The topic of sustainability has been coming up relatively frequently. From midwifery practice to gardening and cloth diapering to recycling, the concept of sustainability is quite intriguing. Why use something that doesn't sustain the environment? Obviously, environments vary. "The" environment is what most think of, but what about other facets of life? If there is a way that I can sustain my skin, my carpet, my car, my child's health, I want to do so. Unfortunately, in American society, everything is so throw-away, disposible. I love Chic-Fil-A, and I am not sure when Mark and I are going to cut off our addiction. But I hate the fact that they use styrofoam cups. What is the point? I can recycle cardboard or recycle plastic. But I can't wash styrofoam and it's so flimsy.
It wasn't until I got so interested in midwifery and homebirth that so many of these things were brought to my attention. Now, if I can recycle it, I do. Now, if I am aware that it is not good for my health, there is a switch in my conscience that goes off. I don't always answer, but at least it goes off...
Another really good example is ibuprofen. When I was sick (could have possibly been this year's flu), I took 1/2 of a 800 mg ibuprofen (I had them to help with the after-surgery pain from Abe's birth) to break my fever. It made Abe puke. Question: is it better to try some other remedy -- egg whites or apple cider vinegar compresses on the feet -- instead of making my baby puke, not to mention what the dose of drug may have done or be doing me? Besides curbing pain from major surgery, what is the real point of everyday drugs?
I am interested in gardening. I am interested in grinding my own wheat. I am plagued by not really having the space -- apartment style living is so compact. I am interested in sewing, but I am at a loss of a good teacher...and apartment style living is so compact.
This topic of sustainability is deep and intriguing. It means rethinking the typical ways of doing things. It means sacrificing convenience for long-term reward.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
this and that of late
Okay, I admit, we are trying Baby Wise. There is a part of me that feels guilty. There are so many Ezzo dissenters out there. The other option is no semblence of a schedule or predictability. Some have told me I need to just focus on him for now. But where, then, does that leave God and my husband? The beautiful thing about family is that the love you have just keeps expanding with every new addition. I can't see neglecting my studies and prayer or my husband as a healthy approach to our new addition. So we're trying it. It's hard. Essentially, you're following a routine, not so much a schedule. There's wake time and nap time in that order, and wake time always starts with a feeding. The other huge thing is that you start you day at the same time every day. We are going to give it some time, perhaps a week, see how things pan out. I would LOVE to have him on a predictable eating and sleeping schedule. We'll see.
COBRA - not sure what it stands for, but it's the insurance Arvest has to provide as a service to all ex-employees who left on good terms. It's so expensive. It's two-and-a-half times as expensive as insurance costs for me and Abe. But we had to purchase 2 months' worth of coverage to cover the time it took to underwrite a new policy. Talk about eating a hole in your pocketbook.
And phones. Ugh. We purchased a magicJack because I ran up a $356.73 cell phone bill last month. It's a USB port hook-up on one end and a phone jack on the other, essentially digital telephone. It's so inexpensive that it is worth a try. We will probably then get rid of one of our cell phones and make the other a GO phone. We'll see how that goes.
I do have my excuses for running up the bill...spending hours talking to La Leche, lactation consultants, my mom, and friends about how to become a mother. There are so many questions. Doesn't mean that that big of a bill is justifiable. I kept telling Mark, "It's going to be big this month." He was not a happy hubby when we got the bill yesterday.
Abe is wonderful and funny. He is laughing now. The smiles and the coo-talking are entertaining enough, but the laughing just cracks me up. Mark mentioned this morning how he is the one human being whose past doesn't influence how much he loves him. I wish all love could be that raw and real.
COBRA - not sure what it stands for, but it's the insurance Arvest has to provide as a service to all ex-employees who left on good terms. It's so expensive. It's two-and-a-half times as expensive as insurance costs for me and Abe. But we had to purchase 2 months' worth of coverage to cover the time it took to underwrite a new policy. Talk about eating a hole in your pocketbook.
And phones. Ugh. We purchased a magicJack because I ran up a $356.73 cell phone bill last month. It's a USB port hook-up on one end and a phone jack on the other, essentially digital telephone. It's so inexpensive that it is worth a try. We will probably then get rid of one of our cell phones and make the other a GO phone. We'll see how that goes.
I do have my excuses for running up the bill...spending hours talking to La Leche, lactation consultants, my mom, and friends about how to become a mother. There are so many questions. Doesn't mean that that big of a bill is justifiable. I kept telling Mark, "It's going to be big this month." He was not a happy hubby when we got the bill yesterday.
Abe is wonderful and funny. He is laughing now. The smiles and the coo-talking are entertaining enough, but the laughing just cracks me up. Mark mentioned this morning how he is the one human being whose past doesn't influence how much he loves him. I wish all love could be that raw and real.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
all done
Abe's here!
Is there anything else to discuss? ...perhaps.
Rough outline: he's now 6 weeks and 2 days, born Sunday, November 9th, via ceserean at Washington Regional Medical Center after 15 hours of labor at home. He was posterior and in a brow presentation and 9.7 lbs., hence the surgery. It was humbling to have a ceserean after having planned a homebirth, but intervention is there and when it's needed it's needed. Some may say that I could have done it if I had tried longer or harder, but my baby we stuck and we were losing control of his and my vitals. At about 35 weeks into my pregnancy I realized that I could trust my midwives; if I were going to put my life in their hands, I needed to trust them. If Jennifer said, "We need to transport," well, then, we need to transport. Some may choose to have more control than that. But it was WAY less traumatic for me to trust them than to have to bear all the pressure of making that kind of decision myself. Granted, we stayed and labored as long as it was safe, but when it seemed out of control, we transported.
