MY FAV LACTATION COOKIES

As a beginning mama of a newborn I started out with plenty of milk to nurse. I pumped all the time because my sleepy baby wouldn't relieve my fullness. I froze it in preparation for when he was 12 weeks and it was time for mama to go back to work a couple days a week. But when it was time to go back to work I noticed that my supply had decreased. I know that it may have been because of a few reasons. Maybe thats how my body was responding to the pump. Maybe its because it was an indication of what he was taking, but yet maybe not. I started to research all sorts of things I could do. I ate oatmeal everyday. I took Fenugreek, and Blessed Thistle. I then ran into lactation cookies. I thought I would try it, why not right? A cookie to help my milk increase? Cool, win win! I found a recipe on Peaceful Parenting- Here it is below. My little one is now 7 months old and still holding strong.

I did personalize it to my liking to reap the health benefits to the max:
I added: 
1 tsp of ground Salba
1 tsp of Chia seeds. 
1 T of Coconut oil.
1/2 tsp of organic agave nectar
Instead of 1/2 c of butter I used 1/2 cup applesauce

Lactation Cookies: Increasing Milk Supply

By Danelle Frisbie © 2010

Major Milk Makin' Cookies

I am frequently asked to pass along lactation cookie recipes. My own momma has been baking these up since she was a nursing mother and RN, striving to help other new moms with their babies, 35 years ago -- so I've consumed my fair share over the decades. While there are many variations out there, they are all essentially the same and boast three main ingredients commonly believed (in North America) to impact milk supply: oatmeal, brewer's yeast, and flax.

Some home bakers will throw in fenugreek as well, and because this is known to increase milk supply (in both humans and cows!), but hard on the stomach, it isn't a bad idea to add it to foods you'll already be eating (you can open a couple capsules of fenugreek and toss them to the cookie batter). Fenugreek is one of the oldest medicinal herbs used for increasing milk supply, but to do so you will need to consume 1500mg of fenugreek, three times each day. (1) This is more than the recommended amount on the bottle, but the dosing printed on fenugreek labels is not intended to be for boosting milk supply. One study found that when enough fenugreek was consumed, milk supply doubled. (2) Note that while mother's milk teas (with fenugreek) may be a great supplement, and mood-enhancing to sip, you'd have to drink a lot of it to really see an impact. Capsules are a better way to go if you are planning to add fenugreek to your regimen.

So why are these three ingredients the core foundation in lactation cookies?

Oats (or oatmeal) are key in boosting milk supply because of the iron they contain that nursing moms are frequently in need of. Oats are also filling, dense with healthy calories - and nursing moms need calories! Oats are extremely nutritious and easy to work into the diet in a number of ways: cereals, granola, breads, casseroles, meatloaf, cookies - you can add oats to just about anything.Oats are also a great source of fiber. What does fiber have to do with milk supply? My 97 year old grandmother recently discussed the diets of her father's award winning, fatty-milk producing cows back in the 1920s. And guess what they did to increase milk supply? That's right -- boosted the fiber the cows had access to. Farmers have long known this trick, so I suppose milkin' moms can pick up on it too.

Brewer's yeast is an ingredient that has also long been touted to increase milk supply (although contested by some). Brewer's yeast is one of the best natural sources of B vitamins, which are essential to overall health of a nursing mom (and any woman). Even if milk supply were not impacted by brewer's yeast, the boost of energy (and increased sugar metabolism) that comes from brewer's yeast consumption is worth including it in lactation cookies (or other things you bake). Once again, looking back on decades past, women have long passed on the knowledge that sipping a deep, hearty beer (sister to brewer's yeast) has a positive effect on milk supply.

The oil from flax seed is considered by many to be a galactagogue (substance that improves lactation). It is also a great form of fiber. And, while it is again debated among those who believe in flax's galactagogue properties or not, one thing is certain: flax is power packed with omega-3 (essential fatty acids) that are absolutely crucial to a nursing mom's diet (as well as baby's diet, and all human health in general). Human milk is super charged with heavy amounts of omega-3 because the brain (rapidly growing in our babies) is dependent on these fatty acids. It is important that a mother not be deficient in omega-3 (something that many are) and risk her baby not getting enough for optimal health, development, and wellbeing. [Note: artificial forms of omega-3 in manufactured formulas do not respond in a baby's body in the same way that natural omega-3 from mother's milk does. Do not buy into the hype that formulas 'fortified with DHA' are good for your baby. Rather, these artificial baby formulas with DHA have been linked with diarrhea, dehydration, seizures.] That said, omega-3 from fish and flax for mom are wonderful! They not only improve milk quality (and possibly quantity) but also boost brain function, memory, joint lubrication, and help to regulate hormones and decrease postpartum depression. It is unlikely that you could get too much omega-3 today, so when it comes to flax (and low-mercury fish if you like) - eat up!

