The Diapering Experience: Part Duex

source: google images (markitwithab.blogspot)

Last week I started writing about diapering.  Then I realized exactly how much information there was!  Not only in the debate between cloth and disposable, but just in the vast amount of information on each topic.  So last time I covered why disposables were not the greatest choice anymore.  You can find the blog and relating articles HERE.

This time around, it'll be the cloth diapering.  The in and outs, and a brief overview of what kinds there are.  

I ultimately started looking at cloth diapering because I wanted something that was more economical and better for the environment.  I have memories of hearing of horror stories about cloth diapers, having to fold them, sticking the kids with pins, having diapers hanging out in the toilet all the time...fun stuff.  However, cloth diapers of today have come a long way from yesteryear, complete with velcro tabs and separate inserts that can be washed instead of just a huge cloth.


The Economics of Cloth Diapers
     We all know that disposable diapers are ridiculously expensive.  And I find it outrageous and absurd that companies charge those prices, knowing that they can, because it's a necessity.  You have to have diapers, and with the monopolizing of brands, companies, and products these days there is less and less competition, so these companies really go for the jugular.  With how many diapers your kiddo will go through, you are looking at roughly $1000-$1200 a year just for the diapers.  This doesn't include the wipes, rash ointment, etc.

    The initial investment can be a pretty scary number to look at.  You're looking at generally anywhere from $400-$1300.  This number all depends on if you are willing to go the lower end of the spectrum, where more folding is involved, or if you want to go high roller style with the bamboo diapers that are already formed, or are the 'all-in-one' style.  The initial investment will also include your velcro tabs or pins, diaper pail, a rinser hose if you desire, wipes (or you can make your own, the DIY blog for homemade wipes can be found HERE), inserts and covers.  That's a hell of a lot for what would amount to one year of disposable diapers.


What Kinds Are There?
     My head was literally spinning as I started researching different kinds of cloth diapers.  There are so many different kinds, and so many of the articles were so long and informationally dense that I contemplated throwing the computer across the room.  Luckily, I found a great article from momadvice.com which broke everything down into readable sections while still giving all necessary information.

Diaper Covers:
   Just as the name implies, this covers the inner layer of the cloth diaper and acts as a waterproof barrier.  The diaper covers come in all kinds of cute colors and designs and are used in conjunction with the Prefolds, Fitted Diapers, and Contoured Diapers.

Prefolds:
    These are the traditional cloth diapers we all think of.  A big 'ol cloth diaper with a thick strip down the middle.  There are three different kinds of prefolds available.  First there is the Chinese Prefold, which is the most popular prefold out there.  It is made of twill, has heavy duty stitching, and stands up to some heavy washing.  The Indian Prefold are made out of gauze and are softer than the Chinese Prefold (CPF) and are more absorbent, however they tend to wear out a bit faster than the CPF.  The other prefold is a Diaper Serivice Quality (DSQ) Prefold.  All this means is that they are more absorbent that the generic type you may find at the store, and are what you will get from a diaper service company.  As stated above, these will be used with a diaper cover.

Fitted Diapers:
     These diapers have elastic gathering at the legs, which makes them easier to fit around baby, and they also have velcro tabs (no need to pin!) which makes it quite easy to use.  Fitted diapers are also used with diaper covers, and are the least expensive option, second to the prefolds.

Contoured Diapers:
     Contoured diapers are pretty similar to the fitted diapers, except they don't have the elastic gathering at the legs.  The contoured diaper has wings that will need to be fastened, and is also used with a diaper cover.

One Size Diaper:
 As the name implies, the One Size Diaper fits your baby from birth until they are 30-35 pounds.  They have snaps that go across the diaper and can be folded down to make a smaller size.  Obviously this one would take a bit of practice to get the folding right so that your baby isn't dropping his pants when you pick him up off the changing table!  This one seems like it would be a good investment however, since different sized diapers would not be necessary, and you would be able to spend less on your diaper investment.

