February 08 - 1 Year Ago We Were All Knocked Up!! - Page 11

[applecore]

Originally Posted by LoveChild421

Applecore, I loved reading about your herbal vinegar and other medicinals! I've been reading a lot of Susan Weed's books and I am itching to start making some things!

I'm taking a four week herbs class with one of my best friends who is an herbalist. She apprenticed with Susun Weed in the Wise Woman Tradition. It's really empowering stuff!

Originally Posted by PlayaMama

you are awesome!! i'm just a baby herbalist.. so cool. do you sell your mama made stuff? maybe i could run a co-op on it

Dude, I'm a total noob, I just had a really great day! I just craft for my family for the most part.

Originally Posted by operamommy

applecore, I totally wanna come live with you and hang out while you bring me homemade herbal tea! I'd love to learn more about herbals. I actually have a huge lemon balm plant in my garden but I'm too intimidated to do anything with it!

C'mon over! I just made some lemon balm lip balm at herb class. You could just infuse it in oil in the crockpot on low for a day or so, then add a little bit of beeswax and pour into containers. It's specific for cold sores as well as just being really nice on the skin.

Originally Posted by Jezzy

anyone know if a reoccuring clogged duct is normal? I have my 3rd one in the left breast:

Do you carry a purse over that shoulder? A sling maybe? Lecithin can help if taken regularly. Sorry you're dealing with that! I don't think I've ever had a plugged duct that didn't immediately become mastitis. : I know I'm a broken record about this, but if it does develop into an infection- homeopathic phytolacca decandra!

That was my first time using the multiquote function, too! Wow, that is much easier than remembering everything I want to say!

[flapjack]

Jezzy, heavy fuel duty = an obscene amount of the price of a litre of petrol going on tax.
Applecore, I'm going to try that lip balm I've just recently (last 2-3 years) started getting cold sores, so it's worth a try, right?

[smokeylo]

Quick update...

DH hiked through the woods behind our house to rescue the cats. The flooding near us is really bad. This was our last chance to get to them, maybe for weeks. He really saved their lives. They're staying with a friend in town now. We probably won't be able to go home for many weeks. A friend has been making calls to try and find us a place to stay semi-permanently.

So, we are ok, the cats are ok.

Internet may be spotty for us so pm me if you want to get in touch.

[eilonwy]

Originally Posted by flapjack

At the same time, we do have a simple and uncomplicated bus service which is affordable, and everything is close enough to walk. It drives me nuts when I see people driving their kids to school- we have one mother who lives literally two streets from the school- a ten minute walk, maybe fifteen minutes at toddler pace? She's always parked in front of the school half an hour early so she can get a space : That's one thing the petrol prices have done, we are being much better about walking when we can.

Urgh. We have almost no bus service in Carlisle, and everything is far away. In Lancaster, things would be different for certain... such a PITA, all of it.

Oh, and yes, I know what you mean about five. In my most insane moments, we start talking about quiverful :

I've had such thoughts as well. Once I managed to explain it to myself, I came to my senses. That said, I must still remain vigilant, and I can tell when I'm about to ovulate because not only do I become more libidinous, but I start thinking "quiverfull" thoughts again. :

Originally Posted by applecore

I'm taking a four week herbs class with one of my best friends who is an herbalist. She apprenticed with Susun Weed in the Wise Woman Tradition. It's really empowering stuff!

I'm so unbelievably jealous. I need to buy that books. I desperately want to grow herbs and things... but of course, we have no sun in our backyard and we were supposed to be moving. :

Originally Posted by smokeylo

Quick update...

DH hiked through the woods behind our house to rescue the cats. The flooding near us is really bad. This was our last chance to get to them, maybe for weeks. He really saved their lives. They're staying with a friend in town now. We probably won't be able to go home for many weeks. A friend has been making calls to try and find us a place to stay semi-permanently.

So, we are ok, the cats are ok.

Internet may be spotty for us so pm me if you want to get in touch.

