My New Years Resolution: Choosing Happiness

  Every year I make resolutions I never keep.  Then I get frustrated with myself because of my lack of discipline.  So after this past year and all the changes I hope to come this year I have decided to choose happiness in whatever situation I am in.  I honestly feel we are all in control of our own happiness even if the circumstances are not good.  I fully believe happiness is a chose more than it is a feeling.  So this year I am committed to choosing happiness in every situation.
   What is your New Years resolution?

Why My Son Makes Me Want To Be Better

  Yes, I have 2 daughters.  I don't love them any less than my son.  I don't want less for them.  And until my son I thought I was doing the best I could for them.  But they aren't boys.  They won't marry a woman.  And that is what made me realize I want to be better.
  I heard it said that boys marry women like their mothers and girls marry men like their fathers.  That made me think, am I the kind of woman I'd want my son to spend his life with?  It was a hard reality, because I'm not.  So now I will try harder to be better.  It took having a son to see their is a better version of myself I want to strive for.  There was nothing wrong with before, but now I've raised my standards.  That means this:
-Making a choice to get dressed (and showered) everyday
-Welcome my husband home happily instead of dumping my problems on him
-Choosing to let them see me be goofy (nothing will help the years pass like laughter)
-Putting my husband's needs first
-Exercising and eating healthier

  These things may seem vain or unimportant to some, but to me they are things I want my son to look for in a woman.  Not that I'm looking for outer beauty.  Getting dressed, showering, exercising and eating better makes me feel better about myself.  And when I feel better, I am happy.  Sadness is natural, and my kids will see me cry.  But self-pity is destructive.  I don't want that to be a trait my children think is normal.  My goofy I tend to hide out of fear they may not see me as an authority.  Why, I don't know.  But I've realized that authority will not change by me being myself with them.  Putting my husband first...I know not every one agrees your children should come last. I know, biblical, what is said and how much sense it makes to me for the order to be God, husband, children.  I get that, but don't always model that.  I need to.  Not just for my son either.
  Has having children changed the way you see yourself or your actions?

Part 3: My Mental Preparation For a C-Section

  At my 36 week appointment my ob set my surgery for just a mere 8 days later.  I had no birth plan (gasp!).  I have 2 other kids at home and my nerves were already on edge about this new experience that was quickly approaching.  I couldn't think straight long enough to create on.  I knew in my head what I'd accept and what I was willing to put my foot down on.

  Other than having trouble getting the bleeding to stop, my surgery went well.  I had a beautiful 7 lb. 6 oz. healthy baby boy 3 weeks early.  I took the pain medicine as instructed.  After a year and a half of NO synthetic medication that sent my body all out of whack (more on that later).  But I had no back-lash or fight over my refusal to vaccinate,  I didn't even need to give them my informed refusal form.  And they didn't make me sign any weird paper.  I was very grateful for that.  I didn't need a plan, they allowed me to do as I felt best.  When I asked to give my new baby a bottle because my milk still hadn't set in, no comments were made.  I was allowed to keep a paper that tracked everything so they didn't have to come in as often.  Aside from the c-section recovery being so much harder than my vaginal births, it went very smooth.  

  I think this experience was God's way of reminding me I can't control it all.  Before finding out vaginal birth wasn't an option I was dead-set on having things a certain way.  And I would get mean if anyone said anything about being willing to give a little.  I wouldn't hear of it.  But I wouldn't trade this experience.  I have a new-found respect for c-section mammas.  I honestly don't think I would have had multiple children if I had a c-section first.  That was so much harder recovery wise than my other two births were, in my opinion, but every one is different.  So, just learn that not everything can be perfect, and not every one is out to ruin our experience.  All that matters in the end is that you have a healthy outcome and beautiful baby no matter how that happens, just as long as it does happen.

I've Returned!!

It has been a while!  A lot has happened since that last post.  I did end up having a c-section on the 13th of last month (with out a plan- more on that later), and had a beautiful 7lb. 6oz. baby boy.  I've been recovering and adjusting to life with a preschooler, toddler, and newborn.  Most days I am exhausted and have no desire to do anything but veg out on Pinterest during my down time.  But here I am, ready to get back to writing and finding my creative outlet.  I plan to spend the weekend working on upcoming series and posts, kind of get a game plan to get going again.  And with Christmas right around the corner I hope to get some good posts out before I take a mini break while my husband is off.  

Hope to see you back here soon!!