All In One Diaper:
 Again, the name says it all.  These diapers are made of an outer layer (usually wool), and the absorbent inner layer, which is all put together in once piece.  They are fastened with a loop or hook, and are the best bet as far as daycare, grandparents, or last minute outings are concerned.  

Pocket Diapers:
This is an easy fasten on diaper that is made of two layers that form a pocket to be used with absorbent inserts.

Inserts:
These are used with the Pocket Diapers, and are literally just nice soft cloths that are put into the pockets.  You can just use regular Prefolds, or get ready made ones that are made of materials like terrycloth, micro-terryclolth or even hemp!  

Wool Soaker:  
These have a high lanolin content, and are used as covers since they can hold up to 40 percent of its weight in moisture.  They are often used with the Contoured, Fitted, or Prefold Diapers.

To begin with, it's suggested that you get a couple dozen diapers and inserts, and about 10 covers.  This way you don't have to worry about doing the laundry every single day, and so should be able to get away with washing only 2-3 times a week instead.  And although it is a sizable initial investment, it's best to keep in mind, that these will last you for years, are reusable, and have no chemicals that might end up causing a bad rash on your newborn's sensitive skin.  Also, make sure you have a diaper pail on hand, along with a hose to rinse off the diapers, and a few wet bags on hand so you can keep one in the wash, one in the pail, and one in your diaper bag.

Hope this helped with the break down of what kinds of cloth diapers there are, and provide a bit of clarity on the situation.  As for myself, I will probably be using the fitted diapers with covers.  Easy peasy.  

Tune in next week for the breakdown of the how to's for cloth diapering: Folding, cleaning, and general care. 

     

A House Divided: Mealtimes

These days there are so many ways of eating.  Some do Atkins, some do Paleo, some are vegetarian, some are omnivores, have food allergies or intolerance, vegan, solely junk food eaters.......whew! The list is exhausting as it is extensive.  Everyone seems to have a food preference, whether out of choice or necessity.  

In our house, we have two completely different eating styles.  I have severe gluten intolerance and prefer vegetarian.  Now, that I'm pregnant I tend to crave this meat or that sometimes, and if i've only cooked a roast for him I'll probably eat some instead of making two meals.  Dustin is a Paleo follower through and through. Grains (making very few and small exceptions for tortilla chips or onion rings) are out, meat is in, and thankfully most vegetables.  

It can be extremely difficult to manage meals to suit everyone, especially when one of them will whine and complain if there isn't dead animal on the plate, or some rice has been thrown in with the tortilla soup (I'll give you a guess as to who is the whiner).  But thankfully, I've started learning how to make substitutions and compromises to make both of us relatively happy at meal time.  

1. Always have vegetables. You should be having vegetables at every meal anyway, but when you have a house divided like we do, it's crucial.  Even if I just sauté some zucchini, tomatoes and squash, I use that as the base of the meal.  For him, I'll have some chicken or pork baked or pan fried and ready to mix in.  For myself, I'll have quinoa and mozzarella prepared to have a make-shift "casserole".  Or if I'm in the mood for pasta, I'll have maybe a roast in the crockpot and then a huge beautiful salad made, where my pasta and his roast is the accompaniment instead of the main show.
2.     Find substitutions and alternatives.  I have no problem with ready-to-go Gluten Free flour mixes.  Dustin doesn't like all the grains that are in them.  So we found that almond and coconut flour work well for pretty much anything we need to make.  And seriously, fried chicken made with almond flour and spices is amazing!  I'll post the recipe for that later ;)  Finding the substitutions can be quite daunting at first, but that's what Google and cookbooks are for.  It gets easier, I promise.
3. Be willing to compromise.  There are some nights where it's too much effort for me to cook two meals. Or we're down to whatever is in the house and the grocery store is out for a couple days.  I'll have whatever I made him.  Or he'll suck it up and have some Mac n' Cheese (Gluten Free of course) with me.  Unlike Burger King, you can't always have it your way.  Sometimes you just have to find a middle ground and suck it up for the night.
4. Have staples on hand and in the pantry.  Yes, it can be annoying, and with many of us struggling to maintain a budget and get bills paid, the last thing we think of is stocking up.  I certainly don't have a huge stock pile, but even just stocking up on canned goods and dry goods when they are on sale, or buying just one or two extra things when you go to the store each time will lead to a decent stock so you won't have to worry about not having at least something on hand for each of you.  For him, it's ground meat and ready to cook sausages.  For me it's rice, beans and Gluten Free pasta.  Whatever you like to eat, and can have stored for a long time is a good idea to always have on hand.
5. Plan ahead.  I'm not disciplined enough to make meal plans for the week, but I do think a day ahead.  Just taking a few minutes to figure out what's on hand and what you can do for dinner will make a huge difference in lowering stress levels.  You don't have to rush home from work or school thinking about what needs to be defrosted, or wanting to make something in particular then realizing you don't have all the necessary ingredients.
6. Tell them what's up.  I've found that if I just tell him what I'm making for dinner, instead of asking what he wants, it's a lot less headache for me.  Confidence is key.  And he hasn't complained about any of my cooking so far, so I know he'll be ok with whatever is placed in front of him.  If you have a picky eater on your hand (adult or child), firmness is key.  "This is what is for dinner."  Done.  9/10 times, I guarantee they will happily pick up their utensils.  