Before you jump on the lactation cookie making machine and fret about your milk supply, however, know that if you are exclusively breastfeeding (i.e. your baby is consuming nothing but your milk) around the clock (day and night), and your baby is gaining weight (no matter if s/he is in the 99th percentile for weight, or the 1st percentile compared to other babies) then you have a full milk supply suited perfectly for your little one. (3)

It is, of course, good to eat healthy, whole foods to ensure your baby is getting all s/he needs from your milk (and taking a prenatal vitamin while nursing is a good idea too), but studies have shown that even when mother's diet is not the best, her body will compensate (for the sake of her baby) by putting all nutrients into her milk. (4, 5) Therefore, your baby will not suffer as much as you will suffer from poor eating habits. Only in cases of severe malnourishment is milk quality impacted.

That being said, most nursing mothers need to consume a bare minimum of 1800 calories per day to maintain a full milk supply for their growing baby (some will need to eat more to not see a drop in milk), and consuming 2500-2700 calories per day is recommended by most. (6, 7) This is an energy need of 50-125% more than women had in their pre-pregnancy days. So no matter what you eat, do not forget to eat!

Below are two recipes: The first is a recipe for Major Milk Makin' galactagogue cookies ("lactation cookies") that share some similarities with the many generic cookie recipes commonly passed around and posted in a variety of recipe books. This one has just a touch more omega-3, protein, and iron than other "lactation cookies." It was created by Kathleen Major, PNP, RN, in conjunction with a local lactation specialist and LLL leader in the Cedar Valley (IA) hospitals in the early 1990s when Major was focusing her practice on pediatric health. She has granted permission for DrMomma.org to share her recipe. Please do not reproduce without crediting her and linking back to this page. The second recipe is my own, and while it is not as sweet (no sugar), it is all the more healthy and packed with beneficial ingredients. My cookies are slightly more like granola in cookie form -- you can be sure they are good for you, if this is your goal.

While no lactation cookie will miraculously boost your milk supply if there are other hormone related factors weighing on you, (for example, you are going to have to nurse and/or pump - increase demand - to increase supply, and be physically close to your baby - holding/wearing/rocking/sleeping, as much as possible), they certainly won't hurt -- may help a smidge -- and will ensure you are getting some good, wholesome (much needed!) calories packed with omega-3, nutrients, and goodness along the way.

If you enjoy baking and try out these recipes (or any other you find online or create yourself), please let me know your favorites. I'll admit I rarely stick straight to the recipe. I inherited my parents tendency to throw things into the batch (or leave things out if they aren't in my cupboard at the time). Some sesame seeds here, pumpkin seeds there...a bit of Fenugreek or a handful of sunflower seeds. I often substitute extra milled flax or applesauce for the butter, and toss in extra oats, or a scoop of almond butter if it looks like the batter can handle it. So if you are like me, and have additional special tips that make your homemade lactation cookie creations stand out among the milkin' moms - please, share!

A few notes on the recipes:

1) Flax seed is prepped many ways. The version most useful for baking is the milled flax seed that you will find in your local store. It typically comes in a bag or a box (depending on the brand you select). You may have to go to a health food, whole foods store, or large supermarket to find the brewer's yeast which typically comes in a can.

2) Whole oats should always be used - not 'quick' oats (the type that cook in a few minutes in the microwave). Be sure when you buy your oats ('oatmeal') that you are purchasing whole, natural oats.

3) I'd suggest purchasing eggs from a local farm or buying free range "happy chicken" eggs at your grocery store - especially with all the recalls on salmonella tainted eggs lately. And who wants to support the massive hen house operations? Not us. Be informed on where your food comes from, and teach your kids too.

Major Milk Makin' Cookies
Recipe by Kathleen Major
Detailed recipe with photos found here

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 3/4 c. oats
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 c. almond butter or peanut butter
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. flax
3 T brewer's yeast
1/3 c. water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
2 c. (12oz) chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts of your choice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl.
In a large bowl, beat almond butter, butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, brewer's yeast, flax and water until creamy.
Mix in eggs.
Gradually beat in flour mixture.
Mix in nuts and chocolate chips.
Add oats slowly, mixing along the way.

Place balls of dough onto greased baking sheets or baking stones.
Press down each ball lightly with a fork.
Bake 12 minutes.

BODY DETOX

How to Take a Detox Bath  

by Terri Stovall, ND, Julia Maureen..

Detoxification of your body through bathing is an ancient remedy that anyone can perform in the comfort of their own home. In detoxification circles, your skin is known as the third kidney, and toxins are excreted through sweating. A detox bath is thought to assist your body in eliminating toxins as well as absorbing the minerals and nutrients that are in the water. Most of all, it'll leave you feeling refreshed and awakened.