It has been arduous. I mean, everyone tells you motherhood is work, but no one tells you any gross details. First of all, labor is way easier than breastfeeding. Even my experience was way easier. Don't let anyone ever tell you breastfeeding is easy. I had no drugs (until surgery) and I really do feel that breastfeeding is a million more times a challenge. Another thing is balancing time. I am not putting Abraham on a feeding schedule or a napping schedule perse. However, he has a clock. I intend to adjust that clock as we need to, and especially as Abe grows. For example, when Mark has school, he gets up at 5, does some study, eats & gets himself ready for the day. Abe and I got up with him that early a couple times. Loved it. It's just precious time. But it's a ridiculous when Abe is up at 3:30 for a feeding; to get him up at 5 for another feeding and Daddy time seems a little excessive. So adjusting our lives to a reasonable schedule has been rough too. Cannot complain about lack of sleep. Abe is a good sleeper, and therefore Mommy gets her rest too.
We picked up some new diaper wraps yesterday. I was starting to covet disposibles. Shame on me, I know. But the blowouts were happening like every time. Newborn wraps on a 12 lb. boy don't work. We've got a great natural parenting store in Fayetteville that carries great products. We love our new wraps.
He is growing out of his clothes so quickly. I can't believe it. Gerber 3-6 month onesies do not fit him anymore. And the 0-3 month sleep-n-play zip ups don't fit him either. He's just a big baby.
I had my last post-op visit last week, and the last visit with the midwives yesterday. We've all got good bills of health. Abe has his 8 week well-baby check-up next week. So we are all settling in very nicely, including Mark. He's an amazing daddy and I am so thankful he's been here for me through all of this. He takes very good care of me!
Is there anything else to discuss? ...perhaps.
Rough outline: he's now 6 weeks and 2 days, born Sunday, November 9th, via ceserean at Washington Regional Medical Center after 15 hours of labor at home. He was posterior and in a brow presentation and 9.7 lbs., hence the surgery. It was humbling to have a ceserean after having planned a homebirth, but intervention is there and when it's needed it's needed. Some may say that I could have done it if I had tried longer or harder, but my baby we stuck and we were losing control of his and my vitals. At about 35 weeks into my pregnancy I realized that I could trust my midwives; if I were going to put my life in their hands, I needed to trust them. If Jennifer said, "We need to transport," well, then, we need to transport. Some may choose to have more control than that. But it was WAY less traumatic for me to trust them than to have to bear all the pressure of making that kind of decision myself. Granted, we stayed and labored as long as it was safe, but when it seemed out of control, we transported.
It has been arduous. I mean, everyone tells you motherhood is work, but no one tells you any gross details. First of all, labor is way easier than breastfeeding. Even my experience was way easier. Don't let anyone ever tell you breastfeeding is easy. I had no drugs (until surgery) and I really do feel that breastfeeding is a million more times a challenge. Another thing is balancing time. I am not putting Abraham on a feeding schedule or a napping schedule perse. However, he has a clock. I intend to adjust that clock as we need to, and especially as Abe grows. For example, when Mark has school, he gets up at 5, does some study, eats & gets himself ready for the day. Abe and I got up with him that early a couple times. Loved it. It's just precious time. But it's a ridiculous when Abe is up at 3:30 for a feeding; to get him up at 5 for another feeding and Daddy time seems a little excessive. So adjusting our lives to a reasonable schedule has been rough too. Cannot complain about lack of sleep. Abe is a good sleeper, and therefore Mommy gets her rest too.
We picked up some new diaper wraps yesterday. I was starting to covet disposibles. Shame on me, I know. But the blowouts were happening like every time. Newborn wraps on a 12 lb. boy don't work. We've got a great natural parenting store in Fayetteville that carries great products. We love our new wraps.
He is growing out of his clothes so quickly. I can't believe it. Gerber 3-6 month onesies do not fit him anymore. And the 0-3 month sleep-n-play zip ups don't fit him either. He's just a big baby.
I had my last post-op visit last week, and the last visit with the midwives yesterday. We've all got good bills of health. Abe has his 8 week well-baby check-up next week. So we are all settling in very nicely, including Mark. He's an amazing daddy and I am so thankful he's been here for me through all of this. He takes very good care of me!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
iron
I am anemic, I've always been anemic. But I had no idea how it effects me until this week. So we go to the Feast and I take my iron supplements. (I can't very well explain how iron effects hemoglobin and how that determines anemia...I just know I have weak blood and to get stronger blood I have to take iron which makes strong hemoglobin). I forget one of them, but no biggy...I'll be fine, right? Wrong. The Feast will wear anyone out, but I was just ridiculously tired the whole time.