I won't lie, at first it is very difficult when a house is divided at mealtime. But after awhile, with some (a lot of) figuring out what works and doesn't for all parties involved, things smooth out and cooking actually becomes pleasant again.  And when in doubt, do breakfast for dinner.  Seriously, who doesn't love quiche, or bacon and fruit salad and pancakes :)

Happy Eating

Ways of Inspiration

Inspiration is a funny thing. It comes to you in the plainest of moments, in the quietest, most uninspiring ways.  A gentle nudge from inside reminding you that you are destined to do great things in life.  A pull towards something creative is usually the inspiration. A desire to paint again ( or for the first time), sculpting, cooking, writing.  All of these inspirations are brought to us when we are ready to move forward, ready to evolve into another, higher version of our best Self. Nature, while not always my inspiration, usually gets me centered and grounded, which leads to inspiration.  I receive inspiration while I'm just sitting around or in the shower.  It is usually a whispered thought in my head, along with confidence and the sudden desire to use something as an outlet; painting or writing lately, and in the past, my dance.  

Inspiration can be for creativeness, or for receiving instruction from a higher power (whether your Self, or God, or Nature, it is all a higher power) which will lead you down the path that you are supposed to be moving on or towards.  Being still and quiet are some of the best ways to receive inspiration, you don't even have to be looking for it.  Usually when you are just trying to put your life back together and calm yourself down is when you will feel that lightness surround you and that desire to just do something takes over your body.

