Hi Mariah! Glad you are "here" too. I was out for a walk the other day in my neighbourhood and saw a woman who looked so much like you I almost ran up to her to give her a hug!
Here is a good response to my question about the cow made "breastmilk" by Tanya at motherwear.com
Hi gals! I haven't been here in such a long time.... life has just been SO busy. My "babies" are going to be 4 and 2 in just a few weeks. I can't believe how fast they grow up. Life has been tough around here for the last year, some relationship issues, a deep depression over the fall and early winter. Things are looking up though, issues have been resolved for the most part, depression is lifting thanks to lots of exercise (resulting in 16lbs lost so far) and some other measures.
As for cramps, I had cramps and I was lucky enough to have a gr7 teacher who was very much into helping us girls. One of her best peices of advice for relieving cramps was yoga, specifically Child's Pose. I sometimes slept in that position, it was the only thing that helped the cramping. I also second the vitamin B supplements.
As for cramps, I had cramps and I was lucky enough to have a gr7 teacher who was very much into helping us girls. One of her best peices of advice for relieving cramps was yoga, specifically Child's Pose. I sometimes slept in that position, it was the only thing that helped the cramping. I also second the vitamin B supplements.
Following this thread with interest as I recently got dd a starter set from Lunapads as well (got the booklet, too 
). Definitely not spending as much time here, but some discussions are not suitable for FB!
BTW, thanks for all the responses to my problem on the other thread. I need to go back & read through them all again as I didn't make notes as I went along. Dd has been doing ok recently, but I also haven't been asking much of her. If I so much as hint at having her do something she doesn't want to, she flips out! 
ooh yes, child's pose is great for when cramps strike in the night, I forgot about that... rrl tea is also a good idea, and right up lucy's alley -- where do you order it or find it? During pregnancy I ordered it through that (now defunct) hippie mama magazine that I can't remember the name of... I took dong quai (sp?) in my 20's and remember it helping, but I don't really know what it is, exactly... a root maybe?
Helen, I think I missed your question about Nicola -- anyone want to link me up so I can my .02? oh wait, I'll do a search by your username.... I think I can still figure that out on this newfangled site that I can't stand!!!! where's my mad face smiley? oh right, too hard to make it go, nevermind!!!! :)
oh AND, last night I was sitting on the couch, and zachary came up to me and said something that sounded like "boobie" (he knows that's what I call them, but wouldn't be asking to nurse to my knowledge, as he's never seen rosie do her thang) and then when I picked him up for a snuggle, he pointed at my boob and said "baby?" and I said (kind of without thinking) "do you want to nurse like a baby?" and just offered to nurse him, and he latched right on like he's done it a million times. insert jawdrop smiley here. He smiled and laughed and took his mouth off (ok, so his technique wasn't right, but he opened wide and was pretty close) and then did it a few more times, and I asked him if he had ever had boobie from any of the aunties and he just kept repeating my question to me... "boobie from aunties?" which usually means he doesn't know what I'm talking about... so who knows. The head nun did say that he had a special auntie when he was younger, but that she had left, and when she mentioned her name to him he kind of looked off out the window sadly, but that was the end of that conversation. She also said that the reason rosie had sucked her finger straight through the top layer of skin is because she was never breastfed... which made me think that maybe they used to have women wetnurse the abandoned babies, but don't anymore? There is no end to the speculation about your kids' history, let me tell ya!!
I did mention the kids "nursing" on the ugandan adoption facebook page, but I doubt anyone will comment. It was a discussion about bonding, and I don't think anyone would think that nursing your adopted child was a bad thing, but when they're 3 or 4??? I'm sure a good portion wouldn't think that was ok. but whatever! I figure it's also good for me for bonding, not just him, quite honestly. I don't know if he'll ask again, but it was sweet that one time! both little kids have slept in their own beds the last two nights (in our room -- THANKS ROBUGMUM!!! :)) and it's sad to not go to bed with them, but so AMAZING to not have people sleeping on my head all night, or kicking me or slapping me because they decide they're mad at me for some unknown reason while we're going to sleep.... they just crawl in their beds and go to sleep, while I lay in the big bed reading. they sleep better too, and go a solid 12 hours without waking up. Dexter is still in with us, but he wants to be in his room, so I'll help him get used to that -- it's hard when I'm the only parent home, and then when mark is home he just wants dex to crawl in with us, so he's no help...
loving that sunshine, but it's too cold still!!! we set out yesterday to go for a bike/scooter ride/walk out at semiahmoo point, but it was much warmer at our house, and we weren't dressed nearly warmly enough, so we went to the library instead. can't wait for summer!!!!
Ah sleeping. DH has been going off to Vancouver alot for business and when he's gone the kids and I always enjoy sleeping together. Well, apparently I enjoy it most because yesterday Emily actually chose NOT to sleep with me! She said "I'm sorry if this hurts your feelings, mama, but I kinda want to sleep in my own bed tonight". That is the first time in her entire little life that she has turned down an offer to sleep in the "big bed". Sad but also sweet because she is growing and becoming more independent.
