Car Seat Safety. It's everyones Issue.

I am a person who is very passionate about many subjects.  One of those subjects is car seat safety.  Nothing makes my heart and stomach plummet faster than hear of or seeing someone not using their car seat properly.  And what is even worse is that this happens very often because:

98% of people are not using their car seat correctly.  

At least three child endangering mistakes are made by most parents while installing car seats.

Many inspectors completing seat checks for free have inadequate training, expired certifications and/or outdated product knowledge.

That is a HUGE! 

 And this is something i'm torn about.  When i see a car seat not being used right i want to say something so bad because impropper use of car seats puts children's lives at risk.  

In the United States during 2005, 1,335 children ages 14 years and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and approximately 184,000 were injured. That’s an average of 4 deaths and 504 injuries each day.

Among children under age 5, in 2006, an estimated 425 lives were saved by car and booster seat use.  (Imagine how much higher that number would be if those 98% of car seats were being used properly?!?!) (source)

Car seat safety is easy.  It's something that could significantly reduce your child's risk of injury or death.  It makes me so sad when i try to talk with people who i see are not using their car seats correctly and they lash back at me like i'm some horrible person.  That i'm just trying to be a know it all.  But this is not the case at all.  The reason i speak up is because the child cannot.  And perhaps that person *honestly* didn't know they were doing something wrong. I do not want anyone to go through having to bury their child because i *have*.  Even though there was nothing i could have done to prevent her death, it's the hardest thing i've ever had to do, placing my child in her casket for burial.  I do not want any other parent to have to go through that. 

So i will continue to speak up, even if it makes others uncomfortable, mad,  or even hostile towards me.  

So what are the mistakes caregivers make?

Well, the first big thing people are ignoring or just dont' know is that the AAP recommends that you keep children rear facing as long as possibe.  "Toddlers should remain rear-facing in a convertible car seat until they have reached the maximum height and weight recommended for the model, or at least the age of 2." (source)

The rule of 1 year and 20lbs is NO MORE! 

REMEMBER, toddlers are more than five times safer riding rear-facing in a car seat.  And 2 years is just the minimum.  Most children can rear face to 3 to 4 years.

Ok, now that we all understand this we'll go on. I know this next part seems like an overload of information but please, just take a moment of your time to read through these short articles and videos. 
Remember your child's life could depend on it.

9 Lifesaving Car Seat Rules You're Probably Ignoring
7 Car Seat Safety Rules You Still May Have Missed
Winter car seat safety
Does your baby wear a coat in the car?
Car Seat Safety: 10 Nightmare Mistakes
7 Rules for Buying & Installing a Car Seat
Parents issues with rear facing and the counter claims
Car seat tips you may have missed
Booster Seat Safety
Don't let your baby sleep in a car seat outside of the car
If you trust the media your baby is in dangerCar Seat Tips for Preemies and small newborns
worst car seats of 2010

Rear Facing VS. Forward Facing

Forward Facing or Rear Facing?

Importance of 5 point harness

More Information on Car Seat Safety

http://www.carseatsite.com

http://www.car-safety.org

http://www.thecarseatlady.com 

http://www.kyledavidmiller.org

www.kidsandcars.org 

And now i will draw this to a close.  I hope that i did not offend anyone.  I am not trying to imply that i know more than you, or that i'm better than you.  I just want our children to be safe and i do not want any other parent to have to go through the heart ache of burying their child.  Please, pass this information on to all those around you!  Share this post in your blogs, on your facebook, where ever you would like (just please give credit).  Please work with me to keep our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and Godchildren safe.  Speak up when you see someone doing something wrong.  They might not know any better!  But it could still be a fatal mistake.  Thank you for taking the time to read this important message.

And for anyone who knows me in real life, and would like to contact a car seat technician let me know.  She is available for email/phone calls and (free)local carseat checks.
 

Did any of you learn something new from this post?  Have any of you also spoken up when you saw someone doing something wrong?

Myths about Flu vaccine

I know i already did a post today, but i wanted to share this article really quick since it was pretty good.