Ways to help get inspired

• Walk in Nature. Fresh air will always bring you back to center, and moving the blood in your body stimulates your brain, which gets the "creative juices" flowing.
• Sit on a hill, or a mountain, or up in a tree.  Height gives perspective. Perspective brings thoughts. Thoughts turn into musings, which lead to creativity and the possibility for inspiration.
• Meditate. 5 minutes a day of just sitting quietly and letting your body be open to messages can make a world of difference. You don't have to do the "om" sound, nor be a guru looking for enlightenment. But a peaceful person is a happy person.  Try my guided meditation here.
• Read a book, listen to classical music, watch a documentary.  It's so tempting to watch all the normal crap on tv, as a way of numbing ourselves from the day to day struggles we endure, whatever they may be.  But silencing all that nonsensical noise and putting on something that engages the brain, and thus you, can help spark some activity in the creative and analytical parts of our brain, leading to inspiration to try or learn something new.
• Times of crisis are great opportunities for receiving inspiration.  This is not to celebrate crisis, or downplay it. Lord knows, I have had many moments of crisis where all I could do was lay in bed and eat myself sick.  But after the initial shock has worn off, we look for ways to feel better.  And it is in those time of looking to feel better that we often are inspired to try something new, do something different, be a different person. Just be sure that you are paying attention to what you are being drawn to; is it helpful or hurtful? How does it make you feel? If the answer is "numb" or "I don't care" then it is not helpful and it may be a wise decision to not pay attention to that information.
• Look at something pretty.  Flowers, fashion magazines, the scenery outside your house are all great places to get inspiration.  
• Clean the clutter.  In Feng Shui clutter is the ultimate bad energy keeper. It slows down the chi and blocks it from circulating throughout the house efficiently.  How can you be creative or inspired in rooms where things are piled high in corners, or it is dark and dingy. I am not the best housekeeper, but I definitely feel it when clutter becomes too much. I feel more drained, slower, heavier. Simply cleaning one corner a day will do much to help the chi in your space.
• Pinterest.  Not even kidding. I have a board called Back to the Brush, where I have pinned art that inspires me, painting techniques, and just beautiful things that helped inspire me to pick up the brush again to help me heal in a time of crisis.
• Religion.  I am not mainstream religion. I have always leaned more towards Native American beliefs, and after having a professor who was a Lakota Shaman, that sealed the deal for me.  Religion can be a beautiful thing, no matter what you believe (or don't believe) in.  For some, reading the bible can bring inspiration.  For others, it can be the teachings of Buhddah or the scripture in the Torah or Q'uaran.  

Whatever fills you with a feeling of lightness, whatever gives you a drive to do something in life however minimal it may seem, is inspiration.  Don't ignore it. It's one of the best gifts you can receive while living on this awesome rock we call Earth.

A Guided Meditation

Hello!

As you might have seen in my Ways of Inspiration blog, I listed meditation as a great way to become inspired if you are looking for creativity, or just for something different in life. 

Below I've outlined a simple meditation that takes just a few minutes of time. Very short and to the point, but I can't say it will be easy for everyone.  For some, seeing images and colors is very easy, for others it can be difficult.  So what I will say is to just be patient and loving with yourself while doing it until it is finished.

Guided Meditation to Begin or End Your Day

Pick a place that is comfortable and quiet.  The bedroom, outside, the bathroom even if that's the only place you have to spend a few minutes in privacy.

Either sit cross legged, with your back straight but relaxed (against a wall for support if needed), or in a chair sitting straight. Gently place hands on your knees with palms up.

Take three deep breaths, and on exhale push them out! As if you were trying to rid something out of your body. 

Slow the breathing back down to a deep and relaxed pace. Keep this until you start to feel a stillness about out.

Either in your head or out loud affirm to yourself and the world, "I release and banish all negativity from within and around my body.  I bring the light into me."

As you say that, picture a beautiful light. I suggest a white light at first, but as you grow used to the meditation, the colors will change with how you feel and what you desire and need.  But for now as I said, picture a shimmering white light.

Let this light start at the soles of your feet, and slowly work its' way up through your toes, then ankles, then shins and calves into your knees then thighs, and up into your hips.  

Picture it continuing into your butt, then into your root chakra area (the genitals), up into your abdominal area, then the belly, lungs and heart.  

Keep it moving upward to your shoulders, and down your arms to your fingertips, then back up, and around your spine, moving into your throat and neck, all the way up your jaw, filling your head and finally picture that light spilling out the top of your head and surrounding you fully.

See the light expand all around you as you are quiet and at peace.

If you feel the need to take a deep breath, do so.  Sometimes this helps the energy and light move through a blocked spot that needs some work.

Continue to sit quietly feeling and seeing the light for as long as you desire.  Slowly bring yourself back to earth by opening your eyes and becoming aware of your surroundings again.

Feel amazing, and continue on with your day!

Sunday Brunch

Gooooooooooddd Morning Vietnam!

I woke up at 0400 (4 am for you non-military types) and just lay there. Tried watching Family Guy, did the Facebook scroll, and the Pintrest thing. Started doing that thing where the pregnant lady gets hungry, and reminiscing about my favorite bistro back in Oklahoma.  They always had the best quiche, with a decadent crust.  I was particularly remembering my favorite visit to that place, when my BFF came down to visit for the weekend. We had a decadent and leisurely brunch there before taking her to the airport.  Strawberry crepes, quiche, french bread with fresh jam, mimosas and phenomenal creme brûlée.  

