Life Learners is the verb-age I prefer when speaking of our home schooling style. We do workbooks and daily school-y tasks but there are a very small part of our day.
we try to get things going by 9am but it does not always pan out that way. Sometimes I am a bit pokey or the breakfast conversation is too good to rush through to start stuff. Most times we are done in an hour and a half with the "stuff" then it is usually an open day for projects, play dates, books on tape, playing outside, hiking, running errands, etc.
We are not big on "teaching" our kids but rather learning with our children and living with our children. I believe that children can learning (at their own pace) without being taught if exposed to information. Yes, I believe workbooks like our Singapore Math workbooks are ways of exposing out child to math. But I do not test him on the information acquired. I do give him opportunities to apply the information in real life situations. Sometimes he loves it and sometimes it is overwhelming if he has not completely grasped a concept yet so we try again later.
One thing that I talk about with my kids is how it is not easy growing up and learning about the world and how things work sometimes. Along with "learning" kids are figuring out social structure, the ways of the world, and they are figuring out their own emotions in their fluctuating states among other things. That is a lot to take in and not all children take in that information in the same way on the same schedule. I do appreciate being able to pay attention to my child's emotional cues with learning. If he is not in a good space emotionally then it is not a good time for some things. Both of my kids will have enough time and opportunity in life to "toughen up", I hope I am giving them a good foundation to navigate difficult situations with mindfullness and empathy for others.
This is a blog by the woman who is the editor of Life Learning Magazine and Natural Living Magazine I agree with most of what she presents about life learning.
I was asked about statistics of home schoolers the other day. Being that I am not a big fan of statistics I did not know off hand what they were but here is a link to the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) about some studies done on home schoolers in the academic sense. Mind you the studies are 10 years old and even older but really how much can change with home schooling? Well since I asked here is a link to a more recent study from 2003 about the numbers of home schoolers on the rise.
There was also the question about the " repercussions" of my children not attending traditional high school in regards to their ability to go to college. At first I did not understand the question but stepping back I realized the question was asked from a place of misunderstanding the truth about home schoolers, of which there are many. Like that we are not right-wing bible thumping or move-to-the-country anarchist goat-herders, although the later is more likely. We approach our home schooling on a year to year basis and the kids are part of the decision making process. I am a firm believer in informed consumerism and consent which I try to apply in every aspect of my life and my families life. The monkey has taken classes at a local charter school one semester and has public school, charter school, private school and once schooled now home schooled friends of whom he has asked about their school experience. So in this light as we get into the high school years the kids will be a part of the decision to continue home schooling or not. There are many resources available to them for their education be it tutors, online high schools like Oak Meadow ,classes at local colleges, mentor-ships, apprenticeships, volunteer work, etc. For more information about college admissions and home schoolers I found this great link to the Journal of College Admissions from Fall 2004 . Two particular articles I will link to are Homeschool Recruiting: Lessons Learned on the Journey and Homeschoolers on to College: What Research Shows Us
In general I think it is hard for most to understand what we do everyday and why we do it. What we do everyday changes and why we do it is that it works for us. We are not super religious but we are spiritual seekers. We are not politically motivated but we do have opinions. We do not hole up everyday or shelter out children from the world, we encourage interaction with all different kinds of folks in all different kinds of settings of all different ages. We don't believe this is the only good or right way but it is working for us for now and we like it.
As the "stay-home" parent I have learned so much from my kids in this journey - my limits, my faults, my prejudices, how to be comfortable saying "I don't know, but maybe we can find out",my curiosity, that I can learn so much from my children and there are so many different ways to look at the world.
There are many assumptions that we have about much in life. I cannot count the number of times that the monkey or the bean have asked "why?" about something or other and my assumptions or ideas about things were challenged because I knew the "why?'s" would go deeper and deeper as I gave my answers. I have to stop and ask myself why do I think that way? Becoming humble and embracing my ignorance has been a wonderful gift.
All I ask is that you look at your assumptions and ask "why do I think that way?"
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
A wee update
I do find when I am off call it is a lot easier for me to focus in on the homeschooling part of our lives. There is something about the looming phone call that throws me off whack.
We are working on The Story of the World Vol. I. The monkey is working on his family history book. In this project it asks for pictures to be taped or glued on the information page of the family member but he like me cannot choose which picture to sacrifice to the project so we have decided to draw a portrait of the family member for now. He drew an absolutely awesome self portrait (unfortunately it was too large to fit in the box allotted in the book) I am also very into reading books by Audrey Wood at the moment. A very sweet one was When the Root Children Wake Up. I also loved Heckedy Peg.
The Monkey is also working on a landscape project - possibly for his playmobil but I am not sure. The base is a pizza box and other boxes are buildings. Yesterday at their recital the snagged those cone cups for trees.
Speaking of the recital - the kids had it yesterday. They were awesome! They were asked to participate in a project for students at the University of Michigan School of Music. It was a lot of fun. They were in the Christamas Carols group and even acted out T'was the Night Before Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised at the beans acting ability :) This winter the monkey will be old enough to do the local theater. We both are really excited for that. He has been wanting to do something like that for a long time. He is a super ham.
This morning we are off to swim at the A2 YMCA that I am considering joining but I am still on the fence. The kids love swimming and the more I get them in the water the better they will get. The monkey has until this summer to learn how to swim so he can take his scuba diving class. He is great under the water and can hold his breath for a long time it is just swimming on the water that flusters him.
Recently I was asked about homeschooling and our path. It brought up some of the misconceptions about homeschooling so in the near future I plan on talking a bit more on this topic.
But for now - We swim.
We are working on The Story of the World Vol. I. The monkey is working on his family history book. In this project it asks for pictures to be taped or glued on the information page of the family member but he like me cannot choose which picture to sacrifice to the project so we have decided to draw a portrait of the family member for now. He drew an absolutely awesome self portrait (unfortunately it was too large to fit in the box allotted in the book) I am also very into reading books by Audrey Wood at the moment. A very sweet one was When the Root Children Wake Up. I also loved Heckedy Peg.
The Monkey is also working on a landscape project - possibly for his playmobil but I am not sure. The base is a pizza box and other boxes are buildings. Yesterday at their recital the snagged those cone cups for trees.
Speaking of the recital - the kids had it yesterday. They were awesome! They were asked to participate in a project for students at the University of Michigan School of Music. It was a lot of fun. They were in the Christamas Carols group and even acted out T'was the Night Before Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised at the beans acting ability :) This winter the monkey will be old enough to do the local theater. We both are really excited for that. He has been wanting to do something like that for a long time. He is a super ham.
This morning we are off to swim at the A2 YMCA that I am considering joining but I am still on the fence. The kids love swimming and the more I get them in the water the better they will get. The monkey has until this summer to learn how to swim so he can take his scuba diving class. He is great under the water and can hold his breath for a long time it is just swimming on the water that flusters him.
Recently I was asked about homeschooling and our path. It brought up some of the misconceptions about homeschooling so in the near future I plan on talking a bit more on this topic.
But for now - We swim.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Yesterday we got our christmas tree and today was decorating day. Although a wee bit stressful, the tree looks lovely. We are now officially in the holiday spirit.
After some crazies and grumpiness we settled into the day about 1pm. I want to rearranging and cleaning and big daddy was cleaning out his closet. I went down stairs and the monkey was listening to a book on tape looking out the front window drawing a still life of the items on the front porch. For some reason this was a proud moment for me. With my back ground in art it warms me to see my son voluntarily finding an artistic moment and acting on it. It was on a lined notebook and a loose sketch but none the less it was wonderful.
While the monkey was doing this my lovely bean in true form was breaking stuff. Unfortunately today she hurt herself but bounced back quickly.
I am thinking I may be a person who needs to map out my week. I have traditionally been a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal but that was more conducive to my on-call lifestyle. As I step back from that craziness I am finding that it is easier to plan things and actually preferable. So now I need systems in place to get things going and working. But first I need order and cleanliness. On that note I am off to clean.
After some crazies and grumpiness we settled into the day about 1pm. I want to rearranging and cleaning and big daddy was cleaning out his closet. I went down stairs and the monkey was listening to a book on tape looking out the front window drawing a still life of the items on the front porch. For some reason this was a proud moment for me. With my back ground in art it warms me to see my son voluntarily finding an artistic moment and acting on it. It was on a lined notebook and a loose sketch but none the less it was wonderful.
While the monkey was doing this my lovely bean in true form was breaking stuff. Unfortunately today she hurt herself but bounced back quickly.
I am thinking I may be a person who needs to map out my week. I have traditionally been a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal but that was more conducive to my on-call lifestyle. As I step back from that craziness I am finding that it is easier to plan things and actually preferable. So now I need systems in place to get things going and working. But first I need order and cleanliness. On that note I am off to clean.
Friday, November 28, 2008
I know my limits.
Wednesday I had a fairy playdate for the bean.
We decided to make cookies - me and three 4 year olds making cookies. I am aware that I have control issues occasionally but they are usually not focused on doing things with the kids. Writing, art, even cleaning their rooms - I am pretty chill. But I have met my limit with cooking. I cannot cook with my or other children without getting twitchy. I love to cook and bake. I cannot even cook with my husband most of the time without a little bickering.
There was flour everywhere, everyone wanting to use the rolling pin and roll everything paper thin or cutting out monstrously thick cookies so some burn and some are underdone. Oh my goodness.
Luckily, I was able to identify my twitchies and step away and let the ladies do their thing. I came back to a mountain of flour and some messy ladies but they had fun. And inthe end they were all totally jacked up on sugar from the frosting.
A good day.
We decided to make cookies - me and three 4 year olds making cookies. I am aware that I have control issues occasionally but they are usually not focused on doing things with the kids. Writing, art, even cleaning their rooms - I am pretty chill. But I have met my limit with cooking. I cannot cook with my or other children without getting twitchy. I love to cook and bake. I cannot even cook with my husband most of the time without a little bickering.
There was flour everywhere, everyone wanting to use the rolling pin and roll everything paper thin or cutting out monstrously thick cookies so some burn and some are underdone. Oh my goodness.
Luckily, I was able to identify my twitchies and step away and let the ladies do their thing. I came back to a mountain of flour and some messy ladies but they had fun. And inthe end they were all totally jacked up on sugar from the frosting.
A good day.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday Free Day
Every other Tuesday I get four hours without my children whom I love dearly but eventually need a break from. Today is my Tuesday.
It has given me something to look forward to everyday. It is like a mini christmas.
Today I am going to go sit in the dry sauna and read (maybe fall asleep since i hardly slept last night). I am going to try to get a chunk of the kids Christmas shopping done. Go to the bank and if there is time slowly peruse the racks at Value World.
