The Birth of Weston

After weeks of prodromal labor, my contractions had gone away almost completely that day. I felt like I had missed my boat. There I was at 40 weeks and 5 days round, uncomfortable and a pile of tears. I was convinced I would never have the baby. I was emotionally and physically exhausted. Thankfully, my mother in law had taken our older son for the night and I took advantage by going to bed around 9:30. 

Around 2:30am I woke up after trying to sleep through 3 or 4 painful contractions. I got up to see if walking around would help me manage through them. They were coming about 3 minutes apart and were very strong. However I wasn't sure if I was in labor or not. I woke Dustin up and told him what was going on. He joked and said he remembered this from last time. I was serious and using foul language. I had to be in labor! We decided to call my midwife, Carole around 3am. She listened to me over the phone endure a contraction and decided to come. 

I had to keep upright and sway my hips to make it through the surges. The pain was all in my hips and right around my round ligaments. I needed it quiet and dark during the surges but I was still able to keep my sense of humor between contractions. Dustin and I were being very sarcastic and he kept me laughing. Carole text me to fill up the tub so Dustin started working on that.  I retreated to our bathroom where I could stay in the dark and quiet. I focused on the light of a candle and moaned loudly through all of my contractions, making sure to relax into them as much as I could and welcome the pain as it was bringing my baby closer to me. Every once in a while I would have to give myself a pep talk to remind myself that this is natural and normal and good and that I am capable as they started to build in strength and duration. 

Carole showed up around 5am and began setting up. I asked her to check my dilation and to my surprise and relief I was at a 6 or a 7. Yay! These pains were not in vain! I got up and worked through one or two more contractions and then I had to puke. Oh hello transition!

 I was nervous about getting in the tub because I wasn't able to endure through a contraction in any other position other than standing straight up and swaying my hips. But Carole said I would be surprised at how comforting it was. She was so right. Immediately the water soothed my aching hips and back. I was able to actually relax and rest a little bit. Carole suggested I relax and melt into the water and breathe through my next contraction. They were building and becoming more frequent and much stronger. Soon I was no longer able to relax in a reclined position and had to flip to my hands and knees and rock back and fourth. I continued to be very vocal as I felt it was the only way I could focus on something other than the strong sensations. 

It began to get scary. I could no longer find a comfortable position and I could no longer find any relief during the surges. I started to panic. Thankfully Carole was sitting next to the tub and calmly looked at me and said "it's going to really fucking hurt, and nothing is going to help. Every position is going to be shitty. That's ok. It means you're so close to holding your baby in your arms". I felt comforted by those curse words and giggled a little in relief. This is ok, this is part of the experience of transition. I just kept visualizing climbing a mountain through my contractions. As they would build I simply acknowledged this was the shitty part but I could make it to the top, and coast as they slowly diminished. The entire time I was moaning, I kept thinking the neighbors are going to think I'm being murdered. I was rocking this. Even if I did sound similar to a laboring cow 😉. 

Soon I felt tiny little urges to push. I'm not sure if they were actually urges or I was just wishful thinking! But each contraction I would grab onto the sides of the tub and hold myself up and push just a little bit. I was shaking so bad at this point. I couldn't find a comfortable position and it was exhausting. I was either squeezing or biting into a washcloth or the tub (thankfully no teeth were broken... That was not smart). Finally in a squatting position I found some comfort. Carole checked and said my waters were still intact. So of course I yell at Dustin to be ready to take a picture because if he's born en caul it's going to be super cool. #priorities Carole mentioned that he had a hand up by his head but it was ok and quickly asked if I wanted to catch my baby, but I was so scared the tiny little balloon he was about to be born in would slip from my shaking hands, I said no so Carole received him and put his little bubble on my chest, then swiftly broke the sac. Which makes me wonder, was he born in that moment, while I was holding him on my chest? So relieved that he was crying I took a deep breathe. It was amazing. I did it! He was here and healthy and telling us very loudly about his journey. I sat there holding and watching him stretch and squirm in the water. He was so alert!! It was magical. 

Having Dustin there and witness the birth of our baby boy was so wonderful! I can't imagine it any other way. I felt so supported and so loved in such an intense moment. I wish everyone could experience such a positive birth an feel the strength of amazing support. 

Weston Brian Ashley was born in the water at home at 7:08 am on Sunday September 13th 2015. He was born en caul with a nuchal hand. He weighed 9lbs 2oz and was 19 inches long. 

