It's like the top layer of skin gets removed. It hurts. I remember. It hurts even more when it's your baby, and they've never experienced anything like that before. He didn't cry. He whimpered and whined and grabbed his leg and said "Knee! Knee!" over and over again. I kissed it.
Owen says he's tough. I think so too. I guess I need to get tough too. He truly is "a piece of my heart walking around in the world."

Still here, somewhere.........

2009-09-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

I can't beleive it's been solong since I've updated! We've had some issues here. Great Grandma Gowen ahd to have a toe amputated sue to some Diabetes complications, and Grandma (Judy, Owen's mom) had a stroke. Computer time hasn't been a high priority. All is well, and almost completely back to normal now. :)

In case you haven't noticed, I sort of gave up on my daily/monthly graces. I'm still greatful for each and every day though!

You want an Emery update? Of course you do!
Let's see.......

He runs, he climbs, he jabbers (in both baby, er, toddler gibberish, and sign language). He loves to read books. He'll bring them to you, turn around with his back to you and step backwards until he is either up against your legs, or in your lap. Then he'll turn the pages for you. Any book will do, it seems like the thicker and heavier the better. (I found him sitting in the kitchen this afternoon flipping through an upside down Southern Living cookbook of Grandma's. I guess he's following in Daddy's footsteps already!
He has new obsession with keys. He loves keys (made up his own sign for key as a matter of fact!)and knows that they are used to open doors, and start cars. Speaking of cars.....he knows that cars go vroom, and he'll tell you about it, just ask him what a car says. One of his other favorite things is to go driving. It doesn't matter if he's riding in his car seat while you actually drive somewhere, or if you actually go and physically sit in the parked car, in the driveway and let him twist and turn the steering wheel. It's all the same to him. He'll look at you with those gorgeous baby blues and say, "Drive? Zzzooooom!" while he is signing car (both fists held as if they are on a steering wheel). Love it!

We are considering putting him in a Mother's Day Out program at the church. It's two days a week, and would give him some much needed interaction with other little one's and give me few hours to be "Erin", and not "Mama!" Funding for this idea has yet to surface though. Anyone want to donate?!

Okay, though I have much more to say, I hear a little boy waking , so I gotta go......
More to come, Stay tuned!

Day 29....I'm a slacker.

2009-06-17T16:40:00.000-05:00

I can't seem to find the time to post my 5 daily graces. So I've decided to do weekly of graces starting today, and this will be a lump post to sort of get me back on track.

1) I have a job!
2) I'm managing to avoid the heat by staying inside and entertaining Emery, I'm finding myself to be creative!
3) I went to a LLL meeting!
4) Emery's molars are through!
5) Farmer's Markets!

Two Days of Grace, and an update

2009-06-05T16:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday (Day 16)
1. Making Scrambled eggs, I haven't forgotten how to cook completely
2. Owen coming home early because he finished his mid-terms
3. Going to Splash Town with Owen and Emery
4. I got to take a looooooooooooooong shower!
5. Early bedtime for all

Today (Day 17)
1. Early chillax time with Emery cause he was soooo fussy this morning (the molars are almost through!)
2. Getting prettied up cause today...
3. I had an interview!!!!
4. Mother in-law watched E for me while I went to be questioned.
5. Emery napping with Owen so I can blog.

After typing all this out, I realized that I haven't been updating regularly about Emery and what he's been up to lately.

He's a walking machine! He's practically running, and he can climb like nobody's business.
He signs more, eat, flower, dog and bath. He says: hello, no-no, mama, apo(apple), da(dad), guh(grandma), guh-da(grandad), kee(kitty), bah(ball), dah(dog), wah(water), shoe, go, bee-buh(bellybutton), and up. He also blows kisses and waves to anyone he sees when we leave a place, or a room. Very cute, yet unnerving when he's waving and blowing kisses to strangers. I love every minute of it! Wow. 15 words, that's impressive!
He's also showing interest in potty training. He almost never poops in his diaper, and most of the time we catch him before he pees in his diaper. As far as breastfeedign goes..... he nurses a lot in the morning, and when he falls asleep at night. Sometimes he'll wake up to nurse around 4 in the am. His daytime nursing is down to naps, and ouchies. I think he's well on his way to weaning. :(

Grace Day 15

2009-06-02T22:26:00.000-05:00

Sleeping in

Having Emery free time while he was with Grandad

Proofreading Owen's papaer,a nd feelinglike I was actually helping

Snicker's DARK

Emery asleep in his bed...again

Graces 9-14

2009-06-01T21:26:00.000-05:00

I've been pretty busy lately. Emery is in the midst of potty-training, cutting molars, learning to sleep in his own bed, and is in the beginnings of night-weaning. I'm not trying to make this lump grace posting a habit, I promise. Bear with me!

Day 9
1. Weeding the garden and noticing that we have carrots coming up
2. Also noticing that we have a ton of basil,
3. and some squash blossoms
4. the splash pool in the front yard with Emery
5. the splash pool with Emery for the second time in one day
Day 10
1. Story time at the library
2. Emery going pee on the potty at story time at the library
3. Finding a book about a nursing toddler named Michelle at the library
4. Knowing that I am instilling a love for reading and books in my son
5. Picking up some books for Owen so he could do a project at school. (he's working so hard and loving every minute of it!)
Day 11
Just one for today, but it's really all five:
1. Being Emery's mommy! He' s so full of life!
Day 12
1. Alone time with Emery, even if it was just to the grocery store
2. Weeding the garden with the hubs, and noticing that we have to different kinds of chard.
3. Splash pool in the front yard, in my non-mom bathing suit with Emery
4. Realizing that I have started a ritual of walking around the block after dinner, with my family
5. Emery falling asleep without nursing, just cuddles and stories.
Day 13
1. A solo trip with Emery to Splashtown
2. Sliding down numerous water slides with my fearless little boy on my lap
3. Taking a bath with Emerya nd hearing him laugh long, loud and hard when the water cup wouldn't stay on my head.
5. Scheduling an interview for employment at at bead shop, a job is a job!
Day 14
1. Mom-in-law's delicious oatmeal for breakfast
2. Moving Emery's co-sleeper upstairs and him actually napping in it
3. Grilled meatloaf for dinner, Yup. Meatloaf, cooked on the grill.
4. Having time to updat e the blog because
5. Emery is asleep in his co-sleeper, upstairs. Alone!

