Saturday, June 28, 2008
~ How CRUNCHY a DADDY Are You?! ~
I sent this to Nick on the boat...the sonar guys like to get into good little social discussions while on watch... haha, I can only imagine what some of them will say on the attachment parenting topics below... But Nick is going to eventually have to get used to people spouting ignorant comments because I know we are going to run into it over the years... One of my friends -- who isn't that "crunchy" herself at all has already had some intensely negative comments said to her in regards to she and her hubby co-sleeping with their son (something she did not ever plan to do, but it came most naturally for him)...
Take this quiz and see how Crunchy a Daddy you are!
1. Do you and your wife have homebirths?
20 points for "yes" (unassisted)
15 points for "yes" (midwife in attendance)
10 points for natural childbirth in an alternative birthing center
5 points for natural childbirth in a hospital
2 points for "thinking about/would like homebirth or natural childbirth"
0 for "no" (wouldn't consider it).
2. How do you feel about routine (no medical indication) infant circumcision?
10 points for "believe circumcision is a human rights violation and
will not do it to your sons"
5 points for "won't circumcise your sons, but don't feel strongly against it"
0 points for "will circumcise your sons"
3. Do you use cloth diapers?
25 points if you do Elimination Communication
20 points if "yes" (wash and make your own using natural organic fabric)
15 points if "yes" (wash and make your own or purchase natural organic
cloth diapers)
10 points if "yes" (wash your own)
5 points if "yes" (diaper service)
2 points if "thinking about it"
0 points if "no" (wouldn't consider it).
4. Do you observe fertility signals using Natural Family
Planning/Fertility Awareness and use that for birth control/trying to
conceive?
10 points for "yes" (observe and use for birth control and trying to
conceive or just for birth control) or you use ecological
breastfeeding/lactational amenorrhea
5 points for "yes" (observe for trying to conceive, but not for birth control)
2 points "thinking about it"
0 points for "no" (wouldn't consider it).
5. Does your wife breastfeed exclusively for the first 6+ months?
10 points if "yes"
5 points for "no" (use occasional bottles of expressed breastmilk)
2 points for "no" (use occasional bottles of formula or early solids)
0 for "no" (don't breastfeed by choice).
6. Do you co-sleep?
10 points for "yes" (all night every night)
5 points for "yes" (part/all of most nights)
2 points for "thinking about it"
0 points for "no".
7. Do you and your wife use a sling/soft carrier?
5 points for "yes"
2 points for "thinking about it"
0 points for "no" (wouldn't consider it).
8. Do you believe in/practice child-led weaning (even if that means
breastfeeding for several years)?
15 points for "yes" (complete child-led weaning)
10 points for "yes" (up to 3 years)
5 points for "yes" (up to 2 years)
2 points for "thinking about it"
0 points for "no" (you'll wean the baby at 1 year or earlier).
9. Does your wife tandem nurse/nurse during pregnancy?
10 points for "yes" (nurse during pregnancy and tandem nurse)
5 points for "yes" (nurse during pregnancy, but wean before birth)
2 points for "thinking about it"
0 points for "no" (wouldn't consider it).
10. Do you eat organic/whole/natural foods and limit your meat? Do you
use natural cleaning products?
20 points for "yes" (grow own/buy organic, shop only at health food
store, grind own wheat, vegetarian, natural cleaning products, etc.)
15 points for "yes" (grow some of own food, buy organic, use whole
wheat flour, bake own bread, eat some organic, free-range meat
occasionally, some natural cleaning products)
10 points for "yes" (grow some of own food, use whole wheat flour,
bake own bread, eat some meat occasionally)
5 points for "yes" (try to buy natural, whole grain foods, etc.)
2 points for "thinking about it"
0 points for "no" (wouldn't consider it).
11. Do you use herbal/homeopathic remedies?
10 points if "yes" (very rarely see a regular doctor)
5 points if "yes" (but use a doctor occasionally)
2 points if "thinking about it" (see a doc for now)
0 points for "no" (wouldn't consider it).
12. Do you or will you homeschool?
10 points if "yes".
5 points if "part time" (a combination of private or other school some
days/years and homeschool others).
2 points for "thinking about it"
0 points for "no" (wouldn't consider it).
13. What's your take on childhood vaccinations?
15 points for no vaccines
10 for delayed, selective vaccination
5 points for selective, on schedule vaccination
2 points for thinking about not vaccinating
0 points for vaccinating on schedule.
14. Would your wife/has your wife ever breastfeed/fed someone else's
baby or have someone else bf your child if necessary?
10 points if "yes" (have or someone has breastfed your baby)
5 points if "yes" (would)
2 points if "maybe"
0 if \"no\" (wouldn't consider it).
