Sweater {Yarn Along}

I'm still knitting the sweater for my cousin's baby.  It's a top down sweater and now is rather boring.  Most of it is just a stockinette stitch and it's knit in a round.  Hopefully, I'll be finished with it next week.  I am already looking at possible sweaters to knit for myself.

I am not reading anything new myself-other than my Case Management book for my class.  Charis still loves Dr. Seuss books and thought that Mr. Black was Santa Claus in Hop on Pop.  I don't know why she thought it was Santa Claus; the only thing I tell her about Santa is that, "Santa is not real."  Plus, don't you see the resemblance between Santa and Mr. Black.  {Yes, I'm being sarcastic.}

What are you reading and knitting?

Join me over at Ginny's Yarn Along.

Mother's Organic {Giveaway}

Welcome to the Spring Into Green Mothers Organic Giveaway!

I've teamed up with Eco-Crazy Mom and an amazing group of bloggers to celebrate the grand opening of the Mothers Organic store, and bring you the chance to win a fantastic prize pack valued at $375.00!

Come check out the Mothers Organic Grand Opening March 25, 2013!

The Mothers Organic motto is simple: happy shopping for the everyday eco-mama. Why? Because we've all been there before. Confused by labels and not knowing which products were safe for our kids. Overwhelmed with information. That's why eco mama Kelly McKnight and her husband created Mothers Organic. They wanted to make it easy for moms to find a variety of safe, tried and true eco-friendly products in one convenient place. Every product at Mothers Organic has been hand picked and carefully reviewed by Kelly and her team of eco mamas with the belief that if it's not good enough for their family, it's certainly not good enough for yours. Finally, a place where moms can shop with confidence - we invite you to give it a try!

Shop their amazing selection of stainless steel baby bottles and sippy cups. Check out their line of Melissa & Doug puzzles and toys for babies and toddlers. Stock up on your nursery layette - complete with swaddle blankets and bunting. At Mothers Organic you'll find a great selection of natural bath and skin care, organic apparel, health care essentials and much more.

Shop now and save with free shipping on all orders over $75!

Celebrate with us and enter to win!

One lucky eco mama will win this awesome Mothers Organic prize pack worth $375.00:

Boba Carrier ($120.00 RV) Green Toys bundle ($70.00 RV) Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2 ($15.00 RV) In2green Eco friendly baby & kids blanket ($70.00 RV) Seventh Generation bundle ($100.00 RV) a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thrush {#BFBlogHop}

When I had mastitis and was placed on antibiotics, my OB-GYN told me to watch for signs and symptoms of thrush. Thankfully, I did not get thrush, but there were a few precautions I took to prevent it.

What is Thrush?
Thrush is also known as yeast or Candida. Candida is a fungus that grows naturally in the mucous membranes, but can grow excessively causing a yeast infection.

Because I was placed on antibiotics, I was at greater risk to develop thrush. Steps I took to prevent Thrush:

1. Eating plain, full fat yogurt.
2. Taking acidophilus supplements.
3. Limiting {or trying to limit} my sugar intake.
4. Using towels only once and having Drew wash them.

Signs of thrush

• Painful nipples.  They may be sore, itching, or burning; they also may be pink.
• Shooting pains in the breast during or after feeding.
• The pain appears after a time of pain free breastfeeding and the usual remedies to treating sore nipples are not working.
• Your baby may have a white tongue with cottage cheese like patches.

What to do if you have thrush

If you think you have thrush, speak to your doctor. You and your baby will be treated. You will have an anti fungal cream, and your baby will have an anti fungal suspension. Wash your hands every time after breastfeeding.  Allow your breasts to dry.

My First Sweater {Yarn Along}

I'm knitting my first sweater, and I've already changed a few things. I'm hoping and praying that it will turn out. I cast off the skirtie on Sunday, but have not yet weaved in the ends. Ugh!! Weaving in the ends is my least favorite thing about knitting, but it's so quick to accomplish.  Here are a few pictures from today, and yes, I included the sweater in with them.

Messy room with messy toys.  Please tell me, I'm not the
only mother whose house/apartment looks like this.