Graces: Days 5-8

2009-05-26T17:40:00.000-05:00

I'm cheating here a bit. This was a really busy weekend. So busy in fact that I didn't answer my phone so I have calls to return! So, with that being said I will list some graces (not 20 like I should, but a few)

1) Spending time with the family (this includes the Great Grandma's!)
2) Watching Emery as he figured out how to spin in circles
3)Watching Emery as he figured out how to open the safety gate that keeps him in the kitchen and out of the formal living room. He was so proud of himself! It was hard to be upset with him.
4)Watching Emery as he delighted in running around playing in the fountain with the big kids
5)Having S'mores that were made on the grill
6)Emery touching myhair and saying "pretty"
7)Finding a Doctor that would see Emery even though we don't have insurnce and aren't vaccinating...yet
8)Listening as Emery and Daddy play together...his laughs are heavenly!

Graces Day 4

2009-05-22T14:31:00.000-05:00

1) Library Story time with Emery
2) Playing at the Park with Emery
3) Having time to Job hunt while Emery hung out with Grandad
4) Owen coming home early
5) Falling asleep befor 1AM

Graces Day 3

2009-05-20T17:56:00.001-05:00

1) Sleeping in
2) Having time to myself while Emery hung out with Grandma and Grandad
3)Owen coming home Early and taking a nap with Emery and I
4)Laughing at Cowboy who had his hair cut like a lion at the groomer's
5) A nice enjoyable, cool walk around the block with the goofy looking dog and the boy.

Graces day 2...the next day

2009-05-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

1) I didn't get a chance to post yesterday because I was in Mommy-mode all day with my little toddler.
2) Spending quality time with the mom-in-law
3) Lunch at Chick-Fil-A (healthy food for the boy, and he ate it all!)
4) Naptime with Owen and Emery
5) Working on our marriage with the help of the Penner's book Restoring the Pleasure

Finding My Graces...Day 1

2009-05-17T10:46:00.001-05:00

Yeah. So, blogging by phone is a good idea in theory. Unfortunately I'm allowed only 160 characters on my outgoing massages on my phone, so they have to be short posts. This one is going to be a bit longer.

I've decided to try something new.

You see, lately I've been feeling a bit out of sorts. I've been grumpy, and bitter and on occasion just down right mean.

I think I'm gonna try something new to change my outlook on life. On a blog that I read quite frequently(Baby makes Three), Katie Baskins has been taking part in the "Grace in Small Things Movement". The ways in which she finds grace inspire me.
I'm gonna give it a shot people. If your interested in taking part yourself, click on the badge at the top of the page to read all the details.

My 5 graces for today are:

1) Emery waking me up this morning by crawling over on top of me, and grabbing my face with his hands.
2) Having a delicious breakfast made by my amazing, handsome husband
3) Enjoying said breakfast with my amazing, handsome husband
4) Emery going to the potty with Grandma instead of Mommy or Daddy (he's growing up so fast, and becoming so independant!)
5) The cool draft that has hit Spring, TX (it feels like Oregon!)

2009-05-14T14:38:00.001-05:00

I am so amazed by my beautiful little boy. It seems as if he learns two or three new things every day. He is so vibrant and full of life! I love being his mom!

2009-05-13T11:58:00.001-05:00

I never seem to have time to sit down and type out a blog post so..... I set up my phone to blog. This is a test. This is only a test!

Catch up!

2009-05-01T12:46:00.000-05:00

I promise I'm trying to be abetter blogger...

To catch you up:
Emery is one now. He walks. He climbs. He dances, He "sings". He signs. He says words. He poops on the potty and most of the time he pees on the potty. He eats solid food like a teenage boy. Owen says he's getting his driver's license next week.

Owen starts school on Monday. He'll be gone from 7am to 5pm every day. He looks retty spiffy in his chef get up:black and white checked pants. Black non-skid shoes. White chef's coat. White chefs hat. Apron, and either a red or yellow neckercheif (they are like belts in karate and he doesn't know which color he's supposed to wear yet).

I mailed off my application to have my Arkansas massage licensed reinstated yesterday. Once that happens, I'll be switching it over to Texas. I also had a job offer for a anny position. The boy is !5months old and they live about 15 minutes from here. Three days a week, six hours a day.
Also a position in a bead store. Nothing fancy, but maybe I could learn how tomake soem sweet jewelery. Between two part time jobs, maybe We could save some cash ans when we move back to Oregon possible have some moolah for a down payment on a casa. Awwwww. BIG DREAMS!

2009-04-05T11:33:00.001-05:00

I've been a terrible blogger lately.
I'm sorry.
Forgive me?

Things here in Houston, are well, busy.
I assumed that once we got here life would slow down a bit. You've heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child? Well, we've got our village, and they are helping raise our child, but things haven't slowed down at all! How does that work?

Since we've been here, we've planted a garden, cleaned out a room, unpacked way to much stuff, been to the zoo, been to the Children's Festival, visited a home that Owen's mom grew up in, and had pictures taken. I have some pictures to post, but our camera cord is MIA.

Emery's birthday is next week, 10 days from now, exactly.
I'm making him a cupcake "cake" and aranging them like an alligator. We're going to go to the park and play. That's all nothing fancy. :)
Signing has exploded for Emery! He's mastered "more", "Mommy", "Daddy", "drink" and "eat", and almost "flower". He can say cat, Kitty, dog, Mama, Daddy, Sweetie, and Hi. He loves to say hi!
He officially became a walker yesterday. He's been sort of 'walking' for a while but for some reason yesterday it just sort of clicked and he toddles around like nobody's business. He's also realized that temper tantrums are way cool. (I don't agree!) I guess they aren't full fledged tantrums, but they may eventually turn into them if we don't figure out how to communicate better with him. Any suggestions? :)

Two weeks to go...

2009-03-02T19:44:00.000-06:00

It's March so we are officially out of here in two weeks. Oops. Two weeks? We have soooo much to do! Has anyone seen Emery? I know he's around here somewhere.....

February has come and gone. I love February. I guess it's because it's my Birthday month, and it's the shortest month so that makes it unique. Alot happened in February. Emery turned 10 months old. The next day he took two steps, that hasn't happened since, but I know he can do it. He outgrew all of his 9 month clothes and the majority of his 12 month clothes. He learned how to say kitty, and cat. He also learned how to wave bye-bye, sign "more" (but he doesn't always use it), drink from a straw, climb (and he climbs quickly and well!), and make the Indian noise (I'll post a video later).

