Saturday Stumbles {Links}

Why I Don't Trust Birth
I was shocked when I read that this was written by a midwife, but at the same time relieved.  She writes, "I trust the One who designed our bodies and this process."  She goes on to write that the world is not perfect and there are times where interventions have to be done.

Laundry Basket Dresser
If somebody wants to build this for me {or teach me}, I'd be very grateful.  It's at this point, I wish Drew had some carpentry skills.

Open Letter from Dr. Joel Beeke
On family worship.

Baked Eggplant Parmesan {GF}
I might make this for a church dinner sometime.  The reason it would be gluten free {GF} is because there are a handful of individuals that are gluten intolerant at church.

What I Would Feed My Family on a Monthly Budget of $250
This help proves that eating real food does not necessarily have to be expensive. Pin It

Cloth Diaper Storage

Before Charis was born, one of my cloth diapering dilemmas was, "Where should I store the diapers?"  Thankfully, I didn't have to look too far because I was shopping at BabiesRUs and came across a Koala Baby Paper Twist Bin.  I decided to buy it and had a 25% coupon!!  When I went home, I put all the infant prefolds in the bin, but needed more for covers.  A month later, the bins wer Buy 1-Get 1 50% off, so I bought two more. I put covers in the other bin and disposable wipes/disposable diapers/Desitin in the third. I have since switched the disposables out and put pocket diapers in.  Our cloth diapers go on one of our Amish bookshelves and fit wonderfully.  Overall, I am pleased with how our system works and plan on continuing this way.

Pockets/AIOs
and extra inserts go in this bin

Prefolds/Flats

Fitteds/Covers/Swim Diaper

How do you store your cloth diapers?

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My Little Baker {this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

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Mummy's Yeast Rolls {Recipe}

On Tuesday, I was missing my mum and decided to make her yummy yeast rolls.  They are SO delicious, especially when they just come out of the oven and the butter melts as you are trying to spread it on.

Recipe for Mummy's Yeast Rolls
1 package dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 eggs, well beaten
4 cups {unbleached} all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup melted margarine {I used butter. I hate margarine.}

Mix together yeast, sugar, and milk.  Let stand for 1/2 hour.  Add eggs, flour, salt, and margarine.  Mix to make dough.  Cover lightly and let stand overnight on counter at room temperature.

Next morning, divide dough in half, roll each half into a circle 1/4 inch thick.  Cut into pie shaped pieces-16 per circle.  Roll into crescents.  Place on oil-sprayed cookie sheet {did not do this and no harm came to them} and cover with towel.  Let stand 45 minutes. Place in preheated oven at 375 degrees and bake for 12 minutes.

Enjoy!!  We do not have any left over since I took them to prayer meeting last night.  I love baking bread, but then am tempted to eat it instead of vegetables and fruit. These also freeze nicely. Pin It

Support With Integrity {Breastfeeding Blog Hop}

When a woman becomes pregnant, there are so many questions she is asked.  Some are asked out of curiosity and others out of militancy.  Such as: Are you going to have a natural childbirth or are you going to have interventions?  Are you having a home birth, birth center birth, or hospital birth?  Co-sleep or have the baby sleep in their own room from the beginning?  Etc. 

The questions go to breastfeeding as well.  Too many times we have such a high view of ourselves {including me} that we think the way we did it is THE right way.  A mom might say, "I'm back at work, pumping every three hours, and I'm still not producing enough.  I have to supplement with formula."  We might gasp and say, "Breastfeeding is SO MUCH better than formula.  How dare you give your baby formula."  Note: My husband and in-laws gave my daughter formula a few times.  I didn't want it to be done and hated it.  The first time Drew gave Charis formula I cried for an hour.  But, sometimes I didn't have enough milk pumped in the freezer or some spilled or I was cancelled and the milk I took out of the freezer the night before was wasted, and I was not able to replace it as quickly as I would have been able to had I worked, or I had to be at the hospital until 9:00 PM because my patient was crashing that day and had to do catch up charting.  Many might think this was horrible.  I don't care.  Charis is still nursing to this date, and it did not hurt breastfeeding.  We need back off and start supporting other moms with breastfeeding.  

Join me in the Support With Integrity pledge.  

