Progressive Pioneer

Progressive Pioneer on the Radio

I forgot to tell you guys, I'm being interviewed on FaveCrafts Radio!  I believe this link will take you right to the interview.  It's happening at 5:00 mountain time today, but should be archived so you can hear it whenever.  It's such a treat to be able to share some thoughts and ideas, and to share the air time with such fun, talented ladies. 

Giveaway: Lusa Organics

Lusa Organics has the most delicious, completely-natural-with-ingredients-you-actually-recognize, products for moms, babies, dads and everyone in between.  I LOVE their soaps (in fact, some are headed my way as I type this- hooray!).  There's something to be said for those little moments of indulgence throughout the day.  You're going to wash your hands a dozen times a day anyway, why not elevate the experience and make it a little bright spot of bliss?

For more Lusa goodness and thoughts on clean and simple living check out the owner's blog Clean.

For this weekend's giveaway, our winner will get to choose one of these three collections!

From Belly to Birth Deluxe Gift Set; all the things pregnant and new mamas need to feel pampered and prepped for baby time.

Booty Call Natural Diaper Care Collection; gentle, sweet baby care for your tender, sweet babe.  I love the idea of the baby wipe juice concentrate so you can quickly whip some up for your cloth wipes.  So clever!

Indulge Gift Collection; for when you just need to lock the bathroom door and sink down deep in a tub full of deliciously scented, steamy water and not emerge until you're fully pruney, relaxed and back to your sweet self.  I have those sorts of days on a weekly basis:)

Check out some of Lusa's other fun offerings, like their soap of the month club, lotion bars (another personal favorite- so rich and moisturizing!),  and their heavenly essential oil blends.   

To be entered to win, leave a comment.  You can gain SIX additional entries in the following ways, but remember to leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY.  1) add PP to your blog roll (1st timers only) 2) become a fan on facebook (1st timers only) 3) become a friend (1st timers) 4) add a button (1st timers) 5) mention the giveaway on your blog, or 6) on facebook.  Good luck!

*****************************************************************

Congratulations to Katharina, who said, "I've become a fan on facebook! And I'd love the Booty Call Natural Diaper Care Collection."

The Friday Make and Do

Plan your flock; I found this website that tells you all about which colors of eggs different breeds lay and which are good layers.  I spent way too long daydreaming about which breeds we'll get when we have room for a dozen birds or so.  Definitely some of those dark, chocolate brown egg layers... Try your hand at foraging!  If you live in Portland, this is a helpful website.  Or you could check out Stalking The Wild Asparagus or Edible Wild Plants.  And if you're not feeling all that adventurous, you could always combine an exercise in weeding dandelions with getting dinner on the table.  We often ate dandelion greens with vinegar when I was a kid. 

Make a music wall!! Create a portrait- in chocolate!  Yum!  Wouldn't this make the coolest, personalized gift? 

 

Remember making tin can phones as a kid?  Rig up a set for your own kids; they'll love it just as much!

Hope your weekend's lovely, creative and jam-packed with good things!

Birth Stories: An Adoption Story

I have a birth story that is pretty unique.  I could tell you about the three birthing experiences I had for my biological children...all of those experiences completely unique from one another.  The first one I had to have a C-section, and almost died!  The second one I was induced for a week and a half, and still no baby, so I had to have another C-section (this time, it went well.)  The third birth I was induced differently and it worked!  Almost worked too well...I dilated from a 0 to a 10 in 20 min., so needless to say, it was completely natural!  My fourth child was not born of my body, but certainly by my heart.  It was full of ups and downs, and took a couple of years to complete, and was definitely an adventure all on its own! 

But the birth story that I want to share is of my newest and youngest child, Abi.  She was only born two and a half weeks ago, in a far-away land that I have never been to.  This child too was not born of my body, but certainly of my heart.  The lady that has guided us through this adoption and who we have gotten to know well, our case-worker,  was fortunate enough to actually arrive in the country the day before my baby was born.  In a newsletter that she sends to those of us adopting from this place, she wrote about the birth of my daughter...something that the majority of all adopted parents (at least those adopting internationally) never get to have.  Here is what she wrote:

 

"The second day I arrived I got a call in the morning telling me that we had to take a birth mother to the hospital, that "D" (the lady that runs the home for pregnant girls) thinks she is ready to have her baby!  I have to admit, I was scared and excited at the same moment, I have never witnessed a birth, much less even seen a woman have a contraction.  We got to the hospital and the doctor said that she had a ways to go but that he definitely felt that the baby would be born that day!  I followed D, along with our home's live-in counselor, the nurse, and our birth mom up into a room where she would rest until she was ready to give birth.  We were in the room for hours as this mother's pain grew in intensity.  I sat by her, holding her hand and encouraging her in a language that she did not know.  She had no pain medication - (not available in this city) and she was the bravest woman I have ever seen.  She squeezed my hands and looked into my eyes as the contractions hit and became more painful.  As I looked back at her talking to her in the limited [local language] that I knew, I was struck in that moment to tears.  This young woman was looking in the eyes of a stranger who didn't even speak her language during this huge moment in her life, her mother wasn't there (had left her when she was a young child), her father didn't even know that she was pregnant, and her boyfriend left her.  D and the "home" staff have been her family.  At the end of this experience, this unbelievable experience, it was not even for a baby that would be hers, but one she loved enough to give to a family far away to hold and keep safe.

