Vim and Vigor

Feeding our littlest ones

 

 We did a trial run with pureed carrots yesterday with baby W.  I'm not too anxious about him eating yet, but when I am eating and he is in my lap, he follows my food around with his eyes and head so intently that I thought I'd let him try some.  He has had some soft boiled egg yolk already---check out Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon for more info on this)...he loved it the first 5 times or so, but he rejected it the last two. Egg is a powerful brain food, and wonderful for babies whose brains are fast developing.  Also, did you now the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least a year or more, and that the World Health Organization recommend breastfeeding for at least 2 years or longer? Nursing comes first before food in our home, especially before a year of age.  

Even when my babies are eating solid food, I always let them nurse first, to get most of their nutrients from this "liquid gold", as some call it. 

I do prefer my babies to be sitting up well before I feed them, as well as show some interest in the food we are eating.  Whether they have teeth or not, is really not my deciding factor.  W's two lower front teeth have popped through, however.  My sore chest could tell you that!  I know it sounds strange to many, as doctors promote it unabashadly, but I don't feed my little ones grains.  They are so hard to digest, that I wait till they are older to introduce them.  I don't want to start them out on something that is so difficult on their little tummies.

 

{ This sweet little spoon was from cooperwares.com, and even has his name carved into it.} 

 The carrots did not go over well.  And that's okay.  Maybe in a few days I'll try something else.  He is over 6 months, but I'm just letting him lead the way toward this eating thing. 

 Sorry for the runny nose in the pix.  My babes all get a runny nose when they teeth.  Every one.  We laughed when we looked at the package of orajel and it said that nasal congestion and fever are not caused by teething.  5 out of our 5 kids had fever and runny nose with teething....hmmmmm.  Baby W certainly shows his emotions all over his face.  His lower lip droops waaaaay down when he's sad, and he gets lots of attention from all his brothers and sisters when he does it.  Oh boy, are we in for another dramatic child?  Time will tell. 

Some things that work for us as a real food family:

• Watch baby for cues on eating---we wait til they are around 6 months or older, as well as sitting up on their own. Other than that, watch baby for signs they are interested in trying food.
• We feed our babies' a real food diet--living(raw) and cooked foods that are in their whole state.  Nothing processed and organic as much as possible.  Homemade and fresh is best for baby.  Also, we wait on grains til they are older.  Soft-boiled egg yolk and avocado are wonderful first foods full of healthy fat that your baby needs.
• Don't stress about it.  If they seem interested, but won't take a bite, or eat very little, that's okay.  Try again the next day, or in a few days.  Believe me, I never met a ten year old who didn't eat food.  It will happen mama, don't rush it.
• Do try single foods at a time, so you can be aware of any allergic reactions. Be especially aware of this if there are allergies in the family.
• Nurse before you feed them, especially under a year of age, to get the best nutrition from you.
  

If you have a little one in your home you are feeding, may I recommend a few articles on the subject? 

• Feeding baby naturally
• Feeding a real food baby; Counter-cultural real foods

Here's to healthy babes!

~Joy~

 This post is a part of Real Food Wednesday, Works for me Wednesday, and Pennywise Platter, Simple Lives Thursday, and Fight Back Friday}

 

Having a baby without breaking the bank---Homemade moby wrap

 

{This is Part 3 of my series on having a baby without breaking the bank...scroll to the bottom of this post for link-ups to Parts 1 and 2!}

Ohhh....this was fun!  I love to carry my babes...I can't resist wanting them close to me as I go through my days.  Smelling their sweet baby smell, having them near to gaze at whenever....it just seems so natural to me.  When my babies aren't close to me, I never feel quite right.  Sure, everyone needs breaks now and then.  However, for the most part, I think I like them snuggled up close with me. 

That said, there has been a baby carrier that I have loved and enjoyed for years now.  The ergo carrier is one that has stolen my heart for my babes.  I have worn it for hours at a time, without getting a sore back.  Many an adventure in the woods has been enjoyed with my babies riding along in the ergo.  It has been worth every penny I spent on it, and I have loved it so.  I started using it when my last was around 6 months old, or so.  I used it recently with my 3 year old in the grocery store while I was 8 months pregnant.  Amazing baby carrier. 

Because my youngest at the time was 6 months old at least, I did not buy the infant insert to the ergo.  My husband right now is laid off until we move in a couple of months to Minnesota, (God willing), for his new job.  Because of want to save every penny, I decided to make a homemade Moby wrap, for less than I would have spent on the ergo insert.  Want to make one for yourself as well?  Here's how I did it.

First, purchase yourself some fabric.  I purchased 5 yards of a cotton/spandex blend.  It is 95% cotton and 5% spandex.  I didn't want it too strechy, yet it needs to have a little "give" to it.  From this 5 yards, you will be getting two wraps!  I folded it in half lengthwise, and cut it in half, giving me two separate wraps.  One to have in the wash, and one to wear.  Or, one to keep and one to give away!  I don't need to worry about fraying with this material, so no sewing required.  It will curl a bit on the ends, but that's okay.  I placed a safety pin (make sure this doesn't poke the baby later!), to mark the middle of my fabric for easier wrapping.  Then, I went here to mobywrap.com to learn how to wrap it.  Ta da, you now have your own baby wrap!  Enjoy your little ones!

p.s. If you're curious, I paid $40 for the fabric, and so they were $20 a piece.....about half the price of the non-organic moby wraps! Also, if you shop at Joanne's Fabrics, use one of those 40% off coupons from the paper to get an even better deal!