Sneaky (and super healthy) Veggie Muffins

I've all but given up on trying to get my 18 month old to eat veggies. He's persistent about NOT eating them. I've tried hiding them in casseroles, mixing pureed veggies in other things, but he knows... So here is another attempt at a recipe of veggie mufffins that I found on pinterest. The only problem I had with most of the recipes I found was that while they did include veggies, they had a ton of butter and sugar. There are so many ways to make these little nutrient packed muffins so much better for you and your children! So here is my tried and true, revised version of the pinterest renowned recipe.


Preheat oven at 350

MIX IN MEDIUM BOWL
2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

MIX IN LARGE BOWL
1/2 cup sugar
4 tbsp virgin coconut oil (not melted)
1 egg
1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (mixed separately)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)

PUREE IN FOOD PROCESSOR
2 cups frozen spinach
1 1/2 cup shredded carrots
3 bananas
1/4 cup juice (doesn't matter what kind)

Combine all together and mix thoroughly. Scoop into greased muffin tins.
I used mini muffin tin so I only baked them for about 20 minutes, for larger muffins try them at 25-30 minutes.

Let them cool and enjoy!

You can also pop them in a ziploc and freeze to make the goodness last longer!!


By the way, Dillon loves these!!! He just ate two of them and cried for more! I think I've found my secret weapon for getting veggies into his diet!!!!

Ear Infections and Antibiotics

Its that time of year, we're spending more time indoors, children are in school, and every kind of bug is being passed around!

I have noticed that along with the flu, another virus is being passed around, and it's causing ear infections. Yep, that's right folks, ear infections (and sinus infections for that matter) are USUALLY caused by a virus!! So although your first thoughts are to run your child into a doctor and demand those antibiotics, just wait a moment. First, lets discuss what an ear infection is EXACTLY.

An ear infection or acute otitis media, as your doctor would put it, is caused by inflammation or fluid build up in the middle ear (behind the eardrum itself) Here is a nice illustration of what it looks like.

You may wonder why your kiddo seems to get more ear infections that you do, well that is because their Eustachian tubes are not tilted down as much as adults, and fluid has a harder time draining, which allows the perfect place for viruses and bacteria to set up shop. Also, you've probably acquired your own army over the years, (including when you were a child) to fight off these pesky viruses and bacteria. 

But wait! You said bacteria!! Doesn't that mean that I can go get a prescription for antibiotics? Well sure, (and its still a big IF it is caused by bacteria), but lets discuss some of the lesser known facts about antibiotics

Antibiotics are often over prescribed for illnesses that are either caused by a virus, or a small bacterial infection that could be taken care of by the body's own immune system. By allowing the body to take care of itself, you are not only strengthening your immune system, but protecting yourself from this bug in the future. Your immune system creates an army specifically for that bug, and can take out that bug right off the bat, next time you come into contact with it. Pretty cool eh?

Taking antibiotics for every "infection" can often lead to reoccurring infections as well as antibiotic resistance. That means, you're helping create a superbug (ever heard of MRSA?) that will not be able to be treated with usual antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin. You'll have to upgrade to the big guns, which mean many more side effects or complications like C-Diff... which leads to my next point..

Last, but definitely not least is that antibiotics kill everything in their path. Your body has some really good bacteria that keeps you healthy and even keep you from getting sick (which is why probiotics can be so beneficial to your immune system)  When you take antibiotics, they kill the good bacteria too. If you have a type of bacteria that the antibiotic didnt kill, and it is harmful, that means it could take over your body, and leave you even worse. The most common of these infections is called C. difficile, you can click here to learn more about it.

ALSO.... I am not a homeopathic hippie nut, I use antibiotics, and my son has even taken them as well, I just choose to educate myself on the pros and cons of every medical decision I make, I advise all my readers to do the same, and ask your doctor about absolutely EVERYTHING!!

In my personal experience, I use to get sinus infections regularly. I would go to the doctor, get a prescription for antibiotics and be on my merry way, then about a month or two later,  repeat the same cycle.  I finally got fed up and just rode it out, it took what seemed like forever to get better, but guess what, I HAVEN'T HAD A SINUS INFECTION SINCE!!!!!!!!

SO....back to the ear infections, bottom line is, give it a week and a half. Let your body fight it, and make its tiny little army to protect you next time. Give your kid's immune system a chance to do exactly what it was made to do. It may take a little more patience for that week and a half, but you will be less likely to have to deal with it again in a month or two. If by the end of that time, you decide to take your kid to the doctor, ask them if they think that antibiotics are REALLY necessary, or if it just needs a little more time..