Myths and Facts: 

Study Verifies That There Is No Value In Any Flu Vaccine

So what about you, do you believe in the flu vaccine?

The joy of holding my baby close

 I have another confession to make.

I *love* baby wearing!

Ok, that isn't much of a confession for some of you.  Anyone who sees me wearing Rainbow knows i absolutely adore it!  Baby wearing has been a life saver for me.  Before i had our first daughter, i knew i wanted to baby wear.  After having Rainbow, it wasn't just a want, it was a need.  I needed to wear our daughter.  

Rainbow has severe gas issues (due to food intolerances i'm trying to figure out) which cause her pain and so she cries a lot.  She is also very alert and hyper-sensitive to the world so she has a harder time sleeping.  And she just needs to be held a lot.  I never expected to have a baby that needed me as much as she does, but i do.

And so baby wearing has saved me.  It took me a while to find my carrier of choice but once i found it, it made the biggest difference in the world.  I am now able to wear Rainbow with no pain, no strain and with both hands free.  I'm happy and Rainbow is happy, nothing could be better.

And baby wearing is great because of all the benefits.  Benefits such as:

• babies cry less
• babies learn more
• Good for baby's mental development
• babies are more organized
• Good for baby's emotional development
• babies get "humanized" earlier
• Good for baby's physical development
• babies are smarter
• Good for babies whose mums are depressed
•   Wearing a baby is convenient
• Babies are happier 
• Baby-wearing is healthy for caregivers
• Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling
• Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with each other
• Slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers
• Slings are a safe place for a child to be
• Slings are economical
• Baby-wearing is fun
• Baby Wearing helps fussy babies    

Source Source Source    

 

"The other thing, besides milk, that babies want and need most is human contact -— to be close to those who love them.  In many cultures, babies are constantly in the arms of caregivers. Anthropologists and psychologists who study the behavior of mothers and babies have observed that when mothers and babies are together, they are constantly shaping one another's behavior. When her baby whimpers or seems to be in distress, the mother responds and reassures her little one. If her baby seems hungry, she offers her breast. When the baby looks into her eyes, she smiles and talks to her baby, and her baby responds by gazing at her, smiling, or trying to "talk" in baby language. When babies encounter new people or new experiences, mothers and fathers who are holding them can help them overcome their fears and learn more about their world.
These sensitive, personality-shaping interactions happen most readily when babies are in the arms of their parents. When you wear your baby, the two of you move through your day together. You see the world from similar points of view. Your baby hears your voice as you talk to others, picks up on your emotions, and trusts you to provide safety and comfort. Even when a mother is focusing on other people or other tasks, a baby who is held in her arms or tucked into a sling is reassured by the physical contact. Wearing your baby provides closeness even when you can not give your baby one hundred percent of your attention." Source


Isn't baby wearing amazing?

 

So it makes me a sad to hear mothers who have said that they gave baby wearing a try, but it didn't work for them because it was uncomfortable, it hurt them or baby didn't like it.  Now, this may be true.  But i also wonder if those mothers just didn't have the right kind of carrier. 

Many mothers have a carrier that is similar to the Baby Bjorn.

Source

I detest these carriers!  Yes, i'm happy that the mother/father/caregiver is wearing their baby, but in my opinion this is an awful carrier!  Not only is it incredibly uncomfotable (i hurt after just 10 minutes wearing a baby in one!) but it's not good for baby at all.  (ok, yes it's good for baby to be worn, but i'm not talking about that)

These types of carriers have been referred to as "crotch danglers" and put unnecessary stress on baby's hips and spine.  I could try to go into details of this myself, but this article says it all too well!

Strollers, Baby Carriers, and Infant Stress

Please, read this article!

So if "crotch Danglers" are no good then what is a mother to use?  Well, if you read the article, you would have your answer :)

For me, my favorite carrier (at least for this stage in Rainbow's life) is my stretchy wrap.  It distributes her weight wonderfully across my shoulders, back, and hips to the point that i don't feel her weight on me.   I've actually walked for hours around down town Seattle without hurting one bit!  It is so wonderful!  And Rainbow loves it!  Most of the time she even falls right asleep (she is actually in the wrap right now sleeping away and has been for a good couple of hours)

Example of Stretch Wrap

Source

Now, there is a lot of hype going around about the safety of slings, wraps and mei ties. 