 

These babies are incredible gifts, the greatest gifts that can be given.  This mother went through 9 months of a pregnancy and hours of birth, when most other unwed pregnant teens in [this country] are going through an abortion, she gave life to a child that she will not keep.  I was struck with how profound what we do is, with how significant our work and ministry in [this country] is, and how very precious each of these children are."

 

As you can imagine, the account of my baby's birth will be cherished forever by us.  We have also been incredibly blessed by the fact that this unselfish birth mother wanted to have her baby's birth videoed for the family that would love her and raise her as their very own.  Speaking to an international adoption doctor a few nights ago, he said that he has NEVER, EVER heard of that happening.  I thank God that we have that gift of our baby's birth!!

(Certain things were put in quotes and parenthesis to protect to people involved and the location of where this took place.)

Pointy Baby Hat, Take 1 and 2

I moved beyond the original scarf that was my very first knitting project.  Truth be told, I actually didn't quite finish the scarf... I will, I just got distracted.  I wanted to make a little something for Miss Vivian, and the delicious yarn sent over by Abi seemed to be the perfect thing to use.  I followed this pattern for a pointy little baby hat, but somehow it turned out almost too big for Sam! With a wooden button sewn on, the sides can be fastened under his chin and I love the look of it.  The back is still a bit loose, but I think I could weave some yarn along the bottom to cinch it in a bit.  It'll be perfect for keeping his ears toasty this winter.  But that still left me with no hat for Viv.  So, I tried the project again, this time starting with 70 stitches instead of 96.  Still big enough for Sam!  I'm not sure if I'll try again for a slightly smaller one, or just let her grow into this one.  Of course, she is being born in the heat of summer, and will likely not be needing much in the way of knit hats (the second one is cotton though).  So, perhaps it will be just the right size for fall and winter.  The good news is that I was able to whip the second hat up during one lazy Sunday!  I had been worried that knitting didn't give me enough instant gratification (I'm all about projects where I can see results right away!), but if I can make a hat in a day, I'm all set.  I do love the way this hat wraps around the face and has the little point on top.  Maybe I'll whip up a few more in different colors...

Desert Rain

Maine is pretty rainy in the spring.  And I lived in Oregon for awhile and it defines rainy.  So, a little rain rarely puts me in a gray mood.  In fact, this rainy, rainy spring we've been having here in Utah has actually made me feel quite cheerful!  Each rainy day has felt like something of a celebration. Every morning that I wake up to the sound of rain on the windows I think, "Oh goody, I don't have to water the garden!"  And I think about how much the dry, desert ground is just loving this outpouring of moisture and soaking every last drop up.  The mountains are green all around us and our own yard is growing lush and green before my eyes.  You can practically watch the plants unfold and deepen in color, knowing that they have to act fast while the feast is upon them. 
We even had a little snow this morning, which was kind of wild.  But that's moisture too and it was more than welcome!  All the things in our garden right now are pretty hardy and cold tolerant, and the lettuce has been extra sweet with the chill weather and extra rain. 
I find that the more I love the rain, the more I love it.  Do you know what I mean?  I think that's kind of a general principle in life, and it works particularly well if you're not especially fond of something: a chore, a person, a day of the week etc.  If you decide you love it, the more you put effort into really enjoying it, the more you find that it becomes effortless.  Kind of neat how that works:)

Tea Lover

Happy Monday morning!  Mine started with a cup of tea, as most mornings do.  Once in awhile I fall out of the morning tea habit, but not often.  It's such a gentle way to ease into the day.  Even in the summers I enjoy a cup if I'm up early enough, before it gets too hot.  Lately I've been enjoying hibiscus tea; it reminds me of the time I spent in Guatemala.  I used to have a cup every morning there along with some bread. 

There's something about toast and tea that is such a pleasant way to wake up a still slumbering tummy.  I swear my stomach is the last thing to wake up, and a heavy breakfast is the last thing it wants.  I usually have an early morning "breakfast" of tea, maybe a little fruit or bread, and then mid-morning I have another, more substantial breakfast.