I really adored that brunch, plus I love any excuse to have mimosas.  After laying there for a couple hours I finally decided the only way this was going to happen was by making it.  Enter Pintrest.  I really do adore that website.  


Here was this morning's Brunch Menu.

Paleo Mini Quiche Florentine

Gluten Free Crepes with Strawberry Sauce

Fresh Orange Juice

*Bacon for Dustin*

Holy moo cow, it was delicious.  I am normally extremely critical of my cooking and even I was happy with this!  

However, as this was my first time making crepes, and it was gluten free, it's going to need a bit of tinkering to get the thinness just right. I'll post my success later :)

Gluten Free Strawberry Crepes

I've had some of the best crepes in Oklahoma of all places, at my favorite little french bistro.  Since going gluten free, it's been a challenge to adapt my favorites and get the texture right.  

Since this was my first time ever making crepes, and Gluten Free ones at that, I'm just happy that they tasted right and that I managed to make them thin enough (albeit with a ton more water than the recipe called for) to kind of spread them out and make them thin enough to pass as crepes lol.  So there will probably be an "update, crepe making" post in the near future :)


Original recipe is found here on my Breakfast board on Pintrest. I made a couple substitutions though to make them Gluten Free. Below is my Gluten Free recipe.

Gluten Free Strawberry Crepes

3 Eggs
1 cup Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Coconut Flour
2 cups water
3 teaspoons sugar
½ Teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoons melted butter

Beat the eggs, then mix with the Gluten Free all purpose and coconut flour. 

Slowly add in water, and mix well. Add the sugar, salt, and melted butter and mix until smooth.  If batter is still too thick keep adding water, about 2 Tbs at a time until thin enough to run off the spoon.

Heat non-stick pan on medium low heat (or use coconut oil or cooking spray if not non-stick) and put small amount on pan and spread until thin. Let cook until edges are set like a regular pancake, then flip and finish cooking.

                                                                                                                    

Now, I usually like fresh strawberries on my crepes, but this strawberry sauce looked too good not to try!

Strawberry Sauce

16 oz of fresh or frozen strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup of water

Wash and cut tops off of strawberries. Half the strawberries if you desire.

Mix water and sugar with strawberries and heat over medium low heat. While bringing to a boil, mush down the strawberries a bit with a wooden spoon or potato masher. Bring down to low and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Spoon into crepes and fold, or just put them between and on top of crepe layers like I did! I also added a bit of Greek Yogurt and a couple fresh strawberries on top just for some added texture and flavor. So good!

source: http://allshecooks.com/2013/04/06/strawberry-crepes/

Paleo Mini Quiche Florentine

I love quiche! It's amazing, and a full meal tucked into a nice little dish that can work for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The original recipe I found here on Pintrest, and you can also find it on my Breakfast Board.  I made my own substitutions to make it Quiche Florentine, and it was to die for!

Here is my version of the Quiche:

Paleo Quiche Florentine

Ingredients

Muffin Pan:
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour or almond meal or flour
Filling:
• 1 bunch green onions, diced
• 2 1/2 cups of lightly steamed spinach
• 1/2 tsp of Herbs Provence 
• 1/2 cup of grape tomatoes, halved
Batter:
• 1/2 cup almond meal or flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 to 3/8 teaspoon unprocessed salt
• Plenty ground black pepper
• 9 eggs, organic and pasture-raised if possible.
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 3 slices of Swiss cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and oil the muffin pan then flour it to help the quiche to not stick.

Layer the green onions, spinach, tomatoes and Herbs Provence in the bottom of each muffin tin.

Mix the batter ingredients well, whisking at first to beat the eggs, then stirring to combine everything. Slowly pour the batter mix over the vegetables until about 2/3 full. Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden.