Ahhh....quiet sanity for a time.
side note - almost the entire time i have been typing this the monkey has been giving me his dissertation on Playmobil weaponry
It has given me something to look forward to everyday. It is like a mini christmas.
Today I am going to go sit in the dry sauna and read (maybe fall asleep since i hardly slept last night). I am going to try to get a chunk of the kids Christmas shopping done. Go to the bank and if there is time slowly peruse the racks at Value World.
Ahhh....quiet sanity for a time.
side note - almost the entire time i have been typing this the monkey has been giving me his dissertation on Playmobil weaponry
Life Learning - I like that better then Homeschooling
This fall seems to have been the season for me to get into my "homeschool" groove. It has helped tremendously to have met some lovely ladies with boys my age and to have found a group that meets weekly for regular activities.
I realized that like most things homeschooling is so much better when you have a tribe, for me and for my kids. I especially have been blessed with a little fairy who has taken my by the hand and made this year so enjoyable and shown me so many resources like this wonderful one. I linked it to the page with the awesome educational card games that I want to start collecting.
We have gotten into the groove of books on tape which has been wonderful. The monkey and I really love them and the Bean.....not so much at this moment. We have listened to The Penderwicks (i loved this one), How to Eat fried Worms (an oldie but a goodie), Pipi Longstocking, Superfudge (i was disappointed to find that they de-bunk Santa but I think the Monkey missed it) , Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, Ramona Quimbly Age 8, Ramona and her Mother, Toys Go Out (al three of us liked this one), I feel like a am missing a few but right now we are listening to Whittington.
We are also working our way through the Little House series. We started with Farmer boy as suggested by a friend. We are about to finish Little House in the Big Woods and move to Little House on the Praire by Thanksgiving. It is very inspiring to go back to simple living.
I recently made an order to Singapose Math. We got the first math text and work book that was way to simple for the Monkey when we got it so the Bean is working on it. It is going well, she likes ot have her own workbooks. I also ordered their English Grammar book that we are working our way through and seem to like. The Monkey does a journal entry every morning and I pick 2-3 vocabulary words for him to copy from his entry. I really like this exercise but he does not feel so fondly about it to say the least. (oh, the drama) I also picked up a collection of basic science books that is good at covering the basics and filling in some holes that the Monkey may be missing.
We have also found the best website ever for kids - BrainPop and BrainPopjr. We signed up for a year and we have already gotten our moneys worth. We are a family that uses the computer and I feel it is a great tool for learning. The monkey will spend good chunks of time just wandering through learning about this and that. It is a great jumping off point for many topics of discussion. In the Health category there is a section there are many topics that you would think would be there but there are also bits on internet safety, relationships and even divorce. The last topic I really appreciated how they covered this topic. I have talked to the Monkey before about the divorce but it seemed to sink in a bit further with the websites presentation. (it was very well done)
As always the Monkey is asking for more and more science. BrainPop seems to fill that need when he has an itch for new information. This winter will be the season for busting out the microscope and discovering the micro world around us. I am reading Good Germs, Bad Germs by Jessica Snyder Sachs. It has my brain buzzing with amazing information and I am still on chapter one. I am slowly going through this chapter because it covers the initial colonization of the human body at and after childbirth. So cool and fascinating how the system has come up with its own perfect way of working and protecting itself over time evolving with microorganisms. I am taking the time to let it sink in and work through in my head how this process is getting completely thrown out of whack by modern obstetrics. Maybe just maybe it could be one of the reasons we have chronic immune disorders, so many more allergies, and who knows what else. It covers beautifully how the body is built to fight against the infection of Gonorrhea, Clymidia and Group B strep in the newborn at chilbirth - the wonderful Lactobaccili which feed on the sugary glycogen that the vaginal environment starts producing midway through the pregnancy. There is so much more in this book that is opening so many new strains of thought for me. It is mind candy :)
In other exciting kid news we have discovered the wonder of Playmobil. I am in love. One thing that is great is that both kids can have their sets and build on them be it princesses or roman warriors but they can be played with together and interchangeably. We had done that with our mishmosh of toys over the years but it works better when they are all the same kind of toy. I may be a toy snob here but it just flows better. AND they are affordable! I feel like I can pop out and get the kids a treat of a new Playmobil thing for $8.
My plan is to update here on our travels as Life Learners and for the family update thing. I should try to update everyday - I make no promises but I shall try.
(btw- if you read the last post you would have noticed that i did not quite follow my "curriculum" that I came up with- we ditched time4learning and then found BrainPop. This is an ever changing path for us and we seem to be taking awhile to get our sea legs but my homeschool fairy has helped greatly! We did finish the Bone series as far as it is available at this time and are eagerly awaiting the release of book 9 in 2009)
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
our homeschooling
this year i am trying to get more organized and having a "curriculum" this year that i wrote. nothing big but some jumping off points. Aesops Fables, The Story of the World, the Little house series, time4learning, journaling, some science books but the coolest thing about this year is that we have fallen into graphic novels. the monkey and i are on the third book of Bone. we love it!
the bean picked up and Adventures in OZ which looks really interesting.
I was excited to find that the library had Hayao Miyazaki's -Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away and My Neighbor Tortoro in "picture book".
I even found an adapted Moby Dick graphic novel. I am going to try to order this from the library or if anyone wants to get this for us for christmas that would be cool too....wink wink ;).
Link to a list of graphic novels for young readers.
the bean picked up and Adventures in OZ which looks really interesting.
I was excited to find that the library had Hayao Miyazaki's -Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away and My Neighbor Tortoro in "picture book".
I even found an adapted Moby Dick graphic novel. I am going to try to order this from the library or if anyone wants to get this for us for christmas that would be cool too....wink wink ;).
Link to a list of graphic novels for young readers.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Zombies and Logic
Before I met Big Daddy zombies rarely entered my mind. During our courting period I was told that I had to watch Cemetery Man, Big Daddy's all time favorite film at the time(it still may be but I do not want to make any assumptions on his behalf). At the time my favorite films were those about the Holocaust and Roberto Benigni movies. I thought Cemetery Man was campy and did not appreciate it as I might now being more acclimated to zombies. I can still picture the flies suspended by fishing wire.
Since then I have only been subjected to watch a few other zombie flicks. I am usually not able to sit through the whole thing. The most recent was Zombies Anonymous.
In the evenings Big Daddy will relax by playing Resident Evil on the PSII. Not something I would deem relaxing but to each their own. I usually need to leave the room when he plays. What can I say I am a delicate bird. ;)
Being that we had a boy first it did not take long to our fair child to find a love for zombies like his father. The bean has recently become aware of the zombie undertones in our lives. A few months ago the bean came into the TV room upstairs where Big Daddy and I were hanging out and she was worried about zombies getting her. She was genuinely concerned.
We could not convince her that zombies are not real. So Big Daddy resorted to logic.
-He asked the Bean how zombies walk.
-The bean held her arms out straight and did the zombie walk, she even moaned like a zombie.
-He then asked her "if zombies walk like that how would the open a door to get in the house?"
-She realized that zombies could not open doors and felt better.
-She then trotted off to bed.
Parenting is not as I thought it would be but it makes it that much more interesting.
Next I will post about my children's obsession with amputees. Oh, the conversations we have ;)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What a weekend!
Thursday I had a hankering for La Fiesta so the kids and I walked down for lunch. While there an old friend from the Zing days walked in with his wife. I always thought Ian was Big Daddy's little brother in another place and time. I invited them over for dinner Friday evening as a surprise for big daddy. Dinner and an exciting game of Clue! Big Daddy was pleasantly surprised. It was really nice to hang out with Ian and his wife(plus he was homeschooled so I got to pick his brain)
Saturday I was up early to head off to Julie's to help get ready for the wedding she was catering that evening. I had a really good time. I miss working in food. Julie is an amazing cook and my car has smelled amazing since Saturday. I was supposed to help through the entire event but my client called at 6pm-ish cookin' in labor. A couple of phone calls after the initial call I headed out to her house and she was in transition. She was very chill- so smiley and sweet. When we got to the hospital she was complete. The baby was born a few hours later but she had a bit of trouble stabilizing after delivery- nothing big but I didn't feel comfortable leaving. I got home about 3:30am.
Sunday morning my sister-in-law was coming out with my nieces to hang out. Big daddy was off to help a friend build a fence. Mom had talked about going to the Heritage Festival but I was soooo not up for it. My sis-in-law sensed that and suggested we just hang out. I was beat and very thankful to just chill at home. My sister-in-law lectured me on my life and how she is concerned about me and my well-being. It was very sweet but what could I say?
I am feeling recovered today. Yesterday was a bit funky but today is good.
Saturday I was up early to head off to Julie's to help get ready for the wedding she was catering that evening. I had a really good time. I miss working in food. Julie is an amazing cook and my car has smelled amazing since Saturday. I was supposed to help through the entire event but my client called at 6pm-ish cookin' in labor. A couple of phone calls after the initial call I headed out to her house and she was in transition. She was very chill- so smiley and sweet. When we got to the hospital she was complete. The baby was born a few hours later but she had a bit of trouble stabilizing after delivery- nothing big but I didn't feel comfortable leaving. I got home about 3:30am.
Sunday morning my sister-in-law was coming out with my nieces to hang out. Big daddy was off to help a friend build a fence. Mom had talked about going to the Heritage Festival but I was soooo not up for it. My sis-in-law sensed that and suggested we just hang out. I was beat and very thankful to just chill at home. My sister-in-law lectured me on my life and how she is concerned about me and my well-being. It was very sweet but what could I say?
I am feeling recovered today. Yesterday was a bit funky but today is good.
Friday, August 15, 2008
simple gifts
The other night I had a prenatal and a postpartum visit. I ended up driving all over town after a day of driving to Auburn Hills (the Monkey, Nona and I took the Bean to go see The Wiggles).
I was actually able to keep my visits to one hour each so I was not gone until really late.
As I was driving home I reflected on the simple gifts in life. My family was one amazing gift I have. My wonderful friends, chosen family was another. An unexpected great gift were kind clients who gave me gifts of cucumbers and home brewed beer at my appointments.
Simplicity is my mantra. Balance is my goal.
I was actually able to keep my visits to one hour each so I was not gone until really late.
As I was driving home I reflected on the simple gifts in life. My family was one amazing gift I have. My wonderful friends, chosen family was another. An unexpected great gift were kind clients who gave me gifts of cucumbers and home brewed beer at my appointments.
Simplicity is my mantra. Balance is my goal.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
summer flies by
summer flies by in a flurry of births, teaching, gardening, hanging out with family but i feel like we have done nothin' extra ordinary. other than the Massachusetts trip which was awesome.
