Taking a Break From Fighting

Well yesterday was quite a day and I am still trying to process exactly what happened at my OB appointment.

After hearing about how great me and the baby are doing I decided to bring up a VBAC once more to give my OB the benefit of the doubt and so that Klint could ask what he wanted to. Well, I think that if I would have asked if it was ok to shoot some cocaine up my arm before birth I would have had a more positive response! No joke! Basically we were fed a lot of scare tactics to deter me from even considering trying for a VBAC and left the office with me feeling extremely pissed and upset and Klint probably scared out of his mind.

Well, after reading tons and tons of information I determined that my OB is full of crapola and that no matter what happens I need to switch to another OB, preferably one who won't lie to me deliberately to prove she knows more and to scare me into doing something that isn't safe. I have my research and facts from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynocology regarding VBACS and until the 27th I am going to take a break from fighting doctors... let's just hope that this new OB is a little more honest and open-minded when it comes to my specific case!

I think that it is a little crazy that not only do I have to fight to NOT have surgery, but that I know that in the hospital I am going to have to fight to not be given medicines, pain killers, keep my baby with me the whole time, leave without her getting the Hep B vaccine, and labor how I want to among other things. Aren't these things that should be a given? Maybe I was given this challenge so that other women who are facing the same issues will have an easier chance... definitely something to think about!

I Hate Waiting- UPDATE

Sorry for the lack of posts this week... it has been a crazy one and I am very thankful that it is coming to an end. As some of you know I had my 20 week ultrasound on Monday (YAY for being halfway done!). I thought everything was going well, but when I went to leave the tech asked me to wait because she had to ask my OB something before I left.... uh oh. I immediately started to worry.

Turns out that the tech saw a small cyst (bit of fluid) in Miss M's brain... nothing too uncommon and typically goes away on it's own. However, it is a small marker for chromosomal issues like Downs.... great. So they asked me to get some blood drawn for the Quad Screen marker which checks for things like Downs Syndrome and other problems. And goody, I wouldn't get the results until Thursday morning....sigh, I suck at waiting.

I am generally not a worrier. I take the "If I can fix it then I will, but if there is nothing I can do, then why worry?" approach to life. This is a different ball game though because it is my body and I think I have a certain degree of control over what is going on... so of course I start thinking about all the prenatals I missed, how crappy my appetite has been, sleeping on my back, basically everything that I could have done differently to maybe prevent who knows what!

Fast forward through 2 days of worrying to yesterday morning. Nurse called, Quad screen came back negative for abnormalities- yay! BUT.... the OB wants to see me asap to go over some of the things seen in the ultrasound. WHAT?????? No details, nothing. Just that. UGH! MORE WORRYING???

So now I am even MORE worried because at least cysts I could research and know that pretty much they are harmless, etc. The unknown I can't even look up! I have nothing to go by and here I am, awake WAY before anyone else because my mind is once again racing. We were supposed to go to Niagara Falls today, but I canceled the trip because there was no way I could wait until Tuesday for answers.

Now I just have to wait until noon... and I HATE waiting!

** UPDATE** Well, I am so happy to say that everything is alright with both me and Miss M. There were two other anomalies found but neither are really out of the ordinary, life altering, or serious. One of her kidneys seems to be a teeny bit larger than the other which will correct itself as she continues to grow, and the tech couldn't see the middle bone on her pinkie finger. So all that worrying was for nothing since none of these things indicate anything serious and even the missing bone thing is not certain. Whew!
Thank you for all the well wishes, prayers, and thoughts... they are all greatly appreciated!

Dear Polyvore, I ♥ You!

So remember the blog banner that I created for fellow December mommy Amy last week or so? The cool one with real furniture and such? Well I am not kicking myself because l have discovered a website that would have made that whole process sooooo much easier. Hello Polyvore!

Polyvore is a genius site for fashionistas and interior designers alike. Forget searching for hours for the perfect photo of a desk on a white background, look no further to put that perfect outfit together, and if you think your BFF needs a makeover you can send her some awesome outfit suggestions that will make her swoon with delight!