Steps

1. Prepare your bath on a day that you have at least 40 minutes available. The first 20 minutes are said to help your body remove the toxins, while the second 20 minutes are for absorbing the minerals in the water.
   
   
2. Fill your tub with comfortably hot water. Use a chlorine filter if possible.
   
   
3. Add Epsom salts (aka magnesium sulfate). Soaking in Epsom salts actually helps replenish the body’s magnesium levels, combating hypertension. The sulfate flushes toxins and helps form proteins in brain tissue and joints. Epsom salt is very inexpensive. It can be purchased in decently sized bags or cartons at discount stores in the garden center or pharmaceutical area. Very large bags can be ordered from garden centers.
   
   
   • For children under 60 lbs, add 1/2 cup to a standard bath.
   • For children 60 lbs to 100 lbs, add 1 cup to a standard bath.
   • For people 100 lbs and up, add 2 cups or more to a standard bath.
4. Add 1 to 2 cups or more of baking soda (a.k.a. sodium bicarbonate). Baking soda is known for its cleansing ability and even has anti-fungal properties. It also leaves skin very soft. Large bags can usually be found in the swimming pool chemical area, but the boxes from the bakery aisle will work fine.
   
   
5. Add ground ginger or fresh ginger tea. While this step is optional, ginger can increase your heat levels, helping to sweat out toxins. However, since it is heating to the body, it may cause your skin to turn slightly red for a few minutes, so be careful with the amount you add. Depending on the capacity of your tub, and your sensitivity, anywhere from 1 tablespoon to 1/3 cup can be added.
   
   
   • Most people sweat profusely with the addition of the ginger, and if you wrap your body in a blanket immediately after getting out of the tub, you can continue to detoxify through perspiration for another couple of hours. This is especially beneficial if you are trying to rid the body of a bug of some sort, like the flu, or a cold.
6. Add dOTERRA oils.  There are many oils that will make the bath an even more beneficial, pleasant and relaxing (such as lavender and ylang ylang), as well as those that will assist in the detoxification process (tea tree oil or eucalyptus). Around 20 drops is sufficient for a standard bath.
   
   
   • If you prefer, you can use fresh herbs. Add mint leaves (warming), lavender flowers (soothing), chamomile (soothing), or anything else that suits your mood.
7. Swish all of the ingredients around in the tub, then soak. Again, 40 minutes is recommended (the longer the better), but aim for at least 20. You should start sweating within the first few minutes.
   
   
   • If you feel too hot, start adding cold water into the tub until you cool off.
   8. Get out of the tub slowly and carefully. Your body has been working hard and you may get lightheaded or feel weak and drained. On top of that, the salts make your tub slippery, so stand with care.
   
   
   9 Drink plenty of water. Any time your body detoxes (after this type of bath, a massage, or chiropractic work, for example), you need to flush out toxins. If you don't, you will likely feel sick afterwards.
8. 10After the bath, you might like to rub down your body with a loofah or vegetable bristle brush. This can help to stimulate the lymphatic system, which can aid with the release of toxins. Use long, gentle sweeping strokes aimed toward the heart.
   
   

 Tips

• It’s also a good idea to drink water before and during your bath, especially if you’re feeling overheated from the tub water.
• Don't eat immediately before or after the bath.
• Have your towel nearby the tub and ready so that you can wrap up immediately and continue the detox.
• Shower off the Epsom salts if desired, but it's not necessary.
• Relax for the rest of the day and allow your body to continue to detoxify and heal itself.
• A bath of Epsom salt and baking soda bath is detoxing in and of itself, but other items can be added for further effects.
• Dry brush your skin before the bath for further benefits.
• Other additives used by some are grapefruit seed oil, rosemary, and thyme (not white thyme, it has a cooling effect).
• Turn off the lights. Light candles. Clear your mind, meditate & relax.
• Sea salts can be added for several health and skin benefits.

Warnings

• Before adding herbs not on the list to your bath, please read what their effects are. Some herbs CAN be poisonous.
• Do not take a hot bath or a detox bath if you are pregnant, or have heart, kidney, or any other health issues.
• As with any application of essential oils, be aware of the properties of the oils and any contra-indications (things that might bring about harm) for your particular conditions.
• This article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or otherwise take the place of the advice of your licensed healthcare practitioner. See your doctor for advice first.
• Avoid putting hydrogen peroxide in your bath. As an oxidizing agent, it can have corrosive effects on your skin.

 Things You'll Need

• Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate)
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate/bicarbonate of soda)
• Large glass of cold water
• Towel
• Skin brush (optional)
• Ginger, aromatherapy oils, herbs (optional)

Helpful cloth diapering reference page

• This is a good reference page I made. Its to help you see what diapers I use or have used and liked. How they are used and what they look like on a baby. Mostly I wrote it for my friends who are looking into CD but need to know where to start.
  