Thinking dry and safe thoughts for you & yours. :

[flapjack]

Originally Posted by eilonwy

I'm so unbelievably jealous. I need to buy that books. I desperately want to grow herbs and things... but of course, we have no sun in our backyard and we were supposed to be moving. :

wildcrafting? aka free food?

Lauren, I'll keep praying for you, but I'm glad the cats are safe.

[LoveChild421]

Lauren I'm so glad your DH was able to get the cats! I was watching news footage of the flooding last night and it looks awful.

[Jezzy]

Yes Helen the most goes to taxes!

applecore I carry the sling on the other side, I do often though carry Ash in my arms on that side, maybe that is what is causing it. It is gone again I really am always afraid that it won't go away and that it will turn into an infection.

[applecore]

Originally Posted by flapjack

wildcrafting? aka free food?

Right on! It's amazing how many things that people think are junk are really yummy, healthy, organic alternatives! We just had pasta with pesto made from lamb's quarters (a very abundant weed) for lunch today.

[nolonger]

Just a very quick update (and blatant beg for a few virtual hugs) that ds1 is gone again.:

I am so grateful that I had this last 10 months with him, however, and that I was able to spend the first four (almost five) months of Terran's life with all of my kids under the same roof as a coherant albeit extremely nontraditional family unit.

ds2 has been such a comfort and a delight since his brother left and I've been trying to stay busy to keep my mind off my problems.

[salt_phoenix]

Originally Posted by noordinaryspider

Just a very quick update (and blatant beg for a few virtual hugs) that ds1 is gone again.:

I am so grateful that I had this last 10 months with him, however, and that I was able to spend the first four (almost five) months of Terran's life with all of my kids under the same roof as a coherant albeit extremely nontraditional family unit.

ds2 has been such a comfort and a delight since his brother left and I've been trying to stay busy to keep my mind off my problems.

My Bayleigh stayed gone from age 13-15 off and on... I was constantly worried about her. She's mellowed with "age" and having her own LO though. For that, I am thankful. She's an absolute joy now. Hang in there NOS, I know it's hard but love your other babies a little extra! (not that I have to tell you that )

[PlayaMama]

Originally Posted by LoveChild421

Lauren I'm so glad your DH was able to get the cats! I was watching news footage of the flooding last night and it looks awful.

:

i sure hope you get back into your home soon!

[PlayaMama]

Originally Posted by noordinaryspider

Just a very quick update (and blatant beg for a few virtual hugs) that ds1 is gone again.:

I am so grateful that I had this last 10 months with him, however, and that I was able to spend the first four (almost five) months of Terran's life with all of my kids under the same roof as a coherant albeit extremely nontraditional family unit.

ds2 has been such a comfort and a delight since his brother left and I've been trying to stay busy to keep my mind off my problems.

oh mama, that must be so hard! big huge

[operamommy]

smokeylo, thank you so much for finding time in the chaos to update us. I know we've all been thinking of you. I'm so glad that your dh was able to go back and rescue your cats. Again, please let us know if there's anything we can send you or do for you. *hugs*

NOS, I'm sorry about your ds1. I'm sending you huge hugs.

Ok, applecore...I blame you! You've inspired me. I've decided that tomorrow I'm going to get my rear out there and gather some of my rosemary, lemon balm, and lavender. I don't know what I'm going to do with them yet, though! My lavender has already flowered; should I still save/dry the stalks I cut, or just wait for the next round?

Glad to know I'm not completely nutty for thinking about 5! Good for us, there's NO WAY to be anything but completely sure and practical about the decision, as I had an IUD placed when Peter was about 7 weeks old.

Peter is starting to get too mellow for his own good. I put him under his play gym tonight before I started making dinner, went into the kitchen (you can still see into the livingroom) and kind of forgot about him for a few minutes. I had to go back and get him!

I'm all sappy tonight. Last year I told dh we were expecting by giving him a Father's Day card signed by all of the kids and Baby...Coming February '08.

[flapjack]

:group Do you know how cool you are collectively and individually?

