Enrich My Life

Four months ago I joined a club that I didn't know I was missing. I became a mom. Any parent will agree, the first time you are a bit of a wreck. You are unsure of what to do, your baby is unsure of the entire world around them and all the advice you get becomes so overwhelming (especially because some of it does not agree with the type of parent you want to be).

I knew I wanted to breastfeed even before I became pregnant. That was one thing I was sure of. Of course it all changed when I actually was doing it. The pain was almost unbearable. Timing feeds was crazy, having to remember at 2 am to right down what time you fed, what side and what you found in the diaper. There were times when I wasn't sure what side to feed on, I was engorged, cracked, bleeding and so sleep deprived. I'm so glad that I didn't give up. I was lucky to have a great support system. My husband, sweet Kenrick. He would sit up with me when I was crying and feeding Olivia and reassure me that I was doing a good job and I was a great mother.

My best friend Jennie would take my calls late in the night and suggest things to do to relieve the pain. There was one night when I called her and told her how engorged I was. She told me to get a pump and get one fast. I assured her that I was going to be borrowing one from a family member until I could go out and buy my own. When I told her that I had to wait a few days to get it she came to my rescue. She knew I couldn't continue feeding Olivia in the state I was in. Let's be honest, if I kept feeding in so much pain it might have changed my mind on breastfeeding all together. She got in her car, late that very same night and drove me her pump. God bless her. I was able to relieve some of the pain and continue feeding Olivia the way I wanted to.

That's when she told me about a group she had joined. The La Leche League. "To encourage, promote and provide mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and educational opportunities as an important contribution to the health of children, families and society". I was still struggling with breastfeeding and I was using a shield to help feed Olivia. I went to one meeting and met some wonderful women. They were so warm and full of knowledge. The other mothers were able to relate to what I was experiencing and the feeling of being alone began to vanish. At the end of the meeting one of the leaders, who is also a lactation consultant, came over to me

and asked if she could assist me in how I was feeding. I was so greatful. That was the main reason for going, to get help from someone who was a pro. With her help I stopped using the shield that night and never went back. Feeding became easier and I really felt I knew what I was doing. Once a month I would go back to the meeting. Not only to see the group and catch up, but to also offer my own suggestions to new moms. That's one of the best parts of the group. You feel like old friends getting together to talk about breastfeeding and all the trials and accomplishments. It was great to talk to new mothers and tell them what I had experienced. Just like myself you could see the sigh of relief in their eyes. At that moment they knew they came to the right place and they knew they were not alone.

Nikki, one of the leaders invited anyone who was interested to her house for group meetings called "Enrichment Meetings", and so began a weekly tradition. I would go to Nikki's house every Thursday for the next three months and bond with a remarkable group of women. We would talk about everything imaginable. Solid foods, good books, nursing bras, you name it. It was so wonderful to be able to ask a question and know that the answer was going to come from someone who shared my parenting views. There was no worry of judgement. I actually would write down questions during the week to bring them to our meetings. Everytime there was at least one other person who was going through the same thing, or had gone through the same thing and was able to offer advice. I have come to cherish the time I have spent at Nikki's house with the other moms. I know that I am a better mother because of them. When I felt lost they helped to guide me. When I found something I thought they would all like, I would share. When I just needed a good laugh and some company they were all there.

We are on a little summer break right now and I am missing them already. Sadly some of the mom's mat leave has come to an end and they will be going back to work. I wanted to salute all the mom's that I have met and thank them for welcoming me into their lives. I can't imagine what I would have done if they weren't there for me. I know I will keep in touch with these wonderful women and I already plan on going back whenever I have my next baby.

The Bloume Baby giveaway

Project Nursery is hosting a giveaway for Bloume Baby. Take a look at the beautiful items they sell.

The first item I like is the 3 pack of Organic Cloths are from a farm in central India. Not only are these beautiful cloths green, they give back to the farmers to help overcome poverty.

I also love the wooden xylophone. Made of recycled rubberwood and painted with non toxic water based ink. I can only imagine the fun Olivia would have with this toy.