That being said, here is what I do to help the symptoms, and even treat the ear infection

Heat: take a sock, fill it with rice, heat it to luke warm in the microwave. Hold it up to the ear, it will help open up those passages and promote drainage

Massage: Use some lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils and massage starting right behind the ear lobe and trace right below the jaw and down the neck to the collarbone. Be gentle, since this area may be sensitive

Ear Drops: Garlic oil is a wonderful healing agent! (Its been called Russian's penicillin since it was used in WWII when medicine supplies had been depleted) You can buy the stuff online, or in any health food store. Warm it by putting it in your pocket or rolling the bottle between your hands. Put 1-2 drops into the ear canal and seal it with a cotton ball. Not only does it provide pain relief, but helps fight the infection as well.

You can click here to buy some off of Amazon

Pain management: follow appropriate dosages for your child's weight and age, and alternate between motrin and tylenol every 4-6 hours. If your child seems to be managing the pain fairly well, try to only give pain relief at night, and try the other tricks. 

PATIENCE: It is extremely hard watching your baby be in pain, and pull at their ear, and just be overall miserable. But it will get better, the pain will subside, and your kiddo will be healthy and happy again in a few days :)

Please note, that I am not a doctor, and that if an ear infection lasts longer than you feel is necessary or if bleeding or pus is present, please seek your medical practitioner. Not all ear infections are created equally.  

ALSO.... I am not a homeopathic hippie nut, I use antibiotics, and my son has even taken them as well, I just choose to educate myself on the pros and cons of every medical decision I make, I advise all my readers to do the same, and ask your doctor about absolutely EVERYTHING!!

In my personal experience, I use to get sinus infections regularly. I would go to the doctor, get a prescription for antibiotics and be on my merry way, then about a month or two later,  repeat the same cycle.  I finally got fed up and just rode it out, it took what seemed like forever to get better, but guess what, I HAVEN'T HAD A SINUS INFECTION SINCE!!!!!!!!

Baby Bottoms

I have been meaning to write this post for a while. I have been battling diaper rashes almost constantly since Dillon started teething at 6 months. I have tried everything! I have tried all of the over the counter rash remedies, and even nystatin which was prescribed for his yeast rash.

Lets start out with what exactly we've been battling. Its called a yeast rash, but its not yeast at all. Its fungus, known as candida albicans. This is the same stuff that causes yeast infection in women, and also thrush. Its usually part of our normal flora, but sometimes there is too much of it and it becomes a problem. Yeast rashes cannot be treated the same as other diaper rashes that are caused from prolonged exposure to moisture in the diaper. They appear FAST. It can go to a clear perfect bottom to a blotchy, bumpy red tush in less than 15 minutes.  It can often bleed, and cause sores if it is severe enough.  It is extremely painful for baby. Dillon will shake in pain and cry when I change his diaper during a break out. Its heart breaking.

After almost 9 months of battling these awful rashes, I've learned a lot!

• POSSIBLE CAUSES: teething, too much juice or fruit (c. albicans feeds on sugar)
• THINGS NOT TO USE:  perfumed diapers, baby wipes with alcohol, corn starch as powder, regular diaper rash creme
• THINGS TO TRY: airing out bottom as often as possible, baking soda bath, changing diapers immediately after soiled, cleanse bottom with witch hazel or a tucks pad during every change, give probiotics (I love Culturelle for Kids), if you use cloth diapers- wash them several times in vinegar
• BEST THING EVER: make your own diaper cream that works BETTER than a prescription! Apply it every single diaper change until rash is gone. Its may take a few days so be patient. Here's how to make it:

YOU'LL NEED

Coconut oil (cold pressed & unrefined)

Lavender oil

Tea Tree oil

Chamomile oil

Microwave safe container

Storage containers

WHAT TO DO

slowly melt about 12 oz of coconut oil in the microwave in 15 sec intervals until liquefied

add 1tsp of lavender oil

add 1/2 tsp of tea tree oil

add 1/2 tsp of chamomile oil

I usually separate the mixture into smaller containers so I have one in each room. I have also bought travel size containers (usually for shampoo) and poured the mix into those to keep in diaper bags

Let set in the fridge until completely hardened. It will soften up and may become a liquid again over time if its warm out, just pop it back in the fridge.

SCIENCE BEHIND IT

Coconut oil: the fatty acids, caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid, fight against fungi by breaking down cell walls which kill the fungus

Lavender oil: promotes healing of the skin, and soothes

Tea tree oil: works as a powerful anti fungal and antibacterial

Chamomile oil: soothes irritated skin

This diaper cream can be used for any kind of rash, and also works great for mommy as a face lotion for breakouts!