We go through tea phases, but one of our favorites is a red chai (Yogi Tea brand), and Clay is a loyal drinker of SleepyTime, especially in the winter.  What are some of your favorites that I absolutely have to try?

Giveaway: No Plastic!

Remember that great giveaway from No Plastic awhile back?  Well, it was such a hit we decided to do it again!  So, if you missed out last time, here's your second chance.  Or you could always just stock up on some of their great, reusable, plastic-free goods.  Here are some of my favorites: reusable, hemp food storage bags, these rad stainless steel straws...

This portable cutlery set (with chopsticks!).  So much nicer than having the fork stabbing a hole through the bag, or getting lost in the bottom of the backpack.  Perfect for picnics or hiking, too.
And they've got a whole assortment of stainless steel containers.  I'd never thought of this, but they suggest writing on them with a dry erase-type marker with the contents, or date or who's lunch it is, etc.  Clever! 

To be entered to win an airtight, watertight, stainless steel food storage container, leave a comment.  You can gain SIX additional entries in the following ways, but remember to leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY.  1) add PP to your blog roll (1st timers only) 2) become a fan on facebook (1st timers only) 3) become a friend (1st timers) 4) add a button (1st timers) 5) mention the giveaway on your blog, or 6) on facebook.  Good luck!

**************************************************************************************

Congratulations to Ann May, who said, "I would love to win!"

The Friday Make and Do

Make homemade mozzarella in 30 minutes (I'm going to try it too!).  There are many recipes that tell you to use a microwave, but here's a micro-free version.

Get creative!  Here are 100 ideas to get you started... Make a mix tape.  You can also check out other people's playlists here for a little inspiration. Try something new for lunch (I love peanut sauce and am excited to try a completely new way to consume it in mass quantities!) Make some new friends and visit some new places.  Have you tried couchsurfing yet?  We loved meeting people from all over the world (and getting to stay in some neat places for free!). (The red dots in the picture represent couch surfers.)

Hope your weekend is filled with good things!

Birth Stories: Rebecca Overson

This story is from local prenatal massage therapist, Rebecca.  I'm including a portion of the story from the birth of her first son, Shawn, because I love the thoughts her mother shares.  The second part is the story of her second son's birth, also born at home. 

Shawn was born after 15 hours of slow and intensely painful labor. That experience was both terrifying yet thrilling. At one point while I was nearing transition, I was crying and I looked up at my mother and said, “Mom, I can’t do this. I am going to die. I am going to die.” She looked right back at me and said, “You know what, Rebecca? You ARE going to die. The carefree maiden you have been all your life is dying. You are giving birth to yourself, as a mother. It is the hardest thing you have ever had to do. And you CAN do it, because look at you – you ARE doing it!”

My mother always viewed birth as a rite of passage, a spiritual transition, an initiation into a new realm. She firmly believed that a woman must put her blood, sweat, and tears on the line for the child she was birthing – that it was an opportunity to demonstrate that she had the strength to be a mother....

This was not a time to avoid pain, because motherhood is painful at times. This is not a time to seek comfort, because motherhood is not comfortable. This is not a time to shrink back, because motherhood requires that a woman reach deep inside her soul and show what she really stands for. It is in birth, my mother taught me, that a woman must stand up, show her trust in herself, and her trust in God, and be consciously involved in a deliberate act of creation by giving your heart, might, mind, and strength to what is before you.

Win's Birth

As the contractions began the morning of September 13, 2008, I did not really think I was in labor. I focused on being as relaxed as possible, allowing my body to do what it needed. These early contractions were welcomed, and they even felt invigorating like a good workout. Around 3 p.m. they jumped to 3 minutes apart, but still were not painful. How was that even possible? My midwife Chris arrived at 4:45 p.m. and shortly thereafter, hard labor kicked in. The contractions became much more intense and I could not talk through them, but again, they were not painful, just lots of pressure. I got in the birthing tub around 6 p.m. and continued to remain as relaxed as possible. My mind knew what to expect, and I opened to it. I even observed those thoughts of dread going through my head like “I can not do this. Do I really have to do this again? This is not happening already!” – but because of my mindfulness focus, I was able to simply notice the thoughts and I did not have to react to them. (By the way, every woman in labor says “I can’t do this” and usually does so right when birth is imminent!) I surrendered to each contraction, much like one would surrender to contractions of the respiratory diaphragm when vomiting or sneezing. As I reclined against the wall of the birthing tub, I repeatedly whispered to myself “Just feel this. Just feel what this feels like.” I just observed my body in the process, doing what it knows instinctively to do. My body was shaking uncontrollably as the baby descended down the birth canal. I felt like I had to go to the bathroom, and I warned my midwife. She said, “Honey, that’s the baby’s head.” I couldn’t believe it. I reached down and sure enough, there was his wrinkly little head beginning to crown. The contractions continued and it actually felt so good to feel him moving down the birth canal. (I would say I “pushed” but it actually felt effortless, like I was being pushed.)