This website it totally FREE, soooo easy to use, and if you type what you are looking for like "pink desk" you get results a lot faster. Better yet, there are contests that feature some of the most creative users where the winner receives actual prizes! The current contest is a feature of Tacori Diamonds, a very fine jeweler, and the winner gets a pair of Barbados Blue earrings!!!

Whether you are really into fashion (you can search by designer too!), enjoy redecorating your home, or just like to put together "looks", this site it totally for you.

(If you want to see some of my creations, here is my current list of "projects"!)

Baby Bunting Quilt

I finally started getting together some decorating ideas together for Miss M's room this weekend including fabric embroidery hoops, a pretty embroidered muslin growth chart, and a modge-podged inital. But today I found a project that takes my love of fabric, bunting, and quilts to a whole new level!

Check this BEAUTIFUL quilt tutorial out thanks to A Pretty Cool Life!

I love that I can use all my scrap fabric for this and that it will match the decor of the room perfectly.

Even better is that it uses flannel in the middle instead of batting to cut down on the thickness.
Sigh... I can't wait to get going on this! The tutorial is SUPER easy, even a beginner could handle this without a problem. She even shows you how to make your own bias tape if you wanted to! Genius I am telling you!
I think that I may even make mine a bit bigger so that I can cuddle with Miss M under it... Well, now you know what I will be doing this weekend!

P.S.- And if you don't feel like sewing one of these quilts yourself, hop over to Cheryl's shop on Etsy and buy one! (But don't blame me if you end up also buying a pretty apron, some sweet smelling sachets, and a few bean bags!)

Can Someone Just Buy This Store for Me?

Through the years I have discovered that when left to my own devices and an unlimited spending account I tend to shop in stores that are a bit funky, kitchy, and functional. I don't have many things lying about without a purpose, but the things that I do have are not... well, normal.

For instance, instead of a normal toothbrush holder,  all of our brushes and toothpastes are held in small pretty aqua colored buckets on the wall under the mirror. Instead of keeping my jewelry in a box, I have a cool looking branch in a recycled glass jar that my earrings and necklaces hang off of. So when I discovered Mod Cloth I was stunned, delighted, and hid my wallet so I wouldn't bankrupt my family!

Here are some things that I love... please feel free to buy anything here for me for whatever reason you want to make up!

1. Your Friend, Necklace- $15.99
2. Big Fish Umbrella- $27.99
3. Pass the Peas Salt and Pepper Shaker- $21.99
4. I'm a Little Teapot- $44.99
5. Experimental Decor Bud Vase- $23.99
6. Lemon Peel Flat- $27.99
7. Cherry Valance Dress- $99.99
8. Washing & Hoping & Dreaming Dish Rack- $42.99

The List 7.8.10

I don't know about the rest of you around the country but I am so over this heat thing! I must have been an eskimo or a Maine dwelling lobsterman in a past life, because I get through June alright but when it comes to July and August I dream of cooler breezes! Hopefully here are some fun links to keep you cool, check them out... lots of fun stuff here.

Need something inside for the kids to do? How about some new felt food for them? Over here there are some cute tutorials on how to make your own felt kiwi, broccoli, and other fun food for the play kitchen... super easy to do too!

With a house full of little girls (not just my own but also all the little ones I care for during the week!) there are quite a few tutus in our dress up bin. However, this weekend I will be adding more to the bunch thanks to this AWESOMELY cute tutorial on a layered and dressed up version of the classic tutu!

Recently we went to the zoo and visited the Butterfly Greenhouse and the girls LOVED seeing all the different kinds of "Flutterbys" that there are. I think that this pretty Paper Butterfly Collage will look great in their room!

While we are talking about butterflies, check out this easy peasy DIY Potterybarn Knockoff Butterfly Mobile!

Even though we have been spending a lot of time outside, sometimes it is just too hot and we bring the outside in for play. I love love love these natural looking wood blocks! They actually look like sticks!

