Nothing much to report, but Master OP did roll from belly to back on Tuesday. More soon!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
OP at 16 weeks
Nothing much to report, but Master OP did roll from belly to back on Tuesday. More soon!
Green smoothies and other uses for the Vita-Mix
I have been on a Vita-Mix kick recently! Below are the things I've made in the last few days.
Breakfast this morning: bunch of kale, 2 whole green apples, 1 banana, 2 peaches, some almond milk pulp (more on this below), OJ, and a splash of honey. I actually make a "green smoothie" every morning, but typically I go lighter on the greens and add a little more fruit...I just felt like going super-green today. A typical smoothie would include about a half-bunch of some kind of green (kale, spinach, romaine), blueberries, banana, and whatever else needs to be consumed (mango, apple, orange, strawberry, etc.). I usually add no sweetener (just wanted to offset my whole bunch of kale a little today), and usually use water as the base, not juice...but we happen to have fresh OJ taunting me from the fridge! Can I just say, it makes me SO happy to see my two-year-old (and the girls too) slurping down copious portions of these concoctions!
Almond milk: almonds, water, and a splash of vanilla. It turned out great, but a little thick, so I strained it through cheesecloth. This "pulp" is now being added to other recipes as a little nutritive boost.
Coffee freeze: almond milk, coffee, ice, vanilla and honey. Who needs Starbucks?
Strawberry ice cream: raw goat milk, whole frozen strawberries, sugar, and a splash of vanilla. It was AMAZING. So much better than anything store-bought, and it was Liam-friendly (no cow dairy)!
Peanut butter: peanuts! So flavorful!
Moroccan lentil soup: from the Vita-Mix book...this recipe. I even used home-made chicken broth D made. The only thing I didn't have was raisins, which I'm sure would add a nice sweet to the soup. I thought it was quite good, though the consistency the next day was pretty funny...
Breakfast this morning: bunch of kale, 2 whole green apples, 1 banana, 2 peaches, some almond milk pulp (more on this below), OJ, and a splash of honey. I actually make a "green smoothie" every morning, but typically I go lighter on the greens and add a little more fruit...I just felt like going super-green today. A typical smoothie would include about a half-bunch of some kind of green (kale, spinach, romaine), blueberries, banana, and whatever else needs to be consumed (mango, apple, orange, strawberry, etc.). I usually add no sweetener (just wanted to offset my whole bunch of kale a little today), and usually use water as the base, not juice...but we happen to have fresh OJ taunting me from the fridge! Can I just say, it makes me SO happy to see my two-year-old (and the girls too) slurping down copious portions of these concoctions!
Almond milk: almonds, water, and a splash of vanilla. It turned out great, but a little thick, so I strained it through cheesecloth. This "pulp" is now being added to other recipes as a little nutritive boost.
Coffee freeze: almond milk, coffee, ice, vanilla and honey. Who needs Starbucks?
Strawberry ice cream: raw goat milk, whole frozen strawberries, sugar, and a splash of vanilla. It was AMAZING. So much better than anything store-bought, and it was Liam-friendly (no cow dairy)!
Peanut butter: peanuts! So flavorful!
Moroccan lentil soup: from the Vita-Mix book...this recipe. I even used home-made chicken broth D made. The only thing I didn't have was raisins, which I'm sure would add a nice sweet to the soup. I thought it was quite good, though the consistency the next day was pretty funny...
Monday, June 15, 2009
I love the Ranch Market!
Today's purchases, for $27.50:
4 avocados
1.4 lb green beans
bunch spinach
2 bunches kale
cauliflower
2 cucumbers
1.7 lb zucchini
1.5 lb brussel sprouts
1.5 lb yams
honeydew melon (3.75 lb)
2 yellow peppers
2.4 lb peaches
5 lb bag apples
pineapple
5 kiwis
2 lb organic Fuji apples
1.6 lb nectarines
4 - 1 lb clamshells of strawberries
5 champange mangos
YUM
I was not the best advertisement for babywearing while shopping however...Master OP was on my back in the mei tai screaming, as I had neglected to feed him BEFORE shopping. Silly mama.