We had three birthdays two of which were in the birth marathon week. three clients went in a seven day period. so i spent my bday at the hospital slightly sleep deprived. It usually takes a bit to recover from that so big daddys bday was spent quietly but i did go to the va-jay-jay sewing party and yes i did sew a va-jay-jay. but it was an early night-big daddy stopped by the party for food then we snuggled up at home and had a quiet night in. we took a day trip to bad axe to see my pregger sister-inlaws which was wonderful. been hanging out with some good old friends two of which just moved home (YAY!). we hit beer fest for the first time and had some good beer. I got issue VII of the birth project out just a little late but done. I had a complete melt down and sent the kids to my dads over night and spent every minute working to catch up on life and it felt great! btw - THE BIRTH PROJEC TIS NOW CARRIED AT CRAZY WISOM BOOKSTORE AND NICOLA'S BOOKS IN ANN ARBOR! we are still working on shamen drum, the buyer tyler seems to be ignoring me. but he will hear form me again. and i worked as an extra one night for the movie whip it! in detroit. that was an experience.
i feel like i have been busy but i am not sure with what. lots of laundry that is for sure. writing a schedule/cirriculum for the kids for this year, power washing my deck, and trying to pull $ out of thin air.
as usual when i get bored i need a new project so i have decided to attempt to write a screenplay. yes that is right i am jumping into those merky waters but i think i have a great idea so i am going to give it a shot. i have talked to some folks already about how to do it and off i am running. plotting scene sketches. character background and development and learning the craft and rules of screenwriting.
so folks that is it. the update. so i will now follow with a random photo update for my dad since he always likes the photos. ;) oh, and i cut 14 inches off my hair. like it?
We had three birthdays two of which were in the birth marathon week. three clients went in a seven day period. so i spent my bday at the hospital slightly sleep deprived. It usually takes a bit to recover from that so big daddys bday was spent quietly but i did go to the va-jay-jay sewing party and yes i did sew a va-jay-jay. but it was an early night-big daddy stopped by the party for food then we snuggled up at home and had a quiet night in. we took a day trip to bad axe to see my pregger sister-inlaws which was wonderful. been hanging out with some good old friends two of which just moved home (YAY!). we hit beer fest for the first time and had some good beer. I got issue VII of the birth project out just a little late but done. I had a complete melt down and sent the kids to my dads over night and spent every minute working to catch up on life and it felt great! btw - THE BIRTH PROJEC TIS NOW CARRIED AT CRAZY WISOM BOOKSTORE AND NICOLA'S BOOKS IN ANN ARBOR! we are still working on shamen drum, the buyer tyler seems to be ignoring me. but he will hear form me again. and i worked as an extra one night for the movie whip it! in detroit. that was an experience.
i feel like i have been busy but i am not sure with what. lots of laundry that is for sure. writing a schedule/cirriculum for the kids for this year, power washing my deck, and trying to pull $ out of thin air.
as usual when i get bored i need a new project so i have decided to attempt to write a screenplay. yes that is right i am jumping into those merky waters but i think i have a great idea so i am going to give it a shot. i have talked to some folks already about how to do it and off i am running. plotting scene sketches. character background and development and learning the craft and rules of screenwriting.
so folks that is it. the update. so i will now follow with a random photo update for my dad since he always likes the photos. ;) oh, and i cut 14 inches off my hair. like it?
Friday, June 27, 2008
Benefits of having a spontaneous mother.
Today, after dropping off the dog at the groomer for his annual hair chop, the kids and I decided to go for a bike ride.
Well, this bike ride turned into quite an event - We rode the B2B route from our house to Zingermans Deli in Kerry town and back. That ride is 17 miles. 17 miles that my awesome 7 year old completed. Without a peep of negativity or complaint he took the challenge on with the heart of a super trooper. The bean rode shotgun on my bike and also embraced the event with enthusiasm. She saw it as a good time to practice letters and sing rubber ducky (solo mind you - shhe nixed mom joining in the singing).
About half way through the ride home I was wondering if the monkey was hanging in ok. I stopped by St. Jo hospital for a break and decided to call my mom for a kid pick up and as soon as he heard what I was doing he hopped back on his bike and said he wanted to ride. He got his second wind.
He got a blister, another owie on the bottom of his other foot, scrapped his ankle on the petal and plowed on through it all.
He dropped his chain on the path behind my neighborhood. He said that it was a nice break. I tried to fix it then two nice ladies were walking by and they stopped to help.
It was a good day. The dog is lookin' good. Sam is feeling enormously accomplished. So am I and the only bad part was the sunburn on my shoulders from not expecting to be riding for 3.5 hours. Whoops :)
Well, this bike ride turned into quite an event - We rode the B2B route from our house to Zingermans Deli in Kerry town and back. That ride is 17 miles. 17 miles that my awesome 7 year old completed. Without a peep of negativity or complaint he took the challenge on with the heart of a super trooper. The bean rode shotgun on my bike and also embraced the event with enthusiasm. She saw it as a good time to practice letters and sing rubber ducky (solo mind you - shhe nixed mom joining in the singing).
About half way through the ride home I was wondering if the monkey was hanging in ok. I stopped by St. Jo hospital for a break and decided to call my mom for a kid pick up and as soon as he heard what I was doing he hopped back on his bike and said he wanted to ride. He got his second wind.
He got a blister, another owie on the bottom of his other foot, scrapped his ankle on the petal and plowed on through it all.
He dropped his chain on the path behind my neighborhood. He said that it was a nice break. I tried to fix it then two nice ladies were walking by and they stopped to help.
It was a good day. The dog is lookin' good. Sam is feeling enormously accomplished. So am I and the only bad part was the sunburn on my shoulders from not expecting to be riding for 3.5 hours. Whoops :)
Friday, June 20, 2008
Cocktail of the hour
fresh squeezed raw rhubarb juice (sugar added)
with fresh squeezed apple and carrot juice
on ice
with Jack Daniels
and melon pieces
with a straw
with fresh squeezed apple and carrot juice
on ice
with Jack Daniels
and melon pieces
with a straw
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The Big Trip
In three days we will be going on our first family trip. We have taken small trips to Bad Axe to see the in-laws and the like but nothing like a true family vaca.
We are leaving Thursday on the high speed road trip to Massachusetts for one day of the North American Amphibian Conference and back Monday for me to go back on call.
We will be going via Canada to see Niagra Falls. That has been the first destination on the "take the kids" list. Thursday evening we will be staying with some friends in Buffalo.
Friday morning we will be up and off to Massachusetts to camp for the night. The camp site says black bears are common visitors to the site. Big daddy told the kids and now they are a wee bit freaked out. I must admit I am too a bit tweeked but I am trying to be rational about the fact that they will most likely leave us alone even if they come around.
Saturday we will take big daddy to the conference to suck in some knowledge, schmooze a bit and get some new creatures for his collection. The spawnlings and I will go to the hotel to dink around for a bit. Maybe check out some local museums or attractions or just play in the indoor pool :). Big daddy will join us sometime later that night.
Sunday we are off to see the dinosaur tracks south of Erving Ma. The monkey is super geeked about it! Then we round it back home vis States side, maybe staying Sunday night in Buffalo at our friends or driving straight through. Not sure yet.
Whew! Home again Home again jiggity jig.
And I go back on call until September.
We are leaving Thursday on the high speed road trip to Massachusetts for one day of the North American Amphibian Conference and back Monday for me to go back on call.
We will be going via Canada to see Niagra Falls. That has been the first destination on the "take the kids" list. Thursday evening we will be staying with some friends in Buffalo.
Friday morning we will be up and off to Massachusetts to camp for the night. The camp site says black bears are common visitors to the site. Big daddy told the kids and now they are a wee bit freaked out. I must admit I am too a bit tweeked but I am trying to be rational about the fact that they will most likely leave us alone even if they come around.
Saturday we will take big daddy to the conference to suck in some knowledge, schmooze a bit and get some new creatures for his collection. The spawnlings and I will go to the hotel to dink around for a bit. Maybe check out some local museums or attractions or just play in the indoor pool :). Big daddy will join us sometime later that night.
Sunday we are off to see the dinosaur tracks south of Erving Ma. The monkey is super geeked about it! Then we round it back home vis States side, maybe staying Sunday night in Buffalo at our friends or driving straight through. Not sure yet.
Whew! Home again Home again jiggity jig.
And I go back on call until September.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
I Love Dirt!
For my fathers birthday yesterday he took my kids for the day and over night. It was his idea. They came up to see his soccer game (they got creamed again but they had fun), we went to Aubree's for pizza and off they went.
For my free afternoon I had made plans to go out and work on my friends garden. They had 10 beautiful acres and are working a big plot this year for vegetables. Maybe adding an herb garden at some point this year. The long term plan is for a hearty farm going in a couple of years. She has other awesome ideas for the land that I am excited to see grow. For two hours we weeded about 300 sq. feet and planted about 80 tomato plants. I got so dirty, it was great.
I got home, we grilled up some chicken with out North Carolina BBQ Sauce (we may have converted to the south side), lit up the fire pit and later watched the rest of LOST. We are now officially caught up and have to wait months upon months for our next installment.
For my free afternoon I had made plans to go out and work on my friends garden. They had 10 beautiful acres and are working a big plot this year for vegetables. Maybe adding an herb garden at some point this year. The long term plan is for a hearty farm going in a couple of years. She has other awesome ideas for the land that I am excited to see grow. For two hours we weeded about 300 sq. feet and planted about 80 tomato plants. I got so dirty, it was great.
I got home, we grilled up some chicken with out North Carolina BBQ Sauce (we may have converted to the south side), lit up the fire pit and later watched the rest of LOST. We are now officially caught up and have to wait months upon months for our next installment.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Update and Thunderstorms.
I got the tooth out on Monday. I hated doing it but it is what he wanted. I will post a pic tomorrow. The root was huge, I doubt it would have come out on its own. Since the extraction his adult tooth has been moving forward. It is crazy to see the change day to day.
Tonight FINALLY the thunderstorms came. I feel better now. Plus my garden gets watered. ( i love planting, pruning, and gardening but hate watering.) My inner water conservationist is at conflict with my gardener. (donn has brain washed me!)
Tonight FINALLY the thunderstorms came. I feel better now. Plus my garden gets watered. ( i love planting, pruning, and gardening but hate watering.) My inner water conservationist is at conflict with my gardener. (donn has brain washed me!)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Mommy Resume
Among the many skills that I have acquired in my career as a mother I am now adding Amature Dentist.