And speaking of weight loss (kdt brought it up!) I have been going "low carb" for the last two weeks. Basically cutting out grains, sugar, potatoes, and rice. It's been kind of hard and I've had to confront the realization that my mornings have been fuelled on sugar. Cutting that out has been hard. But...I've been losing 2 lbs a week steadily (and I have cheated a few times!) and I have to say I'm feeling great with all the veggies and fruit I've been eating (cuz really, when you rule out carbs what the heck else are ya gonna eat with your protein for dinner!). I'm not following any prescribed diets (which all seem heavy on the processed foods) and I'm not religious about not having sugar or grains, but keeping them down to a bare minimum. I've been trying to shed 10 lbs all winter and this is the first thing that has shown any results.
DH got the idea after reading "Good Calories, Bad Calories" which is a VERY interesting read, basically showing how the whole "low fat" idea is not based in much scientific evidence. Seems sugar metabolism is a very likely candidate for all sorts of "western diet illnesses", which makes sense because we've been eating fat since we hunted our first animal but processed grains and sugars are relatively recent on the scene. Anyways, just thought I'd share in case anybody else is trying to shed some lbs...
Great to hear about you all.
Tiffani I wouldn't have any worries about him nursing. I think it's quite sweet.
Mariah, watching calories has been really successful for Dh. He's lost over 30 lbs in the last year or so. I lost some weight by counting calories/being aware of calories.
Luke turned 2 years old yesterday. I love this boy he's turning into, and not missing babyhood at all. Him and Cayden play so well together. Life is pretty great with the boys.
Cayden officially starts homeschooling in Sept...pretty exciting!
I also had my wisdom teeth taken out yesterday. It didn't hurt at all as he did it, but now the aftermath is pretty sore. I'm REALLY wishing now that I had them out at 18. They grew in so sideways that food would get down deep and start to decay. They've been getting some pretty massive caviities that the dentist couldn't reach to fill, and he was worried about it transfering to other teeth. It just never seemed like the right time at 18, to go get it done. But the appointment would have been 1 hour, start to finish, compare that to my 2.5 hour appointment start to finish. Ah well, hopefully I'll be feeling better pretty soon.
Piglet, funny you should mention your diet tweaking - that is Exactly what I've been doing recently. So far so good. It seems to help with my IBS too. I'm not being super strict or anything, but definitely limiting grains and starches.
I'm glad the beds are working for you guys Tiffani! I have been enjoying hearing your stories. I think the nursing is pretty sweet and I admire you for being so open and ok about it. Z. must have some memories of nursing, at least. It must be surreal to have so many questions about your children's early lives!
Hugs to you Dawn, wisdom teeth - ugh! I hope you feel better soon.
DH got the idea after reading "Good Calories, Bad Calories" which is a VERY interesting read, basically showing how the whole "low fat" idea is not based in much scientific evidence. Seems sugar metabolism is a very likely candidate for all sorts of "western diet illnesses", which makes sense because we've been eating fat since we hunted our first animal but processed grains and sugars are relatively recent on the scene. Anyways, just thought I'd share in case anybody else is trying to shed some lbs...
This brings to light a question that I've been wondering about for a while now.... I have been tracking my calorie and nutrient intake using loseit.com and have been wondering how many calories I "should" be getting from carbs, fat and protein? Anyone know? I wonder if my fat intake is too high... but maybe not.
I read a great thread over in Healthy Eating about how people can potentially thrive on all kinds of diets - high fat, low fat, plant based, TF, etc. The common thread seems to be seeking out less processed, more whole foods and eating them in moderation. This idea made a lot of sense to me, since I know some fabulously healthy vegans who consume much less protein than some of the equally fabulously healthy TFers I know, and what they have in common appears to just be mindfulness and an aversion to process crap.
This brings to light a question that I've been wondering about for a while now.... I have been tracking my calorie and nutrient intake using loseit.com and have been wondering how many calories I "should" be getting from carbs, fat and protein? Anyone know? I wonder if my fat intake is too high... but maybe not.
Well, it really depends on who you ask! ;-)
After reading that book I am quite convinced that "low fat" is not the way to go, and that the current Food Pyramid guides are way off (as they are very heavy on the grains). And I'm not sure it's as easy as "calories in, calories out". Because when your blood sugar regulation gets put off-kilter, it affects so many other systems.
With so much information out there, and so much of it conflicting, I've ended up resorting to what I always do in such cases: asking what would our ancestors have done? What was the evolutionary context for this question? This is why things like BFing and cosleeping make so much sense to me. In terms of dieting, I lean towards paleo which is basically low carb. Because for most of human existence we did not eat processed grains, nor did we have refined sugars. We did, however, eat as much fat as we could get our hands on in the form of seafood and animal meats. If you think about where most North Americans get their fat, it's not meat and fish, it's bread products and fried products (battered!) and things with sugar.
I'm not totally paleo, but my diet is closest to that right now.
Today is the start of week 4. Total weight loss as of this morning: 6 pounds. Woo hoo!
happy spring mamas. i was wondering does anyone know where to get hazelwood necklaces locally?
hazel necklaces ...