• I PLEDGE to use my energy to help defuse dogmatic battles about what technique, position, frequency, equipment, duration or organization a woman chooses for breastfeeding. I affirm that my time is best spent directing my positive, encouraging support toward helping mamas successfully breastfeed.

• I PLEDGE to keep my ego in check, while treating other breastfeeding boosters, lactation facilitators, breastfeeding organizations, and mothers respectfully, knowing that we're all working toward the common goal of providing breast milk for babies. I also welcome respectful disagreement with my own opinions and accept that disruptive disagreement is counter to the goal of helping mamas feed their babies.

• I PLEDGE to agree that there are many right ways to breastfeed a baby. A breastfeeding mother should not feel pressure or judgment to perform a specific way. There isn't a "wrong way" as long as the breast milk is flowin' and the baby is growin'.

By displaying the Support with Integrity badge and signing the pledge, I agree to hold hands and help mamas get what they need to make breastfeeding work for them, no matter how they choose to do it. If a mama and baby are making it work, I'll stand and cheer them on from the sidelines.

Caveat: This is not a place to judge those who choose not to or cannot breastfeed. This is a pledge to be supportive of all those who choose to support breastfeeding.

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Longies and CS Lewis

I am still knitting the longies for my nephew, but they should be finished before the week is over.  I think I'll lanolize them before mailing them to Pennsylvania.  A few thoughts have gone through my mind as I've been knitting.  I don't remember Charis being small enough to fit in longies this size.  Are newborns really that small?  I'm praying that I'll finish them before he grows out of them.

I've been listening {not reading} to The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.  C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors, and it's nice to listen to books because I'm able to get more knitting finished. Pin It

Weariness and Scripture {Gratituesday}

Recently I have been feeling weary with a number of things {work related and minor sickness issues}, but I'm thankful for Scripture, especially Psalm 63 and Matthew 11:25-30.  I'm thankful we can now come directly into God's presence with our prayers; we no longer have to go through a priest because Jesus was the perfect Priest and His sacrifice was once for all.

I'm also remembering a church my family and I attended in Pennsylvania {Berean PCA} and what was written on the front of the bulletin:

To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire victory; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and want fellowship; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to all who will come, this church opens wide her doors and offers welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!

I loved seeing this quote week after week, it reminded me that we find our rest in Jesus Christ and Him alone. Pin It

Fall In Love With Fluff Event Coming Soon!!

Do you want to win $500 of Cloth Diapers and Accessories?!

The Fall In Love With Fluff Giveaway Event hosted by Daily Mothering and Eco-Crazy Mom is right around the corner! Over 100 blogs are coming together to present this awesome Valentine's Day giveaway from February 1-7, 2012. We will be giving away a Cloth Diaper Prize Pack valued at $500 to one lucky winner!!

This giveaway event is generously sponsored by
Kissed By The Moon and Sandbox Lane,
two super awesome cloth diaper retailers!

Come back February 1-7 to enter this amazing giveaway!

This giveaway will be open to both US and Canada.
Some items will be substituted if a Canada winner is drawn
due to shipping restrictions on certain brands.

For now, here is a sneak peek at what you could WIN!
(Winner will get to choose colors/prints for most items!)

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Sleep: What's That? {Reverse Cycling}

One of my pet peeves after Charis was born was being asked the question, "Is she a good baby?"  What do people mean by that, they often want to know, "Is the baby sleeping through the night?"  They think if the baby sleeps through the night the baby is good, but if the baby doesn't sleep through the night, then the baby is bad.  I believe this kind of thinking is wrong.

Babies need to eat often, especially when they are infants.  Unfortunately this might mean that reverse cycling happens.  What is reverse cycling?  Reverse cycling occurs when a baby nurses more at night than during the day.

Thankfully, I did not notice this too often with Charis.  The times I can recall it are when we've had a busy day doing errands, going to the store, bank, post office, etc., and I'm so busy I did not notice my daughter's cues like I would have if we had just stayed home.  Mummy fail!  The other times I've noticed it are when I would work at the hospital, I would have breast milk that I pumped ready to go in bottles, but she would not eat/drink as readily as she would have if I was there.  So, at night, she would make up for what she missed during the day.  Honestly, I was glad she would do that, because I was not able to pump as often as I would have liked.  For example, if there's a Code Blue on the unit, I can't say, "I'm going to pump now."  No, I need to be there with my coworkers trying to help the patient live, and since I work in CCU, it's harder to get a pumping break especially since the pumping room is on the Labor and Delivery unit {four floors down}.