You may remember a few months back I posted the monkey's front tooth that is coming in shark style (behind the still intact baby tooth). Well that baby tooth was not budging. I gave the monkey time to try to work it out on his own since he is terrified at the idea of a shot in his mouth. Finally I made the executive decision to call the dentist. I made an appointment for the extraction but did not tell the wee man about it. A few days later wee man came to it on his own that we should call the dentist, I later found out he was not completely convinced of his idea.
I did end up taking the monkey to the dentist, unfortunately it did not go as planned. He freaked out. It was frustrating because I just wanted to get it over with. He asked me to pull his tooth out because he really didn't want the shot and did not want to go to a dentist that he didn't know (a pediatric dentist).
Ok, I need to mention here that I was kind of peeved at my dentist during this visit. After I told the monkey that he was going to be getting his tooth pulled today and we dropped his sister off at a friends house, I told him I would be in the room with him - holding his hand or feet and sing to him if we wants. We talked about not looking at the shot and that it would not really hurt. We were waiting in the dentist office for our turn and they came and told the monkey it was his turn. We both stood up to go in and he walked on with the hygienist and the dentist stepped in front of me and told me to wait out here. I tried to tell her that he had had a traumatizing dental experience when he was three that he very much remembers and was anxious about this visit. She informed me that things go better without the parents which I understand but I told him I would be in there with him and they didn't let me talk to him about it. I found the poor communication with myself and my son disappointing and slightly infuriating.
Back to my career as an amature dentist. The monkey was serious when he asked me to pull his tooth out so that afternoon I got to work while watching noggin for a distraction. A yank here, a twist there, then I really put some weight into it and leveraged against his other tooth and *snap* part of whatever was keeping the tooth stuck gave. He yelped for a minute then looked at me and said "that was a good one mom!"
We are still working on it but it will come it seems.... soon. We will keep you posted.
You may remember a few months back I posted the monkey's front tooth that is coming in shark style (behind the still intact baby tooth). Well that baby tooth was not budging. I gave the monkey time to try to work it out on his own since he is terrified at the idea of a shot in his mouth. Finally I made the executive decision to call the dentist. I made an appointment for the extraction but did not tell the wee man about it. A few days later wee man came to it on his own that we should call the dentist, I later found out he was not completely convinced of his idea.
I did end up taking the monkey to the dentist, unfortunately it did not go as planned. He freaked out. It was frustrating because I just wanted to get it over with. He asked me to pull his tooth out because he really didn't want the shot and did not want to go to a dentist that he didn't know (a pediatric dentist).
Ok, I need to mention here that I was kind of peeved at my dentist during this visit. After I told the monkey that he was going to be getting his tooth pulled today and we dropped his sister off at a friends house, I told him I would be in the room with him - holding his hand or feet and sing to him if we wants. We talked about not looking at the shot and that it would not really hurt. We were waiting in the dentist office for our turn and they came and told the monkey it was his turn. We both stood up to go in and he walked on with the hygienist and the dentist stepped in front of me and told me to wait out here. I tried to tell her that he had had a traumatizing dental experience when he was three that he very much remembers and was anxious about this visit. She informed me that things go better without the parents which I understand but I told him I would be in there with him and they didn't let me talk to him about it. I found the poor communication with myself and my son disappointing and slightly infuriating.
Back to my career as an amature dentist. The monkey was serious when he asked me to pull his tooth out so that afternoon I got to work while watching noggin for a distraction. A yank here, a twist there, then I really put some weight into it and leveraged against his other tooth and *snap* part of whatever was keeping the tooth stuck gave. He yelped for a minute then looked at me and said "that was a good one mom!"
We are still working on it but it will come it seems.... soon. We will keep you posted.
Monday, May 19, 2008
ebay phobic and big daddy steps in.
right now my young boy is into Heroscape
i found him the marvel set on clearance and he and his dad decided they needed a bigger set to play. i researched it and found the Master Set.
ok, so we really want to buy it but we could not find it in town. so smart big daddy checked it out on ebay AND WE WON IT!
i am an ebay phobe big time but it was so exciting to watch it down to the clock (which apparently you are not supposed to do)
ROCK ON!
ps. we are buying it because the monkey is getting a tooth pulled on wednesday. poor guy. but he is being a mini man about it.
i found him the marvel set on clearance and he and his dad decided they needed a bigger set to play. i researched it and found the Master Set.
ok, so we really want to buy it but we could not find it in town. so smart big daddy checked it out on ebay AND WE WON IT!
i am an ebay phobe big time but it was so exciting to watch it down to the clock (which apparently you are not supposed to do)
ROCK ON!
ps. we are buying it because the monkey is getting a tooth pulled on wednesday. poor guy. but he is being a mini man about it.
Laugh With Me
The other day I went out to eat with my friend her young teenage boy and the bean. We were chatting along then somehow the conversation got on the topic of my amazonian self.
My darling friend said very casually "yeah, you're an amazon."
My reply "yup, I am."
I love this woman for her frankness and comfort with such topics (body issues are just the tip of the iceberg). She has had body issues in the past and has embraced herself. Being around her and some other women lately who do not have social hang ups with talking about size weight and other body issues has been liberating. She realized that she did not want to be the thin woman or the woman with smaller boobs. Her body is beautiful and I will joke with her about her small ass any day.
Some folks in the past have tried to prescribe a "fix" or share their tips to a flatter tummy and a perky ass. With all their good intentions I am not looking to be fixed or told "no, your not big." I understand this response it is the socially acceptable thing to do and say. Unfortunately to me it seems like a washed out conversation. Why not say "yeah, you're a big girl. your husband loves your cottage cheese butt. work it."
If I really wanted to I would eat minimally and work out frantically and I could look like those airbrushed women that most strive for. I did work hard for that ideal body when I was 13 and ended up with a slimmer body and an eating disorder. I was so body obsessed in early college that I could hardly go out socially or to classes sometimes because I didn't look the way I wanted (fearing others judgment or ridicule heard and unheard- a kind of anthrophobia) . I am done with that. My body is a big part of who I was and who I am. (lol)
I am an almost six foot woman of Swedish and Scottish decent who packs a soft 218 lbs. When I talk about my size, or crack a joke about it I am not being self deprecating I am embracing it in my own backwards way. Laugh with me don't tell me to stop, or walk away with your fingers in your ears singing "LALALA - I don't hear you".
I do not want my daughter to idealize anything but her healthy self big or small. I do not want my son to have a limited view of femininity and beauty.
Laugh with me people, I am big and beautiful.
My darling friend said very casually "yeah, you're an amazon."
My reply "yup, I am."
I love this woman for her frankness and comfort with such topics (body issues are just the tip of the iceberg). She has had body issues in the past and has embraced herself. Being around her and some other women lately who do not have social hang ups with talking about size weight and other body issues has been liberating. She realized that she did not want to be the thin woman or the woman with smaller boobs. Her body is beautiful and I will joke with her about her small ass any day.
Some folks in the past have tried to prescribe a "fix" or share their tips to a flatter tummy and a perky ass. With all their good intentions I am not looking to be fixed or told "no, your not big." I understand this response it is the socially acceptable thing to do and say. Unfortunately to me it seems like a washed out conversation. Why not say "yeah, you're a big girl. your husband loves your cottage cheese butt. work it."
If I really wanted to I would eat minimally and work out frantically and I could look like those airbrushed women that most strive for. I did work hard for that ideal body when I was 13 and ended up with a slimmer body and an eating disorder. I was so body obsessed in early college that I could hardly go out socially or to classes sometimes because I didn't look the way I wanted (fearing others judgment or ridicule heard and unheard- a kind of anthrophobia) . I am done with that. My body is a big part of who I was and who I am. (lol)
I am an almost six foot woman of Swedish and Scottish decent who packs a soft 218 lbs. When I talk about my size, or crack a joke about it I am not being self deprecating I am embracing it in my own backwards way. Laugh with me don't tell me to stop, or walk away with your fingers in your ears singing "LALALA - I don't hear you".
I do not want my daughter to idealize anything but her healthy self big or small. I do not want my son to have a limited view of femininity and beauty.
Laugh with me people, I am big and beautiful.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Think Global, Birth Local
(editorial from the new issue of The Birth Project Issue VI Spring 2008)
This spring ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynocology) released their updated statement on home birth (reprinted on pg. 12), generally reiterating that they oppose homebirth as well as individuals and organizations who offer or support such options for women and families. We have a few great articles responding to this ACOG statement. This statement is not supported by much of the research; in contrast, research shows that homebirth and freestanding birth centers are statistically safe and actually produce better outcomes overall.
Also this spring many meetings were held by home birth midwives and those who support them discussing The Big Push for Midwives (see pg. 26 for web link), debating the future of midwifery in the United States. Check out their website for more information about the issues around the legislating midwives. Some are in favor of this movement towards “legalization” and some are against it. There are members of the “medical” community opposed to anything that would support homebirth options but also within the homebirth community some see legislation not as progress but as restriction on their practice and how they are able to serve women and families.
What most people don’t realize is that in some states the right to make the decision to birth at home and birth centers have been taken away from women and families. As seen on Good Morning America on January 2008 unassisted homebirth is something that women are turning to when they cannot find a midwife to attend to them at home. Some also make the decision to have an unassisted homebirth in areas where midwives are available for personal or sometimes financial reasons since homebirth care is usually paid out of pocket. Like other women’s reproductive rights issues, we need to ask: should it be a case of choice, availability and safety? One would think...
On the internet many bloggers are also discussing/debating these hot birth topics and more. There is a buzz of something going on. We are talking about it too, here in The Birth Project.
Most think or assume that birth and birth culture is fine and dandy (more or less outside of the fear of pain that the majority of women have). Many times I end up having conversations about birth with expecting parents, in either doula consultations or in my childbirth education class, friends and family, or even sometimes strangers (although I don’t go out of my way to get on this topic with strangers, it just sometimes comes up). I can see it in their faces that they are realizing that birth, birth culture, birthing decisions, and birth politics are not fine and dandy. They are complicated, multi-layered, politically charged shades of gray, with the eye of the storm - mothers, babies and their families, usually unaware of the huge conflict spinning around them. There are issues- health care issues, human rights issues, women’s rights issues, safety issues, ethical issues, legal issues, psychological issues, emotional issues, physical issues, even environmental issues.
~
One of the many books on my reading list this spring is actually not about birth. It is Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. It makes a ”passionate case for putting the kitchen back at the center of family life and diversified farms at the center of the American diet”. This book speaks to the idea of eating local and seasonal to, among other things, reduce one’s carbon footprint. So what do agricultural sustainability, and carbon footprints have to do with birth politics you ask?