Christi

The Things No One Talks About: Depression & Pregnancy

 This is my 4 pregnancy.  And with each one came different slumps.  My first pregnancy wasn't really a bad pregnancy, I was just in an abusive relationship that made it an experience I didn't get to enjoy.  My second up until 20 weeks, when I switched to the OB now that I love, every time we went to the doctor something was wrong with the baby.  Then I tragic experience with my third and miscarried at 14 weeks.  Now this one was going great until I was diagnosed with Placenta Previa.  And now on top of figuring out light duty with two other kids at home under 5 I have SPD.  No big deal.  I'm a big girl and at least I have a healthy baby boy on the way.  So why am I depressed?  Hormones?  Deficiency of some sort?  Ungratefulness?  It could probably be a combination of all that.  But I feel so guilty.  Aside from a few minor complications I am doing well and my baby boy is perfect.  I know there are so many reasons to be thankful.  But I've hit a slump.  And I don't believe I'm the only one who gets like this.  But no one talks about it.  Why?  Shame?  Guilt?  I'm 32 weeks along now and I'm ready for it to be over.  Whats wrong with that?  Whats wrong with saying "hey, this isn't enjoyable anymore?"  The movements are no longer cute, they're painful because he is clearly out of room.  I'm tired all the time but can't sleep good because I'm so uncomfortable and unable to breathe half the time.  I suppose the lack of sleep could be contributing to my slump.  But I am just over it.  I know I still have 4-8 weeks left (depending on my cervix and placenta at my next ultrasound in 3 weeks).  That seems so far away.  And that makes me feel worse.  I feel worse about the fact that no one talks about this slump.  I know its more common than we all care to admit.  But why?  Is it because all we see are these picture perfect women who are glowing and "loving every minute" of their pregnancy?  I call bologna.  So here it is, my side of the third trimester.  It's not all roses and champagne for everyone.  There, I said it.  Sometimes it sucks, and you just cry because you're just ready for it to be over.  And if you've been there, you aren't alone.  It DOES NOT mean you're a bad mom, or that you don't appreciate the gift of child-bearing.  It just means you're human.

  Hope to see you back here soon!
          Christi

Part 2: My Mental Preparation For a C-Section

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I apologize for the delay of this post.  It definitely took me longer than I anticipated to gather the sources I wanted to share.  Plus, I try not to blog on the weekends since that is about the only family time we really get when my husband isn't wore out from work.  Moving on...
  I love Pinterest!  I was shocked at how many women had already blogged about a c-section with a birth plan.  I found such good information and questions to jot down to ask if I find out I do have to have a c-section.  Here is a link to a good list of things I may want to add to my plan along with questions I will want to ask about my doctor's and hospital's specific policies.  Here is another sample birth plan that I will definitely be referring back to.  I intended on adding a birth plan printable with this post, but decided not too.  I have read multiple time that the more direct and to the point your plan is the more likely it is to be read and honored (to the best of their ability).  So I will not be adding a printable.  I will do a Part 3 to this if I am told I will have to have a c-section and will include in there my personal plan.  If you do want something more in-depth or for natural birthing I have plenty of things on 3 of my pinterest boards Here.

  OK, vaccine exemptions.  They are different for every state so be sure to look up your states laws.  I live in Ohio so we are allowed to file a religious, philosophical, or medical exemption.  I will create a religious one to attach to my birth plan, and to turn into my pediatrician.  Here is a very informative blog post I found very helpful.  Here is a good article on herd immunity.  I haven't found one that I feel good about so I will continue to look and probably just compile what I like from certain ones and make my own.  Again, I will share this in Part 3. **I am not a doctor and this is my own personal opinion and option for MY family and children.  I will not debate or defend my decision.  If you want more information please research, there is plenty of information out there.  Every one is entitled to their own opinion and to believe what they want.  I will not allow any negativity toward anyone who makes different choices.**

   As far as postpartum care I plan on using essential oils from the Young Living Premium Starter Kit I plan to buy in the next couple weeks (shown above are just the oils and what they can be used for.  There is more included in this kit).  I've also read a lot about belly bands/wraps for after delivery.  They sure are pricey.  I'm cheap.  We plan on this being my last pregnancy so why would I want to spend $50-$80 on something I will only wear 6 weeks or at most a couple months?  I can't justify that kind of expense.  So, I came across a post about a mom who just used an ace bandage.  Not really the whole corset effect, but it does provide the support I am looking for.  AND it is much cheaper :)
  Here is a printable hospital bag check list

Hope to see you back here soon!