“Any time you put a baby in a car seat, stroller, or other device, there is a level of danger,”  “There have actually been more infant deaths in those sorts of things than slings in the last decade,” she added. For example, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in the three-year period from 2002 to 2004, 16 infants died in car seat carriers outside the context of motor vehicle accidents. Also for that period, nine infants died in strollers and carriages, and 11,100 children were injured in strollers and carriages in one year alone.* In comparison, the CPSC is investigating 14 possibly sling-related deaths that occurred over a period of twenty years. (emphasis mine. Source)

As with anything, you need to follow the rules and proper procedures to be safe.  If you don't operate a car correctly, bad thins happen.  If you don't operate a stove correctly, bad things happen.  Yet we still do those things every single day without a second thought.  It is the same thing with baby wearing, as long as you follow the "rules" it can be very very very safe :)

So for you to learn, safe baby wearing resources:

Safe Baby Wearing  

Safe Baby wearing
Baby Sling Safety: The CPSC warning has been misreported

And now i'm not sure what else to say.  I guess if you have tried baby wearing and it didn't work, try a different carrier, it might make all the difference!  And don't be afraid to hold your children!  It's what they need!  No, they will not become spoiled.  How can you spoil someone by giving them something they *need*.  Can you spoil someone by letting them sleep?  By feeding them?  By letting them go to the bathroom?  No.  The same with holding your children :)

If you want to learn more about baby wearing, please read these articles.

Wonderful Resources:

Many Many Articles on Baby Wearing

Wear Your Baby dot Com (articles, instructions, etc)

The benefits of baby wearing (and much more)

Befefits of Baby wearing and many more articles

Dr. Sears on baby wearing

Strollers, Baby Carriers, and Infant Stress

 

 And how many of you baby wear?  What is your favorite carrier and favorite carry?

More Natural Play Please

So the holidays are upon us.  It has me thinking even more about what kind of gifts i would like our daughter to be getting.  What kind of toys i would like her to have.  It is something i've thought of before, but i haven't talked too much about it.

I've spent a lot of time around children and a lot of time around the toys most of those children play with.  I've noticed that many children just have too many toys, and they are toys that do not encourage imaginative play.  Lots of toys are made of plastic, need batteries, are over stimulating and break easily.  Is that really what i want for my children?

No, it is not.  I want toys that my children will enjoy for years to come.  I want toys made from natural materials and are not hazards to my children's health.  I want toys that help my children to imagine and think about things.  I want toys they will treasure.  

I want toys like these:

Stacking Cups from Magic Cabin

Wooden Fruit and Vegetable Set by Nova Naturals Toys and Crafts

Wash Day Fun by Magic Cabin

Peek-a-Boo Roller by Oompa

Element Blocks by Magic Cabin (I LOVE these!!!)

Natural Wooden Harpo the Hippo Teether by Oompa

 Waldorf Doll Mortiz by Waldorf Treasures

Face Pencils by Nova Natural Toys and Crafts

Now, as i said above, i want toys that are not hazards to my children's health.  Almost all toys on the market are made from plastic.    These plastics are made from things like polyvinyl chloride, or PVC.  And PVC is made from phthalates. The most common phthalates are di-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP), di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), and di-isononyl-phthalate (DINP).  One of the problems with Phthalates is that they act in a way that is similar to hormones in our body.  This can disrupt our hormone balance and hormones effect *so many* important functions in our body.  Other possible problems are that phthalates can lead to kidney problems, cardiac and respiratory arrest and cancer. (Source)

Now i can go on and on but i won't (if you want to know more about the dangerous health effects you can read my source).  I know that many things around is have been found to cause negative effects in our bodies, and i know that i cannot keep everything that is harmful away from my children.  But i can at least *limit* those negative things in their life to try and give them a better chance at a healthier life.  If i can keep disease causing toys away from my children, i will try.

