Natural Parenting

Before I had Emma, I thought there was no way that I would be one of those hippie, natural parenting (also known as attachment parenting) mommas. Those moms were just weird. Then, after having Emma, I become more and more interested in the idea of natural parenting. I did lots of research and my husband and I gradually made some changes in our parenting style. It is so interesting in how your ideas of parenting before you have a child and your ideas of parenting after you have a child are completely different (most of the time). My husband and I are truly embracing the natural style of parenting now and know it is best for us and our daughter (though it may not be best for all parents/children).

While I had many struggles with breastfeeding in the beginning (mastitis, thrush, low milk supply, etc.), I would not change it for the world. I greatly enjoyed breastfeeding Emma until she self-weaned at 11 months. We cloth diaper (and LOVE it). We "wear" our child (and will wear our new baby). I made Emma's baby food. We love natural toys. We co-sleep. I could go on and on. Though we do many things the "natural way", we in no way are crazy anal about being natural. I in no way had a natural birth--got lots of drugs and a c-section. We eat many processed foods. My daughter knows to ask for "fries" when we go through the McDonald's drive thru. Really, none of the details matter. What matters is that you and your family find out what works for you. I am glad that we have found what works for us! :)

And just for fun, here are some of my favorite natural parenting links:
www.mothering.com (Mothering Magazine)
http://www.novanatural.com/ (Nova Natural Toys & Crafts)
http://www.kiwimagonline.com/ (Kiwi Magazine)

the name game

Everyone is chomping at the bit and asking if we have a name picked out.

Yes, we do.

We debated a lot and ended up with our original name that we picked out for a boy years ago.

Eli James.

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

A lot has been happening in our lives during the past couple weeks. Because of some unfortunate, yet completely understandable circumstances, I was laid off two weeks ago. Some crazy stuff was going on within the company and the decision was made to shut down the nursery. While it was quite unexpected, I felt at complete peace with the situation. It was just what needed to happen. I am now keeping two of the children three days a week and getting unemployment. While I know I can't get unemployment forever, it's been a nice change to only be working part-time! Emma and I (and the two other girls I keep) have been enjoying the beautiful weather by going to the zoo, many different parks, going for walks, and playdates with friends. It has been fun (and exhausting)!

Though I am enjoying my time at home now, I know it is only for a season. We simply cannot afford to live in this city we love on one income. Matt and I are currently pursuing a great mission opportunity in this city. While I cannot write of the details now, because nothing is certain yet, just know that it would be an amazing opportunity for our entire family to serve those in need in this city! We are greatly excited about this opportunity and just praying that God allows all the details to fall into place. I will update more about it when the time comes.

Oh, and in other news, I will have my 20 week ultrasound a week from today to find out if it's a BOY or GIRL! Can't wait!

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Halloween

from a punk rockstar!