Christi

Part One: My Mental Preparation For A C-Section

  I still have 5 weeks before I'll find out whether a c-section is absolute or not but I am starting my research now.  Why?  Because from what I've discovered already is most women with Placenta Previa don't deliver past 37 weeks as precaution.  I will be 35 weeks when the ultrasound to determine my birthing fate is performed.  So I want to prepare now since it is possible to go in to have the ultrasound and be scheduling my c-section for the next week.  I want to have all my ducks in a row so I'm not overwhelmed if that is what happens.
  So far here is my list of things I want to find more on:
- Birth Plans
- Vaccine exemptions
- Organic products for care
- Essential oils for care
- Belly wraps/girdles

  It's all a little intimidating to me.  Almost like having my first baby all over again.  Foreign territory.
Have any of you had c-sections?  Any thing specific you'd recommend or wish you'd done differently?  Return Thursday for Part Two with (hopefully) a couple printable items.

**Hope to see you back here soon!**

Christi

     

(Partial) Placenta Previa?

photo credit

At my 20 week ultrasound I was informed my placenta is sitting low and that I would be rechecked at 28 weeks to see if it has moved.  I was reassured that 90% of the time the placenta will move up.  This pregnancy must have been too easy because the little booger moved down.  Yep, it is now covering most of my cervix.  If you know anything about this condition I'm a stage 3.  I didn't even know anything about this condition until after talking to my OB.  Google is not comforting just to forewarn you.  I should really not Google certain things.

  So, with a placenta previa diagnosis comes restrictions.  I haven't had any bleeding so I am only on low activity (thankfully) instead of bed rest.  But that means basically everything I've read about how to prepare your body for labor will now be put on the back-burner until further notice.  Even (most) yoga!  I'll be rechecked at 34 weeks and we will make decisions from there.  I haven't really found any information on what my chances are that it will move up at this point.  I will see my OB every two weeks now so the more questions I have the sooner I can ask :)  But just to fill you in I had no symptoms or any risk factors (other than multiple pregnancies obviously). I delivered my other two naturally so I guess this is just one of those things you can't have an answer to.  Regardless of how crappy this condition is and can potentially be, my baby boy is healthy and ultimately that is what matters.  Reading the forum of other women discussing this I know it could be worse.  A lot of them were just aiming to reach 36 weeks because of bleeding issues.  God bless you if you are/were one of those mommas.  I couldn't imagine the stress.  

  Feel free to share your experience if you had this condition with a pregnancy.  I would love to hear from you!

  Christi

Processed Food & My Pregnancy

Photo Credit

 If you haven't read about the effects of processed food on your body you probably live under a rock.  The whole food movement is gaining popularity everywhere.  If you haven't seen the how cutting the processed food can change your body you definitely need to check out this amazing blogger's journey:  Daily Dose of Del Signore.

  Processed food is food that is not found in nature and usually contains additives, artificial flavorings and other chemical ingredients.  An easy way to determine if food is processed is to just read the ingredients.  The longer the list the more processed it is.

  I started cutting the processed food out after reading the blog I linked you to above.  This was before I started trying to get pregnant.  I lost 10 lbs. in just one month by just changing what food I ate, drinking more water, and doing Zumba for 20 minutes three times a week.  I can't afford organic or the 45 minute drive to even find it.  So it was just more fruits and vegetables, hormone-free milk and meat, and less sugar.  My biggest success with all that was the loss of 4 inches around my bust.  That is the one place I need to lose and that I struggle the most with. 

  Then I quickly got pregnant.  I am currently 26 weeks along and  I have only gained 4 lbs. (Yes, I am under an OB's care and he is not concerned.  He is well aware of my changes and activity.  So all doctor approved.)  My body does not ache like it did with my others.   Oh, and my breast did not balloon like i feared they would.  I know every pregnancy is different.  I just can't believe it's all just a coincidence. 

  I try to stick to a 80/20 clean diet.  Like I said we don't exactly have the access or finance to buy organic.  Plus, I have cravings.  Now I don't binge on fast food or a box of cookies but I will eat a candy bar every so often.  I still have a Pepsi every now and then.  With that being said I will admit I feel like crap afterward.  It's to the point I debate which is worse, the craving or the "yuck" afterward.  I just thought giving into my craving every so often would keep me from binge eating.  I'm starting to think the "yuck" feeling is strong enough to keep the urge from binge eating away.

  So, this is my conclusion: IF you have thought about cutting the processed, I am here to tell you it can be done (on any budget).  It is SO worth it!  Feel free to contact me or comment with questions or suggestions.

                                            Hope to see you back here soon!

                                        Christi