What helped me get through sleepless nights?  A good husband.  He's so understanding and supportive.  Yes, the house may be a wreck, but he knew I was tired and caring for a baby and myself.  Co-sleeping.  There were many times Charis would want nurse at night, I'd lift up my shirt, and fall asleep.  When I woke up, my breast was exposed, but my baby was sleeping.  I highly recommend co-sleeping!

Had you experienced "reverse cycling"?

What are your suggestions for getting through it?

Join us for the breastfeeding blog hop at The Slacker Mom.

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Hootie Longies {Yarn Along}

My nephew {James} is expected to be due any day!!  My sister in law's due date is February 3rd, so I'm hoping to finish Hootie Pants for him.  I decided to knit pants that would fit a 0-6 month old.  I'm knitting them with 100% wool because his parents decided to cloth diaper.

I checked out Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitters Almanac from the library.  Thanks to Ravelry, if I see a photograph I like, but the pattern comes from a book, I can check out the book at the library through inter-library loan.  I never realized until now how wordy she was in her patterns, but I actually like that she did this because it's actually relaxing just to read while sipping a cup of tea.

So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? 

Join us for Ginny's Yarn Along.

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Saturday Stumbles {Links}

Newborn Wool Soaker Pattern
I'm thinking about knitting this for a friend who is pregnant and due in March.  She specifically requested that I knit her up a few soakers, but it only fits up to 8 or 9 lbs, so is it worth making.  Note to myself: Not everyone births a 9 lb. 12 oz. baby.

12 Read Alouds Not to Miss in 2012 {Part 1}
Confession, I have only read half of these books; hopefully that will change.

An OB Pushing Her Baby Out at Home? Say It Ain't So
I LOVE birth stories, especially reading about home births and birth center births.  Even better, this post is about an OB choose to deliver at home.

Double Underoos and Perceived Obedience
What do the Pharisees and underwear have in common?  Read to find out.

Potty Training
Tips from Happy Baby Company.  Charis is not at this point yet, but I was glad to read what they recommended for potty training. Pin It

Tips and Tricks to Breastfeeding a Toddler {Breastfeeding Blog Hop}

My first tip is to enjoy it.  My daughter is VERY active and the one of the only times I can hold her for 5-10 minutes is when I'm breastfeeding her.  I still enjoy {most of the time} looking at her eyes, hands, feet, etc. when I'm nursing.  I'm trying to savor it.  I often think of the last stanza of Ruth Hulbert Hamilton's poem, that teaches you to sit down and enjoy the present with your children.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrowBut children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!I'm rocking {nursing} my baby and babies don't keep.

Secondly, when biting happens {like it did this morning-OUCH}, do not pull away!  Our instinct is to pull away.  Instead, try bringing your toddler closer to your breast.  It might seem like you're smothering her, but don't worry you aren't.  If that doesn't work, unlatch your baby/toddler and try again.


Long ago, I threw aside my nursing cover.  I used it frequently the first few months after Charis was born, but no longer use it.  There came a point that I realized I was making more of a scene nursing her with a cover because she would flail around.  Now, most people walk by without realizing I'm breastfeeding my daughter.  


Ultimately these are just tips that work for Charis and me; they may not work for you.  Do what works for you and your child.

Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes 

to breastfeeding your toddler?

Join us for the Breastfeeding Blog Hop.

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Ejok Akuj and Christmas Updates a Few Weeks Late {Gratituesday}

Ejok Akuj.  Karimojong phrase.  Definition: God is Good.  God provides for all our needs and has given use many wants.  December was an example of where he gave us many of our wants.  I did not need anything that I received, instead I was given many things I wanted.

Drew and I traveled to Pennsylvania on Friday, December 30, 2011 after he got off work.  On Saturday, Charis slept in until about 9:15 AM, allowing me to sleep in!!  We went to Drew's aunt's house to celebrate with the extended family.  Then went to Drew's parents house and exchanged gifts with his sister and her husband and his parents.

The Kenmore.  I do not have a
picture of my new sewing machine.