15. Does your wife use cloth/re-usable menstrual products?
10 points if "yes" (make own cloth menstrual pads)
5 points if "yes" (buy cloth pads or the keeper)
2 points if "thinking about it"
0 points if "no".
16. Do you use positive discipline?
15 points if "yes" (never yell, spank, punish)
10 points if "yes" (believe in it and try really hard)
5 points if "sort of" (use time out, don't spank, and use rewards for
good behavior)
2 points if "thinking about it" (use time out, spank occasionally, use
rewards for good behavior and punishments for bad)
0 points if "no" (you think spanking and punishment is needed)
Ratings
120 – 205 Super Nutty, Ultra-Crunchy Granola Earth Daddy
105– 119 Mmm! Love that whole-grain crunch!
90 – 104 Pretty Crispy
30 – 89 Sprinkled with Granola
10 – 29 Instant Oatmeal
0 - 9 Jell-O
--
Guess Nick married a Super Nutty, Ultra-Crunchy (141) gal
:)
1. Do you have homebirths?
15 - at home, in water, with fabulous midwives nearby
2. How do you feel about routine (no medical indication) infant circumcision?
10 points for "believe circumcision is a human rights violation and
will not do it to your sons"
absolutely. it is genital mutilation just as female circumcision is.
the same tissues are removed (clitoral hood, penile foreskin) that
HAVE vital purpose and function for the child/future adult...this is
an especially empassioned topic of mine as I did my graduate research
in the area.
3. Do you use cloth diapers?
25 point if you do Elimination Communication (no diapers)
(we will use cloth as "back-up"...maybe that eliminates some of my
crunchiness :)
4. Do you observe your fertility signals using Natural Family
Planning/Fertility Awareness and use that for birth control/trying to
conceive?
5 points for "yes" (observe for trying to conceive, but not for birth control)
5. Do you breastfeed exclusively for the first 6+ months?
10 points if "yes"
6. Do you co-sleep?
10 points for "yes" (all night every night)
7. Do you use a sling/soft carrier?
5 points for "yes"
8. Do you believe in/practice child-led weaning (even if that means
breastfeeding for several years)?
10 points for "yes" (up to 3 years)
9. Do you tandem nurse/nurse during your pregnancy?
2 points for "thinking about it"
10. Do you eat organic/whole/natural foods and limit your meat? Do you
use natural cleaning products?
15 points for "yes" (grow some of own food, buy organic, use whole
wheat flour, bake own bread, eat some organic, free-range meat
occasionally, some natural cleaning products)
11. Do you use herbal/homeopathic remedies?
5 points if "yes" (but use a doctor occasionally)
12. Do you or will you homeschool?
2 points for "thinking about it"
13. What\'s your take on childhood vaccinations?
10 for delayed, selective vaccination
14. Would you/have you ever breastfeed/fed someone else\'s baby or
have someone else bf your child?
5 points if "yes" (would)
15. Do you use cloth/re-usable products for mom?
2 points if "thinking about it"
16. Do you use positive discipline?
10 points if "yes" (believe in it and try really hard)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Induction / Pitocin Talk Has Been Served
(by danelle)
Here we are half way thru Week 38. It almost seems unreal - that time would pass so quickly. I remember feeling these last weeks were light years away. Every day it feels like the baby could come... especially when I am up at night with cramping and/or contractions. But, the vast majority of first-time mothers/babies (when left to NATURAL, normal labor and birth) carry till 274 days post-conception, which is about 42 weeks pregnancy. So I wouldn't be surprised if I have a few more weeks left. Whatever happens is perfect and fine. I know this baby will come when s/he is ready and that time will be best for us both.
I was shocked, surprised -- although knowing how things operate I shouldn't have been -- when at Week 37 the obstetrician started talking about induction.
Ah. I laughed inside - a laugh of disbelief that this ubiquitous pitocin/induction reality really is as present as it is in the United States. And here I am, a completely healthy pregnancy. With absolutely NO reason whatsoever to even bring up the discussion of pitocin/induction, and yet the topic is opened on the table anyway. (Nick's simple response (via email) was that he also was not surprised by this topic being brought up, and we would continue with our normal, healthy, homebirth as planned.)
I didn't respond to the OB. I knew I would not be returning post-37-weeks anyway. Any time after 37 weeks is when *things* start being done to you, and often without your permission - unnecessary cervical exams that push bacteria up next to the cervix...increasing the risk of infection and/or high temps in baby and mom...increasing the chance of a domino effect of interventions and ultimate c-sections...stripping of the membranes during "routine" exams...again, often without a mother's knowledge... And just the checks themselves influence the flow of prostaglandins at a time when they would otherwise not be released.