Now I'm sure that many parents would love to get toys like the ones i shared above for their children.  But one major problem most parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles/friends find these toys overly expensive.  I know that I am shocked many times by the price tag on some of these toys.  But for me personally, id' rather have one "natural" toy that will last for many many many years than a 10 "junk toys".  If a family member or friend wanted to get a toy like the ones we desire for our children, but can't afford one, i understand.  But i would rather them give us the money to put towards a toy than to buy a "junk toy".  

Or better yet, make a toy themselves.  There are so many easy toys out there to make :)  Fabric blocks, bean bags, simple wooden puzzles, dolls, doll clothes, finger puppets, quiet books, i could go on and on.  A toy that was made with love means so much more than one bought from a store.  There are many resources out there for parents looking to make toys for their children.

Basic Instructions for a Waldorf Doll

MotheringDotCommunity Toys and Dolls

But waldorf Toys Are So Expensive (Part One) (Ideas)

But Waldorf Toys Are So Expensive (Part 2) (Ideas)

Unicorn Pattern

Natural Dyeing

Wooden Birdie Tutorial

Wooden Puzzle Tutorial

Wooden Doll cradle Tutorial

Wooden Memory Tile Tutorial

Wooden Blocks Tutorial

Stuffed Bunny Tutorial

Doll Tutorial

Elf Doll Tutorial

Soft Block Tutorial

Felted Mouse Puppet Tutorial

Waldorf Doll Tutorial

Homemade Playdough

Kool-Aid Dyed Play silks

HUGE list of toys and crafts for kids

No More Junk Toys: Rethinking Children's Gifts

And so, i think i will draw this post to a close.  I hope i have inspired you to go out and acquire more natural toys for your children to play with.  I know i am so excited to start making my daughters *own* toys. 

Are there any toys you have made for your children or loved ones?  Do you have plans or the desire to?

Random Craft Ideas

So i know i have been a little MIA but life has just been busy.  But i am back to make a quick post that i'm sure you'll enjoy.  At least, if you crafty at all like me (although some of these ideas are so easy they don't take much "craftyness" to achieve).

Many of these ideas would be great as holiday gifts this year, and most are low cost (yay!).  I tried to make each link title as close to the craft as possible, but i encourage you to look at them all so you don't miss out :D

Enjoy!

Pictures courtesy of Crafster.org

 Adorable Pin Cushions

Cute Button Bracelet

Newspaper beads (not your typical paper bead)

Patchwork Bell Ball

Wipe Clean Coaster

Door Draft Stopper

Wide Bangle Re-do

Fabric Button Magnets

Fabric Wrap Bangle

Paint chip matchbook notebook

Scrap polymer clay pendant

Coupon Organizer (plus tips)

Simple Soap Gift

Simple Unique Sentimental Gift (word art)

Shabby chic Wooden Picture/Recipe Holder

Fabric Gift Card Holder

Painted Ornament Pillow

Pinecone Dollar Store Wreath

Utility Apron Tutorial

Faux-Fabric Paper Snowman

Leather Flower Necklace

Anthropologie fabric necklace knock off

Candy Sprinkle Necklace

I have a confession

Hello, my name is Jillyn and our daughter sleeps in bed with us.

I know many feel that this is a stupid, selfish, uninformed, dangerous thing to do.  Many wonder why i would "risk" my child's life like that.  Others believe that we'll never get her out of our bed.  And even others believe that you cannot have a sex life if your child sleeps in your bed.

But i know the truth.

I am not risking my daughter's life.  She will sleep in her own bed someday.  And we can have a sex life.

First, we must get one thing clear.  Co-sleeping and Bedsharing are not the same thing.  Bedsharing is the act of having your child IN BED with you.  "The term co-sleeping refers to any situation in which a committed adult caregiver, usually the mother, sleeps within close enough proximity to her infant so that each, the mother and infant, can respond to each other’s sensory signals and cues." (James J. McKenna Ph.D.)

It is important to know these differences since many people claim that co-sleeping is dangerous.  Yet having your child sleeping in a crib in your room is considered co-sleeping and there is nothing dangerous about that.  In fact "merely having an infant sleeping in a room with a committed adult caregiver (cosleeping) reduces the chances of an infant dying from SIDS or from an accident by one half!" (James J. McKenna Ph.D.).  Yes, you read that right.  Just having your child sleep in your room reduces the risk of them dying by SIDS or an accident by 50%!