That's what works for me!

Joy

This post is a part of Frugal Friday....at Life as Mom, as well as Seasonal Saturday.

{Catch Part 1 of this series on clothing here; and Part 2 of this series on homemade diaper cream and nipple cream here}

Post-partum baby and mama update

 

Our little man, W, is now over two weeks old!  It has certainly been busy....we travelled as a family 600 miles to Minnesota for Christmas.  We had NEVER missed Christmas with our family there yet, and didn't intend to stop now, even with a new little babe.  We just anticipated the trip may take a bit longer, but it didn't!  He's such a good little guy, and it actually took us an hour less than usual to get here! I wanted to post some updates here on how the baby is doing, things that are helping me during this newborn period, and may help you, too. 

Weight:  I gained a total of 35 pounds this pregnancy, which is actually the most I ever have.  However; I have already lost 20 of those pounds.  My midwife said I had a lot of amniotic fluid, and she was obviously right about that.  When she broke my water, it seemed it never would end.  That added more to my weight, and is probably a big reason I have lost so much this quickly.  I have also lost 4 1/2 inches on my waistline as well.  Yipee!  I'm getting my waist back again.

Exercise:  This is something you should only be doing after your doctor's approval.  I have done some intermittent exercise, but mainly resting a lot when I could up to this point.  With all our travelling I didn't want to risk getting sick if I pushed it too hard.

12/26/10--Did Leisa Hart's Fitmama Postnatal workout--did cardio portion twice through (total of 40 minutes); yoga; pilates floorwork--Total time:  Approx. 1 hour

12/27/10--Leisa Hart's Fitmama Postnatal workout--will keep repeating same as 12/26 unless noted otherwise

12/28/10--rest

12/29/10--rest

12/30/10--Leisa Hart Fitmama Postnatal

Foods I have LOVED having close at hand:

1.  Lara bars--raw and very nutritious

2.  Making big batches of homemade smoothies to sip on during the day

3.  Bananas, apples and fresh fruit

4.  Coconut in many forms....coconut oil in smoothies, shredded in earth balls and homemade treats, and young coconut in smoothies as well.

5.  Yummy treats I purchased from a company called 2 Moms in the Raw....highly recommend, though I want to try making these at home as well.  Great raw bars and treats that me and the kiddos are highly enjoying.  Purchased online at Abe's Market.

6. Homemade crackers and string cheese...great middle of the night snacking!

Nutrition for baby:  Only mama's milk for this little man

 

Looking at my wee little man, for hours out of the average day...well, it's given me time to think and ponder.  He is doing all he has been created to do.  Nothing else.  He is glorifying the Father through this.  He is a testimony to me and others who love Him and see him, of the Father's goodness to us.  This little one has made me think about how often I do NOT glorify the Father with what I am doing.  I often do not make Christ the priority in my life where He belongs.  My son does not yet have any demands on his time, any temptations, anything he relishes in (other than nursing from mama!), that can destract him from what God may be calling him to do.  This babe is a reminder to me of how gracious God is and how patient He is with me when I put Him on the back burner. Being especially mindful of that at this time, I have some "stolen moments" in my day, where I spend time praying.  No, it is not long chunks of time....but it is time with Him, and it is sweet.  Times such as:  In the middle of the night when up with my babe and all is quiet...I sit in the glow of the Christmas tree and think of the meaning of all we do this time of year, and how grateful I am for a savior!  Also, when I am nursing during the day.  It s-l-o-w-s me down and my mind goes into prayers for each of my children, my husband, and myself.  I have found some verses that are meaningful to me at this particular stage in my life:  Deep into motherhood, trying to honor my husband and be the best wife I can, and continuing to follow the path the Lord has for me and our family.  I tape these up or keep them in places I will see them during the day.  God's word is alive and active, and it has the power to renew our minds.  I have seen it in my life, and it continues to do so now.  The words are refreshment to my soul, and give me the strength I need to do all He has asked of me. 

God bless you mamas, and remember to slow down and spend time with the one who loves you most!  Renew, refresh and relax with God!

Joy

This Moment

 

 

Spending many an hour on end, holding this little hand.  Hardly believing, even now, that God has entrusted me and my husband, to raise yet another warrior for Him.  I am humbled, and praise Him for this awesome gift He has given us.  My son.

He's here!!!

Our new son, W, has arrived!

Weighing in at 7 lb. 7 ounces

(The exact same weight as his older brother above was!)

Length:  19 1/2"

More of the birth story to come, right now I must go stare at some wee baby toes! 