  His head was fully born in about two contractions, but his shoulder became stuck. After about thirty seconds, my midwife said “stand up,” which I couldn’t, until she took both my hands, with my arms and back stiff as a board, and pulled me up like a lever so I could bend over the edge of the birthing tub. She came around to my backside, and with one final, intense push, he was born with the assistance of gravity. I could not believe it when he was out. He was born at 6:32 p.m., less than two hours after hard labor began. He was 9 ½ pounds, and my body suffered zero damage or tearing during delivery. (I am only 5’3”). I sat back down in the birthing tub and clutched him to my chest. The experience was so ecstatic, so joyful, and so incredibly wonderful. The first thing I said was, “That was awesome!"  While the physical sensations I experienced were very intense, it was not painful. It did not hurt! It was truly, transformative, and I attribute much of the wonder of the experience to my commitment to birthing mindfully and willingly, to fully experience whatever it is that is before me. I felt like the queen of the world—a true Goddess in Embryo. I wish all women could feel what it is like to give birth without fear and to fully know what they are capable of.

While the Boys Were Camping...

Clay took Sam for his first ever father-son camp out this past weekend, which just warmed my heart.  Apparently Sam camps like a champ and loved every minute of it.  He was so excited to tell me how he slept in a sleeping bag, and sat on a log by the fire, and every little detail of the trip, all of which were equally exciting and new for him. Just as lovely for me was the fact that their father-son bonding trip gave me an entire evening and morning to myself.  I had really forgotten what that was like.  Clay is great about taking care of Sam and giving me breaks while he's here, but there's just something different about an entirely silent house.  I felt like I was single again, that luxury of living a life that revolves completely around yourself.  I wish I knew what a luxury that was back then so I could have reveled in it a bit more. 

This weekend I read without worrying about being interrupted or thinking I should only read a few more pages before getting someone to bed or making a snack.  I spent at least fifteen minutes making a cup of fancy cocoa (and documenting it in photos).  Then I nursed that mug for a good 45 minutes while snuggled down with a stack of books to leaf through.  In the morning I spread out a quilt I was working on, right in the middle of the living room floor, without worrying about little feet traipsing all over it, or bothering to keep the pins out of reach.  I didn't even realize little things that were such a treat:)

I really think that carving out special, mama alone time, is so crucially important to being a happy, well-balanced mom.  Not that you have to send your husband and kids to the woods on a regular basis (though it's not a tradition I would discourage!), but finding ways to just breathe, to just think about your own needs for an hour or two, is so centering.  I think we can gain a lot of happiness and joy from serving and taking care of other people.  I'm not into that whole "you have to meet all your own needs before taking care of someone else" idea.  I think that's a recipe for frustration and dissatisfaction on all sides.  My life, which revolves around feeding, clothing, bathing and cleaning other people, is really immensely satisfying for me and makes me very happy.  But, by trying to recognize that I do occasionally need a little time-out and honoring that, I can try and make sure that I don't burn out.  

Here area few ideas I have for carving out a little mom-time:

• Get up earlier or later than your kids, and don't do the laundry or anything else like that, just enjoy a cup of tea, a good book, a long bath or whatever makes you feel like you.
• Arrange a regular swap with another mom and use the time to relax; catch a matinee, take a nap, give yourself a pedicure.  Then pick up your kids, refreshed and excited to see them.
• If you're feeling overwhelmed or turning into grouchy mom, just take a little time-out: stop doing the dishes, forgo the plans to weed the garden, forget the elaborate dinner; you can have fried eggs and toast.  And just go outside, or sit and read books with your kids.  If you can't have time to yourself, at least enjoy some time with your kids that makes you feel relaxed and happy.  Forget all the "should-dos" and just enjoy the fun and sweet parts of being a mom.

How do you guys stay centered? 

Swap Tree (or How to Score Free Books)

I'm so in love with this new website my girlfriend recommended.  You input all the titles of books you own, but would be happy to trade, and then create a wish list of all the books you'd like and the computer gets to work matching you up with people to trade books with!  We've been getting a steady stream of new books in the mail ever since I signed up; Sam thinks it's his birthday every day! There's something so satisfying about connecting with other people for a mutually beneficial endeavor.  I somehow feel like I'm pulling one over on life, getting great stuff for free.  I once attended this really fabulous conference on teaching economics and they did a wonderful activity that demonstrated how free trade increases wealth, which can be a hard concept to grasp since the amount of actual stuff doesn't change, only its value changes (am I boring you?  Sorry, I think economics is really fascinating!).  I just keep thinking about that principle when I'm trading books I don't really value for books that have a lot of value to me and then, all of a sudden, we're all richer!  I own more goodies that are worth more to me, and so does the person who got my books.  It's brilliant! And if grooving on economic principles in action doesn't turn you on, how about just getting random surprises in the mail?  Everyone loves getting treats in the mail.  I've gotten a few books for myself and quite a few picture books for Sam.  There are a few books that I repeatedly check out of the library, but have been too stingy to just go out and buy, but I've been able to get them on Swap Tree.  Check it out; I think you'll love it!