Here's the scenario: my first blood test at 20 weeks read 9.8 (it has to be a 10). Easy to get up - just implement a couple supplements (Floradix, which is iron and B vitamins, and Chloroxygen, which is concentrated nettle.) Around 32 weeks it read 8.6. (Blood volume is increasing, no biggy...keep up with the supplements.) Then at 37 weeks (last Thursday) it read 7.8. This is not 2 days after we got back from the Feast. The reason it has to be a 10 is because I am very high risk for hemorrhage if it's not at least that. That, of course, would mean no homebirth. Needless to say, I was freaking out a little. There's nothing like having your plans and hopes and dreams crushed. That may sound dramatic, but I really do feel like I am in for the most exhillirating and rewarding experience of my physical life. So my midwives freak out a little and tell me everything I need to do, including discussing with my boss cutting back and figuring out my last day.
This is the new regiment:
homeopathic (ferrus phosphoricum) before anything wets my tongue (this will make the iron assimilate better)
15 minutes later Cranactin & Acidopholus
15 minutes later Chloroxygen & Floradix
breakfast consisting of 2 tablespoons of molasses on something & an egg
tea containing nettle
lunch with protein and high iron foods
walk home from work
Chloroxygen & Floradix
snack high in iron
Chloroxygen & Floradix
dinner high in iron
another brisk, preferably longer, walk
nettle tea
After 4 days of the regiment, I am feeling so much better. I had no idea how trying to control my iron levels would make a difference. Feeling and being are two different things. So we go to our next appointment this evening, and my iron is at what? 10.3. Yeah, and my midwives weren't sure it was possible to get it up in 4 days. My energy levels are not quite where they need to be. But I can vouche for the fact that walking and having appropriate iron levels is invigorating.
As of today, we are back on board, ready for the homebirth. There was a slight scare that I may have a placenta previa, as the baby really hadn't descended at all into the pelvic region -- he's just a-sittin' high, making me measure a 41 from time to time. But by today he had descended a bit and is headed in the right direction.
Here's the scenario: my first blood test at 20 weeks read 9.8 (it has to be a 10). Easy to get up - just implement a couple supplements (Floradix, which is iron and B vitamins, and Chloroxygen, which is concentrated nettle.) Around 32 weeks it read 8.6. (Blood volume is increasing, no biggy...keep up with the supplements.) Then at 37 weeks (last Thursday) it read 7.8. This is not 2 days after we got back from the Feast. The reason it has to be a 10 is because I am very high risk for hemorrhage if it's not at least that. That, of course, would mean no homebirth. Needless to say, I was freaking out a little. There's nothing like having your plans and hopes and dreams crushed. That may sound dramatic, but I really do feel like I am in for the most exhillirating and rewarding experience of my physical life. So my midwives freak out a little and tell me everything I need to do, including discussing with my boss cutting back and figuring out my last day.
This is the new regiment:
homeopathic (ferrus phosphoricum) before anything wets my tongue (this will make the iron assimilate better)
15 minutes later Cranactin & Acidopholus
15 minutes later Chloroxygen & Floradix
breakfast consisting of 2 tablespoons of molasses on something & an egg
tea containing nettle
lunch with protein and high iron foods
walk home from work
Chloroxygen & Floradix
snack high in iron
Chloroxygen & Floradix
dinner high in iron
another brisk, preferably longer, walk
nettle tea
After 4 days of the regiment, I am feeling so much better. I had no idea how trying to control my iron levels would make a difference. Feeling and being are two different things. So we go to our next appointment this evening, and my iron is at what? 10.3. Yeah, and my midwives weren't sure it was possible to get it up in 4 days. My energy levels are not quite where they need to be. But I can vouche for the fact that walking and having appropriate iron levels is invigorating.
As of today, we are back on board, ready for the homebirth. There was a slight scare that I may have a placenta previa, as the baby really hadn't descended at all into the pelvic region -- he's just a-sittin' high, making me measure a 41 from time to time. But by today he had descended a bit and is headed in the right direction.
Friday, October 03, 2008
circumcision
Lev. 12:3 -- And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
Romans 3:1-2 -- What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.
We're doin' it if we have boy, and we're doin' it on the eighth day. The only way to ensure that it gets done on the eighth day is to have a mohel do it. More than that, Hebrew custom ensures that it's performed properly. We could have a culturally cognizant pediatrician perform it, but 1) their office is not open on Sunday, sometimes Saturday and 2) does it say, "to the local physician was committed the oracles of God?"
Romans 3:1-2 -- What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.
We're doin' it if we have boy, and we're doin' it on the eighth day. The only way to ensure that it gets done on the eighth day is to have a mohel do it. More than that, Hebrew custom ensures that it's performed properly. We could have a culturally cognizant pediatrician perform it, but 1) their office is not open on Sunday, sometimes Saturday and 2) does it say, "to the local physician was committed the oracles of God?"
Monday, September 29, 2008
Three weeks ago I started walking to work. My work is only about 3/4 miles from our house. Until about 2 months ago there were no sidewalks, but they've since put in a new 4 lane, so there are huge sidewalks. I love it. Some think I am crazy. I am in my 9th lunar month of pregnancy - huge - but now really is the best time to be getting some form of exercise.
Tonight on the way home, the weather was just perfect: slight breeze, sun peering through the clouds. I like to call those clouds 'hope clouds.' They're just magnificent. Too, there was a train changing direction. Its track goes through and tunnel beneath the new road and 100 yards or so up it goes past our apartment. It's part of home, but we don't see it, we only hear it, at home. Walking, I get to see where all the noises come from.