And then to say that bedsharing is dangerous is not entirely true.  It is completely possible to create a safe sleeping environment for your child in your bed.  There are rules you need to follow, just like there are rules for safe crib sleeping.  

"The key to any sleeping arrangement in any household is safety and understanding and elimination of potential risk factors.  While no sleeping arrangement can be a 100% guarantee that there will be no problems, there are many things that parents do not know about creating a safe sleep space for their children.  In the CPSC study, most deaths occurred simply because parents did not put into practice safety precautions for their babies.  According to the National SIDS Alliance, approximately 2,700 babies die each year from SIDS; the vast majority of those sleeping alone in a crib. In the CPSC study, 515 died between 1990 to 1997 directly as a result of poor safety in co-sleeping.  Since much research has linked co-sleeping to decreased SIDS incidence, it is imperative that parents educate themselves about safety rather than blame the sleeping arrangements for causing harm." (Jay Gordon M.D.)

  

So, how does one bedshare more safely?

 Katie Allison Granju, author of Attachment Parenting: Instinctive Care for Your Baby and Young Child (which is a book i highly recommend), recommends these safety factors when co-sleeping (many can be applied to crib sleep as well):

• When using a standard, off-the-floor bed, be absolutely sure that your baby cannot roll or fall off the sides.
  
• Young infants should sleep between their mother and the bed rail, not between both parents or beside an older sibling.
  
• Make sure that your mattress or futon provides a firm sleeping surface.  Never, ever allow an infant to sleep on a waterbed, featherbed, beanbag, deep pillowtop mattress or other inappropriately soft surface.
  
• Never sleep with your baby if you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or prescription medication that makes you unusually groggy or sleepy.
  
• Exceptionally obese parents should use a sidecar arrangement (crib attached to the side of the bed) rather than having a young infant in the bed with them.
  
• Do not overload your bed with excessive pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.
  
• Never fall asleep on a couch, sofa, or overstuffed chair with your baby.
  
• Do not stuff too many bodies into a bed with a small baby.
  
• Make sure that your baby isn’t overdressed.  Remember, the body heat in a family bed makes most bedtime bundling unnecessary.
  
• Dress your baby in safe sleepwear. Flame retardant with no strings or ties, just as you would if she were sleeping alone.

For me personally, i feel much better having our daughter sleeping next to me at night.  The main reason we chose to bedshare in the first place was because i felt it was safer for our children.  I will admit it took me a couple weeks before i felt ok having Rainbow in bed next to me because i was just so exhausted i was afraid i wouldn't be aware of her.  During her first 2 weeks of life we actually had her sleeping in a box (we had cut the sides down on) between us.  But when she was two weeks old my sister gave me the courage and helped me with having her sleep next to me (my husband was out of town and she slept next to me keeping an eye on us).  But after an incident a few night ago my reason of feeling it is safer is even stronger.  

I had finished nursing Rainbow and was settling down in bed with her.  I was holding her on my chest, to calm her down before i laid her to rest next to me, when i dozed off.  Suddenly i woke with a start (i don't know how long i had been asleep) and realized that i couldn't hear or feel Rainbow breathing (she is normally a very noisy breather).  I immediately started to shake her (gently, but firmly) to which she responded by fussing and waking up.  It took me quite a while before my heart stopped racing.  

 I don't even want to think about what might have happened had she not been in bed with me.  She didn't make a sound.  If she had not been in bed with me, i would not have known she had stopped breathing.  The thought makes my heart stop.  I already know the pain of loosing a child...i cannott imagine how much worse it would be knowing that i could have prevented it if she had been next to me.  I am so thankful i have Rainbow next to me every night....