NOS Sometimes, in your relationship with your DS1 I can see me and Isaac. Give him time to grow and mature- for me, it was 21 when I grew up (pregnant) though I'd never actually physically left home- just mentally. Love to your DD as well, and her other half

Okay, today we're doing elderflower cordial (or champagne, opinions are welcomed) and I might find time to get the lemon balm infusing. Fathers Day is cancelled here, because DH is behind on his work for his course- we're parting on down for a whole week next week though, so we can survive.

[Jezzy]

Nos, I am really sorry. I was really hoping that it was going to work out for you. It must be really hard on you. Here is a virutal . Wish I were there to give you a real one.

[loraxc]

Hugs to NOS and smokeylo.

[ema-adama]

Hey, I've been lurking in your thread over the months.... but now can't resist replying as just the other day I remembered us having our pregnancy confirmed and then telling our respective parents! It was so exciting... with my family living half way around the world, I was emailing them pics of the HPT and the ultrasound.... So much has happened in 1 year...

I am also happy to hear other mamas here are having sleep issues with their LO's... As I write now DH is pacing the floor/on the physio ball as we exhaust our tried and tested go to sleep routines that are failing one after the other (in 3 days DS is 4 months)

Belated fathers day wishes to all the families here!

[Theia]

: NOS... I am keeping you in my thoughts.

smokeylo: I am glad you cats and the rest of your family are safe. Hang in there.

I am so jealous but happy for all of you who are doing herbal things. I don't have a garden at all. The little farm girl who loves to play in the earth only has a concrete patio. I know I could container garden, but things have kept coming up and I didn't make it a priority. And containers just aren't the same. So I love hearing your stories of this so I can live vicariously through you. Keep it up!

I have a little funny story about Susun Weed. A girl I was friends with in college went to SW's herbalism course in NY. SW has goats on her farm (: goats milk!) and my friend was out in the area one day and one of the goats had always given her trouble. This day the goat horned her really hard in the thigh. My friend got really mad and left the course. The way she told the story was much funnier. Oh well.

I went to an art fair in town yesterday and bought L a new toy. A guy makes rattles out of different kinds of wood. It's about 4x1x.5 inches. He uses a fine bandsaw to cut it in half and then scrapes out some of the insides and fills it with copper and zinc bbs. Then he puts it back together and finishes it with beeswax. He's a really cool guy, his website is www.earnestefforts.com if anyone is interested. I really like its sound, there is something soothing about it instead of the crazy frenzied sound of most commercial rattles.

DD just laughed in her sleep.... so sweet! I just uploaded a video that I wanted to share. She is always surprising me and makes me laugh so much!
http://www.vimeo.com/1176337

[lovetobemama]

NOS, no real words of wisdom... my DS1 is only 2, but I have always believed that a mother's love is pretty much some of the strongest stuff on the planet, and your DS1 knows that he has that from you. Have faith, he will be with you again.

Smokeylo, glad that cats are safe, at least!

ema-adama: welcome!

Helen: I agree about the group!!!

Peace: I can't wait to check out the website!

Operamommy: I think is always so wonderful when kiddos do start to be ok a bit by themselves. I'm, of course, not a fan of people leaving them alone all the time in the other room, but ds1 seemed to actually crave some "down time" here and there at this age. It gives them some time to process things on their own when we give them some time here and there. Molly is just starting to do this, and when we do leave her on a soft blanket in the other room for a few minutes, she will start "talking" to the pics on the wall or the windows. It is loud, proud, happy talking, and she looks REALLY happy. But once we walk in, she stops right away and just watches what we are doing. So, sometimes, we will just stay in the doorway for long stretches of time, just watching her talk and look around. It's SO sweet!

[Juise]

Originally Posted by AlwaysByMySide

And in baby-related news...does anyone else's baby like standing up? Blake can't pull up to standing, (he can't even sit up on his own yet!) but if someone gets him in that position and puts his hands on something (the couch, usually), he will happily stand there for 5 or 10 minutes, babbling the whole time. I've already gotten the bowlegged talk from the older family members, but haven't done any research on it.

Kaia *loves* standing, and has for some time now. She can't pull herself up on her own, but she can do a pretty good job pulling herself up holding our hands and with a little assistance. She loves standing on the couch leaning against the arm and talking down at me sitting on the floor I totally don't buy the bow-legged thing.