Valentine's Day was wonderful! Owen made Duck ala L'orange for the main course, and for dessert, flambeed strawberries and cherries over melted cheesecake. Yum!

I had a great Birthday. I got to sleep in, and I had a luxuriously long shower, and I soaked my feet in some amazing mineral salts. I took a long nap. It was a good day!
Owen made me a triple layer fudge cake with buttercream icing with chocolate ganache glaze.

We went out to dinner at Red Robin with friends. I was embarrassed royally when they made me where balloons around my head while they serenaded me.

So, yeah, if all this happened in the shortest month of the year, what will happen in the next two weeks?!

Owen tried to surprise me today...

2009-02-13T21:50:00.000-06:00

...but he's really bad about hiding things from me. Meaning...he can't. His face turns red and he can't quit smiling. It's nearly impossible for him to surprise me.

A few days ago we went into Portland to do some grocery shopping at New Seasons, and we stopped in at a bike shop we'd never seen before. We were browsing really, not looking to buy because well, bikes are expensive. Then I saw it. The bike of my dreams (well not *really*, but pretty darn close). It was a vintage Schwinn, (today Owen said it wasn't) cruiser style bike with three speeds, fenders, a back rack, and a light that came on when you pedaled. It needed a paint job, but it was the right size, and EXPENSIVE. We walked away and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

Today Owen came home and said, "Hey babe," (face turning red)"remember that bike you saw the other day? Well, it has internal gears, and it needed a paint job pretty bad. (Huge grin, face turning redder, nervous laughter)"

"Really?" I said. "How do you know that?"

(No eye contact, biggest grin ever) "I just know. Besides, there was this other one that didn't have a price tag. Remember that one? Well, it's out in the car!"

So.

I.

Have.

A.

Bike.

It's red and shiny! It's a Schwinn! It's a cruiser! (and it's a tiny bit too big for me) But, Owen paid like HALF of what the other bike cost, and it looks sooooo much better, and it's a 5 speed, and now we can ride bikes together!

I just need to add a light and an rack and a basket and a bell, attach a baby seat/trailer and we'll be good to go. :)

Happy Valentine's Day/Birthday to me! :)

"I love you like the Ocean through the eyes of the Moon"

2009-02-13T13:29:00.000-06:00

This is the lovely Raina Rose. She prides herself on being a folk Goddess. :)

She makes my heart happy, and I love this song. I hope this video stirs emotion in you like it did me. Enjoy!

Check out her website, buy her CDs!

Spider Monkey

2009-02-09T12:48:00.001-06:00

This Is Emery's Spider Monkey. It was a Christmas Present from Great Grandma Gowen.

Attached to his ear was a tag explaining that Spider Monkey's are endangered and this particular one is named Telinho (We call him Telly). Being the mom that I am I immediately wanted to learn more about Spider Monkeys, so I googled them. This is the first thing that came up. Emery loves it! He doesn't really dig cartoons or videos or TV even, but He loves this video. Enjoy!

Valentine's Day the G(diaper)reen way

2009-02-06T16:46:00.000-06:00

So next weekend, Valentine's Day to be exact, Emery and I have a date.

We will two of the newest gDiaper unofficial spokespeople. The Everything Green Oregon Expo will be hosting a gDiaper booth. Emery and I will volunteering at this booth.

I'm now a gMum.

I figured that since we've used gDiapers from Day 1, (seriously, that was the first type of diaper that Emery wore, see the picture?) it's about time I started giving back a bit. Admittedly we aren't exclusive gDiaper users, but that's all the more reason to shout to the world the greatness of them!

Since we EC we use mostly an EC belt and a prefold. When we go out however, the majority of the time we are using a newborn prefold stuffed inside a gDiaper 'little g' pants. This works really well for us.

On our recent trip we used gDiapers the way they were intended to be used about 90% of the time (and a combo of cloth and a cornbased disposable the rest). I loved it! There was no guilt about throwing away the used ones. Thanks to the fact thatat they are a Cradle to Cradle certified company, I knew that they wouldn't be hanging around in a landfill for the next 500 years.

Enough about diapers, just come see us on Valentine's Day okay?! It's free!

It's the stuff like this that I'll miss when we move to Spring. I guess I'll just have to plug in there huh?

(This one is cloth filled......)

So, I've been terrible about updating lately.....

2009-02-03T17:27:00.000-06:00

So this update will be a long one.....sorry.

Our trip was lovely, but not long enough.

It was also challenging. It was difficult to keep up with EC while on the go so much. We resorted to using eco friendly disposables for most of the trip. G-diapers were so useful! Then, while in Houston we found some diapers made out of corn! We still have some of those ledt over and are using them at night time. AP style parenting was the same, maybe even more convenient.

I bet you're just dying to know how the second leg of the journey went huh?
We flew into Tulsa and were met by Nana. Emery slept all the way to West Siloam/Watts/Flint Ridge. We stopped and he met aunt Amy while she was working. We arrived at Nana's just in time for the extended family to start arriving. There was a houseful! We had food and paseed babies around. Barrick (one of the nephews) showed up (from Texas) and had his own little belated Christmas. Finally everyone filtered out and we settled in for the night. The next morning we rushed around trying to get breakfast and have all the little ones ready for pictures. Mass confusion followed with musical carseats (not as fun as musical chairs), and shuffling around of who is riding with who. We all met up at Wal-Mart and orceeded to cram all 10 (yes ten!) of the grandkids into a portrait. (Poor camera man) The rest of the day was a bit more relaxing. Tasha and I tried for hours to get the photo printer to work, only to realize that ...hmmmm. the USB wasn't connected. Sheesh. What a genius am I?!