The girls had a busy, tiring weekend...Papa B and Aunt B and Uncle M were over on Saturday to swim and eat; they took the girls home via the rodeo. After a late night, they were up early riding horses and running around the ranch. We picked them up for pictures (coming soon!) mid-morning, then returned them after lunch. They swam and played until about 4:00, when Papa B returned them home. We all went out to dinner, and then the crowd crashed hard! I had to wake up C at 7:45 so we could get her to her art camp on time!
4 avocados
1.4 lb green beans
bunch spinach
2 bunches kale
cauliflower
2 cucumbers
1.7 lb zucchini
1.5 lb brussel sprouts
1.5 lb yams
honeydew melon (3.75 lb)
2 yellow peppers
2.4 lb peaches
5 lb bag apples
pineapple
5 kiwis
2 lb organic Fuji apples
1.6 lb nectarines
4 - 1 lb clamshells of strawberries
5 champange mangos
YUM
I was not the best advertisement for babywearing while shopping however...Master OP was on my back in the mei tai screaming, as I had neglected to feed him BEFORE shopping. Silly mama.
The girls had a busy, tiring weekend...Papa B and Aunt B and Uncle M were over on Saturday to swim and eat; they took the girls home via the rodeo. After a late night, they were up early riding horses and running around the ranch. We picked them up for pictures (coming soon!) mid-morning, then returned them after lunch. They swam and played until about 4:00, when Papa B returned them home. We all went out to dinner, and then the crowd crashed hard! I had to wake up C at 7:45 so we could get her to her art camp on time!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June in Arizona...
...couldn't be more perfect (so far)! We have had highs in the low 90s, lows in the 70s. Every night, we've been opening up the house, sleeping with windows and doors open and enjoying the fresh breeze. The mornings have been more of the same - until about 11:00 when it heats up enough that I have to resort to the air. Honestly, if the house had better insulation and air flow, I could probably get away without any A/C at all! Sadly though, even on a nice day, the house gets too stuffy without.
Anyway, C has been LOVING every minute of her art camp so far. She's on day three today and has been doing paper maiche, jewelry making, dance, and lots of games. Yesterday she was dressed and brushed and ready to walk out the door at 5:30. Yes, in the morning!
The other kids and I have been hanging out - spent some time with friends yesterday, went for a walk just now. E rode her bike, and the boys rode in our new Phil and Ted's double stroller...I finally broke down and got one when they went on sale through Costco for half the normal retail. I hate to admit, but it is nice to be able to walk without a baby strapped on me...just now and then!
D is in Las Vegas for the day at a work conference...he flew up this morning, and didn't have to leave until about 7:00. He dropped C at her camp for me, which was a nice break, and we got to hang out together this morning - crazy! He usually leaves by 5:30.
That's the news. Papa B arrives today, so we look forward to visiting...off to make some food while the house is still cool!
Anyway, C has been LOVING every minute of her art camp so far. She's on day three today and has been doing paper maiche, jewelry making, dance, and lots of games. Yesterday she was dressed and brushed and ready to walk out the door at 5:30. Yes, in the morning!
The other kids and I have been hanging out - spent some time with friends yesterday, went for a walk just now. E rode her bike, and the boys rode in our new Phil and Ted's double stroller...I finally broke down and got one when they went on sale through Costco for half the normal retail. I hate to admit, but it is nice to be able to walk without a baby strapped on me...just now and then!
D is in Las Vegas for the day at a work conference...he flew up this morning, and didn't have to leave until about 7:00. He dropped C at her camp for me, which was a nice break, and we got to hang out together this morning - crazy! He usually leaves by 5:30.
That's the news. Papa B arrives today, so we look forward to visiting...off to make some food while the house is still cool!