It is all about how we live and think. Like sustainable agriculture, birth is about business. If we eat more local and seasonal it causes economical issues for the businesses (corporate farms, trucking, packaging, etc.) and employees of those businesses that grow and transport food all over the world. On the flip side local farmers, markets, dairies etc. would be more supported. If more women birth at home or in birth centers a large portion of hospital revenue will take a economical hit along with the companies that make and distribute much of the equipment used at hospital births as well as the income of the doctors that do deliveries in the hospitals. Again on the flip side community midwives would be supported and if the demand were higher for these birth settings momentum could be made for insurance coverage and more accessibility for all who seek alternative birth options, potentially reducing insurance premiums. The waste byproduct from the equipment and apparati at hospital births is many times that of home and birth centers. So again, it is also an environmental issue - reducing the human carbon footprint.
On this beautiful spring-y day (finally!) I ask you to open your mind to the big picture. Think big and also with empathy for the whole picture on both sides. The only way we can hope to move forward is to work together (see the well written open letter to ACOG on page 13). I also ask you to incorporate this kind of thinking to other aspects of your life - how you eat, if you recycle, speak of politics, how you parent, and so on.
Act with thought and empathy for all.
We are dedicating this issue to midwives since May 5th is National Midwife Day. If you have had a midwife in your life and feel so inclined, send her a letter of appreciation this May. It is hard, amazing work that these women take on ~ send them some love to help get through that next sleepless night. The month of May is also International Doula month so send them warm fuzzies too.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Life and Death
One of my life obsessions and fears is death. It may be why I work in birth and have a desire to do hospice work at some point in my life.
The collection of photographs is by German photographer Walter Schels, 72 Faces of Life and Death is a beautiful window into a part of our existence that most choose not to think about. There is a link at the end of this article where you can view some portraits from the collection. What a fascinating project.
The collection of photographs is by German photographer Walter Schels, 72 Faces of Life and Death is a beautiful window into a part of our existence that most choose not to think about. There is a link at the end of this article where you can view some portraits from the collection. What a fascinating project.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Dare I say "childfree"???
It was recently brought to my attention a blog thread debating about "childfree". Read it here
Since the comments were closed I thought I would share my thoughts here.
First regarding the taxes for schooling issue: I homeschool my kids and I happily pay my taxes for the schools that we are not using because the kids that use those schools will some day be adults. Adults that will be most likely join the work force and be paying taxes into social security that I will (hopefully) someday get. These children will grow up to be adults that may become the nurses that wipe my ass if I become old and need assistance or maybe they will just come and sit with me and chat in the home (I hope I do not end up in a home but it could happen- you never know). The fact of the matter is that even the "childfree" adults reaped the benefit of taxes for schooling as children going through the school system.
Second regarding the infertility treatments: This one seems really out of left field. From the information I have most infertility treatment is NOT covered by insurance, it is an out of pocket cost for the desire to have children. When infertility treatments may be covered by insurance and you are concerned about it bringing up your insurance cost- it can be equated to my insurance costs being higher to support that cost of people who need extensive medical care because they choose to eat like shit their whole lives and not take care of themselves. I try to eat healthy, take care of myself and rarely use the medical system or pharmaceuticals. It is a crap shoot when dealing with private insurance. Fat unhealthy people ore more of a problem than folks who choose infertility treatment - other than the fact that once conditions usually takes a person out of the population and the other can add a person to the population.
Third regarding the cost of Childbirth: Ha ha ha... where do I start? I totally agree that the cost of childbirth in this country is disgusting. I am a birth activist and a birth worker and could really expand on this but I will keep it short. Childbirth is major revenue for most hospitals. As with most things it is a business and a business that makes $$$. I agree that it should not be about $$$ and about proper health care but like the second point I take a chance when I get insurance coverage that I am paying for a lot of shit for a lot of other folks that I have no control over. I had my second child at home and paid for it out of my own pocket a whole whopping $2000 (that is for prenatal, birth through 3-4 postpartum visits) for amazing care. More thorough, attentive and personal care than I got "in the system" with my first birth which the birth alone was $6000 (i cannot imagine how much the total was with prenatals, testing, ultrasounds, and that one postpartum visit). This is a ten year old article but not too much has changed in ten years and what has changes is not for the better - birth centers closing, the c-section rate going up to 30% and womens choices being taken away. Choices that would lower overall childbirth costs.
Fourth the pity factor: I do not pity you at all. The "childfree" have a freedom I do not have. They do not have the weight of raising another human being not to be an asshole. They do not have the stress of fighting with little irrational people. That is your choice and right as a "childfree" person and I would not change a damn thing about my life and the choices I made to have my children. I was pitied by my "childfree" friends when I had my unexpected child at 25 but from a distance. It was hard and it sucked and no one was there to help me. I am very aware of the "childfree" culture. I have changed diapers in the front seat of cars with the door open for room in hail storms because the bathroom did not have a changing table, I have breast fed my child on a toilet in a restaurant, I have gotten looks of contempt for taking my quiet well behaved children places, among other things. So you get no pity here and I do feel that most of you that feel pitied are being a little too sensitive - be a duck and let it roll off your back if they pity you then it is their ignorance. Let it go.
Fifth in regards to the "you had ‘em, they are your problem, expect nothing from me, and by-the-way, could you make them shut up?": This made me think of when I went out to brunch with some friends of mine (with out quiet well behaved children - we were armed with mini princesses to distract them) and a few tables over there was a family with an adult that was mentally impaired that had tendencies of turrets. This person was loud at times, very loud. I thought it was great that these folks could go out as a family including that special needs family member. Should I have interrupted this family and asked them to "shut up" their special needs adult member for the sake of my perfect civilized brunch experience? Do I mind that I pay into their health care needs? Do I not hold the door open for them as it takes them three times as long to get out the door because they are also disabled? We must remember that our culture generally looks on our elderly as we look at our children. Should I say to the "childfree" "expect nothing from me or mine as you get older and may need assistance, and by-the-way wipe your own ass"?And as for myself, I expect nothing but the same patience and understanding for myself and my child that you would offer any other human being.
This debate reminds me of my thoughts on vegans (sorry if i offend any vegans out there). We are privileged to live in a society that we have the opportunity to be so picky and opinionated about what we and others eat. Many places you eat what you have or die be it rice or rat. We are also privileged to live in a society that we can have such idealistic and lofty separatist ideas of family and society. Many places you would live in a 900 square foot house with your parents, aunts, grandparents and other extended family breeders and "childfree" alike working towards sustaining.
I did find many of the comments on the original blog post ill-founded generalizations and misinformed. I do not care if you are "childfree" that is your choice so live your "childfree" life but do not do things like go to the Corner Brewery (a family friendly brew pub) and bitch about kids being there. You have every other bar in town that is not family friendly. The "childfree" have the majority of public places built to their needs not mine as a breeder. We do not live in a family friendly culture.
I need to go garden now while my crotch droppings and the neighbors crotch droppings play delightfully together. Have a lovely Sunday.
Since the comments were closed I thought I would share my thoughts here.
First regarding the taxes for schooling issue: I homeschool my kids and I happily pay my taxes for the schools that we are not using because the kids that use those schools will some day be adults. Adults that will be most likely join the work force and be paying taxes into social security that I will (hopefully) someday get. These children will grow up to be adults that may become the nurses that wipe my ass if I become old and need assistance or maybe they will just come and sit with me and chat in the home (I hope I do not end up in a home but it could happen- you never know). The fact of the matter is that even the "childfree" adults reaped the benefit of taxes for schooling as children going through the school system.
Second regarding the infertility treatments: This one seems really out of left field. From the information I have most infertility treatment is NOT covered by insurance, it is an out of pocket cost for the desire to have children. When infertility treatments may be covered by insurance and you are concerned about it bringing up your insurance cost- it can be equated to my insurance costs being higher to support that cost of people who need extensive medical care because they choose to eat like shit their whole lives and not take care of themselves. I try to eat healthy, take care of myself and rarely use the medical system or pharmaceuticals. It is a crap shoot when dealing with private insurance. Fat unhealthy people ore more of a problem than folks who choose infertility treatment - other than the fact that once conditions usually takes a person out of the population and the other can add a person to the population.
Third regarding the cost of Childbirth: Ha ha ha... where do I start? I totally agree that the cost of childbirth in this country is disgusting. I am a birth activist and a birth worker and could really expand on this but I will keep it short. Childbirth is major revenue for most hospitals. As with most things it is a business and a business that makes $$$. I agree that it should not be about $$$ and about proper health care but like the second point I take a chance when I get insurance coverage that I am paying for a lot of shit for a lot of other folks that I have no control over. I had my second child at home and paid for it out of my own pocket a whole whopping $2000 (that is for prenatal, birth through 3-4 postpartum visits) for amazing care. More thorough, attentive and personal care than I got "in the system" with my first birth which the birth alone was $6000 (i cannot imagine how much the total was with prenatals, testing, ultrasounds, and that one postpartum visit). This is a ten year old article but not too much has changed in ten years and what has changes is not for the better - birth centers closing, the c-section rate going up to 30% and womens choices being taken away. Choices that would lower overall childbirth costs.
Fourth the pity factor: I do not pity you at all. The "childfree" have a freedom I do not have. They do not have the weight of raising another human being not to be an asshole. They do not have the stress of fighting with little irrational people. That is your choice and right as a "childfree" person and I would not change a damn thing about my life and the choices I made to have my children. I was pitied by my "childfree" friends when I had my unexpected child at 25 but from a distance. It was hard and it sucked and no one was there to help me. I am very aware of the "childfree" culture. I have changed diapers in the front seat of cars with the door open for room in hail storms because the bathroom did not have a changing table, I have breast fed my child on a toilet in a restaurant, I have gotten looks of contempt for taking my quiet well behaved children places, among other things. So you get no pity here and I do feel that most of you that feel pitied are being a little too sensitive - be a duck and let it roll off your back if they pity you then it is their ignorance. Let it go.
Fifth in regards to the "you had ‘em, they are your problem, expect nothing from me, and by-the-way, could you make them shut up?": This made me think of when I went out to brunch with some friends of mine (with out quiet well behaved children - we were armed with mini princesses to distract them) and a few tables over there was a family with an adult that was mentally impaired that had tendencies of turrets. This person was loud at times, very loud. I thought it was great that these folks could go out as a family including that special needs family member. Should I have interrupted this family and asked them to "shut up" their special needs adult member for the sake of my perfect civilized brunch experience? Do I mind that I pay into their health care needs? Do I not hold the door open for them as it takes them three times as long to get out the door because they are also disabled? We must remember that our culture generally looks on our elderly as we look at our children. Should I say to the "childfree" "expect nothing from me or mine as you get older and may need assistance, and by-the-way wipe your own ass"?And as for myself, I expect nothing but the same patience and understanding for myself and my child that you would offer any other human being.