There is no way I would allow my baby (or my own body) to be subject to the consequences of pitocin (or the more extreme cytotec). These drugs first and foremost act upon the uterus in a very unnatural manner - causing pain for Mother, but also drastically reducing the flow of oxygen to baby. To baby, it feels as you would feel if you were repeatedly dunked under water without adequate time to take a breath in between dunking. It quickly leads to distress, decreased heart rate, and other "complications" during labor....which of course leads to forceps, vacuums, and/or c-sections. It isn't rocket-science. The domino effect in how this all works is quite simple to understand and break apart.
In addition to the unnatural contractions and decrease in oxygen, pitocin fills neuro synapses within the mother and baby and does not allow natural oxytocin to release as it would during normal labor. Once again, this dramatically decreases the "feel good" hormones, decreases those "love hormones" needed for optimal attachment, bonding, and breastfeeding.
There is a new movie coming out this year -- "Orgasmic Birth" -- I look forward to reviewing it. However, this ecstatic birth experience is something that cannot occur under the influence of pitocin, or the like. So many women have no idea what they are giving up - or giving into - for themselves and their babies, by blindly going with the flow and not looking into this just a little bit ahead of time.
There is a video clip I'd like to include here that shows just what pitocin does to a baby and mother during labor...but I have to figure out how to transfer it in an uploadable form first. Right now I only have it on DVD.... I'll insert it here when I figure it out (or take the time to do it). :)
One clip that another young momma posted on her story -- of how this induction epidemic unfolded can be seen here. It pulls at my heart. That she had to go thru what SO many women go thru... But she is a wise young mother, and quickly learned from the experience. Her revealing story is such a blessing to share with others, so they might not endure the same.
As I near the finale of this beautiful journey I've been on for the past 38 1/2 weeks, I continue to surround myself with empowering stories and examples of others who have celebrated thru each moment. The HypnoBabies materials are excellent!! So is the book, Journey Into Motherhood. And examples such as this beautiful, peaceful mother (below) singing Psalm 23 just before birthing her 10 pound baby at home, in water, bring happy tears to my eyes.
I type this sitting comfortably in the same room as my big beautiful blue birthing tub...with some candles around and a perfectly peaceful, relaxed atmosphere -- my home. Put together all by me. All my germs. :) haha... no hospital germs. Where my baby has grown and developed this whole time, here s/he will come gently into this world.
I am excited! And so, so very thankful to have been led to this natural, normal, healthy, safe way of birth.
--
Here we are half way thru Week 38. It almost seems unreal - that time would pass so quickly. I remember feeling these last weeks were light years away. Every day it feels like the baby could come... especially when I am up at night with cramping and/or contractions. But, the vast majority of first-time mothers/babies (when left to NATURAL, normal labor and birth) carry till 274 days post-conception, which is about 42 weeks pregnancy. So I wouldn't be surprised if I have a few more weeks left. Whatever happens is perfect and fine. I know this baby will come when s/he is ready and that time will be best for us both.
I was shocked, surprised -- although knowing how things operate I shouldn't have been -- when at Week 37 the obstetrician started talking about induction.
Ah. I laughed inside - a laugh of disbelief that this ubiquitous pitocin/induction reality really is as present as it is in the United States. And here I am, a completely healthy pregnancy. With absolutely NO reason whatsoever to even bring up the discussion of pitocin/induction, and yet the topic is opened on the table anyway. (Nick's simple response (via email) was that he also was not surprised by this topic being brought up, and we would continue with our normal, healthy, homebirth as planned.)
I didn't respond to the OB. I knew I would not be returning post-37-weeks anyway. Any time after 37 weeks is when *things* start being done to you, and often without your permission - unnecessary cervical exams that push bacteria up next to the cervix...increasing the risk of infection and/or high temps in baby and mom...increasing the chance of a domino effect of interventions and ultimate c-sections...stripping of the membranes during "routine" exams...again, often without a mother's knowledge... And just the checks themselves influence the flow of prostaglandins at a time when they would otherwise not be released.
There is no way I would allow my baby (or my own body) to be subject to the consequences of pitocin (or the more extreme cytotec). These drugs first and foremost act upon the uterus in a very unnatural manner - causing pain for Mother, but also drastically reducing the flow of oxygen to baby. To baby, it feels as you would feel if you were repeatedly dunked under water without adequate time to take a breath in between dunking. It quickly leads to distress, decreased heart rate, and other "complications" during labor....which of course leads to forceps, vacuums, and/or c-sections. It isn't rocket-science. The domino effect in how this all works is quite simple to understand and break apart.