Originally Posted by eilonwy

Nursing necklace-- It's a necklace you wear that the kid can fiddle with so that they're not tearing your boobs/shirt/chest/hair to shreds. And, when she's a little older... toy cars!

I have a necklace I bought to use as a nursing necklace. It's a smooth glass pendant, teardrop shape kind of thing that I put on an elastic cord. Well, a hairband to tell the truth She won't hold it But I did see the one someone linked here awhile back that was a circle, I like that idea and I think I will attempt to make one whenever I get bored of one of my current projects and fail to finish them

Originally Posted by eilonwy

I am soooo unbelievably jealous! How terribly cool! Pictures?

Sure thing! As soon as I get some :P I'm currently making her a cutlass DP suggested a sword for her after watching her nurse while holding her stick to my throat

Originally Posted by jaxinsmom

So, I've finally made the switch.

Not to cloth diapers, but biodegradable gdiapers. Anyone else using these. My biggest issue with cloth has been the washing (I HATE doing laundry and mange to only have to do it once a week, the thought of every day, or every other for cloth diapers was enough to send me back to sposies) But these rock!

Ahh my brother and SIL tried these on my nephew, and from what I saw of them using them, and my experience trying to deal with them, we all found them a total, complete PITA. I actually wondered how they stayed on the market because I couldn't imagine anyone liking them, but I guess I was wrong They gave us an insert, a couple liner things and two covers. I've used the covers once or twice just on the cloth diapers because they are bright red and bright orange and I like the colour, but DP didn't like using them and their weird backwardness, hehe. We got *all* of our diapers, diaper covers, liners, wipes, etc. as hand-me-downs and a diaper swap program, so none of them are really "ours", but I can check with my brother and SIL and there's a good chance I could send those things your way, unless they want them for the diaper swap. I know they don't want them. I will check!

Originally Posted by applecore

I just have to say that I love this time of year, and that I feel so awesome today! My linden tree is flowering, and I gathered as many blossoms as I could reach yesterday. I made an infused coconut oil, started a tinture, and am drying the rest for tea. Then I strained the herbal vinegar I've been infusing for 6 weeks- dandelion and ramps. I shook some up with oil, and used it on our salad with all the greens we got from our CSA. And now as I sip at my iced black raspberry leaf tea from leaves I gathered, I can say that I am feeling incredibly VITAL. : I'm just beginning to work with wild edibles and medicinals, and it is so rewarding.

I am sooo unbelievably jealous! I want to do this so bad, but, well, for one thing, I *suck* at plants. My mother's a master-gardener and always tries to give me things I can't kill, but I show her! Ugh. And if it's not me that blows it, it's one of the five cats, or the deer.. I've got 3 things: Magical chives that I totally can't kill, yay! Some hops that actually came back up, and this fern thing that can dry up for 50 years and revitalize with water, he's still technically "alive" My mum gave us a ton of organic seeds and stuff for easter, and the lavender seeds have been waiting in the fridge, but I haven't managed to clear out beds or get anywhere close to getting anything in I think I'm way too late now.

Originally Posted by birthmommom

I will just update...I decided that I could not keep something like going on WIC from dh.
but my friend sent me a website for Angel food ministries. DH is totally ok with that so we are getting a box of food on the 21st and i am sure i can make that last a month.
and i found a health insurance plan for just ds for $72 a month, so we are buying that

I'm so glad things have begun to resolve for you!

Originally Posted by Jezzy

Who was talking about how expensive gas is? I just filled up my tank 60 liters (15.83 gallons ) for 93 freakin euro that´is about 140 dollars! 9.333 bucks a gallon! I couldn't believe it. I hate germany :

I'm always telling DP how fortunate we are with the gas prices. About how we're really just catching up to what the rest of the world *has* been paying, about how it's a non-renewable natural resource that is disappearing and *should* be expensive, and how it helps people think about conserving. I'm not sure it helps, though

Originally Posted by LoveChild421

My dp has taken over my computer since he started playing World of Warcraft again so it has taken me forever to catch up.