Friday, June 5, 2009
The big update
Now that I have a moment to sit and write, figured it's time to share the "big" news (no, no more babies!!). I have decided to take a break from my apprenticeship. That's right - no more office days, no more births, no more post-partum visits. It was a hard choice for me to make, but one that became more glaringly obvious the more I started doing. Thing is, our family was sacrificing a lot for me to be gone so much, and our kids are so young! I know the day will come when the crew wants nothing to do with us, so right now, while they still love, adore and cherish every moment with mom, I need to spend my time with them. The same goes for D - I felt like I was never home to spend time with my husband, as I took advantage of his being home to do afternoon "work."
So the truth is - we're thrilled! I know I will miss the midwifery work, but I also know that it is there, and will be there when our family is ready to make that choice again. The addition of Master OP just changed things more than I ever thought it would.
The first bit of family fun we're doing is a trip to San Diego at the end of June :) One of my aunts is planning on flying over on Monday (the 22nd) to make the drive with the kids and me. D will then fly over on Thursday afternoon for the weekend. Sunday we will pack up and trek on home. We are looking forward to catching up with the extended family there, and having a little break from our heat (though to be honest, it's not bad yet!). Just a few days after we return, the girls are flying up to Alaska with my mom for three weeks. I'm not going this year, as I was going to be on call and busy at work...but even with my changes, it should be exciting for the girls to go on an adventure by themselves.
So the truth is - we're thrilled! I know I will miss the midwifery work, but I also know that it is there, and will be there when our family is ready to make that choice again. The addition of Master OP just changed things more than I ever thought it would.
The first bit of family fun we're doing is a trip to San Diego at the end of June :) One of my aunts is planning on flying over on Monday (the 22nd) to make the drive with the kids and me. D will then fly over on Thursday afternoon for the weekend. Sunday we will pack up and trek on home. We are looking forward to catching up with the extended family there, and having a little break from our heat (though to be honest, it's not bad yet!). Just a few days after we return, the girls are flying up to Alaska with my mom for three weeks. I'm not going this year, as I was going to be on call and busy at work...but even with my changes, it should be exciting for the girls to go on an adventure by themselves.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
We love mei tais in this house!
Here are the boys just moments ago...OP fell asleep moments after the picture, as is his norm in any carrier. L loves going "uppie" in his MT too.
D is wearing a toddler-sized Kindercarry; I have on a Baby Hemp Tai.
Excuse the dorky pose...but I thought for once I'd post a pic with BOTH parents! Shocking :)
(and apologies to those on Facebook...I'm trying to keep my blog updated, so many posts are doubling with what I post over there!)
D is wearing a toddler-sized Kindercarry; I have on a Baby Hemp Tai.
Excuse the dorky pose...but I thought for once I'd post a pic with BOTH parents! Shocking :)
(and apologies to those on Facebook...I'm trying to keep my blog updated, so many posts are doubling with what I post over there!)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Fourteen
Master OP is fourteen weeks old today...and fourteen pounds even! He is a smiley little guy who adores being carried, and still sleeps a ton. Yes, he gets bonus points for that last bit :)
Goofy "hold the camera-self portrait" pic (he's really much cuter in real life!):
The girls have 2.5 days of school left - mostly play. This afternoon is water day, tomorrow is hand-made ice cream social day, and Wednesday is a half-day, with a puppet show. C will then start an arts camp for just one week (6/8 through 6/12), which is every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the city Art Center. It will be a looooooong day, but I know she'll love it - dance, drama, arts, kids...and no siblings!
July 2 the girls are going to Alaska for 3 weeks...by themselves! My mom is flying up with them, and they will fly home alone. Grandma has lots of plans for their visit, including a camping trip, which they're very excited about.
That's the latest and greatest.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Three births...
I apologize these birth stories are quick versions...but you'll see it was a long weekend and I don't have the energy to write out more elaborate stories at this point.