Making Cultured Buttermilk

Making my own buttermilk is seriously the easiest thing I've ever done.  And it's so satisfying to do it yourself and feel all self-sufficient and handy.  I first got some starter (you can get it from New England Cheesemaking Supply Co.) and since then have just been using a quarter cup or so of one batch to start the next.  The milk only needs to be in the low seventies, so it's really simple to just let it sit to warm up to room temperature, mix in some already-cultured buttermilk and let it sit overnight.  The next morning you have delicious fresh buttermilk!  The culture I have must be really strong or something because the buttermilk comes out so thick; I love it.  I've been using it in pancakes, to soak grains, in macaroni and cheese, and in this delicious Russian soup.  The recipe was from Nourishing Traditions and the soup was so yummy and just chock full of good healthy enzymes.  It was a base of buttermilk, creme fraiche (both made at home from raw milk), some sauerkraut juice (Bubbies brand, so also with live cultures) and had fresh cucumbers, cooked shrimp and fresh dill.  I served it cold and it was SO delicious!  A perfect fresh summer treat.  I'll definitely be coming back to this recipe later in the summer when we have cucumbers coming out our ears and the dill is growing waist high in the garden!

Giveaway: Arterro Art Kits from Hazelnut Kids

Hazelnut Kids has some beautiful art kits and one winner will get to choose TWO for their budding artist!

They have all sorts of wonderful options to choose from: doll making, fancy bubble wands, story book kits, felt art, and tons more. 

I love that the kits come with everything so you need so you're not tracking down random supplies all over town trying to put together an activity for your kids.  These would be the perfect thing to tuck away in the closet for rainy days or as last minute gifts for friends.  Wouldn't they make great presents for birthday parties?  So unique and fun!

I even want a few for myself... :)  Which two would you choose?

To be entered to win any TWO kits of your choice, just leave a comment.  You can gain SIX additional entries in the following ways, but remember to leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY.  1) add PP to your blog roll (1st timers only) 2) become a fan on facebook (1st timers only) 3) become a friend (1st timers) 4) add a button (1st timers) 5) mention the giveaway on your blog, or 6) on facebook.  Good luck!

***********************************************************************

Congratulations to Christina, who said, "Yay, these look like so much fun! I like the doll making and storybook kits!"

The Friday Make and Do

Make some violet jam.  Doesn't it seem like something you would serve at a fairy tea party? Stock up on handmade baby gifts (is it just me, or does everyone know about half a dozen women who are expecting?)

Make some marzipan mushrooms (and then you might need to make a chocolate cake to decorate with them...) Turn an old necktie into a bow tie.

Do something useful (and refreshing) with all those dandelions in your yard, like making this dandelion lemonade.

 

Have a fun weekend!

MamaViews: Nicole from Gidget Goes Home

It's so fun to have Nicole here this morning (she's a fellow Simple Organic contributor).  And so exciting because she just recently adopted a little boy!!  So sweet of her to take some time to chat with us with such exciting stuff going on at home.  I think you'll enjoy her thoughts on finding contentment, her journey to becoming green and striking a good life balance.  Welcome, Nicole! Surf Mamas is such a rad idea!  I think it's so important for moms to connect and build community.  How did you come up with idea and put it all together? 

Thanks! The ironic thing is that I actually started brainstorming and building it when I was living in Colorado, knowing that I'd be coming back to California soon. I learned to surf in high school with a girlfriend and then throughout college had a couple of other girl surf buddies. But I knew that coming back to San Diego county I wouldn't really have a crew to surf with, plus, now I was a mother so I had a kid to worry about too! My husband and I occasionally would trade off surfing, but I really love to surf with other girls. I'd heard of groups who swapped babysitting for surf time but there wasn't one that I knew of in Southern California. After I got started, I realized how cool it would be to have the community open to women all over the world. It's grown simply by word of mouth (and google) and we've got groups forming all over the place now which is really neat. I really wanted a community where like-minded women would be encouraged to get out and be active and also be able to form connections with other moms.

I really like the subtitle of your blog, "Finding contentment in daily life."  This is so important, but so easy to miss; we can go through a whole day without enjoying the little things that are what really make life enjoyable.  How do you remind yourself to do just that, to find contentment in daily life?

