Love all over the Land

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!

Thursday, July 31, 2014

July 2014 (because I can't think of any other cute name titles)

Another full month...

Have you been to the one in Lexington.....Yummmm!! Look soon for Loveland Coffee concentrate on their drink menu as we met with the owners to work out some drinks for their new menu!!! Amazing!

The kids did well there...I always get nervous about public places and how things will go. Getting three kids 4 and under to sit calmly is no small task.

We had several drink sample combos that were created...the top two are amazing!!! You will want this!

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We will look ridiculous for free food! Well at least once a year. And mainly because I think I have a couple of cute cows.

Although getting Zoe to dress up meant threats that she had to or else not go - and a timeout. Lucky that usually changes her attitude. She is just so particular about what she wears and this did not meet her standards.

Zoe loved getting to see the cow while Shiloh hid in the corner.

So thankful that my mom was able to go with us. She is such a great sport and support!

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Our friend's Sharron's hair is amazing in many ways and Ez found another use....chew toy.

We were thankful to make it to her Thrifted Sisters party!

Love me some big eyed blondes!

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Lake Murray is 2 minutes from our house...but without a boat we mainly just appreciate the view when driving over the dam.

However, they do have a park there, that I had not been to in about 20 years. Since Zoe keeps talking about the beach, we decided this would be a way we could get (somewhat) of a fix in.

Beach took off a couple hours in the mid morning, we brought a picnic and enjoyed some amazingly great July weather.

I just attempted to ignore the cigarette butts and fish smell; it was (almost) like we were at the real beach. Of course the girls thought it was great and we didn't even have the long drive home!

So thankful for the beauty that is so close!

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Our last zoo night for the summer and Zoe wanted me to be sure to invite her aunt Lauren! I love this picture. It was right after Zoe whispered in my ear that I needed to tell Lauren how she invited Jesus into her life. She is so excited for others to know! Happy tears!

Free rides are the best. Picture credit to the conductor who asked to take our picture for us (even though there was a long line waiting). I was thankful that God gave me His eyes for a bit to see a hard working man that really enjoyed his job and how it brings joy to others (instead of the fact that he was so slow and we had to wait forever). It makes me want to see even more things the way that He does (instead of my faulty critical fleshly spirit).

Their faces!

There is something magical about a child's gaze (along with some fear of the merry-go-round).

Ez is a drooling machine!

Lauren had her friend and friend's daughter come along with us. She was so great with my kids and the girls LOVED having an older buddy!

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Library puppet show....and Ez asking, "How LONG did you say this thing was going to be?"

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Another awesome swap night....this time I recruited a couple of friends to experience the awesomeness as well! And I brought some new items....including Almond Milk!

I can always count on my mom and sister having amazing goodies! If you have no idea what a food swap is you can see my blog about it here and here.

I, again, came how with a stash! Peach cobbler, two different types of raw energy bites, spaghetti sauce, two different types of amazing homemade soap, pizza sauce, heirloom tomatoes, pizza dough, pesto, oatmeal pancake mix, Ghee, peach butter, dry essential oil shampoo, and an awesome engraved cheese platter. Bam!