Let cool for about 5 minutes and loosen each mini quiche with a knife or small spatula.

Enjoy!

Arm Workout/Food Porn

Happy Weekend!

The SO unexpectedly had a half day and was home by noon, so we went to the gym together. With his work schedule we haven't been able to do that for the past 3 weeks, and poor guy is going on mandatory 12's starting Monday, so it was really nice to be able to poke at and tease each other at the gym.


Ok, back to the grind. Workout is as follows. Do it. Enjoy it. Come back for more muwahahahaha.


Cardio:
Elliptical- 15 minutes at level 8, staying at about 6.8-7.2 mph



Weights:
Kettleball Swing Alternating Arms- 10lb. 3 sets, 40 reps.

Kettleball Side Lunge with Woodchopper- 15lb. 3 sets, 12 reps each side.

Squats- 60lb. 3 sets, 10 reps.


Core:
Front Plank with Leg Lift- 2 sets, 20 reps each leg.

Hands and Knees Balance/Swing to Side- 2 sets, 30 seconds each side. (After lifting left leg/right arm, slowly bring both arm and leg horizontally out to the side while keeping core tight. Breathe deep and slow. Hold for set count, then slowly return. Repeat on other side.)

Camel Pose- 30 seconds x 2.

Tricep Dips on Bench with Raised Leg- 3 sets of 10 reps each side.


So after all that I was starving (finally after weeks of heartburn I actually had an appetite! Yay digestive enzymes and infused water!!!!) and we went to a little restaurant in our new town, called Roosters Brewery and Restaurant. So. Freaking. Good. 

And since it was Friday I went ahead and splurged a little. I love onion rings. Like, have an emotional affair with onion rings. And these were amazing!

Actual dinner was a little more sensible, but OMG delicious. Red rice, quinoa, lentils on salad greens with grilled chicken. Hello some of the most delicious protein I've had in a hot minute!

After dinner we were so full we absolutely HAD to walk around a bit. Then Dustin suggested ice cream since I had literally been crying in the grocery store the other day because they didn't have peach frozen yogurt.  Twist my arm. So off we walked to Sub Zero Ice Cream. We had never been there, and they literally freeze your ice cream right there with liquid nitrogen. Awesome sauce.

This is my new friend. I call him Fruity Fusion. We love each other.

Anyway, I'm not usually a fan of rewarding yourself with food after a workout, but Friday's are different. Especially if you eat at home 99.9% of the time :)

The Diapering Experience, Part 1

It's that time. Time to start thinking about diapering.  If you're anything like me you, A) grew up in disposable diapers (yay 80's) and B) babysat kids that were in disposables.  They were easy, and the commercials made it seem as though you were an old lady if you thought about using the cloth diapers.

So in comes the magical, disposable diaper! No need to laundry! No stinky pails! Happier baby and mom!

Sounds pretty good right?  Back then, it legitimately seemed like, and probably was. The disposables did a better job with overnight protection and didn't have all the chemicals that have oh-so-nonchalantly been added over the decades. Now however, there are reports flooding in of children getting rashes and even worse chemical burns from some of these diapers!  Chlorine, which is a dioxin has been linked to reproductive issues and cancer, can cause chemical burns. Also, is a newly developed (around 1970's-80's) little known chemical called Super Absorbent Polymer  (SAP).  These bad boys are tiny little crystals which are supposed to absorb leaky fluids and feces odors.  Pretty awesome sauce yes? Well, it would be it weren't linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). What I found out, is that this is the same ingredient put into tampons that we are given those huge pamphlets about in each box warning us to not use past the recommended time because of the risk of TSS.  And we are putting that in our vaginas, and apparently on our babies' very sensitive genitals. That kind of made me think twice about using non-organic tampons again! 