In addition to the unnatural contractions and decrease in oxygen, pitocin fills neuro synapses within the mother and baby and does not allow natural oxytocin to release as it would during normal labor. Once again, this dramatically decreases the "feel good" hormones, decreases those "love hormones" needed for optimal attachment, bonding, and breastfeeding.
There is a new movie coming out this year -- "Orgasmic Birth" -- I look forward to reviewing it. However, this ecstatic birth experience is something that cannot occur under the influence of pitocin, or the like. So many women have no idea what they are giving up - or giving into - for themselves and their babies, by blindly going with the flow and not looking into this just a little bit ahead of time.
There is a video clip I'd like to include here that shows just what pitocin does to a baby and mother during labor...but I have to figure out how to transfer it in an uploadable form first. Right now I only have it on DVD.... I'll insert it here when I figure it out (or take the time to do it). :)
One clip that another young momma posted on her story -- of how this induction epidemic unfolded can be seen here. It pulls at my heart. That she had to go thru what SO many women go thru... But she is a wise young mother, and quickly learned from the experience. Her revealing story is such a blessing to share with others, so they might not endure the same.
As I near the finale of this beautiful journey I've been on for the past 38 1/2 weeks, I continue to surround myself with empowering stories and examples of others who have celebrated thru each moment. The HypnoBabies materials are excellent!! So is the book, Journey Into Motherhood. And examples such as this beautiful, peaceful mother (below) singing Psalm 23 just before birthing her 10 pound baby at home, in water, bring happy tears to my eyes.
I type this sitting comfortably in the same room as my big beautiful blue birthing tub...with some candles around and a perfectly peaceful, relaxed atmosphere -- my home. Put together all by me. All my germs. :) haha... no hospital germs. Where my baby has grown and developed this whole time, here s/he will come gently into this world.
I am excited! And so, so very thankful to have been led to this natural, normal, healthy, safe way of birth.
--
Monday, June 23, 2008
To Experience Life as a Submariner...
(posted by danelle)
I found this entertaining.
Little ways to experience a taste of submarine life...
Some are especially true...haha...like the lube oil in your humidifier! I cannot believe how greasy and oil-smelling things are - everything - on the sub - including the men who come off board.
Spend all your time indoors during the daytime, stay out of any sunlight. Go to work only before sunrise and come home after sunset.
Paint everything around you Sea Foam Green (Navy NSN Green, no substitutions) or Off-White to be sure you are living in a clean, happy environment. Every time you finish a work shift, arm yourself with a bucket, sponge and a greeny. Clean one area over and over, for 2 hours, even if it is already spotless.
Eat food that you can only get out of a can and requires water in order to eat. Empty out your refrigerator and turn the temp down to freezer mode. Get rid of all fresh fruits and vegetables.
Repeat back everything spoken to you. Repeat back everything spoken to you.
Sit in your car for six hours at a time with the motor running. Keep hands on the wheel. Continuously watch the dashboard. But don't leave your driveway. Log readings of your oil pressure, water temperature, speedometer and odometer every 15 minutes.
Put Lube Oil in your humidifier instead of water. Set it on high.
Buy a trash compactor; use it only once a week. Store the rest of the garbage in your bathroom.
Don't watch movies except in the middle of the night. Have your family vote on which movie to watch, then show a different one.
Have the paperboy give you a standard Navy haircut - after your work shift is done, when he feels like it.
Take hourly readings on your water and your electric meters. But only for a six hour period.
Sleep on the couch with your dirty laundry beside you.
Mechanics - set your lawn mower in the middle of the living room while it is running, for six hours a day.
Invite guests over, but don't prepare enough food for everyone. Serve food cold. Limit the time they sit at the table to 10 minutes.
Wake up at midnight every night and make a peanut butter sandwich, use stale bread. Better yet, make your own bread but cut 3 inch thick slices and use these. Optional: warm up some canned Ravioli or soup.
Make your family a menu for the week without knowing what food is in the cabinets.
Set your alarm clock for various times at night; adjust the volume to the maximum. When it goes off, jump out of bed, get your clothes on as fast as you can, run outside and grab the garden hose. Then go back to bed and do it all over when the alarm goes off again.
Once a month take apart every appliance completely and then put them back together.
Use 18 scoops of coffee per pot and allow it to sit for 6 hours before drinking it.
Invite over 149 people you really don't like that much and have them stay inside your house for 6 months.
Store your eggs in the garbage for two months and then cook a dozen each morning.
Have a fluorescent lamp installed under your coffee table and lie underneath it to read books.
Take only weekly showers for 5 minutes max.
Wear the same outfit (new boxers are allowed) every day for 3 weeks.