Finally the organic muslin swaddle blankets. Sometimes on our walks the sun beats down on Olivia and I use a receiving blanket to protect her from the sun. I'm sure it must be really warm under the blanket. These muslin blankets would protect her but still be light enough to use in the warm weather.

More Etsy Finds

So I've been on Etsy again buying a few patterns for my aunt. She is amazingly talented and crocheted numerous blankets and booties for Olivia and her cousins. I just love having hand made items for Olivia. At the same time I am trying to learn and make her some sweet items of my own. Thanks Etsy!

On a sweeter note, there's nothing better than a lazy afternoon lying on the floor starring into your daughter's eyes and making her smile.

My First Mother's Day

Well my first mother's day has come and gone, and it was fantastic. I felt so wonderful to be this little darlings mom. Olivia and Kenrick got me Birkenstock sandals and a lovely charm for my bracelet that has Olivia's fingerprint pressed into it.

We got all dressed up and went to lunch with my family.

I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful daughter and husband. There really is no greater love than that of a parent. Being a mother now makes me realize even more how much my parents have done for me. You always say thanks for the meals and vacations, but growing up you don't always see the rest. The late nights, the cold meals, holding your pee through a feed and not even flinching when your little girl has gas and finally pukes down the front of your shirt into your bra. Yes the life of a parent isn't always glamorous, but I guess that's why we have mothers and fathers day. To appreciate them and all they do for us. Thanks Mom.

Olivia is now a week old and has taught us so much already. We've learnt that she likes to be cozy warm. She fusses a bit before needing to be fed, a few minutes before she has a melt down. As long as she gets fed within that time frame she's pretty happy. She sleeps from 3-5 hours at a time and feeds really well. We are truly blessed with such a wonderful baby.

Her first outing, as a "woman" was shopping. We've been shopping twice in her first week. She was so little that the 0-3 month stuff didn't fit. Both feet would end up in on side of the sleepers. We went out in search of newborn sizes which were really hard to come by. Thankfully we found a few items that weren't to over priced. However after a few days of breast milk she now weighs more than she did at birth and some of the stuff we bought doesn't fit. My cousin is also having a girl in June, so I think I will let her use some of the items we bought.

The birth and labour weren't what we planned, but what's important is that she's here now and she's healthy. Maybe when the whole thing isn't so fresh in my heart I will be able to tell the story without crying.

Olivia Hailie

She's finally here! Olivia Hailie was born Sunday February 28th at 10:29 pm. We are all doing well. Still getting used to the life of a family. I will be back with more info and pictures in a few days when things settle down a bit here.

Trusty side kick

Milo has been following me around the house like a personal body guard. I go upstairs he does too. Walk to the kitchen for water, he's at my feet. Quick trip to the bathroom and he's either in there with me or has his paws under the door. If I take a nap in the recliner, he's in the basket on the floor next to me. If I get up from "my chair" he hops on and then I must share the seat with him. Even as I am typing this post he is a foot away from me lying on the floor. I wonder if he will be this protective of the "Bunny".

Details, details, details

First I would like to say thanks to everyone for your kind comments. K and I worked hard and had the help of many to get the room just the way we wanted it. As for the recliner, we bought it at a local baby furniture store "The Baby Room". The manufacturer Dutailier, can be found in many nursery furniture stores. Here's the link http://www.dutailier.com/nursery.php

A closer look at the change station / dressers. I opened the top drawer so that you can see our cute AppleCheeks all washed and folded ready for our little Bunny.

A little bedtime prayer that both K and I used to say when we were little. We ordered it from enduringarts on Etsy. The frame is from Ikea.

We got the alphabet and numbers prints from Etsy as well. These ones were from Modern Pop. We got the frames from Ikea and the mats are from our local flea market, custom cut to fit.

A collection of books we have started for Bunny. They will kept in the wall book shelf under the wall mural just as soon as the book shelf is built. K and my dad are making it so we might wait until after Bunny comes.