The other ingredient that kind of shocked me is Phthalates. This ingredient is added to plastics to make them nice and soft, like a very soft and pliable vinyl, or in other instances, to give a cloth like feel to the outer layer of diapers.  Now that did not really concern me at first, however, as I kept reading it was noted that they "are not a tightly bound chemical and can continuously be released into the air or through leaching into liquids."  What goes in a diaper? Liquids. Other gross stuff too, but yeah, liquids. Apparently this chemical is already on the medical community's radar which is great, but not so great that it is still being used in regular disposable diapers.

It's kind of scary to me that they will include a warning pamphlet about TSS in our tampons, but not be on the box of diapers that our babies wear 24/7, for years. And the lack of transparency about ingredients in diapers leaves something to be desired as well.  At last though, consumer voices are being heard and more "natural" diapering products are being produced. You can get them, dye and perfume free, and if you feel like paying the price, get the super special "Premium Chlorine Free" from the major brand names of diapers :/. 

Diapers that made it past some testing and were found to be fairly safe from aforementioned chemicals and free of dyes and perfumes are the following

Bambo Nature

Attitude

Earth's Best

I find it very sad that we live in a time where we have to demand "organic" and "natural" from everything we buy since greed from corporations have lead to doing nothing more than using chemicals to make everything and allows us to pay for the privilege of poisoning ourselves. Ugh.

Anyway, if you do feel like using disposable diapers, whether all the time, or just for when baby is at daycare, with the sitter, or at the grandparent's house, please take the time to investigate what is in your diapers and take a look at this article which was written by a mother who is also a MD. She has great links in it to other sources and articles which can help you to make more informed decisions. 

Link to the BabyGearLab article is HERE 

Other helpful articles on disposable diapers:

Disposable Diapers: Are They Dangerous

Which Brand is Best for Your Baby

For the Love of Heartburn

I don't know about you guys, and talking with my girls it's pretty common, but I am SO over this whole heartburn/nausea thing!

It's gotten to the point where I am even scared to eat because I know what's coming: a lava hot fire from the pit of my stomach all the way up into my esophagus. No amount of water or milk would help, the magnesium supplements weren't helping and the whole "throwing up in your mouth" thing is getting old pretty damn quick.  

Luckily, I seriously have some of the best midwives I cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am for their knowledge and suggestions of things to try. And as always, homeopathic and natural cures are the prescribed go-to instead of pharmaceutical remedies, unless they are a dead last resort.  Now, if you prefer pharmaceuticals have at it, no judgment here. But for myself, I just prefer to go the natural route and leave the pharmacological out of it unless absolutely necessary.

My midwives explained to me that during pregnancy it is incredibly easy for our Ph levels to get out of balance. These Ph levels help with digestion and provide the necessary enzymes to help break down food and have it absorb properly. Of course diet plays a big role in this as well, so if you have food sensitivities like I do and eat something you shouldn't (pop tarts), then the likelihood of your Ph levels becoming unbalanced increases even more.

I have had apple cider vinegar suggested to me by family as a way to help with digestion, and that the acidity would help break down food and level your Ph. I was getting desperate, but with how nauseous I have been, I'm sure the cider vinegar would have come right back up.  After hearing that, the midwives suggested digestive enzymes supplements. I luckily had some on hand, but the peppermint gives me worse heartburn before the papaya takes over to calm down my Ph levels.  So I will be going to the health food store to find some digestive enzymes that are made with just papaya or mango, no mint.

Another factor in Ph levels is electrolytes. I had also been dealing with massive dehydration, to the point where I ran out of energy about 30 minutes after getting out of bed even though I was slugging about 4-5 litres of water each day.

  I was suggested to try powdered electrolytes like Emergen-C or Smart Water. Although I knew how easy it is to flush out your electrolytes with too much water, I assumed that the amount of salt I was consuming was adequate enough to replace what was needed.  Apparently I was wrong.  An even easier (and tastier) version is to simply put lemon and cucumber slices in your water pitcher and let them infuse the water. I used to do this all the time while modeling prior to pregnancy as a fat flush. I did not know it was good for your Ph balance also! So now I get to fat flush and keep my body moving! Yay!