Clifford.  I dislike Clifford books and call them the "books
that have the giant red dog on steroids."  Yes, I am a kill joy.

I am still reading a chapter each day from the Psalms of Ascents.  Charis has been wanting me to read "I'll love you forever" at least 5-10 times per day.  She needs another book to like.

What have you been reading or knitting?

Do you have any toddler book recommendations?

Join me over at Ginny's Yarn Along.

PottyCover {Review and Giveaway}

Lately Charis has been in love with sitting on the potty. Does she go? No, but she wants to be a big girl and sit. Every store we go to, she tells me, "I need to go potty." But, I am often very hesitant in letting her go because many public restrooms are not very clean.

I was thrilled to receive a package of PottyCover disposable toilet seat covers to review. Upon opening the packet, the first thing I noticed was the covers were individually wrapped; I was able to put one in my diaper bag and did not have to worry about it opening up and getting dirty.  Secondly, when I used it, I noticed it had soft non-woven fabric on top and plastic on the bottom to wetness away. Third, I liked the front flap to keep my daughter's legs from touching the toilet.

Overall, I would recommend this product to parents of children who are potty training. My daughter was not as ready for it as I thought she might be.  She only used one, but I used it three times.  It can be used for adults. How many times have you gone into a restroom where the paper covers aren't there, so you've held it or squatted.  PottyCover helps take care of that.

A pack of PottyCover sells for $5.99 and it is available on Amazon, Ebay, all Buy Buy Baby stores around the country and at select Bed Bath & Beyond stores.

Have you tried PottyCovers?  

Do you have any tips on potty training?

a Rafflecopter giveaway I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. 

Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Charis Knitting {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.

"Mummy, I knit."

"I knitting."  FYI, it's amusing to watch. She
knows the yarn is supposed to go around the
needles and wraps it, up to five times.

"Call Uncle Obbie {Robbie}.  Call Gandad {Grandad}."

MikaRose Review {#undertherainbow}

One of my favorite things is dressing up, but have the problem with being tall and unable to find shirts and skirts that are long enough.  So, instead I often wear t-shirts. I was happy to discover MikaRose.  They are a company that "specializes in modest, elegant, and fashionable dresses."

I was thrilled when they agreed to sponsor my #undertherainbow giveaway for a $50 gift certificate.  I had a hard time deciding my favorite item.  I finally settled on the Double Ruffle Top "Short Sleeve".

When I first received the top, it did not fit me well, but was able to send it back.  The second one I received fit me much better, and I have worn it 5-10 times since receiving it in early January.  My favorite thing about this top is the ruffle.  Secondly, I like that I can wear it both with jeans and a skirt.  Third, I the top is classy and have worn it with a string of pearls.  One thing that is frustrating is the top can be clingy, but if I hang it to dry, that does not happen.  Below is a picture of me wearing the top.

You can find MikaRose on

Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter

Have you heard of MikaRose?

What is your favorite item they carry?

I was sent this item for the purpose to review.

All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated in any way.

Breastfeeding When You Are Sick {#BFBlogHop}

March 11, 2011.  The first time I was sick after Charis was born {other than the time I has mastitis}. I was at work and started feeling sick around 10:00 AM, took Tylenol, and attempted to get through my shift before telling the charge nurse I NEEDED to go home.  Thankfully, Drew was off work and could watch Charis. Even though I did not feel like nursing my daughter, I breastfed her even though I was sick.

Ruffle Skirted Soaker {Yarn Along}

My cousin, Helen, is pregnant and due the end of May.  Helen and her husband live in Scotland; my sister, Saundy, and her husband are going over to Northern Ireland and Scotland the end of April/beginning of May.  I started knitting Helen a baby gift and will give it to Saundy and Seth to take over, because I do NOT want to pay for international shipping.  The problem is, I don't know the sex of the baby.  I wanted to knit a pink skirtie in case she has a girl.  Helen is VERY girly and loves all things pink.  On Sunday, I cast on the Ruffle Skirted Soaker and hope to finish it before the week is over.  I NEED suggestions on what to knit for a boy.  I don't have a boy and my daughter LOVES pink, purple, dresses, etc., so I have no clue.  I'd like to knit a sweater or top, after all this is Scotland and the weather doesn't get hot like it does in Maryland.  I'm considering the Puerperium cardigan, the Knitted baby onesie {but stopping short so it's not a onesie}, or the New Babeh.  I also want to add I have never knit a sweater, and I have this fear I'll MAJORLY mess it up.  What would you recommend as a first time sweater?