Sunday night Owen, Emery and I headed over to Fayetteville to spend some time with the Lingelbach's. Owen and I were there when Zoe was born, and then we moved away.....now she's a walking, talking, little sweetie!
It was great to get to spend some time with my best friend! We opted to stay the night which was awesome! :) The next day we went out to breakfast at the Rolling Pin cafe. I had hoped to get some chocolate gravy.....but I was out of luck. After breakfast we headed over to Ozark Natural Foods and made our rounds saying hello to old co-workers and showing off our handsome little dude.
Then, it started to rain, and then it started to freeze. We headed back to Dawn's in hopes of seeing a few more old friends. The weather had other plans so we went back over to my mom's house earlier than expected and started checking on our flight's back home.
The next day we left my mom's hours before we should have just in order to make it in time to catch our flight which was still scheduled to leave.
We arrived safely at the airport, and then the waiting began.
First the flight before ours was cancelled, then our flight was delayed, then, finally we were sitting on the TARMAC waiting for a break in the weather to get us airborn. We waited, and we waited, and we waited.
Then we were taxiig down the runway. Then we were airborn.
We arrived in Houston with 15 minutes before our connecting flight was leaving.
We ran. With Emery strapped to me in the Ergo. I ran.
We made it, and Emery stayed awake for the entire 5 hour flight!!!!! We touched down in Portland. Grabbed our bags, and were in our car headed home by 12:30 am our time.

It was so nice to be sleeping in our own bed.
It's so nice to be back in Gresham, but I still wish we had had more time.

Owen really liked the Culinary school.
We're beginning the transition process right now.
We're looking for an affordable storage unit. Most of our earthly possessions will be placed there. Everything else is coming with us to Spring, TX. Once Owen finishes school and we are confident enough to make the move across country again, we'll be coming back to the Great Northwest. Next time around we'll more than likely be closer to Portland, and closer to Birthingway. Maybe we'll even buy a house. Maybe. :)

I would post some pictures, but I can't seem to find the camera cord. Grrrr.

It's almost my birthday. Usually I have so many ideas of what I want, but his year, I'm void. I can't really think of anything I want, well within reason. I mean who wouldn't want a new Electra Amsterdam bicycle (that's way too expensive and just something else for us to move), or a cabinet table just perfect for sewing on. My needs are met as well, so what do I ask for?

More time with my family? Who can give that to me?

2009-01-30T16:02:00.000-06:00

MY FIRST BABY
Here you go Moms - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about you and your first baby.

Were you married at the time? yes

How old were you? 26

How did you find out you were pregnant? I had taken several tests and they all came back negative. When Owen and I arrived in Oregon (after driving for four days with me starving, exhausted, and moody the whole way!) I found a test while I was unpacking the bathroom stuff. I figured I would take it just out of curiosity, the lines showed up instantly!

What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant? Disbelief because I had already taken so many tests.

Who did you tell first? Owen. I said, "Honey, you should come look at this!" He said, "MAybe you should take another one."

Did you want to find out the sex? Owen did, I didn't.

Due date? March 27th

Did you deliver early or late? LATE....Nearly three weeks late. April 15th to be exact.

Did you have morning sickness? I think I threw up once, but mostly I just had really bad headaches.

What did you crave? Chocolate, Bubble Teas, and rice pasta with butter.

How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? I think about 40

Did you lose all the weight? yes, and then 10 more, thanks to breastfeeding, unfortunately I'm having a hard time maintaining my weight!

Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? Nope, smooth sailing.

Who drove you to the hospital?No one, Emery was born in our bedroom.

How long were you in labor? 10 hours, one of those was pushing.

Did you take any medicine for pain? Nope. I did it all natural.

How much did your child weigh? 8lbs. 14 oz.

What did you name him/her? Emery Aiden

Was he/she named after anyone/anything special? Owen's Great great Grandfather was named Emory , and we both happen to like the band Emery so it just made sense to us.

How old is your firstborn today? 9 months, 15 days :)

Does your firstborn have any siblings? nope

If not, how many siblings do you want your firstborn to have? 2 or 3, we'll see

Houston, Texas

2009-01-21T20:00:00.000-06:00

We are in Houston. Well, Spring to be exact.
Emery's first flight was pretty uneventful. He fell asleep nursing on take off and slept for three of the four hours. He was wide awake for the landing, and went straight to Grandma at baggage claim, he didn't hesitate a bit! :)
My little man is such a trooper! He's very adaptable, and laid back, and such a joy!
We surprised the Great Grandma's. Grandad and Gramndma told the Great Grandma's that they had some errands to run, and in all actuality they were coming to pick us up from the airport. It was so much fun seeing their faces as we walked in with a wiggly, smiley, sleepy, little boy. He was quick to find the stairs and start climbing away. He has also become ffriends with the girly-looking little male pomerainian named Cowboy.
Today we went and had some pictures made of the handsome little guy. (Thanks Joyce!) If you want to see them, you can go to http://joycemoorephotography.com . Click on "Your online image gallery" at the bottom of the page. Look for "Emery Y", and enter the password "Smile", and your email address. They're worth a peek!
Tomorrow, Owen and I are going to the Culinary School for the open house and Emery will stay home with the Grandparents. If Owen likes it, we may be moving here soon. The way things are for us right now, it makes sense to move to Spring. We need to catch our breath. We've been treading water for quite a while, and we're getting tired. It's time to sit on the bank for a bit, maybe find a boat....
Saturday we are going to Oklahoma. Emery will get to meet my side of the family!
I get to see all my friends! I'm soooooo excitied. As soon as I can, I'll post some pictures!

The verdict is in...

2009-01-12T15:25:00.000-06:00

I finally received my letter from Birthingway. I'm on the waiting list. I don't know how long the waiting list is. School starts the last week of March so two weeks after that if one of the accepted applicants decides they really aren't ready for school and withdraw, them I'll have a shot.
In the meantime, Owen has started researching Culinary schools and is looking into doing that. He's found one in Houston that he likes. We're going to visit it while we are there next week.
We are both sooooo looking forward to visiting our familes and introducing our little man!

I'm watching the mailbox!!!!!!!

2009-01-05T00:12:00.000-06:00

According to Birthingway's website.... "The selection decision is made no later than the first Thursday in January. Once the Admissions Committee has reached a decision, notification letters are sent immediately. " I'll keep you all posted!

Fun with the Zollner's....

2009-01-03T15:14:00.000-06:00

I met Melissa when I attended a La Leche League meeting here in Gresham.

She has two adorable little girls, Karis and Maddy. Melissa is the La Leche League leader. She does a wonderful job, and I feel like we're in the midst of a great friendship.

She brought Karis over the other day. This is a good thing. :) Karis looooves Emery!

She ALWAYS gives him big wet sloppy kisses, of course, these are the best kind!

Emery doesn't ever know what to think at first, but before too long.....
...he's just as enamored with her.

He also loves to watch Karis toddle around. I think he's seceretly trying to figure out her technique.