I wish I could say it was second nature for me at this point, but honestly, it's simply a daily choice. For one thing, I try to focus on being thankful for the life I have and the journey God has our family on. Another thing I have learned is to really try to be present in reality. When I was younger I would waste so many thoughts on crazy daydreams, or more recently on circumstances I'd like to change. Now I really endeavor to enjoy the place I'm in. I still dream about the future, but I wrap those dreams in prayer now, committing them to the Lord. I love being a homemaker and I'm learning to recognize all the sweet little things throughout the day as I seek contentment, too. It's so exciting that you're adopting!  What have you learned along the journey that has surprised you?  What advice would you give other couples considering adoption?

Since it has taken me so long to actually answer your questions Amy, :) the truth is we have actually adopted now!! Our son is three weeks old, and he came home with us at four days old. It's been an amazing whirlwind of a journey for us, especially the last few weeks. What has surprised me most has been how my heart has changed from simply wanting another child for our family (after struggling with some infertility despite one biological child) to really having a heart for adoption. I'm so thankful to have been put on this path. I've been stretched and taken outside of my comfort zone in a really good way, and have become a more compassionate person overall. One piece of advice would be to talk to other adoptive families. That has been a huge encouragement and education for us. I look forward to getting to know more adoptive families whether in person or in the blogosphere over the years. 

You mentioned that cloth diapers were the beginning of your "green journey."  What was the motivation to switch?  Has there been a domino effect, of sorts?

Yes, when my daughter was about nine months old, a friend started to share her research with me. I literally knew nothing about cloth diapers, but the more I started to look into them, the more I loved them-- the cost effectiveness, the eco-factor and of course the cute look. :) Both cloth diapering and my research on personal care products was what really started the "domino effect." The more I researched, the more I wanted to learn, and the more my mind was open to toxins and the consequences our choices have on the environment and on our families, the more changes I made. It's been a gradual process, and that's what I try to convey to others, that baby steps toward "greenness" and more natural living really do make a difference. 

I find that something else always suffers when I craft, usually the housework!  You do a lot of crafting and creating; how do you balance that with "regular life?"

Something usually suffers for me, too. Often housework, sometimes my sleep, and sometimes my personal interaction time with my husband. So I try to work in short segments of time. The best thing for me is to have a little nook set up (I call it my "studio" or "sewing room" but right now it's just a section of my room}. That way I can leave projects out and can work on them for even just a few minutes at a time. I have a special basket of scraps that my daughter loves to look through and pick out pieces "to sew." She'll often sit on my lap with me while I'm at the sewing machine which I love. I hope to get in more of a routine where I do bits of sewing throughout the week so I can get my etsy shop up and really running soon. As my daughter gets older, I can't wait to do more crafts and artwork with her- try new mediums and really raise a "creative family" as SouleMama would say.

Thanks so much for visiting, Nicole; keep in touch!

Birth Stories: Jennie and Kyan

Birthing Kyan was sudden.  He was due in the middle of January and decided to make his entrance Christmas day.  Labour began at midnight when I was exactly 37 weeks (to the hour) pregnant.  In British Columbia home births are permitted after 37 weeks so we were right down to the wire.   We had planned a home birth and had most of our supplies but were not mentally ready to accept that birth was indeed happening.  False labour we kept thinking, but it just kept going.

Pregnancy taught me to live one day, one hour, and even one minute at a time.  Birthing was the same thing.  Just breathe, move, feel the movement of the baby, open, breathe, move.  One contraction at a time, no clocks.  I laboured on the floor between the bottom of our bed and the small bathroom.  Joni Mitchell played in the background.  My best friend sang to me, my husband was always there in my periphery, and the midwife set up her kit and was a quiet strength.   When she gently checked me for dilation the number 8 was what I saw in my mind. When Janice said 8 centimetres great work Jennie,  the number made me feel like I could keep going.  The number 8 and then my water broke.

I thought I was really loud during labour but apparently I wasn’t.   The sounds coming out were primal and helped me to let the pain go.  Pushing was so tiring.  I just kept asking the baby to come out, move down and meet me.  After Kyan’s head was out the rest of him appeared after one push.  Dave sat behind me when I pushed and I felt him sob as Kyan came out.  Instantly I was compelled to hold my little one, stroking his hair as the midwife attended to me.  His cord was so short that he couldn’t move beyond my belly until the placenta was out.  I felt relief and disbelief that it was over and I had done it for the first half hour or so.  For the rest of the day I felt like shouting to the world.  Do you know what I just did?  I just brought new life into the world.  I just birthed a babe.  He is 7 pounds of wonderful; I made him inside me and pushed him out of my body. 