Because of school work, I am not reading anything new.  I'm currently reading through the Psalms of Ascents {120-134}.  I love the Psalms.  I go to a church that sings Psalms exclusively.  If you'd like to buy a Psalter, order them through Crown & Covenant.

I posted the second picture of the longies I completed, but in case you did not see it on last week's post, here it is.

What are you reading or knitting?

Join me at Ginny's Yarn Along.

A Week of Sickness {Gratituesday}

Drew was sick with the flu from Tuesday night through Saturday morning last week.  I'm so thankful he's well.  We were also thankful, he was not nauseous.  He had fever, chills, and an achy, painful body.

We're thankful Charis and I did not get it.

I'm thankful for my internet friends who post simple recipes, such as Poor Man's Stew.  I made it on Thursday night and Drew told me THREE times, "This is SO good."  Keep in mind, he was sick and his appetite was pretty much non existent.  Go check out Lisa's recipe.  

What are you thankful for?

Join me over at Heavenly Homemakers for Gratituesday.

Random Thoughts {On Birth Control and Suffering}

I get easily discouraged sometimes.  I want more children, but we are not in a position to be having more right now.  So, we use birth control.

I know.  I know. I've already mentioned the desire for children before on this blog; I do it because I'm tired of getting burnt when I tell people the reason Drew and I are not trying to have more children currently.  It's suggested that we're sinning because after all children are blessings.  Or that we need more faith.  So, I blog about the frustrations here because there's not many people I feel I can open my heart to {besides my husband} and be safe without severe criticism.

Last week was bad.  In part, I think it was because Drew was sick and was not as able to pray and comfort me like he usually is when I enter these dark periods.  Instead, I had to listen to sermons and read my Bible more-both of which are good things.  

I have hesitated in the past to compare myself with Rachel or Hannah because I'm not barren {at least as far as I know}.  While I have never said, "Give me children or I shall die!" like Rachel said in Genesis 30:1, I have found myself dwelling on the matter and elevating having more children as an idol.  This is what I hate about sin; I know it's wrong of me to have these idols.  I pray for God's grace daily.  If it's not more children, it's something else.  

Unlike Elkanah {1 Samuel 1}, Drew doesn't have another wife, so I don't have another wife taunting me like Hannah did.  But sometimes Christians with their "helpful" comments feel like Peninnah to me; it's always been women who have made comments about children being blessings or not having enough faith or we're just look for excuses.  Drew has probably felt like Elkanah; he doesn't understand why women want children so much.  When Charis was napping, I decided to listen to a sermon on 1 Samuel-yes, by another preacher from the UK.  We both found it helpful, and I hope to listen to it again when I'm able.  

I also look to Christ, who suffered on the earth for 30+ years and died for me.  I pray for God to be gracious and provide Drew with a job.  One that he would be able to support us enough to have more children.  These sufferings make me long for heaven, where I can be in God's presence and worship Him perfectly.  Please, if you're a Christian, be gracious {not harsh}, listen, and most importantly pray.

Charis Eating Peanut Butter {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.

I'm cheating.  I am including words because I'm sometimes a rule breaker.  Yesterday, Charis helped me make granola bars, but they ended up not holding together, so it ended up as granola cereal.  If I perfect the recipe, I'll try to post it sometime.  I know, that's a lot of ifs.  For now, just enjoy the wee dote my daughter is.