Since I have one little girl who is a tomboy and another one who is a pink-wearing princess lover, sometimes it is hard to get them to agree on a book that they like. I have a feeling that The Secret Lives of Princesses will fit the bill just fine! These aren't your ordinary, wait for the Prince to rescue me, type of gals!

Anyone with little ones knows that all of a sudden there is a plethora of mini furniture as well. How about some brightly painted, AFFORDABLE, heirloom quality rocking chairs? AND they are HANDMADE!!! Check them out here!

Many of our lunchtime meals when I have all of my tribe are Muffin Tin Meals. It means a lot of variety, usually no utensils, and I can do themes. How about an Under the Sea themed lunch? Mmmmm.....

Finally, need a craft to go with that yummy water themed lunch mentioned above? How about making some Mermaid Peg Dolls?! Fun fun fun... have a great day everyone!

Going to Extremes

Everyone knows that birth is a natural part of life and is a rite of passage for women. But most people do not realize how calculated, un-natural, and business-like having a baby is in modern America. Things like inducing labor for convenience, scheduled c-sections to accommodate schedules, and treating pregnancy like a grave illness instead of the natural process that it is has led our country to have the highest infant mortality rates of any industrialized county in the world. Not to mention that the number of c-sections is climbing higher and higher as doctors take away the ability to offer a woman a totally 100% natural childbirth.

Up until a few weeks ago I was going to have my 3rd c-section, scheduled on December 1st. Up until a few weeks ago, I went along with what my OB said, didn't question her decision on how I was going to have this new little girl, and although I had hoped to try for a VBA2C (vaginal birth after 2 c-sections) I blindly accepted her refusal to discuss it. Then I saw The Business of Being Born.



Words can't describe how much this movie has changed my outlook on my two previous c-sections and my expectations for this upcoming birth. All I know is that all pregnant women should see this movie, it is that good and makes that much of an impact. Many times during the movie I paused it to talk with Klint about what was going on, to just really think about how the movie was making me feel, and about what I could do about it for my future.

The conclusion that I came up with is that if I hadn't been induced for non-medical reasons with Gabby, way too early and before my body was ready, I wouldn't have had that first c-section that has led me down this road. And even though I have an OB who wouldn't let the "V" in VBA2C leave my mouth before cutting me off and giving me a stern "No",  no one can force me into another c-section if I can possible deliver normally.

So what is the plan now? Well I have an appointment with a midwife in an adjoining city who believes that birth is powerful, hard, and something that women CAN do without all the medical intervention that goes on in  maternity wards today. I don't know for sure if I am a candidate for a VBA2C, but if she listens to me and gives me concrete reasons as to why it is or isn't a good idea, that will be good enough for me.
My goal is to have a 100% natural waterbirth, in a calm environment, with as little medical intervention as possible.

I know that other women have done it, with more c-sections under their belt than me. Here is the difference between what happened with my previous births and what is going to happen. (Minus Klint in the tub or the home part... I can just imagine the cats meowing at me while trying to give birth!) My appointment in on Monday, I will keep you all posted! Keep your fingers crossed!


Cesarean vs. VBAC: A Dramatic Difference from Alexandra Orchard on Vimeo.

At Least It Was for the Greater Good...

Hello! I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! What a crazy and eventful one here, as always!

On Saturday we went to a Luau Birthday Party at a friend's house. I have never taken the girls to a pool party because Gabby isn't a good swimmer yet and AJ is so little, but since it was a family invited event and I knew that there would be lots of kids and adults, plus the birthday girl is a good friend of Gabby's, we went. It was a blast, the food was great, the company was even better, and it was a lot of fun to see the girls swimming and having a good time. Gabby had so much fun that even though her lips were blue and her teeth were chattering a mile a minute it was really really hard to get her out of the pool!

Once I got Gabby out and drying off I was standing by the fence with some other parents watching the other kids playing around. This was an in-ground pool with a low fence around it, very safe and secure. However, as all of us parents know, things happen. 