This debate reminds me of my thoughts on vegans (sorry if i offend any vegans out there). We are privileged to live in a society that we have the opportunity to be so picky and opinionated about what we and others eat. Many places you eat what you have or die be it rice or rat. We are also privileged to live in a society that we can have such idealistic and lofty separatist ideas of family and society. Many places you would live in a 900 square foot house with your parents, aunts, grandparents and other extended family breeders and "childfree" alike working towards sustaining.
I did find many of the comments on the original blog post ill-founded generalizations and misinformed. I do not care if you are "childfree" that is your choice so live your "childfree" life but do not do things like go to the Corner Brewery (a family friendly brew pub) and bitch about kids being there. You have every other bar in town that is not family friendly. The "childfree" have the majority of public places built to their needs not mine as a breeder. We do not live in a family friendly culture.
I need to go garden now while my crotch droppings and the neighbors crotch droppings play delightfully together. Have a lovely Sunday.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
family friendly culture
This came to me on one of my email lists. Find the full article here. This is yet another grand example of how ridiculously un-mother-child-friendly our culture is.
A Maryland judge sentenced a breastfeeding mother to a night in jail or a $150 fine, after she asked to postpone her jury duty.
Elizabeth Jett's baby boy Henry was less than 12 weeks old when she was called for jury duty. "I think it's a case of priorities. Taking care of your children should be your first priority. Jury duty can always come later," Jett said.
Jett asked to postpone and serve during the Summer, when Henry would be older and her mother, a full-time teacher, could take care of him and his five-year-old brother.
The Carroll County judge said Jett was in contempt of court, which Jett thought was unbelievable. "I was just shocked. I couldn't even put it into words," she said.
Legislation that would allow nursing mothers with children under the age of two to be excused from jury duty was introduced for the second time. When the plan was proposed in 2004, many lawmakers shot it down.
Brian Frosh, Chair for the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, said the law would cause more people to try to postpone their duties, "If you start saying, we're gonna excuse people for breastfeeding, you've gotta say ok to kidney dialysis, chemotherapy and all the other maladies that afflict the human condition."
Frosh said the law already gives judges broad discretion to excuse residents from jury duty, "So what we want is for judges to use their discretion liberally."
As for Elizabeth Jett, she has since asked for a waiver, because she can't afford the fine. The judge in the case, Barry Hughes, did not want to comment. The jury commissioner hung up on Andrea McCarren, as soon as she identified herself as a reporter.
In the state of Maryland there is an exception for members of the military:
Are members of the military exempt from jury service?
There is no automatic exemption for members of the federal or state military services. You may claim such an exemption if your jury service on the date requested would unreasonably interfere with the performance of military duties or affect adversely the readiness of the military unit. The form certifying these requirements must be completed by the commanding officer or supervisor of the person requesting exemption.
In the state of Maryland there is an exemption for employers (i guess if your job is important enough):
A Maryland judge sentenced a breastfeeding mother to a night in jail or a $150 fine, after she asked to postpone her jury duty.
Elizabeth Jett's baby boy Henry was less than 12 weeks old when she was called for jury duty. "I think it's a case of priorities. Taking care of your children should be your first priority. Jury duty can always come later," Jett said.
Jett asked to postpone and serve during the Summer, when Henry would be older and her mother, a full-time teacher, could take care of him and his five-year-old brother.
The Carroll County judge said Jett was in contempt of court, which Jett thought was unbelievable. "I was just shocked. I couldn't even put it into words," she said.
Legislation that would allow nursing mothers with children under the age of two to be excused from jury duty was introduced for the second time. When the plan was proposed in 2004, many lawmakers shot it down.
Brian Frosh, Chair for the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, said the law would cause more people to try to postpone their duties, "If you start saying, we're gonna excuse people for breastfeeding, you've gotta say ok to kidney dialysis, chemotherapy and all the other maladies that afflict the human condition."
Frosh said the law already gives judges broad discretion to excuse residents from jury duty, "So what we want is for judges to use their discretion liberally."
As for Elizabeth Jett, she has since asked for a waiver, because she can't afford the fine. The judge in the case, Barry Hughes, did not want to comment. The jury commissioner hung up on Andrea McCarren, as soon as she identified herself as a reporter.
In the state of Maryland there is an exception for members of the military:
Are members of the military exempt from jury service?
There is no automatic exemption for members of the federal or state military services. You may claim such an exemption if your jury service on the date requested would unreasonably interfere with the performance of military duties or affect adversely the readiness of the military unit. The form certifying these requirements must be completed by the commanding officer or supervisor of the person requesting exemption.
In the state of Maryland there is an exemption for employers (i guess if your job is important enough):
The date on which my employee is to report for service is one when we absolutely need the employee's services. What can be done?
The period for jury duty can be adjusted, with some restrictions. If your employee is called for jury service on a date not good for your business, most jurisdictions will allow the employee to re-set the date to report for service. You may be asked to document by letter the reason for the postponement. While one postponement usually will be granted, the employee will be expected to be available on the re-set date.
A request for postponement should be made as early as possible. The court will have less flexibility to grant postponements as the day of actual jury service approaches
~
As of July 2007 twelve states have statutes specifically addressing breastfeeding and jury duty. Here is a document put together by Melissa R. Vance, JD, Legal Advisory Council on Breastfeeding and Jury Duty.
Here is a website that promotes family-friendly jury duty legislation. One step towards making a family friendly culture.
On that note and completely off the topic of jury duty I want to give many thanks to our local watering hole The Corner Brewery for a family friendly pub! I know it has meant so much to so many families in this area to have a place to go and have a pint with some friends without having to stress about "who are we going to find to babysit the kids???" Thank you.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
it is almost april and...
we are expecting 3-6 inches of snow tonight. (one for the road eh?) a good excuse to get the fireplace fired up (lol).
today i got my house professionally cleaned!!!! i love barter. i believe it is the way to go. if anything it has been totally worth going to massage school to be able to barter for cleaning, painting, computers, coffee, you name it.
not only are my bathrooms renovated (wall paper gone and painted) but they are CLEAN.
there is something so beautiful about a clean that someone else did along with food that someone else cooked.
and it is scrabble night! yay!
today i got my house professionally cleaned!!!! i love barter. i believe it is the way to go. if anything it has been totally worth going to massage school to be able to barter for cleaning, painting, computers, coffee, you name it.
not only are my bathrooms renovated (wall paper gone and painted) but they are CLEAN.
there is something so beautiful about a clean that someone else did along with food that someone else cooked.
and it is scrabble night! yay!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
victoria secret nursing bras???
why do i find this disturbing?
ok, let me clarify. i LOVE that bra and almost (but not really) wishes i was still nursing so i could buy this bra. and i am so excited that victorias secret is hopping on the band wagon for supporting (lol) breastfeeding mothers. but can we get some real models please?
would it be that hard to get a model that we could not see her ribs? this is not am image that new mothers need to be inundated wtih when looking for a sexy nursing bra. and yes i said sexy.. like smokin hot. i personally want mamas to feel sexy and smokin'
postpartum in usually their plumper than usual selves.also how does this help those mamas who are nursing and need to eat 300-400 more calories than they did when they were pregnant growing that baby. looking at this photo evokes the desire to sustain on water and cigarettes personally speaking.
wait a minute here is super model cindy crawford who DID have kids and proudly shows the badge of motherhood - stretch marks. i grabbed this image from this news blip. unfortunately the had to say "Unsightly: Cindy Crawford's stretch marks" under a super close up of her belly. i say rock on cindy crawford for wearing your bikini!
on a side note i would love to take a photo of this news organizations editors ass and do a close up on their unsightly butt pimples and cellulite and write about it in people magazine. for real.
if you have never checked it out here is the real Shape of a Mother.
what is blogging?
looking back i have taken a bit of the lazy woman's blogging style as of late. so here i am back in full force.
i am trudging through putting the next issue of The Birth Project together. i am trying a few new layout options (get a copy and check it out!) and i am dealing with temporarily not having access to the software i need on our new-to-us-used computer. i may mention here that i love and rely on technology but i hate it so. it makes my skin crawl. we have some really great pieces this time around. it will once again be a super "eeeeekkkkk" moment of excitement when we pick it up from out super awesome local printer.
the monkey has been getting nightly phone calls from a new friend of his that lives about a half hour from us, so we dont see them often enough, and the boys talk about their band that they are going to start. tonight it was decided that they will not form until christmas but will practice until then. it was absolutely adorable to eves drop on their conversation. the monkey was so geeked to be getting phone calls and it seems that this may become a nightly ritual. so cool. oh, the monkey is the drummer btw. sweet!
i measured the kids the other day and the bean has grown about an inch and a half since january. mind you in january i splurged and took the bean to value world and got her a garbage bag of new-to-her clothes and some of them are already too short. damn skippy! luckily i was prepared and bought some pants to roll up for now so they will fit in the fall. smart cookie i am.
on the homeschooling front- i swear february through april are a wash for me every year. i find also when i teach at work i am lack luster this time of year also. hmmmm..... maybe i am a bear and need to hibernate through these dreary months of torture. mind you we are having a record snow year for the first time since 1880 and it is supposed to snow this weekend (***sniffle***sniffle***tear runs down cheek) i am so done with this and so are the kiddos. we are all bouncing off the walls and dreaming of digging in the dirt (the beans favorite animal is the beloved worm) and growing and eating beautiful heirloom vegetables.
funny story: last week the kids had a big and the monkey threw up once (poor monkey) but it was the middle of the night and he saw it coming and mindfully asked for a bucket to have next to him just in case (always thinking ahead, that kid). when it did occur he was sleeping on the floor (he sleeps on the floor everynight training for his future as an adventurer) in my office which is a small room off our bedroom. the stench aweful - really it was like no words could describe. it was contained in the bowl provided and i quickly went to dispose. as i was coming back the monkey says "i lost my tooth" my reply "i didnt just flush it down the toilet, did i?". immediately i was trying to figure out if it was inappropriate to leave a quarter in the toilet for him in the morning. but no worries he had it in hand. whew. so the monkey is gap faced at the moment and has 1 week to self extract his other front tooth for the health of the tooth that has already come in behind it.
i have been working out again at the beautiful rec center. i have been lifting weights 3 times a week and riding the bike. training to roll with the cool kids of bike ypsi. i have come to accept that yoga, running and pilates are not my thing. they bore me really. i have found my groove and am rolling with it. it helps that the rec center is like a spa and i LOVE the in locker room hot tubs and dry sauna. it also helps that the last two times i was in the hot tub i was mistaken for a 20 and 23 year old by some older (50's) women. nice!
last update:we have been watching lost. we are through the second season and are starting season 3 tomorrow thanks to lovely wendy. it is a date night every night with lost. we snuggle up on the poof chair and watch 2-3 episodes. and i somehow kick the PSII remote (we use the PSII for the dvd player) and i either somehow put subtitles or a foreign language setting that we do not know how to undo. i find john locke to be personally inspiring. and makes me want to read john locke philosopher. i hear this is the addictive part of lost- all the little connections to this and that. how interesting.
i am writing this while watching (psudo-watching really) mythbusters and i just need to mention here that kari is a very attractive young lady. her bio photo is really cheesy and does her no justice- too done up.
