Thursday, April 27, 2006

Now Entering "The Diaper Zone"

I bet you didn't know this, but there's a whole group of people out there getting excited over what their children are "eliminating" into. Believe it or not, though, they're not crazy. Well, they better not be, because I'm quickly becoming one of them!

That's right, friends. I have discovered the exciting world of cloth diapers. I know you're probably thinking, "Diapers? Exciting?" but it's true. This stuff is soft, cute, environmentally friendly, and healthier than disposables. You just want to put it up to your face it feels so good (providing that it's clean of course!).

There are SO many options from which to choose. It's actually a bit overwhelming. I just know I'm going to spend a fortune on the quest for the perfect diaper! Many of them have good resale value, though. They've made it so easy and desirable to cloth diaper now. It's great!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

With New Privileges Come New Responsibilities

Trying to teach a 23-month-old that sleeping in a "big girl" bed means that she must also be a "big girl" by staying in that bed can be a challenge, especially when that child is strong-willed. Seeing Eliana trying to push the limits of what she can "get away with", telling me, "No!" and disobeying over and over and over again in just a short timeframe of 5 minutes can be very disheartening and discouraging. As hard as it is though, I believe that God can and is using this in her life to grow her up in obedience to Him.

As a parent, I'm often led to wonder how my attitude looks to God. As I watch Eliana fussing over the smallest, most insignificant thing I think about how much I must resemble the same attitude in God's eyes when I'm not getting my way. When I refuse something for her benefit, to protect her or to hold out for something she will enjoy even more, I wonder how often I, too, fail to see the blessings God has in store for me by refusing that which I want or think I need. When I question, "Why does she make this so hard on herself?" and think, "I wish she could just understand better and see the big picture!" I can't help but think what God must say to Himself when I am acting the same way.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Free doula, anyone?

I have not received a single reply from my ad in the base newspaper offering a free doula service. Granted, this publication is received by a limited number of people, and I stated I would only accept clients due in the next two months, but I had still hoped to receive at least one or two inquiries.

A doula, for those of you who may not be familiar with the term, is a labor assistant. Studies show that having the support of a doula at your birth greatly decreases the amount of interventions and invasive procedures often used during labor and delivery in America's hospitals. It has been my desire to minister to women and their families in this way for a little over two years now. I have not pursued it until now, however, because of my obligations at home (mostly in my commitment to breastfeed Eliana). I feel like I'm finally at a point where I could now do this to some small degree, and yet, it won't be long until my obligations at home, though welcome they be, keep me from entering this ministry yet again.

I keep considering other avenues I could pursue to find an interested client due in the next month or two, but part of me says I should just give up, as I'm in the third trimester myself and things will only become more difficult. But then I struggle against my strong, heart-felt desire to help empower expectant parents with knowledge and confidence, be their advocate, and support them during labor. It saddens me that I have not yet found anyone interested in having this kind of help and support.

May God use me how and when He sees fit.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

The Beginning of the End

Today officially marks the beginning of my third trimester, the beginning of the end. Wow. I can't believe I've made it to this point already. I mean, the first trimester draaaaaagged by, but the second trimester went really fast! I think part of it is also due to the fact that I became pregnant just after we moved to New Mexico, and it doesn't seem like we've been here that long yet. Checking the calendar, though, it has been six months, as of yesterday, since our arrival.

I'd definitely have to say that the nesting phase has hit. We gutted out what is to be the baby's room a couple of weeks ago, and I have been setting new cleaning records for myself. I am eager to get all of the baby clothes organized and am constantly on the lookout for a new dresser for Eliana's room (so I can put hers in the baby's room).

I've also been on a home redecorating kick. Over the past couple of months, I have purchased many new odds and ends for the house, including many flowers, most of which I arranged myself. We bought a new dining room table a few weeks ago, and just yesterday we had new living room furniture delivered.

Someday, in the not-too-distant future, I would like to start posting some pictures. Unfortunately, however, our USB cable is missing, so I can't download any pictures off of our camera until we either find our old one or buy a new one. It will be taken care of soon, though - definitely before the baby is due!

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

"Wheeeee!!"

I am happy to report that the pregnancy massage went well and felt great. I actually had two people working on me at the same time, which was wonderful. At one point, one of them was doing some belly-lift thing and the baby kicked her. It was funny because I could tell it had really caught her off guard and she was quite startled by it.

Today, however, has been particularily uncomfortable. My feeling down today (for no particular reason - just hormones I guess) hasn't helped matters either. My dear husband came home from work a little early to take his little family to the park and to get me out of the house for a little while (not that I never leave - it's just that it is sometimes more difficult to find the motivation when I'm not feeling well). We had fun watching (and helping) Eliana play on the playground. For the last few weeks, whenever we go to the playground she starts exclaiming, "Wheeeee!!" as soon as she sees it and continues making this precious sound for about the next 15 minutes or so. She is particularly fond of the slide right now. I couldn't even begin to tell you how many times she went down it today.

While sitting on the slide today, she (rightfully) told me that "play" and "yellow" are signed the same way. She's been having a lot of fun learning her colors. Another cute saying we are hearing now is, "Hold you," which she says whenever she wants us to hold her. You just have to hear it. It sounds so precious.

Chris and Eliana are in the next room dancing. I am such a blessed woman. I have an amazing husband who is an amazing father to my amazing daughter. They bring me such joy.

Monday, April 03, 2006

Awaiting Relief

I love my darling little girl, but she did not come without a price (do they ever?), though she was well worth it. Upon entering this world, Eliana broke my tailbone, and I have had problems with it ever since. These problems have only intensified since becoming pregnant again. The round ligament pain I have had the misfortune of experiencing this time hasn't helped matters either. Now entering my third trimester, getting myself to a standing position and walking are becoming more and more difficult (and sitting can, at times, be just plain painful). At this rate, I'm wondering if I'll be able to walk at all in a couple of months!

I write all of this not to complain, but to give some background to aid you in better understanding my excitement and joyful anticipation of the relief that is, Lord willing, soon coming. You see, in less than two hours I expect to be laying on a nice comfy table receiving my long-awaited one-hour massage at the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics. While I don't expect this to provide complete or permanent relief, it's a start, and I'm ready for it, no matter how minor or short-lived it may be. I can also say that more easily, in part, because I have another appointment in week and a half with a cranial-sacral specialist. Relief, Lord-willing, is on its way.

Saturday, April 01, 2006

And so it begins...

Okay. I guess I can scratch "Start a Blog" off of my list of things to do. I'm not sure how long it will take me to eventually scratch off "Learn to Sew", "Start Scrapbooking", "Become a Gourmet Chef", and the many other goals of my list, but it's a start. :)