As I was standing there, happily chatting away, I heard the mom next to me say to herself, "No, don't hang onto her honey, grab the side". I looked closer and noticed two of Gabby's friends, sisters- one of which is a pretty adventurous and decent swimmer and the other a beginner, struggling in the deep end. The one who could swim had a panicked look on her face and was pushing her sister down, trying to right herself. In that slow motion, adrenaline-filled way, I saw them both go under, and then come back up. The older sister yelled, "I can't swim!" and in that instant I was in the pool. I didn't even think, just reacted because I knew that there was a serious problem in the back of my head.

Well I got them out with the help of their mom, everyone was safe and sound. They were scared and shaken up, but no real harm done. Once I was out, checked on the girls, I realized something... my Motorola Droid was in my pocket! OMG!!! I gasped, pulled it out, and right away took out the battery and started drying it out.  (Anyone who has a smartphone knows that these are not just phones, they are GPS, small laptops, music players, and video players all in one beautiful little device!)

Needless to say I now have a $600 paperweight, but at least it is destroyed for a good reason and not the other bone-headed reasons that I have lost phones to in the past. (Like leaving it on the hood of the car until it gets flung onto a 4 lane highway!)

LESSON LEARNED: When at a pool party leave the pricey phone IN THE HOUSE!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Be happy and safe!!

Go here if you are having a party and need some cute printables for tonight!

See you all tomorrow!

Making a Makeover Easy as Pie!

Yesterday and last night I was busy as a little bee making over a wonderfully cute blog for a fellow December 2010 mommy. Little did I know last week when I announced that Amy won the blog makeover that she had actually found my blog from BabyCenter.com and that she was a mommy to 3 lovely little girls with a new baby on the way as well. Needless to say I have had a blast making over her blog and actually gave her a total makeover from top to bottom!

Here is what I did for her:
1. Picked out a new background (check out http://www.shabbyblogs.com/)
2. Designed the following elements: header, labels, blog button, footer graphic, signature, post divider, picture frames, and comment graphic.
3. Installed and rearranged all the elements
4. Adjusted font, font colors, blog width, and other basic elements to flow with all the other designs
5. Created and installed Favicon


I think that my favorite part of the whole process what picking out the background because that gave me my color palette,  theme, and general feel for the rest of the designs. After that creating the header was a really good learning experience.  I took my inspiration from the header that Nienie has on her blog, but of course gave it the Connie-twist! 


So where did I begin with doing this makeover? If you follow these steps them it should be pretty easy for you too, and there is so much room for customization that no two blogs will look alike! *** The following How To is ONLY for Blogger users.... Wordpress and other blog platforms have their own way of design. 

1. Choose a background that sets the tone for the rest of the blog... the new Design feature on Blogger is really good for this or you can go where I did, here.  TIP: If you are going to have lots of graphics, then choose the 3 Column layout from Shabby Blogs!

2. Create your header. You can do this lots of different ways and don't even have to have Photoshop! Scrapblog, Picnik, etc will all get the job done.  Tomorrow I will show you how I created the header like Amy's!

3. Make a list of all the elements you want on your blog, this includes the following:

                        ♥ Post Divider

                        ♥ Footer Graphic

                        ♥ Widget Labels

                        ♥ Signature

                        ♥ Decorative Graphics like the photos of my girls

                        ♥ Blog Button

                        ♥ Favicon (the little icon next to your site's URL)

4. Once you know what you need then either use ready made graphics or make your own. Many times I find something with the general feel of what I am looking for then alter it to fit my design. Using a photo program it is pretty easy to just blend out the words in the original graphic and replace it with your own.

5. Save the Favicon for last and make it an element that really connects someone to your blog. 

6. As you install all of these elements check back to see how the blog is flowing. 

7. Finally, go into the Design feature that Blogger has and adjust the font, font color, widths, etc for the basic aspects of your blog.

There ya go! Tomorrow I will show you how I created the header above using Photoshop CS4!!