Monday, August 25, 2014

The grand Loveland visit of 2014

It's been almost a year since we got to see the parent Lovelands.  That's a long time in family time, especially for children and the changes in their development.  Shiloh kept thinking we were just going to see them on the computer (skype), as it was what she was used to, but was excited none the less.  We were so thankful that Beach's parents were able to make the 14 hour drive from Michigan (again) to bless us for over a week.  It was probably one of the best visits yet, filled with lots of memories, activities, home improvements and rest.  The kids had a ball, too, and we will be going through withdrawal for awhile I'm sure!

The girls really enjoyed having grandma read them books over and over (especially their new Frozen ones!).
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I tried to find some activities for us all to do together.....but this was somewhat of a challenge this time of year and with the weather the hottest we have seen all summer!


We gave it a go at the art museum (a first for the kids)....and had a pretty good time.

They even have a great little area where children can play and create art themselves.


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Another day we decided to try for a day trip to Charleston.  Granted, I had many apprehensions about such a long car ride (twice in one day), but decided we should just go for it. We haven't done to much traveling the past couple of years (probably due to me being traumatized with screaming trips in the past).  There was some uncalmable screaming on the way home....but I'm trying to block that out.

Poor Donna, her sandals that she had gotten the previous day started popping off shortly after getting there...in fact she walked right out of them, laughing all the way to the closest shop we could find.  Luckily they had one pair, a size too small, that she made due with the rest of the day.  I must say she had a lot better attitude then I would have had!
It was so hot, so hot....but we sweated it out and dipped our feet in the water.
Zoe likes to still hug random things (so Shi then does, too).
Beach was such an AMAZING sport....for as hot as I was I dare not complain, as I know having a baby strapped to you all day makes you that much hotter (and sweatier)!
I agreed to gelato in an attempt to cool down but I think it just made me more thirsty!
We boarded the trolly to get a little rest....and ended up just staying on for a good while!
Poor Shiloh, not used to going all day without a nap, fell asleep for about 10 minutes before we had to hop off.
Much, much walking and gazing.
Grandma and Grandpa always bring many gifts, including dresses for the girls.  Zoe loved this one and insisted on wearing it today....so wear it she did. 
We finally made it back to the car, where we breathed in the air conditioning and attempted to stop sweating.  I downed some water in attempt to keep nursing.  We decided to find a restaurant not in town, so as not to walk further.
A great coupon lead us to Mt. Pleasant for a yummy dinner!
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Of course we had Grandma use some of her AMAZING baking skills while she was here.  The girls got to help, which they enjoyed!
And were huge fans of the results!
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We hosted a night for all of Beach's family to come and visit...including Cynthia and Blaine who were in town from Texas!

We had such a good time and are always glad for an excuse to get together!  So much fun that I usually forget to take more pictures!
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I think they liked each other! #Smiles!
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Another day a nearby church hosted a car showed that Beach entered.

It had jump houses for the kids that they loved!
And a place to escape the heat for some shaved ice.  PS I love that my girls can enjoy them even if they are just ice and don't make an issue that there is no "color" on them!
The Loveland Coffee mobile's first show!
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We, also, had a park morning.
With some serious swinging.

And grandma sliding!
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Lots and lots of reading each day...
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And more baking!
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Our last night, they took us all out for dinner.
This nice picture with Grandma really captures Shiloh's personality....always doing crazy things, with crazy faces and noises with lots of intensity.

We stopped by the lake on the way home.....thankful that the weather had finally gotten a bit more comfortable.




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The three generations of Loveland men!
We should did have a lot of fun with their visit!  Thankful to know that it won't be another whole year until we see them again!  Until Christmas....we love you!

Friday, August 22, 2014

5 months: (how can it be) You are always looking at me!

This month brought a lot more movement.  Starting with crazy kicks with Ezra's legs....it seems like he just can't wait to play with his sisters!
But a few toys, his fingers and toes will have to do for awhile....and he has figured out how to put them in his mouth! 
 He doesn't want to leave his thumb out...so at times it is a combo deal.
Of course this are still a lot of naps, although they are usually in the swing or with momma in her bed.
Current nicknames: Slip and Slide and Drool Machine....as it seems to almost always be in effect.  Watch out!  Between this and the often spit ups...mom has to change her clothes a lot.  This is a main reason while he is often just in a diaper (that and the heat!).
I just can't get over how my heart swells for him.  I want to do it all over again all the time!
Although pretty happy most of the time, when Ezra does cry it is horrible!  It sounds so pathetic and sad...I must just scoop him up...
When Grandma and Grandpa came down to visit and meet Ezra they loved him just as much. AND they made sure Ezra had an item to represent his northern heritage!
Oh my sweet growing boy, how I wish I could bottle each day!  Now that you are rolling pretty well, it won't be too long before you're no longer a lap baby!

Friday, August 8, 2014

Part II of being Crunchy: Placenta

In part one I shared about I am becoming more crunchy and some ways I got there.  Here is another way.  My placenta.
So how often do you hear things about your placenta....well depending on the circles you run in I'm guessing not much - especially if your talking about consuming your own.  Yep you read that right.  I first heard of such of thing when I saw a friend post a picture of hers after her home birth and talked about how she was going to have it dried and encapsulated.  WHAT!  Why in the world would you do such a disgusting thing (and also take a picture of it and tell other people)!  Well for the reason that I am sharing about this now.  It's amazing and not so mainstream (in this country)....that people SHOULD know about it and the option and benefits that it provides!
I have, also, read a blog where a women cooked some of her placenta with some meat and invited a friend to have tacos. Yes, too far, way too far for me.  No, I prefer to ingest it through a capsule that I don't have to think much about what I'm swallowing and where it came from (and not taste it).  
The web site BellyBelly has a great article (with a ton of details) which includes:

What Are The Benefits Of Placenta Encapsulation?

It is believed that consuming the placenta can:
  • Help to balance your hormones
  • Replenish depleted iron levels
  • Assist the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state
  • Reduce post-natal bleeding
  • Increase milk production – this has been proven in a study
  • Make for a happier, more enjoyable post-natal period
  • Increase your energy levels
Baby blues can effect up to 80% of women within the first week of birth. Women who consume their placenta report fewer emotional issues and a more enjoyable babymoon. Who wouldn't want that?!
So anything that can help balance out my hormones, I'm in!  After struggling with postpartum depression big time with my first, and some with my second....I knew this was a giant I would want to come against with as many weapons as I could.  I had my doula encapsulate my placenta and received them from her just a couple days after Ezra's birth.
I haven't had such a struggle with my hormones this time around (partly because Ezra is such an easy baby and partly because I have been consistent with using my essential oils) BUT I have had some placenta pill kind of days.  AND I'm beginning to have some issue with milk supply when I'm at work....so I may be taking them more regularly. Also, postpartum depression can still set on later and I'm prepared.  AND since I can keep them in the freezer....they will last forever and can even be used during menopause for help with that big hormone change!  Yes, so I'm a believer and ever thankful to my friend for capturing a picture of hers to intrigue me to investigate more!