Now as for the claims that we will never get our daughter out of our bed i just have  to roll my eyes.  Really?  She'll never leave our bed?  I highly doubt we're going to have an 18 year old in bed with us.  Even a 10 or 6 year old.  Why?  Because i believe when a need is filled in a child, it goes away.  If we fulfill our child's need to be close to us and feel safe, then eventually that need will go away and they will be fine on their own.  So no fears in that catagory. (and as a side note i will say that as a child i had many problems sleeping alone and was terrified many nights.  I knew i wasn't welcome in my parents bed so i really had no place i felt safe.  I actually ended up sleeping with my sister many nights because i was so scared.  And as an adult i am still afraid of the dark and i hate to be alone at night.  I wonder if i had started my sleeping life in my parents bed if things had been different.)

And as for never having a sex life well...i beg to differ.  If there is a will there is a way!  You might just have to get a bit more inventive which is never a bad thing :)

I would love to say more on this topic, but i have a daughter who is begging me to nurse and go to sleep, and this is a request i cannot say no to.  Nothing is better than holding my daughter close as i rock her and provide her with life from my breasts and then lay down next to her as we both drift asleep.

So i'll end this with some amazing resources for you to read (some of which i got my quotes from) so you can come to your own conclusions.

Cosleeping and Biological Imperatives: Why Human Babies Do Not and Should Not Sleep Alone 

How the Stats Really Stack Up: Cosleeping Is Twice As Safe

Safe Cosleeping

Frequently Asked Cosleeping Questions

Solitary or Shared Sleep: What's Safe?

Sleeping with your baby

family bed saftey

who wants to sleep alone 

Where should babies sleep at night?" A review of the evidence from CESDI SUDI study  

Why we never ask

And as for a parting question, how many of you co-sleep or bedshare?  How many of you grew up co-sleeping or bedsharing?

Amazing Video: Conception to Birth

As many of my friends and family know, i'm a little...i guess you could call it obsessed, when it comes to things pregnancy, birth and parenting related.  I started doing serious research into these subjects about 3 years ago, before i even became pregnant with our first daughter.  There are so many things i've leanred and there are so many things i want to share with those i care about.

Well, today i discovered this amazing video.  The entire time i was watching it i was just blown away.  The miracle of life *truly* is amazing.  I actually had tears in my eyes watching it (has nothing to do with my hormones i swear lol).  Check it out, i think you will be equally amazed.

Health Goals

A personal goal of mine (one of many) is to start eating healthier and get my family on track health wise.  I haven't made the best progress in this area, but the desire is there!

I feel our family is not the worst when it comes to nutrition, but we are no where near where we need to be.  An area where i feel we are better is the fact that we eat meat very sparingly and if we do, it's normally chicken.  I also try really hard not to make too many "box meals" and the such.  But there is so much more we need to do.

One of my delimas is the fact that The Hubby is kinda a picky eater (he's a texture guy mostly).  He's not the worst, but he knows what  he likes and what he doesn't like and sticks with that (even if he's never really tried the thing he "doesn't like").   It's hard for me since i am not a picky eater (and i hate feeling like i have to cater to his likes).  I feel i'm not picky because when i was growing up i was encouraged (and sometimes made) to eat all different kinds of food.  Yes, there are some foods i truly do not enjoy, but for the most part, i will try anything.  Hubby on the other hand, well, his mother tended to cater to all the kids desires and they weren't made to try things if they didn't want to.  Also, i don't think his mother really likes to cook so pretty much everything is their house is prepared food of some sort (or they eat fast food, like eating out at least 2-3 times a week).  Like, think freezer meals, stove top, pre-made spice packets, box meals, pop tarts, jars of candy, pop, etc etc.  The only fresh food they normally have is possibly an apple or two, a bag of baby carrots for the crockpot on sunday, and a bag of pre-made salad.   

So this makes it hard when i try to make healthy food for our family.  The Hubby's favorite go to food is pasta.  Can that man eat pasta! (think a pound at a time!)  And i guess it would be ok if he ate it with a healthy tomato sauce, but he doesn't.  His favorite topping is ranch and cheese.  Yes, you did read that correctly.  I was able to get him to switch to whole wheat pasta instead of regular, so that's a bit better i guess..... I love this man so much, but sometimes trying to get him to each healthier is a hassle, so i don't really bother.