Here they are sharing Karis' babies. They took turns kissing (well, slobbering and chewing) on them.
Karis is a sweetheart!

We went to the Zollner's for a family friendly New Year's Eve party. Maddy had just got a kitchen for Christmas, and Emery loved it! I think we may have a future chef on our hands. He already wants to be just like Daddy!

Maddy was being quite the tattoo artist. Here she is doing her handiwork on Owen's neck.

The finished product was an upside down squid/octopus thing. Owen loved it!

It's always so much fun being around these lovely folks. I just wanted to share a bit of their magic with you guys!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T16:57:00.000-06:00

Three years ago today, Owen asked me to marry him! So, in honor of such a special day, let's take a walk down memory lane......

This is us at an 80's themed party. Owen had just recently moved from Texas to Arkansas to be closer to me. Awwwww!

Here we are at Kerrville in 2006 about four months before we got married.

Here is one of the best moments of my life captured on film!

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, July 2006. Our honeymoon! This was taken just outside our hotel in front of the fountain.

Finally, our happy little family! It's been an amazing journey sweetheart, I'm so glad we are in this journey together. You're my best friend and I wouldn't pick anyone else to share this life with. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us! Mmmmmwa!

Emery's first blog post.

2008-12-30T13:32:00.000-06:00

y yyughgnmn. b gfng m nb n99999999kjuhjh hb jkiiuduuuuuuuuuujuh gjb gggggggggggq1lk

.............................6k yt hy kkk

Good job buddy! He actually got a toy laptop for Christmas, but he is fixated on the keyboard (which his does not have) so I figured I'd let him "type" something. He's much happier now than 30 seconds ago!

Merry Christmas from Winter Wonderland

2008-12-24T19:46:00.000-06:00

An updated picture of the car, taken this morning!

From the side...

and Emery and I in front of the car.

Emery sitting in front of Daddy's tunnel, which is right next to the car in a giant snow drift.

Emery and I on the newly cleared steps (Thank you Owen!) in front of our apartment, the snow is higher than Emery! Finally, I leave you with a video of Emery playing in the tunnel. This is the closest I felt safe with letting him get to the snow. Owen was filming, please excuse the crookedness at the beginning of the video. Bear with it and it will right itself. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

We are snowed in!

2008-12-21T16:22:00.001-06:00

This is our car, and our parking lot.

This is me knee deep in a snow drift right in front of our apartment. Emery is sitting on top of the snow drift. It's cold here. Can you tell?

In honor of our blizzard-like weather.....

2008-12-20T19:12:00.000-06:00

...I've posted a new song. Also, if you scroll all the way to the bottom of the page, you'll see a christmas-y me chasing around a gingerbread boy (Emery). It just captures things so well! ;)

The Croup

2008-12-18T16:58:00.000-06:00

Yuck. Mommy does not like it!

Four days ago (Monday, the day after the snow came and canclled church) Emery woke up with a hoarse throat. I figured he just slept with his mouth open like I do and that was all. That night he was sooooo congested. Owen and I used the tag team method to administer saline drops and a rubber bulb syringe to try to offer the babe some relief. Nothing worked. He struggled all night to breathe. Tuesday he was more hoarse, and more congested. For the life of me I couldn't get any of that dang old mucus to come out of his nose. I figured he was having some post nasal drip issues. (sorry son, you look like Daddy but you ended up with mommy's post nasal drip issues, I hope you don't get my eyesight, impatience, stubborness or wisdom teeth either!) I called his pediatrician who couldn't see him right away, so I made an appointment (and we paid out of pocket!) with a Naturopathic Doctor who squeezed us in that afternoon. She was terrific! She told Emery exactly what she was doing before she did it, and was so helpful and reassuring. We left with herbs and homeopathics and a few tricks to try.

That night we took two long steamy showers with our little guy to try and help him breathe better. We burned some essential oil of thyme in a duiffuser. I couldn't sleep because I thought he was going to stop breathing in the night.

All of this led to much more nursing on Emery's part. That's basically all he's done since he got sick. No solid foods for him.

Yesterday Emery had a dentist appointment to follow up on the knocked out front tooth, and his pediatrician could fit him in (she's paid for by the state) so after grocery shopping we headed that way. Dr. Toledo heard Emery breathing for about 30 seconds and she said. "Poor baby, you've got Croup!" After a thorough examination (which he had already received the day before from Dr. Zeiman) we were told to keep him comfortable, offer him some steam, go for a walk outside in the cold air and all should be well. Also, Dr. Toledo suggested a dose of steroids, which would relax the trachea making breathing easier for Emery. They didn't have the oral, so our poor little guy got his first shot, ever. I cried, Emery cried, and then he breathed better. Last night he slept so well. I rested, finally.

Today he is breathing better, he's not as hoarse, and he's actually smiling a bit. He's still not 100% better, but he's definitely on his way back.

Why didn't anyone tell us how hard it is when little one's are sick?! You want so badly to make them feel better, but there isn't anything that you can do.

Now, here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure. Sorry they're so tiny, they were taken with the cell phone. Enjoy!

A Christmas Revelation and some tunes

2008-12-12T21:42:00.000-06:00

My friend Candice posts a song on her blog and changes it randomly. I loved that idea, and thought I might give it a go. The current song is Breath of Heaven, sung by Amy Grant. I first heard this song in high school when my pastor's daughter sang it at church. I loved how it was sung from Mary's point of view.
Now that I myself am a mother, this song has a whole new meaning to me. Christmas, after all, is all about that tiny little baby that was laid in a manger.
This year Christmas has become so much more real to me for the simple fact that Mary was a mother. She gave birth to the baby Jesus. The one who was sent to save us all from our sin. Isn't that an amazing thought?!
All of that hard work and pain I experienced bringing our beautiful little boy into the world, Mary also experienced as she brought Jesus into the world. Just as I nurse Emery, Mary nursed Jesus.
What a humbling and honorable thing to go through!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-04T21:12:00.000-06:00

Here is Mr. E all decked out in his hat and scarf that I made. They came in handy when we went on a outing recently.

We went to get a Christmas tree the other day. We had planned on "shopping around" for the best deal. Owen really wanted to drive up the mountain and go cut down our own tree, but I felt that Emery wasn't quite big enough, so we went to the Oxbow Rim Christmas Tree Farm. Once there we knew we didn't want to leave with out a tree. So much for shopping around huh?!