Judy, one of the officers at the bank asked where I was parked when I left the branch this afternoon. When I told her I was walking she almost begged me to let her give me a ride. But, honestly, it's so nice to walk. I'd rather. One of Mark's fellow teachers expressed her desire to see me drive rather than walk today. Is this the type of thing husbands shouldn't let their wives do? We've gotten a little criticism from a couple ministers before -- "Don't let her drive across country to see you," or "Don't let her drive home in the rain." Am I a crazy liberal?
As I crossed the street to enter our apartment complex, I saw someone literally drive from the Tyson Corporate parking lot (maybe a total of 3 football fields big), which is directly in front of our apts. Now, I don't know if he really lives in our apartments or if he was just getting mail. But if someone is just driving 100 yards, I find that a little pathetic.
I allot about 20 minute to walk to work. The home route is a little easier. I wish I would find better ways to get around. Surely, there is no need to drive to the grocery store...the closest one (though not the one I prefer) is only 1 1/2 miles from the apt. A bike could be an amazing resource. Maybe I'll get one. One with a basket and that can be latched up with a trailer for baby.
Tonight on the way home, the weather was just perfect: slight breeze, sun peering through the clouds. I like to call those clouds 'hope clouds.' They're just magnificent. Too, there was a train changing direction. Its track goes through and tunnel beneath the new road and 100 yards or so up it goes past our apartment. It's part of home, but we don't see it, we only hear it, at home. Walking, I get to see where all the noises come from.
Judy, one of the officers at the bank asked where I was parked when I left the branch this afternoon. When I told her I was walking she almost begged me to let her give me a ride. But, honestly, it's so nice to walk. I'd rather. One of Mark's fellow teachers expressed her desire to see me drive rather than walk today. Is this the type of thing husbands shouldn't let their wives do? We've gotten a little criticism from a couple ministers before -- "Don't let her drive across country to see you," or "Don't let her drive home in the rain." Am I a crazy liberal?
As I crossed the street to enter our apartment complex, I saw someone literally drive from the Tyson Corporate parking lot (maybe a total of 3 football fields big), which is directly in front of our apts. Now, I don't know if he really lives in our apartments or if he was just getting mail. But if someone is just driving 100 yards, I find that a little pathetic.
I allot about 20 minute to walk to work. The home route is a little easier. I wish I would find better ways to get around. Surely, there is no need to drive to the grocery store...the closest one (though not the one I prefer) is only 1 1/2 miles from the apt. A bike could be an amazing resource. Maybe I'll get one. One with a basket and that can be latched up with a trailer for baby.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sunday, September 07, 2008
...and one more thing
If anyone knows who got us the big kid car seat, do you mind passing on the tip? The packing list got lost in shipping, so we have absolutely no clue.
Thank you, David!
Thank you, David!
dwayne lives in saskatchewan province, canada
Amanda!! I think I might owe you an email. How are you doing? What's shaking?
Up here, summer is winding down. Now there is nothing left to look forward to. The signs of death and despair are all around. It creeps in bit by bit, as the morose brown edges of where life once existed in formerly verdant foliage march ever closer to the inward parts of the flora all around me, smothering and suffocating it to the very core. The inevitable desolation is irrevocably methodical, torturously slow and calculated. And before all life has gone out of the land, in a cruel twist of fate the elements will bury alive what little life remains beneath a white blanket of death.
So are you looking forward to the Feast? Where are you staying?
Anyway, have an awesome week!
Up here, summer is winding down. Now there is nothing left to look forward to. The signs of death and despair are all around. It creeps in bit by bit, as the morose brown edges of where life once existed in formerly verdant foliage march ever closer to the inward parts of the flora all around me, smothering and suffocating it to the very core. The inevitable desolation is irrevocably methodical, torturously slow and calculated. And before all life has gone out of the land, in a cruel twist of fate the elements will bury alive what little life remains beneath a white blanket of death.
So are you looking forward to the Feast? Where are you staying?
Anyway, have an awesome week!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
update
Time is flying by so quickly. I honestly cannot keep up. I thought I was "caught up" with keeping in touch with people, I was wrong. There are so many people I really really want to talk to -- good conversations, the kind that reaffirm bonds. But it has been so insane around here. I think this week will be significantly more relaxed, so perhaps some catching up will happen.
Last Sunday we had a shower in Joplin. It was very nice. Katie, friend from college who currently abides in Chicago, flew in. And Sherril Rahe, who lives in Boulder, came into town also. Jake came down from KC and we all had a good time. The gifts, of course, are nice. But honestly, the company and support is a way more significant. Monday I spent in Tulsa taking the ladies back to the airport. Tulsa is dull. I wish we would have gone to Kids R Us. We don't have one in Fayetteville.
Wednesday we had our 2nd of 5 birthing classes. We covered the stages of labor, effacement, dialation & stations. We then watched a video on water birth. Apparently, it's huge in Russia. Who knew? Thursday we had another prenatal. The baby is growing right on schedule. We are really happy we did FAM to get pregnant because we are so much more confident about the due date. Not that we really have anything to fear anyway, but it is one thing we don't have to fear since we started out aware. So many women really are scared and have so many questions. The medical model of care simply does not comfort like the midwifery model. We are so happy to be going the natural, at-home route. As we contemplate our birth plan, we'll firm up how we'd like to see things go and everyone's role who will be present, Mark, Jennifer (lead midwife), Maria (midwife), mom & my 14 year old sister, Carly. Just about 8 more weeks.