  Here is the BGE (bumgenius elementals): BGE- check out the photos you can see the inside, outside, and what it looks like on a baby.

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Here is the OS Simplex:  OS Simplex Still all cotton on the inside. and it also has a attached piece of fleece that you can put against babies skin for a stay dry effect. Love that part... plus its a pocket interior to put a doubler in if you needed to for a heavy wetter

  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  Here are prefolds: You can use them two ways you can: trifold them into a cover. or wrap around baby for a better fit and snappi/pin it then cover it.

  Prefolds

  For all colors Id get 24 of each color, orange (newborn) yellow, red, brown, not all babies need green. You can get these on Spots corner a lot as well. I love the organic ones though- they absorb a lot more
• 
  

  
  

  Then these ones are Workhorse fitted:WH its a fitted prefold basically. For a younger immobile baby Id go with snapless using a snappi or pins. (orange edge, yellow and red) Then when buying brown edge Id get snaps because baby can snag the snappi right off when they crawl.
  
  Here are Flats: FLATS.
  These are a staple in any stash. So versatile and inexpensive. You can double them up for more absorbancy or just add a doubler to it.
  
  Covers:
  

  
  

  • Motherease Airflow: (not restricting at all on babies waist-better for a wide diaper)

  Airflow covers
  

  • Thirsties Duo: Comes in two sizes (Aplix for younger babies, snaps for older)

  Thirsties 
  

  • Thirsties Sized Covers: Very nice fit. I loved it on my little babies.   

  Thirsties
  

  • Econobum: nice and light weight and stretchy

  Econobum
  

  • Bummis Super Lite: (lightweight, not as restricting. Only comes in Aplix)

  Bummis
  

  • Diaper Safari Covers: I LOVE THESE and I recommend them over FLIPS

  Diaper Safari
  

  • Rumparooz Newborn

   Rumparooz
  

  •  One Size cover

  Rarz

  • FLIPS 

  FLIPS

  • Blueberry Mini cover for newborns

  Blueberry mini
  
  Wool Covers:  
  
  Some of my favorite brands of interlock wool are:
  

  • Bumby!!!!  Stephanie has a plethora of things that she makes and she and her team are outstanding.

  Make sure you go to follow her facebook page! Bumby FB page
  You can order from her what you need and in the size you need. Shes always been so great to work with. Or you can go to her facebook BST page that her admins run for her to buy things that are previously loved. Bumby B/S/T

   

  • EweBgreen  Heather is another WAHM by herself. DO not let this fool you. Her work is excellent. Shes always willing to make something specific to your needs. So again go follow her facebook page. Ewebgreen FB page or her bst page that is run as well by her admins. EweBgreen b/s/t

  
  

  • Loveybums: These are my FAVORITE wool cover for a newborn. So soft and comfy. No restricting PUL or plastic cover. Just cotton and wool! I prefer the Jersey.

  • Wollybottoms: I love their soakers both recycled and interlock and footies for days AND night 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Accessories: 
  
  This is a snappi fastener. snappi

  Green Mountain Diapers: Snappi Fasteners 

  Doublers: A lot of people rely on extra doublers for extra absorbancy doublers

  
  

   How to store when wet/soiled:
• 
  
  

  Pail Liner:pail liner
  

  
  

  
  
• Or a wet bag:wet bag

  
  

  
  
• Newborn:
  

  
  As for Newborn if you don't do the orange GMD prefolds or orange workhorse diapers you will want to get at a few newborn sized diapers...
  
  Motherease makes newborn diapers: its a fitted that requires a cover
  newborn sandys
  Kissaluvs are great as well- this is also a fitted that requires a cover
  KLO.
  Little Joeys: this one doesn't require a cover its an AIO
  LIL JOEYS
  Grovia: doesnt require a cover
  NB GROVIA
  Blueberry Newborn Simplex
  NEWBORN SIMPLEX 

  
  

  
  

  
  
• If your wondering how long a baby will fit into newborn diapers and how long until they can fit in a one sized diaper every baby is different.
  

  He grew out of his newborn diapers at one month old. I think he was 14 lbs. He moved into yellow edged WH/ and PF.
  

  At 2 months he fit into his one sized bumgenius elementals along with his yellow edge WH and PF.
  

  
  
• Night time solutions:
  

  You have a couple options:

  You can do the prefolds, workhorse, flats or whatever- and just use doublers. Being its all cotton it soaks faster overnight. You can also use a pocket diaper without the microfiber insert- use a prefold and a hemp doubler, this will give one fluffy butt- but the inner fleece lined they feel dry at least.