They give you the option of cutting your own (they provide the saw) or picking one from their "lot" that had been precut . This is Owen looking rather manly with the saw on his shoulder

Here is a picture of Emery and I amongst some of the trees. They were all really pretty, and most of them around 7 feet or taller.

We opted to pick one off the lot since the majority of the trees were fairly large, and it we didn't feel like strapping it to the top of the car. It fit in the front seat.

Once we got home, the boys built me a fire. (Owen doesn't like this picture, please ignore the underwear)

The obligatory standing by the tree shot.

The lights were put on...

and I started to decorate.

Of course, Emery had to help.

The finished product.

It's the perfect size!

It's official, Christmas is here!

Now, for all of you who haven't started Christmas shopping, or are looking for a way to save some money, or do something a little bit different this year, check out this information about Advent Conspiracy. Owen and I sort of participated last year, and are doing what we can this year as well. After you check that out, if you are wanting to do something a bit more meaningful than the usual Christmas hooplah check out ways for you to rethink Christmas. Our church created the second website. :)

Thanksgiving Owen style

2008-12-01T01:06:00.000-06:00

This was our Chocolate Peacan Pie. Erin made an Eggnog Pumpkin Pie that we unfortunately didn't get any pictures of.

Rubbing the turkey down w/ the herbed brown butter, which included fresh sage, thyme, and some rosemary. Both on top, and underneath the skin for optimum coverage.

Some of the aromatics I used for the stuffing. To help keep it moist and infuse w/citrus and herb flavors.

Removing the trussing off of the finished product. A perfectly smoked turkey. Which I have to say came out as well as I could have hoped, and w/out a hitch. It was moist, tender, and had the perfect combination of flavors.

November

2008-11-28T22:23:00.000-06:00

Cheesy Thanksgiving smile!

Watching Lord of the Rings with Daddy.

Daddy kisses.

Playing in the carseat box.

Having a good time at Karis' birthday party!

Yay for balloons!!!

"Helping" with laundry.

Standing all alone.

Nakey butt nap time.

I uploaded pictures from the camera today, and these were some of my favorites.

November is almost gone. Man it's gone by fast too! It seems like time just starts going by faster and faster each day.

We hosted Thanksgiving at our house for the first ime this year. I won't divulge too much information because Owen should be the one to blog about it. He did all of the cooking, and man it was delicious! Emery loves turkey!

It's been a pretty busy month. Emery learned to crawl, pull up, and climb. We went to a birthday party, and got Emery a new carseat. Owen got laid off, so he's been home the past couple of weeks. It's been nice having him around, but we both are really looking forward to him finding a job ASAP!

Wanna know what I'm thankful for? My family (both near and far), my friends, my church. We have a place to call home, food in our fridge, and clothes on our backs. What more could we ask for really? :)

7 months

2008-11-20T22:14:00.000-06:00

So I forgot to post about Emery turning 7 months old...oops. His 7 month birthday was on the 15th. He popped his tooth out on the 11th, and crawled hands and knees style on the 12th. I'll post a video soon, the little guy is MOVING all the time. Owen and I have invested in two baby gates thus far, and even those are no match for our little guy. I'm out of time, he's trying to climb...
Bye.

6 Random Facts About Me

2008-11-14T21:18:00.000-06:00

Jasmine tagged me.

#1) I found this chair at the thrift store and really wanted to buy it (because I love funky old stuff like this!) so I took a picture of it because I knew Owen would hate it and make me take it back. Now everytime I go to that thrift store I look for other chairs like it.

#2) I love eggnog. I mean really, really love it. I love it so much that while I was pregnant I figured out how to make it at home. It saved us a lot of money, and I was a happy pregnant lady.

#3) When I was nannying Jakob I had to think of creative ways to explain things to him. When I was taking my maternity leave I drew this for Jakob. It's a sequence of events leading up to my return to work. I think it's the most artistic thing I've ever drawn. Seriously.

#4) Daffodils and dandelions are my two favorite flowers. I want a tatoo of a dandelion. This is a picture of Owen's hand and the size of the dandelions in Oregon. (Does this count as three facts?)

#5) My name means Luck or Ireland. My Grandpa named me after the red haired girl on The Waltons, and this is me dressed as a leprechaun.

#6) When I was in High School I was in the Panther Singers. It was an honor choir of sorts. I ate lunch in the choir room everyday which led to many nerdy picture opps. These were taken my Senior year. See? Can you find me?

I tag: whoever wants to share six random facts about themselves.

Emergency!!!!

2008-11-11T20:22:00.000-06:00

Our beautiful, toothy, smiley boy BEFORE he decided to chew on a CD case. Our beautiful, gummy, not so smiley, boy AFTER chewing on a CD case.
We feel absolutely horrible. Emery doesn't really seem phased by it at all. He cried for a bit, and bled, but then he was fine. The dentist said that he will just not have a tooth until his adult teeth come in (when he's like 7 or 8). Apparently he's never seen anything like this. It seems as if he just sort of torqued it out of his gums (see how it looks split?).
Well, our first emergency was bound to happen, I just wish he was a bit older. :( He's still nursing just fine (thank goodness!), I was hoping he would.

Can I have a hug please?

2008-11-11T16:19:00.000-06:00

Here are some pants that I made for Mr. E out of an thrift store wool sweater. It was a men's XL. I felted it, then cut off the sleeves, and voila. Of course there is more too it than that, but I digress.

Wanna know how I did it? Go here.

In some circles they are known as wool longies. Wool is one of those magical fibers that draws moisture away from the skin and absorbs odor, so it makes wonderful diaper covers for cloth diapers. These pants are amazing! Since we EC, they are perfect for those "misses" that inevitably happen (and they have definitely been happening more lately!).

I would love to make about 7 more pairs so he has one for every day of the week. So, in short....all I really want for christmas is some thrift store wool sweaters (at least 30% wool please!).

Not only is wool great for diaper covers and longies, but you can make really awesome felted toys and other nifty things out of it! :) For example, I am in the process of making Emery some shoes like this out of felted wool. (which I think may have broken my machine :( nuts!)

I also made a pair of split crotch pants but I don't have a picture of those yet. I didn't use wool for these, but I'm considering it once my machine is in working order again. Hmmph.