But i need to, i really do.  I am not where i would like to be health wise.  Sure, i can blame it on having 2 pregnancies 6 months apart, but i wasn't healthy before my first pregnancy and i'm not healthy now.  To put it plainly, i'm obese, even if i don't look it.  Yes, i'm obese.  I hate knowing that.  And then there is The Hubby.  He is also overweight and not where he should be health wise.  And this scares me since his family has some serious health issues (although a lot has  to do with their lifestyle of course) and i don't want that to happen to my husband.  And my mother was obese my entire childhood and still is and i don't want to end up like her either.

 But i will say it is hard to take control of our lives and change.  There was always so much pressure from my mother not to get fat which made me upset and depressed and made me not want to try even that much more.  And like i said, The Hubby never grew up eating well (i'd say he's lucky if he gets 1-2 servings of fruits and veggies a day).

But we need to take control and change.  We need to do it for ourselves, for our daughter and our future children.  Yes, i can keep making excuses or i can get down to business and just try harder.  It is not going to be easy, but i need to try, because if i don't try then i will fail. 

I'm sorry if this post hasn't made much sense, or if i've rambled...i think i'm making this post  more for  myself so i'll stop making excuses.  If i put it out publicly that i want to change, then maybe i'll feel more of a commitment to my goal.

So what is my goal?  I can't just say i want to eat healthier, that is too broad of a goal.

I would like to loose at least 80lbs in the next 2 years.

I want to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

I want to plan my meals so i know what  is for dinner before 7pm.

I want to get active and exercise at least 3 times a week.

I want to drink at least 2 liters of water a day.

I want to stop buying so much processed food and cook more from scratch.

Limit the sweets in our house.
Eat at the table.
Eat more beans and such.
Eat more fish.
Use the crockpot more.
Limit eating out to 4 times a month (including take out)

Pack The Hubby's lunch every day.

I can't say i'll get on top of all these goals right away while trying to juggle life with a new baby who is having so many fussy issues (she can't handle dairy in my breastmilk and she's not even 2 months old yet and is cutting 2 teeth).  But i have my main goal to loose weight, and i have my deadline, so one way or another i need to reach this goal.  Thank you for letting me ramble and let my feelings out.  

Do you have any goals to get your family healthier?

Craft Room Insperations

Today’s post has no other purpose other than to let off some of my excitement right now.  In our apartment I’ve made the extra bedroom into my craft room.  That’s right, it’s MY craft room, not The Hubby’s office (although he does have a desk in the closet).  About a year ago I put up shelves and arranged it how I wanted and added a couple decorative touches, but I never really finished.  Well, lately, scratch that, these last couple days as I’ve walked in there it’s been driving me nuts not to have it finished how I would like.  Like, if i don't do something about this right this second i'm going to go crazy.  So, I’m working on finishing it now (as much as I can with a fussy 2 month old).

Since my power drill is charging and I’m taking a break I thought I would share some of my inspirations for my craft room.  Who knows, maybe they will inspire you too!

Ok, so the craft room that I saw that started it all was this one

I pretty much love everything there is about that room, especially the colors.  You can’t tell me you aren’t wishing that room was yours right about now!  Some things I’m taking from this room and applying it to mine are:

A ribbon holder and cable

Stair-step ledges to hold my buttons and beads

table skirt

And

Cubby system

Aren’t those just great! 

Other ideas I’ve gathered from other places:

Making my own boxes for my cubbies

Dry erase board

Fabric organization 

more fabric organization

Another cable line

 spice rack storage

Ok, that’s all I really have right now….but I’m just so excited for this room to be finished!  If I come up with more inspirations I’ll share them with you :)

Do you have any inspirations for your crafting area?

T-Shirt Shrug Tutorial

So something i do in my spare time (which lately has been when i'm nursing the little one) is explore different blogs trying to find new projects i want to do (someday).  The other day i ran across this tutorial and i instantly fell in love with it and wanted to share!

T-Shirt Shrug tutorial

One reason why i'm so excited about this tutorial is i found that shrugs are great for nursing in public!  I can just wear a tank top that i can pull down easily, and the shrug keeps me covered on the top/side.  Perfect!  I also like how romantic and "girly" this is, but still can be grown up!