  Motherease One Size organic with doubler
  MEOS

  
  

  Motherease Sandys also works great for nightime.
  

  ME SANDYS
  Sbish: (expensive but they are very absorbant diapers for nights)
  sbish snapless
  Bububebe nightime
  
  Wash Routine:
  

  1. I start with a cold wash/cold rinse (no soap, don't dry when cycle done)
  2. Restart wash on Hot wash/rinse. Add in your soap that you choose. I used ALL Free and Clear before I started making my own- this recipe can be found in my previous blog posts as well. (not the best on diaper cleaning so I went back to ALL F&C)
  3.  I have occasionally used 1/4 bleach.. this would go in now with the hot wash
  4. When I put it in for a hot wash/rinse, and press extra rinse (if using bleach)
  5. Dry (I dry for one cycle and air dry the rest of the way
  6. Sun is a great way to get stains out so get them freshly cleaned wet diapers out to the line to dry!

  
  I hope this helps! Remember this is not your only option for cloth diapering. Its just showing what I use and what I use looks like. If you want to see more I have a post on my favorite CD stores up in the toolbar above. 
  
  FEEL FREE TO ADD A COMMENT WITH YOUR FAVORITE NEWBORN DIAPERS OR A GREAT NATURAL FIBER DIAPER THAT IS BUDGET FRIENDLY~!

So they call me supermama????

Here is my latest FB post that I wanted to share so you can all read what a day in a life a mother of 5 is like... when the husband is gone for awhile. Well...

okay my husband spoils us with his good food and helping hands around the house ( a lot 

more than most men I know) Well tonight I was a BUSY "solo" mama. I was fixing supper. 

Just Tomato basil soup and grilled tuna sandwiches. Who can screw that up right? Well I 

was helping Jax eat some peaches... Vienna, was talking my ear off a mile a minute as she 

was "doing dishes" (filling the pots up with water and dumping it out over and over) my cats 

were all at my feet as they smelt tuna.. ugh.. tripped over them maybe 10 times.. My soup 

overflowed, my sandwiches got a little extra crispy. Jax was screaming for more... Vienna is 

still talking lol. Boys are setting the table, horsing around like lil boys do. OH MY WORD! 

this is just one night of my awesome busy home... BUT we sat down together and Lucas was 

the one who said the prayer tonight.. and he prayed for my efforts, said "thank you for my 

mom who worked her butt off tonight, our burnt toast and all." lol Thanks Guys! Through 

the  chaos of it-theyre my family and Im happy to call them mine.

Wearing my baby!

 I do love babywearing. It works when Jax is fussy or not letting me leave the room for any reason. Which he has been doing a lot lately. I can teach school while I wear him. Cook, clean. pay bills onling all because hes on my back. I used to carry him on my front. Then in my Sleeping Baby Productions Ring sling I wear him on my hip. Hec I even wear him in my mesh fabric ring sling in the shower. (bought it for pool use) Cause I have that phobia where you always think you hear your baby crying when your in the shower. ( I cant stand that)

 I just got a Didymos Natural Linen Indio 6 to add to our collection. (shown on the right) I have to say its been a little difficult to get on by myself but with daddy spotting we have gotten it a few times. Hes been so silly when hes on my back. I truly think he likes when I bring them out. BUT he can be a leg straightener so we are finding some certain carries that will be "leg straightening proof!"

This one is my Ergo soft structured wrap. I do like this one a lot for when I go to stores, library and such. (shown in left)

 This is my friends Didymos Ecru Pfau  6 that she lent me. This one was very pretty! I liked it a lot. Jax liked it too!! (shown on right)

<Here is Jax and I doing laundry. As you see he likes to leg straighten. Yes Yes we will cut that habit! lol. BUT we got our diaper laundry folded up.

Here is Jax in> upper right

 the Sleeping Baby Productions woven ring sling.

here again is the Natural Linen Indio size 6. I like to watch Babywearing Faith on youtube. Such a sweet knowledgable mama with different wraps.

Babyhawk Mei Tai- this one is okay but I find that its tougher for me to get used to.

Girasol Garden! This is a Girsaol Snow Diamond size 6. I got this one from Pinkletinkbaby.

Eco Green Moms

I want to be a little bird in your ear that tells you about this neat website that my friend has produced.


If you are interested in natural products, and love organic in your home, and you want to know whats HOT these days in the natural world, you need to check out this page.


She has gathered a bunch of reviews on a lot of amazing products. Unpaper towels, Cuppow cup, reusable sandwich bags, reusable bags, Lunchbots, Silli Squeeze, the Diva cup, doTERRA oils, Green Mountain Diapers to name a few. If you want to learn about more natural products she has conducted neat reviews by the public for many of them. She also does a lot of giveaways which are always fun.