I love the colours in this photo. Kids toys are always so brightly coloured and fun. I can't wait to sit on the floor with Bunny with the sun pouring in and just play.

The pillows my aunt made. The two orange ones have styrofoam beans in them, the blue one has soft batting.

Closing a chapter, waiting for a new one to begin

(38 weeks)

Today was my last day at work. I now have 8 (well almost 7) days left. I'm due on February 20 but many people have speculated that I will go early. I have started to feel tired more and have more aches and pains than before. I'm also feeling the pressure of the baby much lower now. All of these are signs that the time is coming soon. Without a moment to spare. I no longer fit any pants other than my jeans and when I'm at home I really only fit 2 pairs of pajamas. Funny how this tiny life has already changed mine so much. I said that today when I was leaving work. I told everyone that I would be back in a few months to visit, but I would be a completely different person then. I will be a mom.

I am looking forward to being a mom and sharing parenthood with K. He does so much to help me and I know that most of my wonderful pregnancy is due to all that he does for me and around the house. He is a wonderful husband and will be a great father. I'm very excited to start this new chapter of our lives. I know this may sound weird but I'm looking forward to the pain of labour and I can't wait to see how K and I get through it. He is so supportive already, he even puts my socks on and creams my legs because I can't bend to reach them anymore.

Earlier this week he posted a letter to the "Bunny" on facebook...

Dear Bunny(Baby): Your mom and I are hoping to meet you soon! I just finished cleaning your new home and play area. Your bed is made, your clothes and diapers are washed. Your car seat is in the car so you can come home safely. We are so excited to hopefully soon meet you, we can't wait!! Just please don't give your mom a hard time to enter this world. See you soon. Love your mom and dad...xoxox

Gosh I love this man! Hopefully the next time I post is to tell you all that I've had the baby

Take Care,

Lisa

Sitting Pretty

My newest piece of furniture in the family room for the past few weeks. My Everlast yoga ball. It helps with back pain. I sit on it when I am watching tv or blogging. I put my laptop on the coffee table and its the perfect height. It keeps me in the right position for good posture and helps to "stretch" the lower muscles needed for labour.

Speaking of labour, I can't believe it's come already. Well not the labour exactly, but sometime in the next 3 weeks I am going to be giving birth. I'm not nervous yet, just really excited. I feel ready. I know I can't even begin to imagine what it's like but I'm going to go in with a positive attitude. That's all I have control of. I think part of my feeling at ease is because of our midwives. They make everything seem so natural and part of the process. Not that I'm knocking doctors and their methods, but I feel so much more comfortable with the midwives.

If you haven't seen the film "The business of being born" I suggest it. It was produced by Ricki Lake. She decided to create the file after going through her first pregnancy with a doctor and her second with a midwife. The differences and statistics they uncover and talk about are amazing. You should be able to find it at your local library or video store. Check it out if you are thinking about using a midwife or if you are using one. It's a great film.

P.S - HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN (my sister)

The Baby Shower Part I

My sister really went all out for my baby shower. Coordinating balloons, plates, napkins and serving dishes. Even her gift wrap matched the decor. We had close to 50 people there. K's family, my family and our friends. It was a wonderful day. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful support group behind us.

I love this! She took a bunch of clothes that we have already gotten for Bunny along with some new stuff and hung clothes lines around the room. They were also part of her gift. I love all the little colourful socks.

Best of all my sister made the cake! Well she bought the cake and decorated it with the theme she made the invitations with, owls. Yes my sister sat with fondant icing and cut all the shapes out with a knife. She is really talented. She taught herself to work with fondant and never seems to amaze me with what she comes up with.

Thanks Jen for a wonderful afternoon. I know you worked really hard to make everything perfect (even though you had a throat infection all week). The shower was all that I could have wished for and more. You're going to be a wonderful aunt. Now if you could only come over and finish the tree mural so that I can post finished nursery pictures - lol.

What's covering your sweet cheeks?

Our best friends first introduced us to Applecheeks when they had their little girl 5 months ago. After much research and weighing the pros and cons we have decided that our little Bunny will also wear cloth on their bottom.