Here's to happy bottoms!

Entertaining a Toddler

I'm sorry for my extended leave from blogging. I've been taking some pretty intense classes lately and have just been trying to balance them with being a mother and wife! Oh, by the way, we are buying a house! Yay! That has been an experience, let me tell ya! We should be moving here in a few weeks. 

Dillon is now 15, (almost 16 months). I cannot believe it!!! He's getting so big and learning so much every day!

Lately, I have been going through a phase where I feel like I'm not doing enough for him. I feel like I need to give him more activities and opportunities to explore and learn. Here are a few things that I have come up with that are completely free, he has LOVED! They're simple, go to basics!

We had lots of fun this summer playing outside!

We took lots of walks with our new Boba Carrier (you can go here to check them out) I'll probably even write a post on how much I love them!

He loves this carrier so much and even though he weighs a whopping 25 lbs, it doesn't feel like I'm carrying much at all! He loves being a little koala bear and seeing nature! He also loves when I take him by a tree and he is able to touch the leaves.

We also have gone to the local splash park a few times. He was a little timid at first but now he absolutely loves it! He loves water period. Pool, bath, sprinklers.

We have gone to the parks a few times, he's a little too small to go tromp around the playgrounds but he sure does love going down the small slides by himself and swinging! 

When it's too hot out to play or its raining (like it has been lately!) we spend lots of time playing with blocks. This kid loves blocks. I mean LOVES. He will spend an hour stacking them. 

I probably don't have to tell you that boxes are the best toys ever. Seriously though, he gets in them, he stacks them, he puts all of his treasures in them (including our cat). We've been packing for the new house so there is always plenty around these days.

(of course he would pick the liquor box as his favorite)

And new to our list of things to do is PLAYDOUGH!! 

I was scared to do it at first, but it turned out awesome. He played with it for an hour! He had a blast digging his fingers in and using cookie cutters to make shapes. 

I made my own play dough because I wanted something that was going to be ok to eat if he decided to experiment, and frankly its too easy and cheap not to.

Here is my recipe:

1 cup water

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup flour

1/4 cup salt

1 tbsp cream of tartar

choice of food coloring

add water and vegetable oil to medium sauce pan, then add other ingredients. heat on medium and stir continuously.

WARNING: its going to look bad... its going to get lumpy and ugly and you're going to freak out. JUST KEEP STIRRING! It will keep warming and coming together and get firm. Keep it on heat and stirring until it becomes very firm and does not stick at all to the touch. 

Keep it in a plastic zip bag and have fun!!! 

I am looking forward to start taking Dillon to a local museum that offers playtime for Toddlers, but our schedule has been a little hectic

Here are a list of other things that are great fun for the little one!

Pretend play

Reading books

Exploring outside

Playing catch with a large ball

Racing toy cars, (Dillon loves "ready, set, GO")

Hide and go seek

AND believe it or not, independent play is the best thing ever!

It promotes imagination, decision making, independence, and prevents you from hearing the words "mom I'm bored" when they get older! 

Sick Baby Smoothies

So my son recently had bronchitis and an ear infection. It was pretty much impossible to get him to take the prescribed steroids and antibiotics. I had to hide it somehow. Formula wasn't quite strong enough tasting to hide the different (and strong) flavored medicine. He also needed to take the steroids with food.
 Hmmm. A SMOOTHIE!

How I made a yummy baby smoothie packed with yummy calories (since he hadn't been eating) and lots of flavor!

2 ounces formula
1/2 banana (helps with diarrhea)
2 ounces of flavored yogurt (helps digestive system while on antibiotics)
2-3 strawberries
(if your baby is over 1 year old, add 1 tsp of honey)

Blend really really well, and add formula until desired consistency.

add however much your baby usually eats in one feeding (maybe a little less) into sippy cup or bottle, then add prescribed dosage of medicine and shake really well.

refrigerate any leftovers for next time!

This stuff is seriously amazing! Dillon loves his smoothies and doesn't even know there's yucky medicine in them! You can get creative with the ingredients too :)

Hope all those sick babies start feeling better!!!

Night Stand Remake

So Ive had this night stand sitting in my house for a while. My mom and I went "junking" in their storage sheds this summer and found this among some other things.
I have been on a decorating and  beautifying kick lately so I finally got the motivation to paint it.
I basically just bought a new drawer pull, some sample sized paint from Home Depot, and went to work!
For under $15, I would say I didn't do too bad eh?