I birthed him in a dark, quiet room.  3 loving women and his Daddy watched and helped me.  I look at him now over 2 years later and I marvel that he ever fit inside me.  I remember how he felt inside, how he liked to move certain ways and the relationship we had before we had seen each other. His smell was very powerful after birth it was an earthy smell, somehow it was mysterious and innocent to me. I am proud of the birth that Kyan and I shared.  Proud of the process, of trusting it and letting it happen as he and I chose.  I don’t think I was more brave or stronger than any other woman.   For millennia we have birthed babies and all those women were there with me reminding my brain to be silent and let my body do what it needed to do.  I was a surrender warrior and yes that term is a contradiction but for the journey of birthing a babe I think it fits.     

Family Pictures

Awhile ago we had our good friend Steve take some family pictures.  We wanted something a little funky, so we dressed up, got out some musical instruments and even incorporated Clay's old motorbike into a few.  It's fun having a friend do the photos because you don't feel (too) silly doing offbeat stuff.  Steve and his wife (who acted as his assistant) were so fun and easy to work with.  They played music and made us feel nice and relaxed.  I, in particular, tense up in front of a camera and do this goofy smile.  But, he just kept clicking away until I finally relaxed and he was able to get a few good ones.  He took the photo I use for my profile picture on the about page and various other places. 

Unfortunately Sam was feeling a bit under the weather and declined to smile during the whole shoot.  He just wanted to be held and make his cute, sad face.  I still love the pictures of him though.  In fact, we have so many pictures of Sam beaming (they're easy to get) that I kind of like having a few serious ones.  I have plans to blow a few up really huge and frame them for the walls. Steve also does really amazing outdoor adventure-type photography, as well as family portraits and some commercial stuff (he also helped us with an ad for Ivory Bill).  So, if you're local, or local-ish (it'd be worth the drive), look him up!

Kale Chips

First a quick tip about a Moby Wrap discount code!  The code maker guy was out of town, so we didn't get the code until after last weekend's giveaway.  But, for everyone that didn't win, here's a 15% discount for you to score your own wrap!  Just use the code "ppmoby" before next Friday (the 21st).

Remember that great interview with Eren San Pedro?  She mentioned making kale chips and I'd been meaning to try it ever since.  Well, after purchasing what looked like several pounds of kale, and running out of creative serving ideas, I decided to try her idea.  Yum!  They were so good!  They have the most delicate crunch, and the salt and olive oil make them completely addictive and indulgent.  Next time I'll take them out a little sooner though.  They don't really look that different when they're done, so it's easy to overcook them, I think.  While they're cooking, sneak in and grab one before the timer goes off to see if they're crunchified, just to be on the safe side.  If you don't have kale lovers in your family, give this a try, it might just make converts out of them!

From Sweater to Vest to... Gremlin Hat!

I think Sam's expression pretty much sums up the disaster this experiment in upcycling turned into.  Remember those sweater pants I made for Sam?  Well, I had visions of making a little cable knit vest from the same material with some folksy stitching around the arm holes.  But somehow I just wasn't getting it right and the arms looked sort of wing-like and the stitching looked crappy, not folksy.  So, it sat on my craft table for many months. Finally this past weekend while working on a quilt, I saw that piece of felted sweater and said, "you've been here long enough!"  And zip, zip! it became a hat!  Sometimes the things you make the least plans for, that you just wing in a burst of creative energy, turn out the best.

I stitched two points into the rectangle of material and added some ear flaps and strings to tie under his chin in some red jersey knit.  The red trim didn't quite meet in the back, so I added a little square of that Guatemalan material that I made the sling out of (as well as a pair of rugged play pants for Sam).  I ended up loving the way the striped patch looked on the back.  Funny how little accidents can sometimes turn out to be the best part of a project. 
I'm so thrilled with how this hat turned out.  It's a bit out of season, so hopefully his head doesn't grow too much over the summer.  We did have a freak snowstorm though, during which I took Sam on plenty of errands so he could debut his new hat.  I just about melt from cute overload every time I look at him in that pointy-eared gremlin hat. 

Giveaway: Moby Wrap

Now you all know how much I LOVE my Moby Wrap.  So, how excited am I to be giving one away this weekend?!  I don't remember where I first heard about the Moby, but I'm so glad I got one when Sam was small.  It was such a lifesaver.  Baby wearing is genius.  Which is probably why the majority of the world does it.  Babies love it, which makes them much more pleasant to be around.  And moms love it because it's the ultimate multitasking accessory.  I wore Sam all the time when he was young.  We'd take walks every day and it wasn't until he was at least 6 months old that I started using a stroller on occasion.  He just loved to snuggle down in the Moby and peek out at his leisure.  I never had to worry if he was warm enough because he was right next to my own warm body.  He could nap or take in the sights, always feeling safe and secure.  And because the Moby keeps the baby so close to your body, it doesn't change your center of gravity too much, so you don't really even feel it in your back like with some other carriers where the baby is sticking out farther from you.  When we went to fairs or festivals I would carry him around all day and still feel great.  We even took him hiking in Acadia in the Moby Wrap.  I really cannot recommend it highly enough. 