Friday, we got called out around 3 in the afternoon. After some creative child shuffling, I headed out to J's house. S (the midwife) was already there, and mama was in active labor in the tub when I arrived. Mom labored like a rock star, chatting between contractions and denying that she was anywhere close to holding her baby (ha!). Within an hour, her vocalizations changed and she began pushing...at this point, I was put in the role of "the midwife," so I donned my sterile gloves (didn't want to be rushing at the last minute or having sweaty palms trying to get them on!) and crouched in front of the tub to wait. Her water broke during a pushing contraction, and six minutes later, the baby was born...into MY hands! What an incredible gift, and how sad that so few ever have the privilege to experience it. This little guy weighed in at 9 lb 6 oz.
We went out to dinner and coffee; I got home around 10 p.m. I knew at this point another mama was having some contractions, but wasn't ready for us yet. I headed to bed around 11:15, and was woken at 11:40 by the phone and S saying it was time to go...this mama (a primip, or first-timer) was laboring in the tub with her husband and doula. Within a couple hours, she was pushing, and her baby girl came sliding into the water just before 3 a.m. on Saturday, weighing 8 lb 1 oz.
Now the third birth...Mama was having some health issues at 32 weeks that indicated checking in to the hospital. She went in on Sunday afternoon and the staff was unable to find a heartbeat. Ultrasound confirmed that their baby girl was no longer alive. A C-section was performed, and the most gorgeous, precious little girl was born sleeping, weighing 2 lb 8 oz. There were no obvious signs of problems, nothing discernible on the pathology report. Baby B was greatly loved, and will be missed.
Friday, we got called out around 3 in the afternoon. After some creative child shuffling, I headed out to J's house. S (the midwife) was already there, and mama was in active labor in the tub when I arrived. Mom labored like a rock star, chatting between contractions and denying that she was anywhere close to holding her baby (ha!). Within an hour, her vocalizations changed and she began pushing...at this point, I was put in the role of "the midwife," so I donned my sterile gloves (didn't want to be rushing at the last minute or having sweaty palms trying to get them on!) and crouched in front of the tub to wait. Her water broke during a pushing contraction, and six minutes later, the baby was born...into MY hands! What an incredible gift, and how sad that so few ever have the privilege to experience it. This little guy weighed in at 9 lb 6 oz.
We went out to dinner and coffee; I got home around 10 p.m. I knew at this point another mama was having some contractions, but wasn't ready for us yet. I headed to bed around 11:15, and was woken at 11:40 by the phone and S saying it was time to go...this mama (a primip, or first-timer) was laboring in the tub with her husband and doula. Within a couple hours, she was pushing, and her baby girl came sliding into the water just before 3 a.m. on Saturday, weighing 8 lb 1 oz.
Now the third birth...Mama was having some health issues at 32 weeks that indicated checking in to the hospital. She went in on Sunday afternoon and the staff was unable to find a heartbeat. Ultrasound confirmed that their baby girl was no longer alive. A C-section was performed, and the most gorgeous, precious little girl was born sleeping, weighing 2 lb 8 oz. There were no obvious signs of problems, nothing discernible on the pathology report. Baby B was greatly loved, and will be missed.
Flashback Friday Again!
A few pre-wedding/kid pics!
Worthington Glacier, 1997 (the summer we met):
Glacier Bay, Summer 1998:
And reaching even further back...
Spring of 1992:
Eek - can't believe I'm sharing those...be nice! :)
Worthington Glacier, 1997 (the summer we met):
Glacier Bay, Summer 1998:
And reaching even further back...
Spring of 1992:
Eek - can't believe I'm sharing those...be nice! :)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Flashback Friday
Courtesy of a Facebook friend...(clickable if you can't see the whole pic)
Taken at a wedding in Chicago a couple months before E was born...so C is about 18 months old here.
Taken at a wedding in Chicago a couple months before E was born...so C is about 18 months old here.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Four babies
Any guesses? I think we played this one back when L was new...Adding by request: individual pics, going clockwise from upper left
1.
2.
3.
4.
Other random comments
Trying to make up for my non-blogging...