The army crawl

2008-11-08T22:10:00.000-06:00

Pretty cute huh? Please ignore the mess my house is in. Cleaning isn't my top priority. Emery is. :) That mountainous pile of what appears to be laundry is actually my sewing fabric stash. I', trying to thin it out.

Yeah, so I didn't make a "Frost on the Pumpkin" cake. I made pumpkin cheesecake brownies instead. Which, by the way, aren't really brownies...they don't contain any chocolate. How misleading, but they're still good I guess.

Until next time....

2008-11-07T13:46:00.000-06:00

Emery and I went to "Book Babies" (story time) at the library today. We haven't been in awhile, and he loved it! Well, except for the one time Ethan, (an 11month old who is learning to walk) crawled over to Emery and tried to show his affection by bopping him on the head. Emery smiled at first, but by the third bop he was in tears. I don't think it hurt him, I think he just wasn't sure how to react and he wanted some space. Nothing some snuggles couldn't fix. :) I think it wore him out though, he was asleep before we left the library parking lot.

I wanted to share this picture with you guys, I thought it was too cute. He was falling asleep while eating a red fleshed apple. :) See his eyes?

I'm in the mood to bake today, especially since Owen ate all of the chocolate chip cookies well....I guess I helped.
I think it's time for my Grandma's "Frost on the Pumpkin" cake. The weather is just begging for it. Cold and rainy. Ugh. The rainy season has begun in Oregon, that means it's winter here. I'll post pictures of the cake when I'm done with it.

2008-11-02T22:32:00.000-06:00

Here is the obligatory Halloween picture. I made my costume sans pattern so it took forever! It was made with nursing in mind. The top portion lifted up for access to a tank top that I turned into a nursing tank. The skirt portion was sewn to the tank top. It sounds a lot easier than it was. Phew. It was fun, but I'm glad it's over.

Here we have Daddy and Emery. Notice Emery's foot in the second picture, it's in his candy bucket. Shortly after, he dropped the bucket breaking the bottom. His shoes kept falling off as well so we finally just put a pair of socks on him. :) He had a good time. A couple people thought he was a girl though, they called him "Pocohontas". I don't think he looks like a girl at all...does he?!

How was your Halloween?

Perfect Pumpkins

2008-10-29T19:10:00.000-05:00

In the picture below, you see Owen and Emery, my "perfect pumpkins"!

They posed for me at The Pumpkin Patch. This was our most recent outing. We had originally planned on dressing Emery in his costume but decided against it at the last minute. While there we made our way through half of the Corn Maize, enjoyed a hayride, devoured some S'mores (not Emery!) and danced to some Irish music. It was a lot of fun. :)

Here we have Daddy and Emery at church waiting to go on stage for the baby dedication. Unfortunately this is the only picture we have of the dedication.

It was a sweet moment. I carried Emery onstage so Owen could have his hands free to hold the microphone. There were maybe five families that were dedicating children, on our turn to tell the congregation why we were choosing to dedicate Emery Owen got a bit emotional and we had to do a mid stage switch so I could do the talking instead.
It was a nice public gesture that was a promise to Emery that we would raise him in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.

The same day we took Emery to the nursery for the first time.

He loved it of course. I don't think he even noticed that we were gone. Owen told his mom that it seemed like we were on a date. I was a bit distracted thinking about Emery the whole time. Baby steps right? It's good for all of us to have a break, and it's great to prepare Emery for someone else to care for him if (ahem...when) I go to school.

Once we got home, we decided to have a mini photo shoot once we got home. The leaves were all over the place and Emery looked so adorable in his little suit jacket. Check these out!

Putting a leaf in his mouth.

He wouldn't let go of the leaves.

It's been a busy month around these parts and there are a ton more pictures to show you, but unfortunately Emery is 'army crawling' now and I don't have the patience to sit here and upload them all one by one. I leave you all with this little gem. He's not hands-and knees crawling, but that doesn't matter because it seems he's got other plans. Yes folks, he's pulling up!

A post of pictures...that somehow are out of order.

2008-10-21T23:37:00.000-05:00

I found the USB cord, so here are some pictures. Emery has figured out the 'army crawl' (he pulls himself forward using his arms) so he's keeping us on our toes. Have I mentioned that we really need to get on that baby-proofing?!

Enjoy!

Here is our little man in the hat that I crocheted for him.

He's enjoying his very first asparagus spear.

Chasing it all down with some water.

A sneak peek of his costume, I think the shirt is backwards and he doesn't have on his feathers or his shoes.

We caught him going after my crochet bag....

Busted!

He really wanted these socks off....

Finally, success!

Emery in a box.

A happily pottied baby!

Karis, Emery's new friend.

All five of his teeth!

Six months just flew by....

2008-10-17T11:57:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it? Emery is Six months old! His fifth tooth broke through two days after the last one. FIVE teeth! Wow. Three on bottom, and the two front teeth.
We went to his six month well baby check up this morning. Just as I suspected, he's very tall (surprise, surprise). The nurse had to measure him twice to make sure she got it right, the first time she said he was off the charts. He's 28 inches long and weighs 20 pounds 8 ounces. He still has 2 pounds and 2 inches to go before he's too big for his car seat. Dr. Toledo seems to think that his weight gain will level off now and he'll continue to keep getting taller. She also mentioned that he may be a walker before he crawls since he enjoys pulling and standing so much.

I guess that being an 'Attachment Parent' isn't very common at The East County Health clinic. I walked in wearing Emery in a sling on my hip and everyone just stared at me. I guess they were trying to figure out how the thing worked, I don't know. Then when they asked if I brought his shot records their eyes conveyed disbelief when I said we weren't doing shots. Finally, after the nurse had finished the weigh in she told me I could put his diaper back on. I proceeded to put one of my homemade wool diaper covers on Emery and she said, "No, no don't get him dressed!" I responded with, "This is just a diaper a cover."
Are we just completely alone in the way that we're parenting Emery? I don't get it. All of these things make perfect sense to me, it's like second nature, so the fact that I come into contact with people who have no clue as to why or how we do the things we do, it baffles me.

Now that Emery has reached the 'magical' six month marker, I feel like I just need to give him as much food as possible. He enjoys eating very much. Dr. Toledo suggested that since he has a mouthful of teeth that he could 'do more' than other little ones his age. I agree. He shocks me sometimes. Yesterday he grabbed lettuce from Owen's plate, I gave him a slice of cucumber and he sucked a hole in the middle of it so at dinner, we gave him a few asparagus spears which he loved!