If your reading this go over to her facebook and give her a "like" to stay up to date on her newest posts- "Eco Green Moms" http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/EcoGreenMoms?fref=ts and her webpage- make sure you read through all her product reviews and then under her giveaways tab she has her latest products to giveaway, leave her a comment and you can be entered! http://ecogreenmoms.com/  

You wont want to miss out!!

 

Surgery Day for our Noly Poly~

Yes, I should have posted earlier to update that Nolans surgery went as hoped. He had a hard time waking up this am, "I dont want to have surgery" overall he hopped up left his jammies on, brushed his teeth and got our stuff on to leave. We left at 6:25 and got there at 6:45.  We checked in, got settled into "114" and immediatly had our nurse come in.. which was one of our friends moms and his little buddies grandma- so that helped Nolan hear stories of his friends. Broke the ice so to speak. Then an anestesiologist came in and told us the game plan and asked him some questions. He too was very focused on Nolan which helped him. Then the whole crew arrived at about 7:55 to take him back to the surgical suite. This made him very nervous and official, he tearts up-"I want you to come with me, why cant you come with me" So we went over again step by step of whats happening (as we have done at least 10 times already). Your going to go with them, they are going to put you to sleep with the silly mask, then when they are done they will take you to a quiet room til you wake up, and when you wake up you will come right back in here to mama. I gave him all sorts of kisses and squeezed him, trying myself not to cry. This helped him calm down, they came in and gently got him unhooked and wheeled the bed away. Hes sitting up in the bed with this little smirk half smile. Hes wheeling away through the doors, and thats where I lost it, no more being the strong mama- I lost it. No matter how routine a procedure can be, no matter how many times a dr can conduct this procedure a part of me still was scared to death of any unknown possibilities. My mom left to a dr appt, she was probably late but she wanted too to see him off. So it was me and this room just waiting. My room was right by the big double doors that they enter back in at, I swear everyone was coming through but none of them were him... ugh how long must I wait. 9:52 he was finally back!! Crying and lethargic, trying to come out of that funky feeling of anestesia. He kept crying, "It hurts, it hurts really bad" Of course thats not what I wanted to hear I just want to take that all away from him. I rubbed his head and encouraged him to go with the sleep that his body wanted him to do. So he slept, and because he was still waking in and out in pain they gave him another dose of Morphine, well that did the trick, he finally slept for about 15 minutes. He wakes up, "Im done sleeping Im not tired anymore, can we go home now" lol hes funny good try buddy, but lets wait a little while. He got to have some water and some juice, and grandma went and got him a donut. That made him wake up, cant miss out on a donut, right? We stayed there til 1150, got ready to be go. The sitting up, and getting dressed was a little more difficult for him. We slowly got it with mamas help of course, and got him into wheelchair to go! Agh! going home! Its over! Lets hit the road! So we are now home, and hes bounched back great, but we have kept ahead of the pain too which is crucial.

So thanks to everyone for the support, Thank you to grandma Hagen and grandma Rouse for helping out!!! We appreciate it all!!!

Surgery Day tomorrow bright and early

Tomorrow is Nolan's surgery. We just got the call that its at 645am and scheduled for 750am. Please keep this in your prayers. Pray for his courage and for a smooth recovery, the doctors wisdom and skilled hands.

gift planner worksheet (free download!)

gift planner worksheet (free download!)

Not a usual day

So we have not done any school work today as we had to go to the doctors office. Our 7 year old son has to have surgery and today we had to make sure everything was clear for surgery. 

He's very nervous and quick to tears over the unknown. I as a mommy and nurse am obviously very nervous too. During the 15 minute drive there I could see that he was nervous already, as he couldn't speak his words without tearing up. Poor guy just doesn't want any of this, and if I could take it away I would!  

I have sat down with him and explained everything to him. But I was lost for words as to what to say to help him rest his mind any further. So we prayed together. We prayed on our drive to town. I prayed for bravery, courage for the dr.s to be sensitive to his needs and for relief for his little 7 year old worries. Breaks my heart.. hes sensitive like his mama. I too can be in church singing and just start tearing up over the words. He too was praying with me and tearing up. I hope this was a good thing and he knows how much Jesus loves him and how much he will take care of our worries. So come Tuesday Jan 8th we are going in for the operation. 

Don't worry about tomorrow God is already there.

Please pray for him. PLEASE.

Rub a Dub Dub

Ive been experimenting with soaps.. both laundry soap and dishwasher safe soap.

I find a whole lot of people use the same ingredients but different proportions. Heres a couple that I like for shiny clean dishes.

Liquid Dishwasher Soap:

• 1 part baking soda
• 1 part borax 
• 1 part water
•  1 drop lemon or orange essential oil per cup of detergent

• Mix the ingredients thoroughly and store in a sealable jug.
• Use 2 to 3 TBS per load.