AND most importantly MY BATHROOMS ARE DONE!!! wall paper gone (thanks to andy!) painted and decorated!!!!!! whooohoooo!!!
done with my catch up post. happy spring.
i am trudging through putting the next issue of The Birth Project together. i am trying a few new layout options (get a copy and check it out!) and i am dealing with temporarily not having access to the software i need on our new-to-us-used computer. i may mention here that i love and rely on technology but i hate it so. it makes my skin crawl. we have some really great pieces this time around. it will once again be a super "eeeeekkkkk" moment of excitement when we pick it up from out super awesome local printer.
the monkey has been getting nightly phone calls from a new friend of his that lives about a half hour from us, so we dont see them often enough, and the boys talk about their band that they are going to start. tonight it was decided that they will not form until christmas but will practice until then. it was absolutely adorable to eves drop on their conversation. the monkey was so geeked to be getting phone calls and it seems that this may become a nightly ritual. so cool. oh, the monkey is the drummer btw. sweet!
i measured the kids the other day and the bean has grown about an inch and a half since january. mind you in january i splurged and took the bean to value world and got her a garbage bag of new-to-her clothes and some of them are already too short. damn skippy! luckily i was prepared and bought some pants to roll up for now so they will fit in the fall. smart cookie i am.
on the homeschooling front- i swear february through april are a wash for me every year. i find also when i teach at work i am lack luster this time of year also. hmmmm..... maybe i am a bear and need to hibernate through these dreary months of torture. mind you we are having a record snow year for the first time since 1880 and it is supposed to snow this weekend (***sniffle***sniffle***tear runs down cheek) i am so done with this and so are the kiddos. we are all bouncing off the walls and dreaming of digging in the dirt (the beans favorite animal is the beloved worm) and growing and eating beautiful heirloom vegetables.
funny story: last week the kids had a big and the monkey threw up once (poor monkey) but it was the middle of the night and he saw it coming and mindfully asked for a bucket to have next to him just in case (always thinking ahead, that kid). when it did occur he was sleeping on the floor (he sleeps on the floor everynight training for his future as an adventurer) in my office which is a small room off our bedroom. the stench aweful - really it was like no words could describe. it was contained in the bowl provided and i quickly went to dispose. as i was coming back the monkey says "i lost my tooth" my reply "i didnt just flush it down the toilet, did i?". immediately i was trying to figure out if it was inappropriate to leave a quarter in the toilet for him in the morning. but no worries he had it in hand. whew. so the monkey is gap faced at the moment and has 1 week to self extract his other front tooth for the health of the tooth that has already come in behind it.
i have been working out again at the beautiful rec center. i have been lifting weights 3 times a week and riding the bike. training to roll with the cool kids of bike ypsi. i have come to accept that yoga, running and pilates are not my thing. they bore me really. i have found my groove and am rolling with it. it helps that the rec center is like a spa and i LOVE the in locker room hot tubs and dry sauna. it also helps that the last two times i was in the hot tub i was mistaken for a 20 and 23 year old by some older (50's) women. nice!
last update:we have been watching lost. we are through the second season and are starting season 3 tomorrow thanks to lovely wendy. it is a date night every night with lost. we snuggle up on the poof chair and watch 2-3 episodes. and i somehow kick the PSII remote (we use the PSII for the dvd player) and i either somehow put subtitles or a foreign language setting that we do not know how to undo. i find john locke to be personally inspiring. and makes me want to read john locke philosopher. i hear this is the addictive part of lost- all the little connections to this and that. how interesting.
i am writing this while watching (psudo-watching really) mythbusters and i just need to mention here that kari is a very attractive young lady. her bio photo is really cheesy and does her no justice- too done up.
AND most importantly MY BATHROOMS ARE DONE!!! wall paper gone (thanks to andy!) painted and decorated!!!!!! whooohoooo!!!
done with my catch up post. happy spring.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
dinner
i feel a pot luck dinner party in my future. i put my fire pit together this weekend and gave it a whirl. so...... who is up for a spring dinner and fire???
(yes we have scrabble too ;)
(yes we have scrabble too ;)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Monday, March 03, 2008
Do's and Dont's of New Baby Care
I came across this blog post and for a brief moment thought of incorporating it into my Newborn Infant Care Class.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
the ant and the sperm
there is an ant that likes to hang out on my bathroom floor. just one ant. he roams around on the same two tiles. he does not seem to care for company nor does he seem to have purpose. but he is there greeting me, with my pants around my ankles. it does not seem to phase him and i am glad to not interrupt his time. he amuses me and makes me think of spring. so the next time nature calls i can only hope my friend is there to greet me.
then there is my husband. the lover of science. he would be totally content living in the middle of nowhere with few humans around and those that were would need to be able to science speak. he with nature and a temperature controlled dome of reptiles, fish, amphibians and random cultures of wingless fruit flies and aquatic insects to feed to the previously listed specimens. but this evening my man of science was compelled to use his 7 year olds discovery channel microscope to view his own sperm. although the resolution was not great it did work. he was giddy and eager to share. i feel closer to my darling husband and his swimmers. it does make me wonder though all the households with kids microscopes how many have been used to view sperm?
then there is my husband. the lover of science. he would be totally content living in the middle of nowhere with few humans around and those that were would need to be able to science speak. he with nature and a temperature controlled dome of reptiles, fish, amphibians and random cultures of wingless fruit flies and aquatic insects to feed to the previously listed specimens. but this evening my man of science was compelled to use his 7 year olds discovery channel microscope to view his own sperm. although the resolution was not great it did work. he was giddy and eager to share. i feel closer to my darling husband and his swimmers. it does make me wonder though all the households with kids microscopes how many have been used to view sperm?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
spring is creeping in..maybe.
PUZZLE DONE!! now off to get puzzle glue and hang it on the wall. i have carried this puzzle around for 10 years started it 4 or 5 different times but with small kids it was not a good idea. so ten years later it is done and only one piece is missing.
the bathroom is sluggin along. i didnt touch it today. could not tear myself away from the puzzle.
my garden is on my brain. it will be a year of canning, freezing and tinctures. planning on how much we can grow and where. our soil is crap so i am thinking container garden and a lot on normal street.
i did find a meat csa that i need to follow up on. apparently you would get a mixed box of meat a month. (i just love the way that sounds ;) it is on my todo list to call calder and get on their delivery list. i have been doing door to door organics and i am going to hold on to that until the markets open. with the whole local thing i cannot imagine giving up bananas and avocados.
i did bust out my bread maker and for some reason it is making some poopy bread that turns into a cruton in 12 hours. so i have to dink around with that or just get into the old fashioned way of making bread. but the nice thing with the bread maker is that i can make pasta dough- another one of my goals. and super bonus the ypsi coop carries local (w/in 100 miles) flour. i still want to take my kids out there one day. it is about a 45 minute drive to linden mi but if i tie it into a visit to the fenton ladies then they will be all on board.
all this food talk is motivating me to do my pantry remodel i have wanted to do and i did buy an electric nail gun yesterday (for my mom) so we are good to go. all i need is my mason jars and freezer bags and a jug of five o'clock vodka (for tinctures).
i see a kitchen overhaul in the future but first things first - the bathroom.
the bathroom is sluggin along. i didnt touch it today. could not tear myself away from the puzzle.
my garden is on my brain. it will be a year of canning, freezing and tinctures. planning on how much we can grow and where. our soil is crap so i am thinking container garden and a lot on normal street.
i did find a meat csa that i need to follow up on. apparently you would get a mixed box of meat a month. (i just love the way that sounds ;) it is on my todo list to call calder and get on their delivery list. i have been doing door to door organics and i am going to hold on to that until the markets open. with the whole local thing i cannot imagine giving up bananas and avocados.
i did bust out my bread maker and for some reason it is making some poopy bread that turns into a cruton in 12 hours. so i have to dink around with that or just get into the old fashioned way of making bread. but the nice thing with the bread maker is that i can make pasta dough- another one of my goals. and super bonus the ypsi coop carries local (w/in 100 miles) flour. i still want to take my kids out there one day. it is about a 45 minute drive to linden mi but if i tie it into a visit to the fenton ladies then they will be all on board.
all this food talk is motivating me to do my pantry remodel i have wanted to do and i did buy an electric nail gun yesterday (for my mom) so we are good to go. all i need is my mason jars and freezer bags and a jug of five o'clock vodka (for tinctures).
i see a kitchen overhaul in the future but first things first - the bathroom.
Friday, February 22, 2008
mid-winter
february in michigan is brutal.
so i have started a 1500 piece puzzle. ( a few weeks ago actually but i feel like i have hit the good mojo on it) and i have begun the redecorating of my bathroom. the removal of the wall paper has begun. painful as it is. it is moving in the right direction. stacey, in all her lovely self, helped me remove the wall paper we didnt get it all but go most. we will be hacking away at it again tomorrow, then hopefully we will bust out with the painting. pumpkin but the bean disagrees so we shall see. then it is off to remove the beans bedroom wallpaper and the family room wall paper. i love stacey being off of school this semester! i will get my house done. yay!
so i have started a 1500 piece puzzle. ( a few weeks ago actually but i feel like i have hit the good mojo on it) and i have begun the redecorating of my bathroom. the removal of the wall paper has begun. painful as it is. it is moving in the right direction. stacey, in all her lovely self, helped me remove the wall paper we didnt get it all but go most. we will be hacking away at it again tomorrow, then hopefully we will bust out with the painting. pumpkin but the bean disagrees so we shall see. then it is off to remove the beans bedroom wallpaper and the family room wall paper. i love stacey being off of school this semester! i will get my house done. yay!
it dawned on me
i was chauffeuring the kids around the other day and my brain was a-buzzing on many things then it popped into my head that:
if one is pro-choice on the abortion issue then one should also be pro-elective c-section.