I received a sewing machine from Drew's mom!!  I had been wanting to get one for so long.  Unfortunately, I had bought one the week before.  I've been going on Craigslist looking at sewing machines and saw an old Kenmore sewing machine.  The same one my mum has and am familiar with it and the owner was asking for $25.  Imagine my surprise when I opened up a sewing machine.

Our parents gave Drew and I a blue ray player.  We only had VHS, and Drew's parents gave us a blue ray player.  I think our parents need to communicate in the future.  Note: They do communicate, but didn't communicate what gifts they were getting.

Joins my Northern
Ireland and New York
mugs!!  :-D

Drew gave me a Washington D.C. Starbucks mug and Keith and Kristyn Getty's Joy: An Irish Christmas Album.  I casually mentioned I wanted this CD ages ago when I was listening to an Alistair Begg sermon.  I am blessed to have a husband who listens to me and loves me, so that a few months go by, and recalls what I wanted.  

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers.

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Five Question Friday

1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?

Today, the weather in Maryland was in the low 60's!!  Wow.  Charis and I went on a walk in the park.  It was a beautiful, gorgeous day outside.

2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?

When I'm sick, I cry like a baby and want to sleep, and as I learned at Thanksgiving I prefer to sleep in my own bed.  I HATE being sick.  If I've been vomiting, I also seek comfort in brushing my teeth.  I try to remind myself that I should also be thankful for my health.

3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?

Finish knitting longies for my SIL, her estimated due date is February 3rd!!

Continue taking pictures for my Project 366.

4. Have you ever served on a jury?

No.  When I was in nursing school, I received a summons to appear at a courthouse in Pennsylvania, but I had moved out of the county.  

5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

Okay, I have VERY little imagination, and this is a pointless question because I'm not an animal and don't believe in reincarnation; so, I'm not going to answer this question.

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My Little Sir Edmund Hillary {this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

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What are your Breastfeeding goals? {Breastfeeding Blog Hop}

When I was pregnant, I planned on nursing my daughter.  I had two goals: 1)Breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months and 2)Continue breastfeeding until Charis was at least one year old.  I met both of those goals and confess I don't have any specific goals for this year.

It would be nice if Charis will be weaned before the end of this year, but unless something changes, I will not be forcing that issue.  Every time I nurse Charis, she clearly wants it.  On Sunday at church, she was getting fussier and fussier, then down went her hand into my shirt.  My only goal is to nurse her for as long as we both desire.  Our pediatrician is encouraging me to breastfeed until she's at least two years old.  I'm thankful my daughter's doctor is very much pro breastfeeding!!

Do you have any breastfeeding goals for this year?

Join us for the Breastfeeding Blog Hop.

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Cuddling with Charis {Embrace the Camera}

Often when Charis wakes up from napping, she's very cuddly, and today was one of those days.  I love it when she's like this because most of the time my baby is go, go, going, gone.

Linking up at Embrace the Camera.

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Breastfeeding in Public

Every Sunday night, Danielle H. and Danielle B. host a debate topic where other bloggers can write a blog post and link it to their blogs.  This weeks topic is Breastfeeding in Public: Yay or Nay? What do YOU say?  I say MOST definitely YES.

Unfortunately, breasts are over sexualized in America.  That's the only thing people see breasts for-sex.  Many people forget that breasts have another function-nursing a toddler.   I have breastfed my daughter in public NUMEROUS times-both with covers and without covers.  The last two times I breastfed her in public-Christmas Eve at the mall in D.C. and tonight in Target-have been without a nursing cover.

When my daughter was first born, I often nursed her in the bathroom and would ONLY nurse her with a cover.  I was so conscious that I might accidentally flash someone, but now, I often nurse her without a cover.  I have found that people would notice that I was breasfeeding my daughter EVERY.SINGLE.TIME when I had a cover on, but when I don't use a cover, I almost never get a double glance.  I think this is because most just see me holding a baby.  I often try to find someplace quiet-not the bathroom-sit down and nurse Charis.  I don't flash people.  Nipples are not visible, and often my breast is not visible.  Thankfully, Drew agrees that if somebody has a problem with me nursing me daughter in public, with or without a cover, that's the other person's problem, not mine.

I think this debate would have been better if it was, "Is it OK to breastfeed without a cover in public?"  Most mommy blogs that I have read seem to agree that it's fine to breastfeed in public, but the disagreement comes when mothers choose to breastfeed without a cover. Pin It