Powder Dishwasher Soap:

• 1 cup Baking Soda
• 1 cup Borax
• 1T citric acid 
• 2-3 drops of Lemon or Wild Orange Essential Oil

Blend thoroughly and store in a plastic container, use approximately 2 TBS per load.Use vinegar in the rinse compartment as a rinse agent to help prevent residue.

 you can shop for doTERRA Essential Oils on my webpage:www.doterra.myvoffice.com/stefaniejloverink

Liquid Laundry Soap:

• Hot water
• 1/2 cup Washing Soda 
• 1/2 cup Borax
• 1 bar Soap- grated ( I used Fels Naptha)
• a few drops of Lavendar Essential Oil (see above link to get yours!)

• In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.
• In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.
• Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring before each use (will gel).

This made a good amount of soap. FYI Keep a hang of empty jugs around the house.. we put ours in clean empty milk jugs, and two of our large empty cleaned out laundry containers. This made two milk jugs and two laundry containers full, I poured til the cap of laundry soap was full. You cant beat 0.1 a load!

Powder Laundry Soap: 

• 1- 3lb 7oz box of arm and hammer super wash, 
• 1-4lb 12oz box of Borax, 
• 1-3lb container Oxi Clean 
• 3 bars soap ( I used Fels Naptha)

Place all into 5 gal bucket stir all together and I use 3 heaping tablespoons per load.
^ This has been my most recent attempt at powder- My friend Kellie is the one that inspired me to try this one. As long as they get my cloth diapers clean!!!

"Im kind of a Hippie, I dance to my own beat"

The Easy Peasy Elderberry Syrup!!!!

I know your curious!

I actually had a lot of fun making this guys, it was actually pretty therapeutic and the AROMA! My heavens its glorious!! My entire home smells phenomenal. You need to do this!

Elderberry Syrup ahaaa! Its very healthy for you and very YUMMY. This recipe is for a medicinal syrup that can be used to fight flu and viruses. 

Elderberries are said to "ncrease immunity, and they are a rich source of bioflavonoids, antioxidants and potassium, beta carotene, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C."

Elderberries are packed full of POWERFUL antioxidants. In our environment there are many things that can spawn free radicals to form in our body. This is not healthy or conducive to our health. Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. Of particular importance is that free radical damage accumulates with age, thus the aging process.  Antioxidants can help clear out these free radicals to keep us healthy. Its good for Immune health, Heart health, Eye health, and healthy skin as well. Elderberry syrup is just the ticket to keeping healthy and taking control of your body.

For this recipe, you'll need a source of elderberries. If you don't have fresh elderberries, you can purchase dried berries from places that sell herbs, either online or locally. But ask around because many folks have bushes of elderberries growing in their yard that they don't use!

Prep Time: 45 minutes (if not using dried)

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• • 3 cups of water
  • 1 cups of elderberries- destemmed of course
  • 1 cup honey or more to taste ( I only recommend raw)
  • 2-3 fresh cinnamon sticks
  • approx 10 drops of On Guard Essential Oil, and 10 drops of Clove Oil. You can buy from my website. www.doterra.myvoffice.com/stefaniejloverink

Preparation:

 

You can just see the heavenly aroma!

Here I'm showing to pour the saucepan of syrup through the sieve over a bowl while mashing out all of the excess berry juice.

1. Place elderberries, water, cinnamon stick, in a saucepan over medium heat.
2.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes. ( I did longer because I loved the smell. 30 minutes would probably suffice.) 
3. Use a potato masher to mash berries to release juice; strain the mixture through a fine sieve, retaining juice and discarding the pulp. I mashed mine while in saucepan to get out the juices.
4. Set it aside to cool off.
5. I poured  my syrup into the fine sieved sifter over a bowl and I would again mash the berries to get the most juice out that I could possibly get. ^above picture
6. Stir in honey until thoroughly combined, Add in On Guard and Clove Essential Oil.
7. Store in a lidded jar. I used an old clear ketchup bottle with a squirt spout.
8. Keeps in refrigerator 2 to 3 months.
   

To use the elderberry syrup:
  We take this daily. Adults can take 1Tablespoon daily, and children over two I give 1 teaspoon. Especially at the first sign of a cold, sore throat, flu or other viral illness. The dose can be repeated every two to three hours. Please note that honey should not be given to children under two years old due to botulism. 

Well I hope you can take this and use it!

"Im kind of a hippie, I dance to my own beat"

Here are a couple reference links about antioxidants and free radicals if your interested.

http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/antioxidant/fighting-aging-with-antixodants

http://www.healthchecksystems.com/antioxid.htm

Cloth Diapering! Some say say YAY and some say HOY!