Put a complicated lock on your basement door and wear the key around your neck on a special chain.
When making cakes, prop up one side of the pan when cooking. Use extra icing to level it off.
Every so often, yell "EMERGENCY DEEP!" run into the kitchen and sweep all pots, pans and dishes off of the counters onto the floor, and then yell at your wife for not having the kitchen area "Stowed for Sea!"
Put on the stereo headphones (don't plug them in), go to the stove and stand in front of it. Say (to no one in particular) "Stove manned and ready" stay there for 3 to 4 hours. Say (once again and to no one in particular) "Stove secured", then role up your headphone cord and put them away.
Pull out your refrigerator and clean behind it for 4 hours and then put it back when you are done. Have your wife come and check every 10 minutes with a flashlight to see how you are doing.
When doing your laundry fill it only 1/3 full, sit in front of your washing machine in your underwear and read a book or magazine you've read at least 5 times before in the last week. When the wash is done, only run the dryer for half the normal time.
Fix-up a shelf in your closet that will serve as your bunk for the next six months. Take the door off of the hinges and replace them with curtains. While asleep, have family members shine a flashlight in your eyes at random intervals and say either "Sign this!" or "Sorry, wrong rack!"
If you can do these, you can do just about anything!!
--
I found this entertaining.
Little ways to experience a taste of submarine life...
Some are especially true...haha...like the lube oil in your humidifier! I cannot believe how greasy and oil-smelling things are - everything - on the sub - including the men who come off board.
Spend all your time indoors during the daytime, stay out of any sunlight. Go to work only before sunrise and come home after sunset.
Paint everything around you Sea Foam Green (Navy NSN Green, no substitutions) or Off-White to be sure you are living in a clean, happy environment. Every time you finish a work shift, arm yourself with a bucket, sponge and a greeny. Clean one area over and over, for 2 hours, even if it is already spotless.
Eat food that you can only get out of a can and requires water in order to eat. Empty out your refrigerator and turn the temp down to freezer mode. Get rid of all fresh fruits and vegetables.
Repeat back everything spoken to you. Repeat back everything spoken to you.
Sit in your car for six hours at a time with the motor running. Keep hands on the wheel. Continuously watch the dashboard. But don't leave your driveway. Log readings of your oil pressure, water temperature, speedometer and odometer every 15 minutes.
Put Lube Oil in your humidifier instead of water. Set it on high.
Buy a trash compactor; use it only once a week. Store the rest of the garbage in your bathroom.
Don't watch movies except in the middle of the night. Have your family vote on which movie to watch, then show a different one.
Have the paperboy give you a standard Navy haircut - after your work shift is done, when he feels like it.
Take hourly readings on your water and your electric meters. But only for a six hour period.
Sleep on the couch with your dirty laundry beside you.
Mechanics - set your lawn mower in the middle of the living room while it is running, for six hours a day.
Invite guests over, but don't prepare enough food for everyone. Serve food cold. Limit the time they sit at the table to 10 minutes.
Wake up at midnight every night and make a peanut butter sandwich, use stale bread. Better yet, make your own bread but cut 3 inch thick slices and use these. Optional: warm up some canned Ravioli or soup.
Make your family a menu for the week without knowing what food is in the cabinets.
Set your alarm clock for various times at night; adjust the volume to the maximum. When it goes off, jump out of bed, get your clothes on as fast as you can, run outside and grab the garden hose. Then go back to bed and do it all over when the alarm goes off again.
Once a month take apart every appliance completely and then put them back together.
Use 18 scoops of coffee per pot and allow it to sit for 6 hours before drinking it.
Invite over 149 people you really don't like that much and have them stay inside your house for 6 months.
Store your eggs in the garbage for two months and then cook a dozen each morning.
Have a fluorescent lamp installed under your coffee table and lie underneath it to read books.
Take only weekly showers for 5 minutes max.
Wear the same outfit (new boxers are allowed) every day for 3 weeks.
Put a complicated lock on your basement door and wear the key around your neck on a special chain.
When making cakes, prop up one side of the pan when cooking. Use extra icing to level it off.
Every so often, yell "EMERGENCY DEEP!" run into the kitchen and sweep all pots, pans and dishes off of the counters onto the floor, and then yell at your wife for not having the kitchen area "Stowed for Sea!"
Put on the stereo headphones (don't plug them in), go to the stove and stand in front of it. Say (to no one in particular) "Stove manned and ready" stay there for 3 to 4 hours. Say (once again and to no one in particular) "Stove secured", then role up your headphone cord and put them away.
Pull out your refrigerator and clean behind it for 4 hours and then put it back when you are done. Have your wife come and check every 10 minutes with a flashlight to see how you are doing.