I don't like giving him food when Owen isn't home because I'm terrified that when he does that gagging thing that he's really choking. Owen is really calm about it and is so good at scooping whatever it is out of Emery's mouth (I'm afraid I'll shove it in further). I guess I just need to get over it.

I would just stick with the jarred baby food that we have but there doesn't seem to be enough texture for him. I hesitate to thicken it with rice cereal because I read somewhere that the iron fortified cereal hinders the absorption of the naturally occurring iron in breast milk. Can anyone confirm this for me?

We got Emery's Halloween costume yesterday. His Grandmommy Young made it for him, and it is sooooo stinkin' adorable. I would post some pictures but we haven't had a chance to put it on him yet, and I can't find the USB cord for the camera. I still need to make my costume, but Owen's cowboy costume is good to go. I'm excited!

Hulk baby no more

2008-10-08T16:01:00.000-05:00

I figured out why our normally happy, easy-to-please little guy has been the Hulk baby the past few days.

He has a new tooth. It broke through sometime yesterday. It's a front tooth, on the top, this makes nursing much more interesting. I can see the one right next to it just under the gums, it'll probably grace us with its presence in the next couple of days.

For those of you keeping track, that's four teeth, with another on the way. I'll keep you posted.

Milestones.

2008-10-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

So, I guess I could fill you in on what all our little guy is capable of now right?

At his last check up in August he was 18 pounds and 27 1/2 inches. He is due for another check up this month so I'm very interested to see how much he's grown. Once he reaches 22 pounds we have to get him a new car seat. :) Fun!

He's been rolling over for quite a while now. He's quite efficient at it and can actually manage to get wherever he wants to by rolling. He can also manage to get himself into some trouble. For example, he rolled himself up in a blanket here and couldn't figure out how to get un-rolled.

He sits up. This he hasn't quite mastered yet, but he's getting there. Everyday he manages to hold himself in a sitting position a little bit longer. In this picture he was doing a pretty good job, and he was also very proud of himself.

Here he figured out the joys of sitting unaided and making noise by banging on something!

He pushes himself up on all fours. I'm sure he'll be crawling soon. We really need to get on that baby-proofing stuff. Purrscilla is also getting more and more weary of the nearly mobile little one.

And with all of his teeth, he's very interested in anything he can get his little hands on. Like this juicy pineapple that he grabbed out of Daddy's hands.

Finally, one of my favorite new developments, he gets bashful!

We love him madly!

YAWN!!!!

2008-10-01T17:42:00.000-05:00

I'm soooo sleepy today. I don't really know what it is either. Maybe my sleep is too segmented?
Emery has been sleeping in his own bed (the co-sleeper attached to the foot of our bed) the past week or two so I've been getting good chunks of sleep. He goes to bed around 12 (refuses to even think about bed before 12) and does really well. He wakes up around 5am to nurse. I just bring him to bed with us and we go right back to sleep. The past couple of days after he's come to bed with us, I've gotten up at least two more times to take him to go pee. (See the previous post regarding EC). This entails me removing his diaper, stumbling through the dark to the bathroom, (again in the dark as not to wake the sleeping babe more than necessary) and holding him over the sink while cuing him (it's rinsed out immediately after use!). I've tried using his potty, and an empty Sitz bath for his calls of nature, but he refuses anywhere but the sink. We do put him in diapers at night, but the poor bug wiggles and squirms and grunts until you take him to pee. Who can blame him right? ;) As a matter of fact, he thinks it's hilarious to see himself pee in the mirror, and starts to laugh before we even enter the bathroom.

From day 1 both Owen and I have signed (I brush my hand down from my shoulder) to Emery when I nurse, and just recently I've added in the ASL sign for milk. Just a couple of days ago I've noticed that when he's tired he starts to 'wave'. Since Mr. E usually nurses to sleep we were curious as to whether or not this was his sign for nursing or milk. I offered last night when he started waving and he got soooo upset. I guess not!

We're in the process of trying to decide on what Emery will be for Halloween. Owen will be a cowboy, me an Indian princess, and Emery either a baby Indian, or a horse. I'll be making his costume. Does anyone have any ideas on how to go about making either one of those costumes?

Three teeth and pee in the sink

2008-09-28T22:14:00.000-05:00

October 15th is the halfway mark. Six months of being Emery's mom and dad.
Through these past months I've come to realize that I consider myself an Attachment Parent. This has opened up a whole new world of attire, which has led to us collecting a large array of baby-wearing paraphernalia. (3 slings, 1 front carrier, 1 mei-tai, and I want more...check out my wishlist!) This fits in so well with the way we live our lives, it really just makes sense. However, parenting itself really has had it's ups and downs.

First was the breastfeeding fiasco. Emery is a champ when it comes to nursing, however, two weeks into our breastfeeding relationship, I developed what I thought was thrush. After self-treating myself with every natural remedy you could think of, I took myself to the doctor. I was sent to a Lactation Consultant who confirmed for me that it was indeed thrush. Unfortunately, I had to go back to the Doctor to get the prescribed APNO. After another three weeks of excruciating pain, I went back to the doctor and had a culture done of my nipple and milk. Horror of horrors! It wasn't thrush but a nasty staph infection, ie: mastitis. Three doses of antibiotics later, I'm good as new, and our breastfeeding relationship has never been better.

Next came the EC adventure! EC: Elimination Communication, Natural Infant Hygiene, Diaper free

We started with Emery at around three months. I saw a potty at Ikea and bought it on a whim. Emery peed on it the very first time I sat him on it. We haven't looked back since. Nearly three months later we have had a few problems caused by teething and learning how to roll over and push up for crawling, but now he signals pretty clearly, and prefers to pee in the sink as opposed to the potty. (It's totally normal and expected in the EC culture) Really, it's the only way to get him to go otherwise. ;)

Teething, ah the teething. He started around 2 months. By the 5th month he had worked his first little tooth through. Two weeks later out popped number 2, and literally overnight he sprung number 3. I think he may actually be working on number 4 as I type.

This brings us to solid foods. I've already given Mr. Emery rice cereal, strained carrots, and strained peas. Then I read about baby led feeding . Now he's had bananas, pear, apple, and pluot.

Anyway, I just wanted to give everyone who's reading this a primer on how we got to the point we're at now. Hope that you're caught up now, happy reading! Do you have any questions?