Cloth Diapering! Some say say YAY and some say HOY!  
Well let me tell all you HOY people that its not at all like what your grandma says it is. It maybe was once upon a time but now times have changed and there are so many possibilities out there. Maybe you are on the fence. Maybe your family says its not a good idea. Well let me let you in on what we like and what works for us.

Two words- NATURAL FIBERS!!! This has been the best thing that we have done in our rotation of diapers. Its healthier for baby, and much more comfy too. 
 
Lets start with what I like-- well I LOVE Greenmountaindiapers.com, and not just the site and products but Karen has amazing customer service. (also has really good pictures of her diapers on this website to show you how they fit)

What we love: 
Clotheze Workhorse fitted diapers- they DO need a cover (Ill cover that in one sec) They come in snaps or snapless. Many do prefer snapless as you can get a more custom fit, BUT if you get snaps and find you don't prefer them you can snappi right over it. (If you don't understand a snappi you can also find these on her website for sale. These diapers come in different sizes from Newborn, smalls, medium, large, and XL. 
Pros: all cotton, very absorbent, great fitted diaper that contains that explosive poo. Love the fit and its a custom fit. Easy for family members or a sitter to use. Doesn't bust the budget.
Cons: Not one size fits all. Little long on dry time.

Clotheze Prefolds - these are also a GMD product that I love as it is also very absorbent. They do need a cover. They are more of a universal diaper. Meaning; they are great wrapped around baby like a fitted diaper, or trifolded into a cover, or stuffed into a pocket diaper for extra absorbancy. These also need a snappi or pins if you choose to wrap it around baby like a fitted diaper. 
Pros: Cheap route to go. Absorbancy. All cotton. 
Cons: folding a tight fit takes practice. Not one size fits all.

Bumgenius Elementals: this is not made by GMD but she does carry them. This is daddy's go to diaper. Its all 100% cotton on the inside but this one doesn't need a cover as the outer shell of this diaper is already there. Its a slap on and go kind of diaper. It comes in snaps or aplix (velcro).  You literally put on snap and go. 
Pros: 100% cotton still. All in one diaper. Daddy and sitter friendly.  Great color choices. One size diaper. One size fits from 8lb and grows with your child by altering the snaps. Great leg gussets to avoid explosions. Absorbancy.
Cons: Dry time is longer since it has so much cotton on the inside. 

Swaddlebees Simplex: These are also not made by GMD but she does sell them.  Its 100% cotton on the inside. It is a one size diaper. Its a snap diaper so slap on and go. These are also daddys favorites -- are you seeing a pattern as to why yet?
Pros: 100% cotton. All in one diaper. Daddy and sitter friendly. Great prints and colors. Great leg gussets. Absorbancy. One size .
Cons: Little long on dry time.

I mentioned that the top two need covers. You can use a PUL cover or fleece or wool (flutters eyes in love). We use wool 99% of the time. The reason so is because you can use it as the child's clothing. Yes so its two birds one stone! There are soakers, wool wraps, shorties and longies. The shorties are shorts and longies are pants. I am not talking about that itchy wool sweater that Aunt Martha bought you when you were younger. This is a soft wool; not itchy. A soaker is a pull on jus like underwear. It goes over the diaper and goes great under clothing if its a trim diaper/wool combination. A wool wrap is the same thing except it has either snaps or aplix. Some brands carry recycled wool, and others interlock. We love both. If you must know.. we use Royal Buns interlock soakers. Loveybums interlock and crepe wool wraps. Wild Coconut Wear interlock longies and shorties. Woollybottoms recycled footies and soakers. Tiny Tunas longies. Disana knit soaker. You do not need to put a cover over the diaper when you are wearing the wool. It is the cover, and easily becomes the childs main wardrobe. It is very easy to care of as well and actually pretty therapeutic.  

I bought Ewe Need it Wool Wash/Lanolin combo so I fill my sink with warm -not hot water, poor in my needed amt of wash. Swish the water to mix well with the wash. Add the wool inside out. Soak for at least 15 minutes. Do not wring it out. take a towel and wrap it and press out the water. then lay flat to dry.

If I did choose a PUL cover to try I would say Motherease Airflow, Bummis Super Lite, Econobum, and Thirsties Duo PUL cover. Motherease is very lightweight and not restricting. Bummis Super Lite I have in aplix and isnt so rigid around babys tummy. Econobum is super lightweight and stretchy. Thirsties cover is great for the leg gussets. 

I have to add that for wipes we use cloth as well. I went to my local Joann Fabrics and picked up some cute soft flannel, and terry cloth, cut into 8x8 squares and we sewed them together. We also use Eli's Wipes... they are squishy soft velour on one side and sherpa on the other. I love them a lot!!!!

Jump in and give it all a whirl! You will love changing those poop catchers!

"Im kind of a hippie, I dance to my own beat."