: Umm.... hey, ah, what server does your DP play on? we're on Feathermoon And look, if he ever convinces you to play, I demand you play with me I mean, come on, I'm the guild leader of my happy little laid back guildies, the Nihilistic Legion. How could we *get* any cooler, right?

Originally Posted by LoveChild421

That and his stinky farts... Anyone else have an EBF baby whose farts smell like rotten eggs??? My first son always just smelled like butter so I don't know what to think. I gave him some probiotics but he still stinks.

Kaia has way stinky farts, always has, it's amazing. Way stinkier than mine, that's for sure! And I do take probiotics daily to help cope with my eternal yeast problem, I always wondered if it was the yeast, but other than one bout of thrush at 3 weeks, she's been untouched by the yeast to my knowledge. I kinda figure it's the insane amount of garlic and really yummy food I eat, hehe

Originally Posted by operamommy

: There are some new pictures of Peter in my blog if anyone's interested.

OMG he is so cute

Originally Posted by smokeylo

Quick update...

DH hiked through the woods behind our house to rescue the cats. The flooding near us is really bad. This was our last chance to get to them, maybe for weeks. He really saved their lives. They're staying with a friend in town now. We probably won't be able to go home for many weeks. A friend has been making calls to try and find us a place to stay semi-permanently.

So, we are ok, the cats are ok.

Internet may be spotty for us so pm me if you want to get in touch.

Oh I am so, so, so happy you got your kitties. It may sound silly, but I have totally been crying about your cats. I would be just so sick with worry about them if I were you. Don't get me wrong, I am very glad you and your fam are safe, too! I'm just very relieved about the kitty cats. I hope you can return to your home and life as soon as possible, and find somewhere better to stay in the meantime. I'm sorry things are so hard, mama.

Originally Posted by noordinaryspider

Just a very quick update (and blatant beg for a few virtual hugs) that ds1 is gone again.:

I am so grateful that I had this last 10 months with him, however, and that I was able to spend the first four (almost five) months of Terran's life with all of my kids under the same roof as a coherant albeit extremely nontraditional family unit.

ds2 has been such a comfort and a delight since his brother left and I've been trying to stay busy to keep my mind off my problems.

I'm sorry, NOS : I've been wondering about you.. I can't imagine going through that. I'm very glad you got to have your time together, and I will keep you in my thoughts

Originally Posted by peace_laughing

DD just laughed in her sleep.... so sweet! I just uploaded a video that I wanted to share. She is always surprising me and makes me laugh so much!
http://www.vimeo.com/1176337

Oh my, she is absolutely beautiful! And what an adorable pout!

Welcome to ema-adama!

Getting ready to go to DP's dad's place for father's day, so no real up-date, but I had to complain about something. We went out to eat for one of the first times since DD's birth and as she fell asleep on the way there we brought her in her carseat. A couple came in and complained about the price of the food, were told it was several meals worth (It's a Thai restaurant), complained they didn't want that much, were just generally rude to the extremely nice and wonderful owner, then went to walk out. They stopped by our table to say, "Let's see what this mistake looks like." Oooooo I was so mad... I just said, "She's not a mistake" and kept telling myself I don't need to justify myself to them, I don't need to explain that I'm 24, not 14, that I have endometriosis and am working on an unknown time-frame. Shoot, even if she *were* a mistake I would be pissed. Gah! Trying not to be mad about it, they we obviously just generally rude people and not happy with their own lives anyway. I really wouldn't have thought it would bother me so much, but I spent the rest of the meal trying to laugh it off while my blood boiled inside. The owner walked up to the door to shake her fist at the departing car and yell, "You're the mistake!!" Humans, eh?

Which reminds me, LOL Flapjack! I'm a Pratchett junkie! I've read them all several times at least, DP and I read them aloud to eachother, and I've just started reading Wee Free Men to the daycare kids, I'm so excited. I've read that one aloud 3 times already now to different people and I love doing the Scottish accent for the nac mac feegle! : Okay, I'm off!