I've been in touch with HR and have been gathering quotes on health and life insurance for me and the baby. It's not so bad. If we went through Mark's school instead of through an outside company, we'd be looking at and additional $500/month. Seriously? Yeah, seriously. Who assumed teachers got great benefits? Instead, we really are only looking at just a little over $200. I am also looking into ways to make money after the baby arrives. We're open to babysitting after 3 months. A co-worker friend whose wife stays home has her own sewing business and really supplements their income. Goal for me will be $400/month.
Friday we had Mr. Stafford & Mr. Marston (deacon in Fort Smith) over for dinner and the first ATLP (Advanced Leadership Training Program) session. The workload is equivalent to that of a college class. It gives him focus in study and it really is awesome material. The fact that the ministry wants to share church philosophy (if I can call it that...synonym: approach, thought process) and disseminate it to the rest of the church is so encouraging.
Tonight we went to a wedding for Matt & Kate, now, Akins. Adorable couple. Matt is a fellow Private Banking Specialist with me at Arvest. Mark and I danced. I LOVE dancing. The baby is kind of obstrusive and when the belly gets bumped the baby knows it.
Finally, I am happy to say I am dropping collostrum. For those of you who don't know, it's an easy Google search. I will spare the males. Basically, I am encouraged that our baby will be fully nourished and will receive lots of the antibodies it needs to grow healthfully. It means, too, that I am fully functional and capable. Yay.
Last Sunday we had a shower in Joplin. It was very nice. Katie, friend from college who currently abides in Chicago, flew in. And Sherril Rahe, who lives in Boulder, came into town also. Jake came down from KC and we all had a good time. The gifts, of course, are nice. But honestly, the company and support is a way more significant. Monday I spent in Tulsa taking the ladies back to the airport. Tulsa is dull. I wish we would have gone to Kids R Us. We don't have one in Fayetteville.
Wednesday we had our 2nd of 5 birthing classes. We covered the stages of labor, effacement, dialation & stations. We then watched a video on water birth. Apparently, it's huge in Russia. Who knew? Thursday we had another prenatal. The baby is growing right on schedule. We are really happy we did FAM to get pregnant because we are so much more confident about the due date. Not that we really have anything to fear anyway, but it is one thing we don't have to fear since we started out aware. So many women really are scared and have so many questions. The medical model of care simply does not comfort like the midwifery model. We are so happy to be going the natural, at-home route. As we contemplate our birth plan, we'll firm up how we'd like to see things go and everyone's role who will be present, Mark, Jennifer (lead midwife), Maria (midwife), mom & my 14 year old sister, Carly. Just about 8 more weeks.
I've been in touch with HR and have been gathering quotes on health and life insurance for me and the baby. It's not so bad. If we went through Mark's school instead of through an outside company, we'd be looking at and additional $500/month. Seriously? Yeah, seriously. Who assumed teachers got great benefits? Instead, we really are only looking at just a little over $200. I am also looking into ways to make money after the baby arrives. We're open to babysitting after 3 months. A co-worker friend whose wife stays home has her own sewing business and really supplements their income. Goal for me will be $400/month.
Friday we had Mr. Stafford & Mr. Marston (deacon in Fort Smith) over for dinner and the first ATLP (Advanced Leadership Training Program) session. The workload is equivalent to that of a college class. It gives him focus in study and it really is awesome material. The fact that the ministry wants to share church philosophy (if I can call it that...synonym: approach, thought process) and disseminate it to the rest of the church is so encouraging.
Tonight we went to a wedding for Matt & Kate, now, Akins. Adorable couple. Matt is a fellow Private Banking Specialist with me at Arvest. Mark and I danced. I LOVE dancing. The baby is kind of obstrusive and when the belly gets bumped the baby knows it.
Finally, I am happy to say I am dropping collostrum. For those of you who don't know, it's an easy Google search. I will spare the males. Basically, I am encouraged that our baby will be fully nourished and will receive lots of the antibodies it needs to grow healthfully. It means, too, that I am fully functional and capable. Yay.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
"The greatest rebellion in history occurred under perfect government."
Have you ever heard someone say it just like that? So many people get flustered with the church of their choice, then justify it by saying something to the effect of, "I cannot support an organization that does not live by godly principles." Or, "Our family is not impressed with the lack of brotherly love." Or, "We are hurt and insulted at the choice words our minister used (or did not use)." These are age-old excuses and principles people have used to leave the church, be it the Catholic church, the First Baptist church, or the Sabbath day keeping Church of God. Granted, there's the whole idea of proper doctrine that deciphers whether or not one attends what organization. But if a church is established with proper doctrine and such excuses are made, then they essentially say that it's the ministers' fault and further leave the church, I simply don't understand why.
You know, we've heard for a very long time that government is important in the church. But why? I mean, there are so many excuses not to care about government -- perhaps there are organzations who are 'better' at uplifting sermons on Sabbath or are 'better' at organzing and hosting social gatherings or whose ministers seem more fair and just. And we occassionally hear the response, "Because God does not want another Lucifer on His hands." Does government matter? Since the greatest rebellion in history, i.e. the falling away of Lucifer & the 1/3 of the angels, happened under God's watch, how can one say that obedience to proper government does not matter?