When doing your laundry fill it only 1/3 full, sit in front of your washing machine in your underwear and read a book or magazine you've read at least 5 times before in the last week. When the wash is done, only run the dryer for half the normal time.
Fix-up a shelf in your closet that will serve as your bunk for the next six months. Take the door off of the hinges and replace them with curtains. While asleep, have family members shine a flashlight in your eyes at random intervals and say either "Sign this!" or "Sorry, wrong rack!"
If you can do these, you can do just about anything!!
--
Thursday, June 5, 2008
~Week 35~ Sleeping & Eating & Sleeping
(reflections by danelle)
Yup. That pretty much sums up priorities right now. Sleeping. And Eating. Because this baby is always hungry. And I am always tired.
Growing a baby is hard work - especially in the final weeks. Whew.
My brain doesn't work as well anymore. Typically from being tired. Or hungry. Haha.
The baby was 5lbs, 10oz this past Friday (give or take a pound for u/s accuracy). So basically s/he is between 5-7 lbs. And quite the kicker, roller and tumbler.
S/he is supposed to gain 1 ounce per day from here to birth. No wonder I am hungry allllll the time.
I think on this last photo the baby looks more like Nick - more of his features are showing thru. Room is very tight, so it was difficult for them to get a clear photo. The little one is very squished...I don't see how that is comfortable. But I guess s/he doesn't have much longer to go.
And I better pray for 2 days of energy to get my butt back to the East Coast before I am so front-heavy that I can't waddle around anymore! Ah...but it's fun. :)
Yup. That pretty much sums up priorities right now. Sleeping. And Eating. Because this baby is always hungry. And I am always tired.
Growing a baby is hard work - especially in the final weeks. Whew.
My brain doesn't work as well anymore. Typically from being tired. Or hungry. Haha.
The baby was 5lbs, 10oz this past Friday (give or take a pound for u/s accuracy). So basically s/he is between 5-7 lbs. And quite the kicker, roller and tumbler.
S/he is supposed to gain 1 ounce per day from here to birth. No wonder I am hungry allllll the time.
I think on this last photo the baby looks more like Nick - more of his features are showing thru. Room is very tight, so it was difficult for them to get a clear photo. The little one is very squished...I don't see how that is comfortable. But I guess s/he doesn't have much longer to go.
And I better pray for 2 days of energy to get my butt back to the East Coast before I am so front-heavy that I can't waddle around anymore! Ah...but it's fun. :)
Friday, May 30, 2008
baby guessing game
Mark Baade (Nick's father) set up a little game for fun where people can enter guesses on the baby's arrival...
If you'd like to throw in a guess for fun, you can always change it later if you get more instinctual insight... :)
http://expectnet.com/
on the top left of the screen you're asked to enter the name of the game you want to play.
For Danelle & Nick it is: baadebabyone
For Keely & Josh it is: baadebabytwo
If you'd like to throw in a guess for fun, you can always change it later if you get more instinctual insight... :)
http://expectnet.com/
on the top left of the screen you're asked to enter the name of the game you want to play.
For Danelle & Nick it is: baadebabyone
For Keely & Josh it is: baadebabytwo
Thursday, May 29, 2008
My Favorite Part
(reflections from danelle)
--
An unexpected aspect of this pregnancy has become my most treasured part of carrying this baby. I have found that it is in watching and feeling the baby move and in sharing this with other interested loved ones, that I myself feel the most loved and cared for.
It is as though in the laying on of hands by other family members and friends that my baby and I are being blessed. As though others eagerly becoming involved in her life at this point are letting her know that she is cared for, and will be readily accepted and embraced with open arms and big hearts by family and friends. I LOVE sharing her movements with someone close to me and watching their eyes light up with excitement when they feel her big belly moves.
Some of my most favorite moments have been:
The first time I felt her movement – Feb 18 – while Nick and I were out taking a walk. And then again each of the following early mornings upon waking.
When Nick first felt her kick – Feb 29 - in the evening as we were watching something on tv and she started her nightly gymnastics routine (most rigorous between 9-11pm and again from 2-4am).
The next person to feel her kick was Mom on April 30, after standing and waiting patiently for some time.
And then Joyhannah sitting on the couch by me on May 6th, after again waiting for Baby to wake up from an afternoon nap.
Several others have also joined in on this amazing experience… When Kristina felt her kick (HARD!) on May 10th, she screamed and jumped across the truck. Haha… it was funny. She thought the baby was going to burst right out – and that is how it feels sometimes!!