So what are the pros?

• You save 300 lbs of wood if you use reusable diapers on your little one. That’s because it takes that many trees to produce enough diapers to throwaway-diaper one child!

• You’re helping to slow the growth of our landfills. It is estimated that in Canada we throw out 4 million diapers PER DAY.

• You’re helping to reduce the amount of waste that sits in a landfill. In ideal conditions it would take 250 - 500 years for a single throwaway diaper to decompose. The conditions in our landfills are unfortunately not ideal, so decomposition takes much longer than that, even. Your cloth diapers will last you through two to three babies, at which point they can be used as cleaning cloths. After that, cut them up in small pieces and throw them in your compost and they can be helping to fertilize your garden the next year!

• You are saving a TON of money: From the moment your child is born until 30 months of age, your baby will go through approximately 5400 throwaway diapers. This can cost you anywhere from $1500 - $2500. By choosing cloth diapering, you can spend as little as $500 for the entire diapering experience. AND...not only does this represent significant savings for one child, but the SAME cloth diapers could last through two and even three children! You will be saving a minimum of $2000!! Think of what you could do with the money... a family vacation comes to mind...

• Modern Cloth Diapers are EASY To Use. Cloth Diapers today are designed to be very easy to use, utilizing durable and quick snaps and body hugging elastics. New advances in textile technology allow for amazingly trim fitting washable diapers. Gone are the days of bulky plastic pants and saggy, wet bottoms. Pins and Snappis are a thing of the past!

If you are concerned about how much washing your diapers at home is going to affect your Hydro bill, consider the following:

How much does it cost to wash my diapers?

Based on 2008 Hydro Quebec rates it will cost you:
• $0.38 for a hot wash
• $0.18 for a warm wash
• $0.03 for a cold wash
A dryer cycle (and we only sell products that will dry in one dryer cycle) will cost you a grand total of $0.17 cents!

So washing your diapers every three days will raise your energy bill by a grand total of approximately $68.80 per year!

The kit we got comes with the following:

12 - Apple Cheek Covers
36 - Bamboo Inserts
1 - Size 1 Storage Sac
1 - Size 2 Storage Sac
10- Bamboo Wipes
2 - Bonus Bamboo Boosters

So in a few weeks we will be in full swing of using cloth diapers. I'm 30 days away from my due date and we are glad to report we are finally ready for Bunny to arrive. The diapers are all washed and folded in the drawers. Along with all clothes, blankets and linens. The car seat is installed in the car and our bags are packed and ready to go. Our list is all checked off and we can't think of anything else left to do. So for now we sit and wait. Hopefully this will give me some time to blog a bit more.

Here's what to come

Maternity Photos

My Baby Shower

Kids Photography Class

Our Favorite Baby Items

Crocheting

Bunny's Quilt

Nursery Reveal

Nursery Nightable

We were lucky to inherit a few items from K's sister when her family moved last year. Below is a night table that she originally got from Ikea for her son's room.

After priming and painting two coats of Benjamin Moore's "Jack-o-lantern" the night table is now a side table for the recliner / glidder in the nursery and will hold all of my "baby" books. We spotted a fun and quirky lamp from HomeSense a few weeks ago and I fell in love with it.

So much has been done in the nursery. I hope to take some great pictures this weekend and show you the progress in the room.

24 weeks and Halloween

Here I am at 24 weeks. I can't believe we are already at our 6 month mark. The room I'm standing in is now the painted nursery. It's painted a creamy yellow. My sister started the wall mural painting this weekend. The change table and night table are both in the nursery too. We have to repair the crib, hang the drapes and then we can start with the real decorating. I can't wait.

Over to Halloween news, here's our front porch decorated a few minutes before our first kids showed up. It's nothing too scary or elaborate. I couldn't stand on a ladder or finish the decorations I wanted to make. The pregnancy has limited me in some ways. I guess it was a good thing though, most of the kids in our neighbourhood are under the age of 8 and were scared enough of our house. Overall it was a great evening. We had close to 200 kids! yikes.