Breastfeeding a Sick Baby {#BFBlogHop}

December 29, 2010. I remember this day well. It was the first day Charis was sick, and it was the day my cousin was married. We were in Northern Ireland. Charis woke up at 5:00 AM, at least 1 1/2 hours earlier than she had the previous 3 days. I brought Charis in bed so I could nurse her and we'd fall back to sleep. But that was not to be, I realized she was congested, her eyes were watery, and she had a moist cough.  

Being a nurse, I knew there were no medications I could give my baby. What she needed most, was what I already had given her everyday of her life: comfort, breast milk, and love.

If your baby has a cold or is congested:

1. Nurse often. Babies are comforted by breastfeeding, plus breast milk has wonderful antibodies to help fight off illnesses.
2. Nurse as upright as possible. When Charis had her cold, I ended up having her sleep in a rocker next to the bed so her head could be slightly elevated.  
3. If need be, clear your baby's nose prior to breastfeeding, with saline drops, breast milk, or with a nasal aspirator, such as the Nosefrida.
4. Run a humidifier in the bedroom. Boil a pot of water, with a few drops of essential oils {such as eucalyptus} to help relieve your baby's congestion.

Have you ever breastfed a sick baby?  If so, what tips can you add?

Join me over at the #BFBlogHop at Sisters 'N Cloth.

Kanoko Pants {Yarn Along}

I finished the Kanoko pants for my friend Katie; she had her baby over a week ago, so I'm glad I finally cast them off and weaved the ends in.  I hope to lanolize them tomorrow and give them to her at church on Sunday.  I also hope to post more photographs of them after they're blocked.

I finished listening the Esther sermons last week, and am currently listening to sermons on the book of Ruth.  Yes, I know both of the sermon series are preached by people originally from the UK, and I do like British accents, which is a good thing considering half of my family fall into that boat.

Charis has discovered Dr. Seuss books and her two favorite are Green Eggs and Ham {which Charis calls "Eggs and ham"} and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish {my daughter calls this "White fish, green fish, red fish, blue fish"}.  Yes, I LOVE being a parent of a 2 year old; it's SO MUCH FUN to see everything click.

What have you been reading or knitting?
Join me over at Ginny's Yarn Along.

$50 Mikarose Gift Certificate {#undertherainbow}

Welcome to the Under the Rainbow Giveaway Hop, hosted by the Blogging Mamas Network! From March 1st-17th, you'll have the chance to win plenty of prizes from over 50 bloggers to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!  

So after you enter my giveaway, make like a little, green Leprechaun and hop around to all the other blogs participating in the Event!

Mikarose has agreed to sponsor my Under the Rainbow giveaway.  Are you looking for something modest, but stylish to wear for Easter?  If so, then look at Mikarose and go order some clothes.

What will YOU find Under the Rainbow?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, the Blogging Mamas Network, and the Under the Rainbow participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

Boppy Travel Pillow Giveaway

In collaboration with Spit Up is the New Black, we are excited to offer a Boppy® Travel Pillow Ashley over at Spit up is the New Black bought this travel nursing pillow in preparation to travel with her then 5 month old daughter and loved it so much that she wanted to offer you a chance to win one of your own! Check out what Ashley had to say about the Boppy Travel Pillow in her review:

"It comes with a strap so you can easily throw it over your shoulder while you’re going through security, walking through the airport, or boarding the plane. It also has little clasps that hook over a stroller handle so you can secure it to the stroller while in transit. My two favorite things about the Boppy Travel Pillow are (1.) the fact that this infant travel pillow is the same size as the original Boppy but can be zipped for compact travel and (2.) that it can be used as nursing support or seat support."

One lucky winner will receive a Boppy Travel Pillow in Mama Dot/Basket Green. Even if you don't have a trip coming up soon, we invite you to enter! This also makes a great baby shower gift or nursing pillow for the car.

Giveaway runs March 1 through March 31, 2013 at 11:59pm ET, and is open to residents of the contiguous US states only. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway This giveaway is self-sponsored by Spit Up is the New Black. Prize and shipment will be fulfilled by Spit Up is the New Black. Open to residents of the contiguous US states only, ages 18+. Void where prohibited. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook in anyway. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email before prize will be awarded to a new winner.