Having a baby without breaking the bank...Part 2- Homemade diaper cream

 

{To see part 1 of this series, click here}

With just these three basic ingredients, you can make 3 nourishing cremes for you or those you love as a gift.

• Homemade diaper cream
  
• Nipple cream (for breastfeeding mamas)
• Aftershave salve for the man in your life!

{Clicking on the above links will take you to the recipes for each on passionatehomemaking.com.  A wonderful blog written by a beautiful Christian woman, whom I have learned much from.  I think you'll enjoy her.}

This is what I am doing this afternoon to make for our new baby, myself, and as a Christmas gift for my hubby!  I already use all of these products, so I had them all on hand.  However, if you don't I might suggest...

For the coconut oil....I try to buy from amazon, as I am a prime member and get free shipping.  Wait for a sale, and you will do well that way.

For the shea butter...mine was purchased at my farmer's market straight out of the nut!  However, I also like the NOW brand at my local health store.  Mountain rose herbs sells this as well.

For the cocoa butter....I purchase at my local health store, or online at mountain rose herbs.

It is so good to know that what you are putting on your skin, is just as healthy as what is going in your mouth.  Also, our wee little babes are exposed to enough chemicals in this world, why add to it in their diaper cream?  These recipes will last a while, and are cost-effective; especially if you buy your coconut oil in bulk. 

I hope you enjoy making these for your loved ones...it works for me!

Remember:  You are important mama...you are raising up the next generation!

With love,

Joy

Having a baby withouth breaking the bank.....Part 1 Clothing

 {We now have our own computer back home after almost 3 weeks in the shop....posts will now be back on at least a semi-regular basis, considering we do have a little one due any day!  Will be posting as often as possible!}

The photo above is my 0-3 month age clothing for my little guy due to be born any day now.  I was taking inventory of what I had, making sure we have all we need for our wee little man, then washing it up to be ready for him.  You might think that because this is my 5th child, (3rd boy with one residing in heaven), that I had all the clothing I needed long before I was even pregnant.  Well, that wasn't exactly the case.  My last child was a little girl, and my last boy was unfortunately stillborn from a knot in the cord four years ago.  I have had many friends in those years who needed some little boy clothes, and I freely gave it to them.  No sense just sitting in a box in my home, when I could be blessing another family witht them.  I did write my initials in the clothing, and said if they could to give them back, but if they didn't, I certainly wasn't fretting over it. 

So, do you know what I ended up paying for all of the clothing pictured up above?  Nada, nothing.  Here's how I did it, and it worked well for our family.  We know of a couple of consignment shops that are within a 10-15 minute drive of our home.  And believe me, we live out in the boonies.  If we can find a couple consignment shops close by, I'm sure there are some where you are as well. 

We have been faithfully bringing our used clothing, DVD's and books in to these two consignment shops, and therefore earning money to spend there or to take home as cash.  One of the shops is more upscale than the other, and my two teenage daughters get a lot if their clothing there.  Our rule is that whenever we go shop, we bring a bin of clothing in with us.  In this way, we almost always have some money there ready to spend.  Every time we have gone, I would buy an outfit, onesie or something to add to the babies layette.  I would use about $5 of our credit at the stores at a time, and now that the pregnancy is almost done, I have all I need for the first 3 months plus much more.  And, I paid nothing out of pocket whatsoever! 

What we would do is take a couple of bins worth of clothing, etc... to the upscale shop first.  What they didn't take, I drove down the road about a mile to another shop which was less picky about what they consigned.  After that point, if I had anything left, (which was unusual), I took those items to the goodwill dropoff point across the street.  I was rid of all my items, and would make money from it as well!

Benefits of buying gently used clothing for our little ones:

•     less cost
•     chemicals from when manufactured should be washed out       
  

Where to find used clothing:

•     Goodwill/Salvation Army
•     Consignment shops
•     Rummage/Garage Sales
•     Friends!
  
•     Host a clothing swap
•     Craigslist.com

Do you have any tips to add about how you save on clothes for you little ones?  Your comments are welcome!

Continuing parts of this series in the days to come will include:

-making your own moby wrap--no sewing required!

-homemade diapers and wipes

-what to spend money on and not buy used

-homemade diaper creme

-homemade remedies to have on hand for baby

That works for me! 

-To see Part 2 of this series....how to make homemade diaper cream, nipple cream, and even homemade aftershave lotion for your man....click here.

Joy

And baby makes 8....chammomile tincture

 

                          
                                                                    

                            

                                                                       

                         
                                                                            

                        

In further preparation for our babe coming in just under 6 weeks, (yikes!), I made a homemade chammomile tincture.  The process for how to do it can be found on the video Making Herbs Simple, which can be purchased through Bulk Herb Store.  Also, the dried chammomile needed for this tincture can be purchased there as well.  Why did I make this tincture?  It is so good to have on hand to help to soothe those upset baby tummies, and helps relax them so they can sleep. I made mine using a glycerin tincture. 

Have a lovely day with your family,

Joy

{This post is a part of Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist, as well as Works for me Wednesday...come join us!}