Nicki and Chris caught a small bit of her brief bouts of noontime movement on May 10th as well when we ran into each other at a garage sale. I believe Nicki had felt babies moving inside before, but Chris never had. For some reason it is especially cool to be a part of people’s first-time experiences with this miracle.
When Liz Frisbie (my cousin) timidly laid her hand to rest on my belly as we were out eating supper at a restaurant, she too was kicked with a huge force and squealed with delight as she jumped out of her chair, laughing. As the first time she had ever felt a baby move inside, she couldn’t believe THAT is what it feels like…
Dianna Frisbie (cousin) and my Uncle Alan watched my belly morphing into odd shapes from across the table – the big baby turning over and entertaining all who might be watching. It is so indescribably cool to watch these powerful waves ripple my belly in unpredictable ways that I myself have no control over. After supper, while waiting for Gma, Alan, Dianna, Liz and I sat outside Ponderosa in small-town Beaver Dam, WI and everyone’s hands were reaching in for an experience of the movement. Alan reminisced that this is how his own children felt many years ago when they were yet unborn. It was a very special time.
My Aunt Joyce knelt down by the couch where we were talking, and rested her hand upon my belly. She too had seen the big belly movements from across the room and thought for a moment it may have just been me breathing. Nope! That’s the baby lifting my swollen tummy up and down and all around. Joyce was able to share in some pretty nice rolls and punches as well.
My grandmother - almost 95 years old - is overjoyed to be fast on her way to GREAT grandmotherhood! She talks with everyone she sees about this new aspect of her life. I cannot wait for her to hold this new little one. She too rested with her hands on my belly on more than one occasion. Unfortunately, the years have taken their toll on the sensitivity in her fingers/hands and although she SAW the moves, she could not feel them with her delicate, fragile hands. She is such a beautiful GREAT grandmother.
Joyhannah and I sat by the bonfire we had built one evening last week at Dad’s house…and I started to laugh a bit to myself as my bursting belly rolled and danced in the firelight. Joy nodded to me with wide eyes that she had seen the deep belly ocean waves as well.
Such amazing experiences. It is very, very, very cool indeed. And even as I join the ranks of so many women before me, from so many walks of life, who have experienced this life-altering, empowering phenomenon known as pregnancy, birth and motherhood... I cannot help but feel specially blessed for being given every moment, every sensation, every hearty kick in the side and torrential belly roll waking me at 2am.
I want to soak up every moment, every jab. I don't want to miss any part of the experience.
It is truly awesome.
--
--
An unexpected aspect of this pregnancy has become my most treasured part of carrying this baby. I have found that it is in watching and feeling the baby move and in sharing this with other interested loved ones, that I myself feel the most loved and cared for.
It is as though in the laying on of hands by other family members and friends that my baby and I are being blessed. As though others eagerly becoming involved in her life at this point are letting her know that she is cared for, and will be readily accepted and embraced with open arms and big hearts by family and friends. I LOVE sharing her movements with someone close to me and watching their eyes light up with excitement when they feel her big belly moves.
Some of my most favorite moments have been:
The first time I felt her movement – Feb 18 – while Nick and I were out taking a walk. And then again each of the following early mornings upon waking.
When Nick first felt her kick – Feb 29 - in the evening as we were watching something on tv and she started her nightly gymnastics routine (most rigorous between 9-11pm and again from 2-4am).
The next person to feel her kick was Mom on April 30, after standing and waiting patiently for some time.
And then Joyhannah sitting on the couch by me on May 6th, after again waiting for Baby to wake up from an afternoon nap.
Several others have also joined in on this amazing experience… When Kristina felt her kick (HARD!) on May 10th, she screamed and jumped across the truck. Haha… it was funny. She thought the baby was going to burst right out – and that is how it feels sometimes!!
Nicki and Chris caught a small bit of her brief bouts of noontime movement on May 10th as well when we ran into each other at a garage sale. I believe Nicki had felt babies moving inside before, but Chris never had. For some reason it is especially cool to be a part of people’s first-time experiences with this miracle.
When Liz Frisbie (my cousin) timidly laid her hand to rest on my belly as we were out eating supper at a restaurant, she too was kicked with a huge force and squealed with delight as she jumped out of her chair, laughing. As the first time she had ever felt a baby move inside, she couldn’t believe THAT is what it feels like…
Dianna Frisbie (cousin) and my Uncle Alan watched my belly morphing into odd shapes from across the table – the big baby turning over and entertaining all who might be watching. It is so indescribably cool to watch these powerful waves ripple my belly in unpredictable ways that I myself have no control over. After supper, while waiting for Gma, Alan, Dianna, Liz and I sat outside Ponderosa in small-town Beaver Dam, WI and everyone’s hands were reaching in for an experience of the movement. Alan reminisced that this is how his own children felt many years ago when they were yet unborn. It was a very special time.