Have you ever heard someone say it just like that? So many people get flustered with the church of their choice, then justify it by saying something to the effect of, "I cannot support an organization that does not live by godly principles." Or, "Our family is not impressed with the lack of brotherly love." Or, "We are hurt and insulted at the choice words our minister used (or did not use)." These are age-old excuses and principles people have used to leave the church, be it the Catholic church, the First Baptist church, or the Sabbath day keeping Church of God. Granted, there's the whole idea of proper doctrine that deciphers whether or not one attends what organization. But if a church is established with proper doctrine and such excuses are made, then they essentially say that it's the ministers' fault and further leave the church, I simply don't understand why.
You know, we've heard for a very long time that government is important in the church. But why? I mean, there are so many excuses not to care about government -- perhaps there are organzations who are 'better' at uplifting sermons on Sabbath or are 'better' at organzing and hosting social gatherings or whose ministers seem more fair and just. And we occassionally hear the response, "Because God does not want another Lucifer on His hands." Does government matter? Since the greatest rebellion in history, i.e. the falling away of Lucifer & the 1/3 of the angels, happened under God's watch, how can one say that obedience to proper government does not matter?
Saturday, July 19, 2008
-ito
Mark and I haven't seen each other all week, except at my 'hour-long' lunchtime, so dinner out was a really nice change of pace. As we're driving home, we are behind a little car who stops at a stop sign. I know, novel concept. But he didn't move fast enough for me, and with a very silly, goofy air in the car as we celebrate the onset of the Sabbath, I say, "Muevete!" And proceed to explain that it means, "Move it, little man." And Mark says, "No, that would be, 'Mueveteito.'" Every now and again Mark uses this reasoning. This, "I am clever. I clarify what you obviously did not get quite right." And this humour makes me laugh and further cry. Oh, I laughed so hard. Mueveteito? Yeah, that doesn't work. And he, "What?" the whole way home.
Side note: this type of gutteral giggling is actually supposed to help aid labor. :)
Side note: this type of gutteral giggling is actually supposed to help aid labor. :)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
iron
So I'm anemic. Super. Just what I need while I supply life-giving blood to another individual. Granted, this is to be expected. Back in 2000 I tried to give blood. They denied me for 2 reasons. One: my iron was too low, and two: I lived in England when I was ages 2-4 -- 1982-1985. So my midwife has be doing 2 supplements. ChlorOxygen helps supply oxygen to the blood. It is traditionally used to help with elevation changes. But the principle is that it makes the blood do its job better. The second is Floradix - an iron, B vitamin mix. I haven't tried any of it yet, but I am pumped. The best part about herbs is that they taste gross.
I am feeling really pregnant, too. The child thinks it's a great idea to hang out on my pelvic bone. I was FREAKING out today. I thought I had a kidney infection. Possible, even typical, of course. So as I grabbed the other herbs, I snagged some CranActin. One pill is equivalent to an entire glass of cranberry juice. So I took 4 this evening and will take 4 more before bed. Hey, it harms nothing. Tomorrow I get a urinalysis and they'll determine if I have any bacteria, and if I do then I have to take a week's worth of prescription antibiotics. Yippee. Not so ironic, but after a little stretching and gently encouraging little one to get off my spine, bladder, and kidneys I feel almost healthy again. Ugh. Hey in 20 weeks we'll see the fruit of all this, huh?
I am feeling really pregnant, too. The child thinks it's a great idea to hang out on my pelvic bone. I was FREAKING out today. I thought I had a kidney infection. Possible, even typical, of course. So as I grabbed the other herbs, I snagged some CranActin. One pill is equivalent to an entire glass of cranberry juice. So I took 4 this evening and will take 4 more before bed. Hey, it harms nothing. Tomorrow I get a urinalysis and they'll determine if I have any bacteria, and if I do then I have to take a week's worth of prescription antibiotics. Yippee. Not so ironic, but after a little stretching and gently encouraging little one to get off my spine, bladder, and kidneys I feel almost healthy again. Ugh. Hey in 20 weeks we'll see the fruit of all this, huh?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
tough women
"The world's changing, the women are getting tougher than blokes, mate, hey?" A quote from a recent BBC article. Why, I pose, are women getting tougher than men?
Saturday, May 10, 2008
a dove
In this month's Tomorrow's World, there is a quote in the article on Motherhood. It says, "Unites States President Andrew Jackson praised his mother as being, 'gentle as a dove and brave as a lioness.'" Mark said, "I think you have the lioness part down. You might need to be more dove-like." Dove-like, yes!
midwives of choice
We chose our midwives - two women who run a very efficient midwifery service. Birthroot is the name of their facility. A couple more very cool sites: Citizens for Midwifery and Midwives Model of Care.
disservice
I don't feel like I am being done a disservice spiritually. I have so many incredible resources: the words of life, the HS, a supportive and edifying husband, a meat-feeding ministry. This is not to mention that I have the commandments and statutes. What else could I ask for or expect?
What if you were a young person, our age or younger, who did not have a number of those things? Your parents, at least at some point in their life, certainly did, but you don't have all the components to truly prepare for what's ahead.