They have them at Beansprouts on Main Street at 27th Avenue for sure, and I think I saw some at Little Earth, the place on Hastings by Pomegranate Midwives.
thanks i'll have to try thoes next time i head into Vancouver
I read a great thread over in Healthy Eating about how people can potentially thrive on all kinds of diets - high fat, low fat, plant based, TF, etc. The common thread seems to be seeking out less processed, more whole foods and eating them in moderation. This idea made a lot of sense to me, since I know some fabulously healthy vegans who consume much less protein than some of the equally fabulously healthy TFers I know, and what they have in common appears to just be mindfulness and an aversion to process crap.
I tend to agree with this, but also think that there are going to be individual differences. Just because one person or group thrives on a particular diet, it doesn't necessarily follow that another group will, as welll.
My diet sucks, all around. I was doing well for a while, but I've backslid a lot this year. It's just been so topsy-turvy and I've got such brain fog that I can't seem to get on top of anything, including meal planning and preparation.
Agreed. I also know that the more bread/pasta/white rice and sugar I eat, the crappier I feel. Some diets might say that honey/maple syrup/fruit sugars are healthier, but for me, along with wheat flour and white rice, they just make me bloated and cranky. Sometimes we eat meat, sometimes, we don't. Sometimes we eat high fat, sometimes we eat low fat, but the only consistent thing I can find that improves my overall health is avoiding the the things I mentioned. I'm sure it's different for others though.
I was raised strict vegetarian, so I have these conversations with my mom a lot. When I eat my best and feel healthy, my diet consists of meat everyday, lots of veg and fruit, and only 2 portions of grain/carbs everyday. My mom doesn't think anyone should eat meat, but honestly I felt very unwell when I was veg, I fainted a lot and had no energy. I also had to eat a ton of carbs to feel full. And for some reason I don't get that full feeling with beans or soy products. So eggs, fish and meat it is.
I also made a rule that I wouldn't buy any treats but would have to make them instead. So if I really feel like banana bread or cookies, I have to take the time to make it, and I can also make it with the ingredients that I want in it. That has helped me lose weight. I'm such a sucker for treats, so I really can't have them in the house at all times or they get polished off in seconds.
I lost a ton of weight in uganda (2 pants sizes in one month) and while my size hasn't gone up, I'm definitely cushier than when I first got back. It's definitely a sugar thing for me (alcohol included) and the sugar spiral is awful, and hard to get out of -- the more I have the more I want it (thanks candida!) but I just don't have the wherewithal and motivation right now to do much better, so our processed food intake is higher than normal these days... at least it's trader joe's without preservatives and other icky stuff, but it's still not exactly whole foods if it's been made and frozen or packaged by someone else. we just bought a BBQ, so more meat is on it's way -- I agree, I feel better having meat in my diet, and eat better when it's there. we don't eat it much at home aside from chicken and bacon (lots of beans and some tofu, but I can't wait to eat a steak mmmmmm.........) because I don't really enjoy fried or broiled beef all that much... I could go for a giant steak salad right now....
can you tell I had cereal for dinner? busy day, busy evening, have to go laundry and finish vacuuming the car before our burns bog tour in the morning -- my dad is coming tomorrow afternoon, and I just can't let him ride around in our rolling trash heap... ;-)
ahh, a spring thread! so lovely to see old friends chatting again, i've missed you! lunagal, i'll have to see about that booklet too, and i would LOVE to hear about any books or other resources for girls verging on their first moontime.
if you didn't already see on facebook, we're coming home for a visit! june 1st. it would be great to meet up with everyone again.
about diet - i've also found whole foods, more protein and fat and less grains, but lots of vegetables! lots! makes me feel good. to be quite honest, the best cure i've ever had for all of my digestive issues, and every other problem (seriously, *every* other) is to practice yoga several times a week. i was going to the maa studio in deep cove regularly last summer, and i've never been stronger, and healthier, and i could eat whatever i wanted. (of course, i wanted food that would help me do more yoga, so i probably made better choices - but i was eating chocolate, and drinking sometimes). it just helped with everything. i'm so looking forward to it again, i wish i had a studio around the corner here. maybe i should host classes ;)
stay in touch! i'll check in here again, but i'm more frequently on fb and so is appleturnover.tv. i'd love to have you round there. with some luck our summer visit can be on a beach!
xx
I also made a rule that I wouldn't buy any treats but would have to make them instead. So if I really feel like banana bread or cookies, I have to take the time to make it, and I can also make it with the ingredients that I want in it. That has helped me lose weight. I'm such a sucker for treats, so I really can't have them in the house at all times or they get polished off in seconds.
I had this rule in place, very briefly, a few years ago. I really, really need to get back to it. I've become really bad about letting the kids get snacks from vending machines after dance class, or at the farm, or whatever, and that needs to stop. There's a lot I want to do with our diet, and I need to get it all figured out.
First, I need to break the family addiction to boxed cold cereals. We mostly don't eat really awful ones, but they're expensive, and they're not what I want us eating all the time, anyway.
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