My Aunt Joyce knelt down by the couch where we were talking, and rested her hand upon my belly. She too had seen the big belly movements from across the room and thought for a moment it may have just been me breathing. Nope! That’s the baby lifting my swollen tummy up and down and all around. Joyce was able to share in some pretty nice rolls and punches as well.
My grandmother - almost 95 years old - is overjoyed to be fast on her way to GREAT grandmotherhood! She talks with everyone she sees about this new aspect of her life. I cannot wait for her to hold this new little one. She too rested with her hands on my belly on more than one occasion. Unfortunately, the years have taken their toll on the sensitivity in her fingers/hands and although she SAW the moves, she could not feel them with her delicate, fragile hands. She is such a beautiful GREAT grandmother.
Joyhannah and I sat by the bonfire we had built one evening last week at Dad’s house…and I started to laugh a bit to myself as my bursting belly rolled and danced in the firelight. Joy nodded to me with wide eyes that she had seen the deep belly ocean waves as well.
Such amazing experiences. It is very, very, very cool indeed. And even as I join the ranks of so many women before me, from so many walks of life, who have experienced this life-altering, empowering phenomenon known as pregnancy, birth and motherhood... I cannot help but feel specially blessed for being given every moment, every sensation, every hearty kick in the side and torrential belly roll waking me at 2am.
I want to soak up every moment, every jab. I don't want to miss any part of the experience.
It is truly awesome.
--
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Baby Formula Ingredient Linked with Diarrhea, Dehydration, Seizures
We have long known that NATURAL omega-3 fatty acids are essential for optimal brain and tissue development, circulatory function, and heart health, as well as a host of other things. They are prominent in human breast milk giving babies an excellent start at life. However, in their additive form - or synthetically derived - they do not act within the body in the same manner.
A common ingredient in infant formula was found to be linked to diarrhea, severe dehydration and seizures in babies, according to complaints submitted to the FDA.
A shocking report has been released on the adverse health effects of fatty acid supplements found in infant formulas. The Cornucopia Institute, a US-based corporate watchdog group, presented their findings on the fatty acids DHA and ARA, which are now commonly added to formula.
The report is based on a Freedom of Information Act request that the Cornucopia Institute filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the result of which was the uncovering of 98 reports filed by parents and physicians detailing incidences when babies had reacted adversely to formula containing DHA/ARA. The reported incidences range from cases of vomiting and diarrhea that stopped when babies switched to non-DHA/ARA formula to babies being treated in intensive care units for severe dehydration and seizures.
The FDA has never been convinced of the safety of DHA/ARA additives, according to the report. In its initial analysis of the additives, the FDA stated it had reached no determination on their safety status. The administration also noted that some studies had reported unexpected deaths among infants who had been fed with DHA/ARA formula. Despite its reservations, inexplicably the FDA did not withhold approval for the additives.
INFACT Canada has long questioned the use of DHA and ARA (also marketed as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) in infant formula. All major formula companies have added the fatty acids to their products in recent years, claiming that they aid in brain and eye development. However, most test results have found the additives have negligible effects on infant development. But because DHA and ARA are found in their natural form within breastmilk, formula companies market DHA/ARA additive formula as "closer to breastmilk."
Martek Biosciences Corporation, the company that supplies almost all formula companies with DHA/ARA, has admitted that the purpose of the additives is not to encourage healthy development, but to be used as a marketing tool. In its promotional material to encourage investment, Martek stated:
"Infant formula is currently a commodity market, with all products being almost identical and marketers competing intensely to differentiate their product. Even if [DHA/ARA] has no benefit, we think it would be widely incorporated into formulas, as a marketing tool and to allow companies to promote their formula as 'closer to human milk.'"
While DHA and ARA are found naturally in breast milk, the idea that Martek's manufactured acids make formula closer to breast milk is ridiculous. Martek produces DHA and ARA from fermented algae and fungus, and uses hexane (a neurotoxin) in the manufacturing process. Simply adding these synthetic substances to formula cannot make artificial baby milk behave like breast milk, which is a complex, living substance that provides babies with the best possible nutrition and immunological protection and development.
Regular infant formula puts babies' health at risk, but now infants are being harmed for the sake of a marketing tool. This is an egregious case of formula companies putting profit margins above infant health. In light of this report, it is imperative that all parents be made aware of the potential risks of feeding their babies formula with DHA/ARA. The products should be pulled from the market until their safety can be properly assessed by independent investigations.
Babies should not have to get sick just because companies want to raise their sales figures.
For the full report, see: http://cornucopia.org/DHA/DHA
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