Good news: we seem to have eliminated some kind of trigger from L's diet that has cleared up his skin and solved most of his night-time sleep problems! We have gone night-shade free and are also avoiding straight cow's milk. He still gets goat milk for his nap and to go to bed...but the last time we ran out of goat milk and gave him cow milk, he woke multiple times at night and was rashy again the next day...however, we were seeing that with potatoes and tomatoes as well, so for now it's all out of his diet. We don't seem to have issues with yogurt or cheese though.
Baby OP is now 12 weeks old, and as of one week ago weighed 13 pounds, measured 24 inches long and has a petite 15.5 inch head.
My sister is in Thailand doing her training for the ICRC; she returns to India on Saturday to begin her new job as an interpreter in Kashmir.
My parents and sister were all here visiting at the end of April! We celebrated my dad's 60th birthday, and I was spoiled by having my parents drive the girls to school each morning, and pick them up each afternoon...heaven!
Pics from the visit:
Multi-tasking auntie: Indian-food chef and baby-wearer!
Good news: we seem to have eliminated some kind of trigger from L's diet that has cleared up his skin and solved most of his night-time sleep problems! We have gone night-shade free and are also avoiding straight cow's milk. He still gets goat milk for his nap and to go to bed...but the last time we ran out of goat milk and gave him cow milk, he woke multiple times at night and was rashy again the next day...however, we were seeing that with potatoes and tomatoes as well, so for now it's all out of his diet. We don't seem to have issues with yogurt or cheese though.
Baby OP is now 12 weeks old, and as of one week ago weighed 13 pounds, measured 24 inches long and has a petite 15.5 inch head.
My sister is in Thailand doing her training for the ICRC; she returns to India on Saturday to begin her new job as an interpreter in Kashmir.
My parents and sister were all here visiting at the end of April! We celebrated my dad's 60th birthday, and I was spoiled by having my parents drive the girls to school each morning, and pick them up each afternoon...heaven!
Pics from the visit:
Multi-tasking auntie: Indian-food chef and baby-wearer!
My first post-OPB birth
April 29, in the evening, I attended a birth...and in my slacker haze, I never posted it! This mama lives very close by us, so I had arranged to attend as the assistant's assistant basically. I wanted the ability to go nurse OP if need be, and the experience to see how it would work out.
Around 7 p.m. I headed over to their house; S (midwife) was already there, and N (assistant) was just moments behind me. Mom labored in her room with the help of a doula and her supportive husband. We checked in occasionally, but pretty much stayed out in the living room. Close to 11, mom started pushing on the birth stool, and out came a perfect little boy. He did make a grand entrance by virtue of coming at 42 weeks on the dot! Congratulations to the whole family :)
As for my crew, OP did just fine without me - he was sleeping when I left and did wake up, but took milk from daddy no problem...the only bad part was he didn't go back to sleep! I returned home around 2 a.m. to a very tired husband who had to get up two hours later for work...
For the record, he has since stayed home with daddy and gone back to sleep just fine, so we're hoping for the near future it won't be a big issue...(lots of births coming up soon!)
Around 7 p.m. I headed over to their house; S (midwife) was already there, and N (assistant) was just moments behind me. Mom labored in her room with the help of a doula and her supportive husband. We checked in occasionally, but pretty much stayed out in the living room. Close to 11, mom started pushing on the birth stool, and out came a perfect little boy. He did make a grand entrance by virtue of coming at 42 weeks on the dot! Congratulations to the whole family :)
As for my crew, OP did just fine without me - he was sleeping when I left and did wake up, but took milk from daddy no problem...the only bad part was he didn't go back to sleep! I returned home around 2 a.m. to a very tired husband who had to get up two hours later for work...