The question in my mind is, "Whose responsibility is it to see to it that you are given the opportunity to truly fulfill your sanctification, calling, and the responsibility you perhaps accepted at baptism?" Is it my job to reach out to others in other churches and somehow convince them to be a part of the Work?
Let's say the hypothetical-me says it is my responsibility, at least within my own realm and social circle. How do I go about it? How do I go about convincing others that the Work and being fed spiritually are vital to preparing for not only the coming Tribulation but eternal life? Keep in mind the target audience is 2nd generation Sabbath & HD observers. Should I go above and beyond to see this group of people?
A number of good friends are struggling with this. These are people I care about and I really want to empathize and understand fully not only their thought process, but be appropriately supportive of their stance.
Mark and I have been discussing it over the course of the past few weeks. Tonight we had a breakthrough conversation which, to me, just made sense. Here are a few things we've been tossing around. These thoughts are more chronological in nature, not significance and poignance.
1) If the ministry frowns on congregating with other churches of God, it's for a good reason. As a general principle, if a minister tells me something and it doesn't sit right or I just don't like it, I suck it up and usually figure out their thought process later. A number of ministers in Living have mentioned that they have disagreed with a concept the leading men put forth, even to the point of considering leaving the ministry. But they didn't because they recognized their place and recalled the vision. If there is a doctrinal issue, I've heard of people submitting papers. You may get told you're wrong and need to review your stance, but at least you were heard. There is a proper attitude, proper channels.
2) If we tried to save everyone to whom we thought a disservice had been done, we'd be accountable for every human that has ever lived. All we can do is the make the resources available to them, re. the old adage: "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink."
3) We are to be an example. Two scriptures: Phil. 3:17 -- Brethren join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. And Heb. 4:11 -- Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same pattern of disobedience.
4) Awhile back Mr. B. was telling us about an opportunity he had to speak often at one of the Church of God Seventh Day congregations. They *loved* him, educated and well-versed. He offered them meat. He could have come to see them once a month and possibly have acquired 10 or 12 members. However, he's only ever spoken once. Why? You don't steal other shepherds' sheep.
Finally, God takes care of His own. God will do with all what He wills.
What if you were a young person, our age or younger, who did not have a number of those things? Your parents, at least at some point in their life, certainly did, but you don't have all the components to truly prepare for what's ahead.
The question in my mind is, "Whose responsibility is it to see to it that you are given the opportunity to truly fulfill your sanctification, calling, and the responsibility you perhaps accepted at baptism?" Is it my job to reach out to others in other churches and somehow convince them to be a part of the Work?
Let's say the hypothetical-me says it is my responsibility, at least within my own realm and social circle. How do I go about it? How do I go about convincing others that the Work and being fed spiritually are vital to preparing for not only the coming Tribulation but eternal life? Keep in mind the target audience is 2nd generation Sabbath & HD observers. Should I go above and beyond to see this group of people?
A number of good friends are struggling with this. These are people I care about and I really want to empathize and understand fully not only their thought process, but be appropriately supportive of their stance.
Mark and I have been discussing it over the course of the past few weeks. Tonight we had a breakthrough conversation which, to me, just made sense. Here are a few things we've been tossing around. These thoughts are more chronological in nature, not significance and poignance.
1) If the ministry frowns on congregating with other churches of God, it's for a good reason. As a general principle, if a minister tells me something and it doesn't sit right or I just don't like it, I suck it up and usually figure out their thought process later. A number of ministers in Living have mentioned that they have disagreed with a concept the leading men put forth, even to the point of considering leaving the ministry. But they didn't because they recognized their place and recalled the vision. If there is a doctrinal issue, I've heard of people submitting papers. You may get told you're wrong and need to review your stance, but at least you were heard. There is a proper attitude, proper channels.
2) If we tried to save everyone to whom we thought a disservice had been done, we'd be accountable for every human that has ever lived. All we can do is the make the resources available to them, re. the old adage: "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink."
3) We are to be an example. Two scriptures: Phil. 3:17 -- Brethren join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. And Heb. 4:11 -- Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same pattern of disobedience.
4) Awhile back Mr. B. was telling us about an opportunity he had to speak often at one of the Church of God Seventh Day congregations. They *loved* him, educated and well-versed. He offered them meat. He could have come to see them once a month and possibly have acquired 10 or 12 members. However, he's only ever spoken once. Why? You don't steal other shepherds' sheep.
Finally, God takes care of His own. God will do with all what He wills.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Thanks to everyone who has congratulated us on our pregnancy. Everything is going well so far. My only complaint is that I have this eery queaziness most every morning that usually results in what pregnant women dread - puking. That being said, it's wonderful to know that I have a life growing inside me. Future heir, yo, future heir.
Mark and I upped our food budget to $75/week. We have been pretty faithful, though surely not perfect. For a couple weeks I had a lot of food aversions, so we spent a lot trying to figure out what works. I came to realize that it wasn't the food that was making me sick. The most convincing explanation of morning sickness is a deficiency of B vitamins. They, if I understand it correctly, are a huge help in making strong brains, neurons, etc. And it's not a particular B vitamin. In fact, they need each other to do their individual job. So if you don't take all of them, the ones you do take won't work properly. Examples of Bs are thiamine, niacine, B6 and B12, among others.