And don't be intimidated by the wrapping.  It may look a little complicated, but once you do it a couple times you'll have a feel for it and it will be second nature.  And you don't wrap it while holding the baby in place either, you just get it all in position and then tuck the little one in, easy as pie.  Plus, your Moby Wrap will come with a handy little instruction booklet showing all the ways you can wrap it, or you can check out their online instruction page.

They also double as handy nursing coverups, changing pads and blankies when you're in a pinch.  And I've been known to tuck my wallet and phone in there along with a spare diaper; no diaper bag needed!  We have a simple forest green one, but they have all sorts of beautiful options; organic, batik, solids, UV protection etc.  Our green one is still in perfect shape (kind of too bad because I love some of their new designs!); it really looks as good as the day I bought it.

To be entered to win any solid or organic wrap of your choice, leave a comment.  You can gain SIX additional entries in the following ways, but remember to leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY.  1) add PP to your blog roll (1st timers only) 2) become a fan on facebook (1st timers only) 3) become a friend (1st timers) 4) add a button (1st timers) 5) mention the giveaway on your blog, or 6) on facebook.  Good luck!

***********************************************************************

Congratulations to Melissa, who said, "It would be great to have one of these so I can finally find time to cook dinner!"

Who Else is Stoked About this Movie?!

Is anyone else really excited about the Babies movie opening this weekend?  I may be geeking out a bit because I was an anthropology major in college and happen to be six months pregnant at the moment.  But I can't think of a movie I'd want to see more than this one!

This is what I loved about anthropology; life on the micro-level, learning how people live their day-to-day to lives, how they cook, their relationships etc.  How we raise babies is such an integral part of who we are as individuals and who we are as a larger society.  My sister-in-laws and I are having a little girls' afternoon out tomorrow to catch the movie.  I think I'll make kettle corn...

PS I had a professor in college that lived with the Himba (the African people in the movie) and wrote a wonderful book about it.  It's enjoyable even if you're not a anthro geek like me:)  

PPS Sam LOVES watching the trailer on my computer.  He asks to watch "the baby movie" all the time. I might have to get the DVD when it comes out...

The Friday Make and Do

Make a field bag from old clothing.

Gather some spring blooms and display them in upcycled, fabric-covered bud vases.

Cook up a fancy breakfast in bed for mom (or drop some hints if it's your special day).

Carve out your own creative space.

Find yourself some cheap, thrift store frames, paint them all a uniform color, and print out some of these fabulous vintage illustrations (free!) for some instant, funky wall art.

Happy weekending!

Birth Stories: Lane, Told She Would Never Have Children, Proves Them Wrong

I wanted to share the story of my second birth. I have a very rare birth defect. I was told at 15 years old that I would never be able to have children. When I became pregnant, I was a medical mystery. I had to see many specialists. The thought was that I would need a scheduled c-section. And yet, I had a natural birth with both my son and daughter.

The day that I went into labor with my second, I looked at my husband and he looked at me and we knew we had this. When my husband and I arrived at the hospital, our nurse looked at my leg and said something rude and discouraging. But I knew otherwise.

When we arrived at the hospital I was still in the very early stages of labor. I came as soon as I thought I was in labor because of my birth defect. When I could no longer sleep, I woke up my husband and we walked around the room. I got in the shower for a bit. At that point I became nauseous, so I asked my husband to help me out. I walked back to my room and through a big contraction. When I got back to the room, my labor started to intensify quickly. Through  every contraction my husband held my hand and stroked the hair out of my eyes. It felt so calming, just like something my mom used to do when I was a little girl. He whispered in my ear, "You got this... We get to meet our daughter in a little bit," and my favorite, "Your body is strong enough to do this."

When it came time to push, I felt like the second time around I knew exactly what to do. Two quick pushes and she was out. When I had my first child I felt as if it was just dumb luck that I had done it. With my second I felt as if it was not dumb luck but something that even my different body was meant to do. I felt so beautiful as my little girl was put on my chest. She barely cried once she got there. Then just like he had done for me, he  whispered to our new baby "Welcome, you should be so proud of your mama."
 
The odds were stacked against me, but I did it with my own body and mind.
*The things that helped me was having a good labor coach, my husband was the picture of calm and love. When every person that is an "expert" is telling you one thing, it is nice to have someone who really believes in you.

Getting The Most Out of the Farmers' Market

I have a new post up on Simple Organic today with a few tips and tricks for getting the most out of your local farmers' market.  Stop on by!