elective c-section is where a mother can ask for a c-section for no reason other than choice. it is a topic of debate since the c-section rate is now at 31% and rising. many think of it like electing for cosmetic surgery. but many of these women do not do it for looks but from fear, misinformation or even convenience. not all mind you some do it for health issues
i am not a fan of elective c-section but it is a womans choice of how she brings the baby into the world. just like it should be her choice whether to bring the child into the world at all. it is not my place to dictate to others what is right for them i can only be supportive and offer information.
if one is pro-choice on the abortion issue then one should also be pro-elective c-section.
elective c-section is where a mother can ask for a c-section for no reason other than choice. it is a topic of debate since the c-section rate is now at 31% and rising. many think of it like electing for cosmetic surgery. but many of these women do not do it for looks but from fear, misinformation or even convenience. not all mind you some do it for health issues
i am not a fan of elective c-section but it is a womans choice of how she brings the baby into the world. just like it should be her choice whether to bring the child into the world at all. it is not my place to dictate to others what is right for them i can only be supportive and offer information.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
hey a week later and again sleep deprived
no sleep in two days and i am ok. should be in bed. but thoughts flood my brain and i want to scream, laugh, cry.
i want to be four years old again. when i had everything figured out.
i was at a birth last night and today. my clients are well and settling in as a new family. but all day as i walked back and forth in the hall of the hospital i had to pass a group of people, an extended family, sitting. heads hung faces blank in sadness and denial. it seems the newest member of their family- a grandchild, niece, nephew, son or daughter- died that morning in childbirth. i over heard a phone conversation of "they took the baby with forceps wrapped it up and took it away. they dont know what happened". all day my heart has been breaking for that family especially a woman i have never met. today her heart was ripped out. at home i am sure they had a nursery set up for the homecoming. a room that may sit untouched for sometime or be torn apart immediately in rage. her milk will come in her body will physically have to heal while her arms are empty. i could not imagine.
and just now as i type i get a lovely text message from the family that became today.
"thank you so much 4 sharing in our journey. our girl is so perfect. you were so wonderful today. thanks again!!!"
a beautiful new family that is starting the long amazing rocky road today. her milk will come in and her arms will be full. the new parents will be tired.. no exhausted- but so in love with their beautiful gift.
i want to be four years old again. when i had everything figured out.
i was at a birth last night and today. my clients are well and settling in as a new family. but all day as i walked back and forth in the hall of the hospital i had to pass a group of people, an extended family, sitting. heads hung faces blank in sadness and denial. it seems the newest member of their family- a grandchild, niece, nephew, son or daughter- died that morning in childbirth. i over heard a phone conversation of "they took the baby with forceps wrapped it up and took it away. they dont know what happened". all day my heart has been breaking for that family especially a woman i have never met. today her heart was ripped out. at home i am sure they had a nursery set up for the homecoming. a room that may sit untouched for sometime or be torn apart immediately in rage. her milk will come in her body will physically have to heal while her arms are empty. i could not imagine.
and just now as i type i get a lovely text message from the family that became today.
"thank you so much 4 sharing in our journey. our girl is so perfect. you were so wonderful today. thanks again!!!"
a beautiful new family that is starting the long amazing rocky road today. her milk will come in and her arms will be full. the new parents will be tired.. no exhausted- but so in love with their beautiful gift.
Monday, February 11, 2008
sleep deprivation
when i am sleep deprived- not like a bad nights sleep but more like a birth interrupting two nights of my sweet slumber- i get nauseous and head-achy. then it is amazing how i bounce back to normal (or so it seems) after a cup of coffee. BUT then 3pm creeps up and i CRASH!!! irritability gets me through the evening morphing into conversational delirium. my kids may think i am a poopy grouch on the verge of dementia but it was all worth it.
Friday, February 08, 2008
photo update in the new year
i am not too sure about this 2008 thing. we got off to a bumpy start but here are some highlights so far.
there was the monkeys birthday party that was once canceled. it was a bug theme and in the dish of the party was salt and vinegar crickets and barbeque larvae. and yes both my boys ate them with relish. i was not so adventurous. the monkey is really into watching bizarre foods on the travel channel. now he is on his way to his own bizzare food show. the good thing is that i could get him to eat most anything if i just present it as a "biz
zare food".
the bean inherited the now forever to be kept devil pjs. believe it or not but just 10 minutes before this photo the monkey was wearing these pjs. yes he wore a size 4T pj until he was 7. he could not quite snap the crotch but wore it with pride hood and all. this was a big moment. (btw that is my bed
room wall of shocking terror in the backgroud- yes it needs to be painted in all my free time)
here is my beautiful monkey boy who turned 7 this year! i am so proud of him and the young man he is. with a heart the size of china. he loves animals (of course), science, math, drawing and is teaching himself how to read. and
then there is the funky tooth. he feels like he is a shark with his two rows of teeth.
and i baked pies and chocolate chip bacon cookies. the cookies were devoured before they were able to be photographed. but they were good. the pie was made with brookes amazing crust recipe that the monkey raved over when she brought us food during "the illness". i just love the "bake-king" pan- i dont know where it came from so if it is yours i will wrestle you for it if you want it back.
there was the monkeys birthday party that was once canceled. it was a bug theme and in the dish of the party was salt and vinegar crickets and barbeque larvae. and yes both my boys ate them with relish. i was not so adventurous. the monkey is really into watching bizarre foods on the travel channel. now he is on his way to his own bizzare food show. the good thing is that i could get him to eat most anything if i just present it as a "biz
zare food".
the bean inherited the now forever to be kept devil pjs. believe it or not but just 10 minutes before this photo the monkey was wearing these pjs. yes he wore a size 4T pj until he was 7. he could not quite snap the crotch but wore it with pride hood and all. this was a big moment. (btw that is my bed
room wall of shocking terror in the backgroud- yes it needs to be painted in all my free time)here is my beautiful monkey boy who turned 7 this year! i am so proud of him and the young man he is. with a heart the size of china. he loves animals (of course), science, math, drawing and is teaching himself how to read. and
then there is the funky tooth. he feels like he is a shark with his two rows of teeth.
and i baked pies and chocolate chip bacon cookies. the cookies were devoured before they were able to be photographed. but they were good. the pie was made with brookes amazing crust recipe that the monkey raved over when she brought us food during "the illness". i just love the "bake-king" pan- i dont know where it came from so if it is yours i will wrestle you for it if you want it back.
one of those days
sometimes....
it is not that you wake up
on the wrong side of the bed
you are on your side
in your own bed
it is justthat your children
are wrestling on your head
it is not that you wake up
on the wrong side of the bed
you are on your side
in your own bed
it is justthat your children
are wrestling on your head
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
better than sci-fi and then some practical information
meet dumbo. this is a deep sea octopus. i am passively watching blue planet on animal planet while researching homeopathics for newborn jaundice. my brain works best while multitasking.
back to my thought. the deep sea is an amazing and curious place with such strange and fascinating creatures. what many dont know about me is that out of college i went straight to university at michigan state university and was in the lyman briggs residential college of natural sciences planning to major in marine biology. i dropped out after my first semester with a 1.3 gpa. i might have done better if i went to more of my university classes. i went to the briggs classes more often because they were in my residence hall. i wish i could say that i was partying but for me at that time college didnt work. i had no business being there.
i do not think that my future was to be in marine sciences but i do find sea life so freaking cool. i would love to go down in one of those deep sea submersibles. claustrophobia aside to discover and see first hand this creative life that bends our assumptions of life and where we came from.
and here is what i found so far on newborn jaundice:
There is a research that has concluded that a slight elevation in bilirubin may actually be helpful in preventing bacterial infections in newborns. Bilirubin also has the ability to function as an antioxidant in the brain. According to Dr. Sylvain Dore of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, "When women breastfeed, the babies have higher levels of bilirubin and are healthier. Babies with higher bilirubin levels are more disease-resistant. Bilirubin also protects against retinopathy in premature babies."
Chelidoniumis a prominent liver and jaundice remedy in which there is marked lethargy and sluggish bowels.
Lycopodium babies are irritable and constipated. The belly rumbles loudly and is full of gas. They are worse from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Naturally, homeopathy and natural medicine offers relief and cure to countless other 'challenges' that await new parents. It is my hope that the use of remedies will continue to grow in popularity as parents become educated and familiar with all that homeopathy has to offer.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
built for this work
it has been an insane week and i have not made it to the fitness center since sunday but plan on going tonight. the only thing that is saving me from guilt was the birth i attended two days ago. it was a doula job but a homebirth. it was with a midwife i really like working with and a second time mama.
this mama once she started cookin' was amazing. following her body into some great sweeping movements from dangling to squatting to rocking back and forth. she moaned, she screamed, she growled she let it all go. i was in the role of physical support of which she demanded everything she needed from me. it was one of those moments in this work that she and i were both thankful i am about 6 feet tall and 200 lbs. being a counter weight to a very mobile laboring mom is no easy task. i am happy to say i got out of it with no big back issues but some definitely sore muscles.
this mama once she started cookin' was amazing. following her body into some great sweeping movements from dangling to squatting to rocking back and forth. she moaned, she screamed, she growled she let it all go. i was in the role of physical support of which she demanded everything she needed from me. it was one of those moments in this work that she and i were both thankful i am about 6 feet tall and 200 lbs. being a counter weight to a very mobile laboring mom is no easy task. i am happy to say i got out of it with no big back issues but some definitely sore muscles.
Monday, January 28, 2008
neti pot
i have heard of these strange things for years. i remember the six feet under episode where ruth explains what a neti pot is - i was fascinated but not enough to try one.
since my recent invasion of my person by viruses and bacteria unknown i have had a lingering infection of sorts in my left maxillary sinus. leaving me with mild pain/annoyance of the sinus cavity and the upper left molars and occasional ill tasting snot but no stuffiness fortunately. occasionally i would get the nagging fear of an infection penetrating into my brain like a nasal botfly in a wildebeest.
being at the end of my rope with this "sick" thing i busted out and got a neti pot. i was good and read all the instructions (somewhat unusual for me) since i had a great fear of gagging or choking while attempting to irrigate my sinus cavities. (which i did a bit and donn came in to see if i was ok only to turn and gag himself at my watery snot puddling into the sink) side one was a but clumsy and i kept checking in the mirror to see if i was doing it right, hence the choking from ill head positioning. side two on the other hand you would think i was a master.
when done i did as i was told - "gently blow your nose" and i think i heard the angles sing. my tooth pain had lifted and my sinuses felt good for the first time since 2007!
so i am sold on the neti pot and once i am done with all the "nasal wash" packets from my SinuCleanse kit i will be looking into investing in my own REAL neti pot of my own.
now the question is the next time my kids get snotty will i be able to talk them into trying it???
ok, i had to include the "cool neti pot with hot chick" photo.
off the beaten track. if you want to see a botfly being removed from a human eye click here
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