For the record, he has since stayed home with daddy and gone back to sleep just fine, so we're hoping for the near future it won't be a big issue...(lots of births coming up soon!)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
L's new doll
L's birthday doll arrived today...I thought my little boy could use his own doll, since he often plays with the sisters'. He loves giving them rides in the sling, mei tai, and stroller...so now he can care for his own. Oh, bonus: he's a European doll - so he is even truly anatomically correct *wink*
And if anybody needs one for their own kids, my mom ordered it from here. There are a few styles - this guy is "Titus."
Hmm...what is it?
Ooh, look!
Happy
And hugs...
Happy
And hugs...
And if anybody needs one for their own kids, my mom ordered it from here. There are a few styles - this guy is "Titus."
Monday, May 18, 2009
Two!
Saturday was L's second birthday. No big celebrations...cupcake dessert Saturday just for the candles, and family brunch on Sunday.
Aunt B brought over two baby goats on Sunday (not to keep!). The kids enjoyed feeding them:
Big C loves carrying her baby brother just like mama:
And L had a blast helping daddy start the side patio transformation (think Mexican courtyard...we hope):
I am one of those slacker bloggers who has been sucked into Facebook...I will try to make more effort to keep my blog updated - sorry!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter
The Easter Bunny was good to the kids this year...they got drawing materials, chocolate, nail polish, hair clips, egg dye, and more chocolate! L was particularly excited about the candy; even Baby OP got a basket...complete with pacifiers (yes, we use them...only every other kid!) and new nail clippers :)
Speaking of OP, his Easter (1-day shy of) 7 week weigh-in was 10 lb 13 oz! No wonder we've had to size up in all his outfits :(
A few pictures...excuse the underwear-only-clad kiddo...
Nice boots, eh?
Busy with the chocolate!
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
Speaking of OP, his Easter (1-day shy of) 7 week weigh-in was 10 lb 13 oz! No wonder we've had to size up in all his outfits :(
A few pictures...excuse the underwear-only-clad kiddo...
Nice boots, eh?
Busy with the chocolate!
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Happy Birthday Clara!
My first baby turned seven today!
Born 4.9.02 in Anchorage, Alaska at the Bearing in Mind Birth Center at 10:29 p.m. She weighed 7 lb and was 19.5 inches long.
Today she's a reading machine, a mama's helper, a faux-second grader who is compassionate and sensitive...she amazes us every day.
Born 4.9.02 in Anchorage, Alaska at the Bearing in Mind Birth Center at 10:29 p.m. She weighed 7 lb and was 19.5 inches long.
Today she's a reading machine, a mama's helper, a faux-second grader who is compassionate and sensitive...she amazes us every day.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Where does the time go?
Oliver was a month old on Monday...he continues to be a sweet baby who loves cuddles and milk...smart guy. He weighs more than nine pounds already (about 2.5 lb weight gain in 4 weeks), and has outgrown many of his newborn clothes.
Not much new around here - poor Dan is up more at night with L than I am with the baby; girls were on Spring Break last week - we just hung out a lot; L has become Mr. Destructo. He enjoys throwing things in the pool through the fence, dumping his water table over, and flipping the kids' table and chairs outside on their tops. While it's rather annoying, he keeps himself entertained quite well!
Lots of pictures for your entertainment (I believe if you click on the slideshow you can just get to the album instead):
The boys yesterday (and a drawing by Clara...):
And a bunch more...I made the sleepsack, so I was trying to model it; also made the whale pants so I tried to get all four kids at once. Yeah, just as hard as it sounds! LOL
Not much new around here - poor Dan is up more at night with L than I am with the baby; girls were on Spring Break last week - we just hung out a lot; L has become Mr. Destructo. He enjoys throwing things in the pool through the fence, dumping his water table over, and flipping the kids' table and chairs outside on their tops. While it's rather annoying, he keeps himself entertained quite well!
Lots of pictures for your entertainment (I believe if you click on the slideshow you can just get to the album instead):
The boys yesterday (and a drawing by Clara...):
And a bunch more...I made the sleepsack, so I was trying to model it; also made the whale pants so I tried to get all four kids at once. Yeah, just as hard as it sounds! LOL
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