We are trying to get a condo in Branson. Unfortunately, the one we really wanted has some sort of breech of contract with the development their in, so we lost out. But I got an email from someone else with a place just as gorgeous as the other. It's not as big, though. I might be able to talk her down. The total price is over $2000. I can justify that if it were as big as the other, which would have come in just under that price. Since it's so much smaller, I think I will offer her $1700 -- taxes & cleaning fees included. We'll see how that goes.
We're pumped about the birth, too. It will likely take place within the first 2 weeks of November. We are planning on a completely natural, at-home birth. Before you scowl, watch The Business of Being Born. Amazing statistics. It's expose-style, filmed mainly in NYC. One incredible statistic is about 2 hospitals in New York: one has a ceasarean rate of 30%, the other of 35%. My beef is that ceasareans are not for low-risk births. If a woman ends up having surgery because she has been given an epidural and too much pitocin, the hospital is doing the mother and the baby a disservice. In talking to some of the midwives around here, I found out that the local women's hopsital has a C-section rate of 60%. I mean, seriously, why don't you just shoot me in the foot? The other local hospital's rate is at 30%. I could understand those numbers if the number of babies dying at birth in populations comprable to ours (i.e. Britain or Norway or Australia or Finland) were the same, but they're not. That many babies and mothers should not be at risk, not so much so to have to have surgery. Lo siento, amigos.
Don't even get me started on the correlation between epidurals, pitocin, vaccinations and ADD, ADHD, SIDS and autism.
Mark and I upped our food budget to $75/week. We have been pretty faithful, though surely not perfect. For a couple weeks I had a lot of food aversions, so we spent a lot trying to figure out what works. I came to realize that it wasn't the food that was making me sick. The most convincing explanation of morning sickness is a deficiency of B vitamins. They, if I understand it correctly, are a huge help in making strong brains, neurons, etc. And it's not a particular B vitamin. In fact, they need each other to do their individual job. So if you don't take all of them, the ones you do take won't work properly. Examples of Bs are thiamine, niacine, B6 and B12, among others.
We are trying to get a condo in Branson. Unfortunately, the one we really wanted has some sort of breech of contract with the development their in, so we lost out. But I got an email from someone else with a place just as gorgeous as the other. It's not as big, though. I might be able to talk her down. The total price is over $2000. I can justify that if it were as big as the other, which would have come in just under that price. Since it's so much smaller, I think I will offer her $1700 -- taxes & cleaning fees included. We'll see how that goes.
We're pumped about the birth, too. It will likely take place within the first 2 weeks of November. We are planning on a completely natural, at-home birth. Before you scowl, watch The Business of Being Born. Amazing statistics. It's expose-style, filmed mainly in NYC. One incredible statistic is about 2 hospitals in New York: one has a ceasarean rate of 30%, the other of 35%. My beef is that ceasareans are not for low-risk births. If a woman ends up having surgery because she has been given an epidural and too much pitocin, the hospital is doing the mother and the baby a disservice. In talking to some of the midwives around here, I found out that the local women's hopsital has a C-section rate of 60%. I mean, seriously, why don't you just shoot me in the foot? The other local hospital's rate is at 30%. I could understand those numbers if the number of babies dying at birth in populations comprable to ours (i.e. Britain or Norway or Australia or Finland) were the same, but they're not. That many babies and mothers should not be at risk, not so much so to have to have surgery. Lo siento, amigos.
Don't even get me started on the correlation between epidurals, pitocin, vaccinations and ADD, ADHD, SIDS and autism.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
names
So Mark and I have some news. We are 10 weeks pregnant. :) Yay. We have been thinking about names for a long time. About a year ago we settled on Abraham Louis for our first boy. Then we fell in love with the name Juila. So our first girl will be Julia Michele. Last week Jake was down, and he was telling us how he is going to name his daughter Jacobena. Lovely, huh? Then Mark mentioned how he wants to name our son Trajan. Trajan? Seriously, I am willing to name our dog Trajan. ...until I realized that we can call him Tray (though I am not settled on the spelling of the shortname.)! So our second boy, will be Trajan William. Then tonight we were talking, and Mark REALLY likes the name Emily. He has mentioned it before, and though I know a very lovely lady named Emily, I am just not sure I want to name our daughter Emily. Did I mention that he REALLY loves it? So we brainstormed... There is just something really neat about the combination of Abraham Louis & Trajan William, as there is a connection between Julia & Emily. They're very Victorian, and they make me think of Queen Anne's lace and peonies, both of which I love. So we're drivin' and runnin' through various family names -- Ruth, Evelyn, Susan. Really lovely, sure. But just not that zing, not perfection. Until we thought of Emily Jane. :) There you have it -- if we have twins of any combination, we have their names picked out. 1) Abraham Louis, 2) Julia Michele, 3) Trajan William, and 4) Emily Jane. This does, yes, imply that if we had our choice in the matter we would love to have a boy first. ;) G'nite.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
article
Amazing. So toward the end the author mentions present-day keeping Sabbath organizations, including the Church of God Seventh Day, Messianic Jewish groups, UCG, LCG, CGI, PCG & ICG. Okay, incredible point, but who is leaving their footprint? LCG. Why? Because there's a telecast and words are actually said and furthermore quoted. The more we say what we mean, mean what we say and know where we stand the more people will take note. I appreciate our leaders' hard work; amazing.
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