Keeping on the probiotics is also very important, and eating fresh foods that are easily digestible. Salads, greek yogurt, non-spicy soups, cooked or raw vegetables are all fantastic.  Things with yeast and sugars can mess with an already delicate Ph balance, and some proteins are quite hard to break down, requiring more digestive enzymes and acid which can lead to more heartburn and nausea. Lay off the sugar and breads late at night, have some Greek yogurt with granola in the morning. Have hard boiled eggs on your salad for lunch.  Have some soup with a bit of rice in it for dinner.  I know these don't sound very fun, but if I have to choose between feeling acid in my throat and a boring meal, I will take the boring meal.

I have so much empathy for anyone having to go through anything close to this, let alone so bad that you are stuck in bed. I hope some of this helps you, and if it keeps getting worse make sure to check in with your care provider.

Thursday Sweat Session

Like my "ugh F this noise" look??

It was one of those days I did not want to go to the gym. Hormones and a tiff the night prior had left me exhausted and weepy at every little thing.  And the day did not really have any significant progress to it either.  Like seriously, I almost cried because the Indian food I had treated myself to for lunch was terrible, then started crying at the grocery store because I couldn't find any peach frozen yogurt. I know, I know, go ahead and laugh.

Although I felt like crap, I knew I would feel even more like crap if I didn't expend some energy and pretend to lift some heavy things and put them back down.  So today's workout was definitely what I would consider an easy one, but I pushed through and even managed to be tired at the end of it.

Workout:

Eliptical- 3 minute warm up at level 5. Kicked it up to level 7 for 5 minutes.  Did intervals of forward/reverse for 1 minute at a time for 4 minutes. 2 minute recovery. Repeat interval/recovery 3 times.

Side Plank with Leg Lifts- 2 sets of 20 each side.

Front Plank- 30 sec x 2

Front Plank with Leg Lift- 20 x 2 each side

Alternate Leg and Arm Hold- On all fours, extend right arm and left leg. Hold for 20 seconds then lower. Switch to left arm, right leg. Hold 20 seconds.  Repeat 3 times.

Weight Circuit:

Bent Over Fly- 10lb. 12 reps

Front Lateral Raises- 10lb. 12 reps

Side to Side Bends- 15lb. 50 reps (with a weight in each hand, stand straight and hold core taut. Using obliques while holding glutes tight, lean to the left bringing weight to knee, or as close as possible.  Continuing motion, come back upright and immediately to the right. Repeat.)

Shoulder Press- 15lb. 12 reps

Complete weight circuit 3 times.

"Tortilla" Soup

I profess, I do not actually know how to make tortilla soup.  But one night I happened to throw a bunch of stuff together for soup, and everyone said it tasted just like tortilla soup. I don't know, but I don't have a name for it, so "Tortilla" Soup it is.  And it makes me want a margarita every time I have it.....oh that is so happening after Little Man is born!

"Tortilla" Soup

2 chicken breasts, chunked
1/2 onion, diced
1 red pepper, 1 green pepper, 1 orange pepper, diced
1 can of zesty tomatoes (or something close to it. Mexican stewed and the like work just dandy)
1 can of black beans
1 can of corn
1 Tbs Better Than Boullion Chicken Stock
4 cups water, plus 4 cups more
2 tsp chili powder, separated
2 1/2 tsp cumin, separated
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp tumeric
1 Tbs garlic
salt and pepper
2 Tbs olive oil

Heat olive oil over medium and add chicken. Add 1 tsp of chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt and pepper.  Cook until browned.

While browning chicken, boil 4 cups of water and add chicken boullion.  3 cups of straight chicken stock would work fine as well.

After stock is made, add remaining 4 cups of water and mix.  Add in chicken, onion, peppers, tomatoes, black beans and corn.  Season with garlic, turmeric and cayenne, as well as remaining chili powder and cumin. Salt and pepper to taste. 

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and let cook about 30 minutes longer.  Add additional seasoning as desired.

*Optional garnishes include greek yogurt (or sour cream if you prefer), shredded cheddar and of course tortilla chips.

Eat and enjoy!