But it's hard for me to find shrugs that i like or can afford so this is perfect, so needless to say, i'm very excited about this tutorial.  I think i'm going to have to go to the thrift store and see what kind of awesome shirts i can find!

So there you have it.  An awesome, amazingly cheap project to go do! Enjoy!

Fear in Childbirth

This movie was shared on my facebook and it's just too powerful of a message not to share.

It is a short little film that talks about the fear in childbirth. In my quest for knowledge on pregnancy, childbirth and the such i have found that many women these days are afraid of childbirth. Why? Why are women so afraid of something our bodies are made to do? Do we not have faith in our creator that he (or she if that is what you believe) would know what they are doing to make it possible to birth our offspring safely? Yes, childbirth is painful, sometimes, very very very painful, but something we must remember is that this pain is *doing* something. It has a reason. The pain of childbirth is productive. And it won't last forever (even though when you are in the moment it is hard to remember that). Remembering these things can help get us through our labors.

As for the other fears that surround birth (and there are many) i have this to say. It is of the upmost importance that you select a caregiver who is going to work WITH you to achieve the best pregnancy and birth that you possibly can. You need a caregiver who is willing to take the time to explain everything to you and answer any questions you have and not make you feel stupid or silly for asking them.

It is also important that you do research for yourself! You need to educate yourself. Knowledge is power! Read everything that you can get your hands on! The more i learned about how my body is meant to work, the less fear i had in the birthing process..

I hope that i am making some sort of sense, but i'm afraid that i'm not saying things as clearly as i would like. But, i have a fussy baby on my chest right now that needs attention and so i will end this post here and perhaps i'll go into more details later.
Please watch the video and share your comments :)

Introduction

Hello and welcome to my personal blog!
I felt it was time for me to go out on my own and create a place for me to share my latest projects, articles and links i find interesting, and a place for me to share my thoughts on things i find important.

I hope you find this blog educational and insperational.

Now for a quick introduction. I am 23 years old and have been married to my significant other for about 3 and 1/2 years now (He is almost 26). We have 2 daughters. Our first had Bilateral Multicystic Kidney Disease and died shortly after she was born. Our second daughter is a month old. Our family is of the LDS faith. We try to be thrifty and love to save as much as we can. We are also a little more "crunchy" in the sense that we had a midwife assisted home birth for our second daughter, we cloth diaper, baby-wear, bedshare, delay/selective vax, extend rear-face, extend breastfeed, we are against circumcision, and against spanking. I am also trying to go more "green" with our family. Personally, i love to be creative and craft as much as i can. A new hobby is decorating cakes and cupcakes.

I think that will do for now for an introduction.

(you may have noticed i haven't used any names. I do NOT want to use my family's names in this blog. I still need to come up with some nicknames for everyone, but i'm pretty sure my husband will be known as The Hubby and our second daughter will probably be Little Rainbow. But i'll let you know. Please do not use any of my family's names in your comments. Thank you!)

Now, onto a post.
Yesterday i read a blog post at Single Dad Laughing called The Disease Called "Perfection" and The Cure for "Perfection". These posts really hit me hard. His posts really got me thinking (as do all the posts i've read of his so far). He talks about how perfection plauges us all. He talks about how perfection destorys peoples lives. He talks about how we need to be REAL to those around us and stop letting perfection control our lives.

Like i said above, this hit me hard. Lately i've been struggling with "being real". I've struggled with saying exactly what's on my mind, and how how i feel. Why is this?

It's because i have one deep fear.
The fear of rejection.

My whole life i have wanted others to like me. I NEEDED to be liked. But why? Why is it so imporant to me? I honestly don't know. But i'm trying really hard not to let what OTHERS think control me. Why should i care? Why should i let the fear of what others will think of me control my thoughts and actions?

I need to be REAL to myself and stop caring.
I know it will not be easy, but i will do my best.

And so, a fair warning. I may say things on my blog "others" do not want to hear. But i have to be real to myself and that means telling the truth.

so here we go. I hope you enjoy the ride with me.