Trick or treat!

Mommy Finds

I've been spending a bit of time online researching products. Products for me and products for the Bunny. Next to making list, researching online is my second favorite thing to do. I love being asked a question and then spending the time to find the answer. One thing K taught me this week was to add "review" to the end of my Google search. That way the links that Google finds have to do with reviews of the item I am looking for.

This past Sunday, K and I went to the Babytime show. We gathered and found information and talked with vendors. Recently my bf asked my opinion on baby bath products. To be honest I had thought about using the Aveeno line. My nephew has very sensitive skin and when his doctor recommended Aveeno it got me thinking. So up until a few weeks ago I was set on Aveeno. After speaking with a few vendors I've started to think about a different line. So when I was doing my online review searches for this line I came upon the site below. Sweetspot has many product suggestions and reviews for moms. Both for you and for your children. If you're interested and have some time, take a look.

The product line that I was researching is called "Live Clean". They are a Canadian manufacturer that have a line of hair and body products and also a line of natural baby bath products. They use 98% plant ingredients that are renewable which is great for the environment. Live Clean products are also vegan and not tested on animals. Another great thing is all the chemical ingredients that have been left out. SLS / Sulfate free, DEA free, and Paraben / Phthalate / Phosphate Free. What do all of these mean? Well they are mild and gentle on the skin and there are no harsh preservatives or perfumes used.

Tonight K and I tried two products. We got the regular bath wash and the lotion from the baby line. The bath wash felt nice and silky on our skin and smelt pretty good. The baby lotion was even better. It was smooth and smelt great. It worked into my skin pretty easily and didn't leave any greasy residue on my hands like other lotions. With a price point lower than the Aveeno line and all the natural elements and environmental benefits, Live Clean is looking like a good choice to make.

The next item is something that K and I have been researching and have come to change our minds on too. Originally we liked the Peg Perego Switch stroller. There are so many pros to that stroller, we almost didn't look past it. However when we were making our registry last week we began to question if we had weighed all the pros and cons. I turned to The Consumers Report website. A fantastic site if you are looking to purchase a large item. A car, appliances, electronics, or even baby products. It worried us that the Switch wasn't even tested. There were other Peg Perego strollers on the list , but no Switch. So we looked at the strollers that were on the list and came to a decision. The UPPABaby Vista. The Vista is very similar to the Buggaboo. There are a few differences, price being one of them. The Vista is ~$200 less than the Buggaboo, but ranks higher on the Consumers Report. The Vista has a easy one-step fold, with a bassinet and seat. A pop-out SPF 50 canopy extension with 30% more sun coverage. The bassinet is fully lined with organic soybean fiber and cotton. The seat is reversible and has 3 position seat angle adjustment. For east adjustment between me or K the handle comes with one button telescopic handle-height adjustment. The rubber-coated wheels never go flat or need air. One feature I did like was that the seat level was higher than the Buggaboo and Switch, making baby closer to me. Light-weight aircraft aluminum alloy frame means I won’t struggle as much with lifting the stroller in and out of the trunk. Last the weight restriction is suitable from birth to 50 lbs.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Aveeno and the Buggaboo aren't great products. Like every other product out there, it's all a matter of personal preference. What one mommy or parent decides is best for their child may be very different for another parents opinion. That doesn't make either right or wrong, just different. These are just the one's that K and I have researched and found many good points to sway our decision.

More Mommies than you can shake a stick at!

Congratulations to the two newest expecting mommies. One being my friend Dawn who just announced last Friday that she is expecting her second baby this June.

Another congratulations goes to Katie over at Bower Power.

I now know a handful of expecting mommies or new mommies and decided to give them their own shout out and created a new blog roll in my side bar just for mommies. I might even add some great mommy websites that I frequent.

G&D

MoonPie Designs

Rambling Renovators



Making it Lovely

The Stamford Wife

Am I crazy for trying???

Jacob's Coat Quilt Along

Okay, I know I have a lot on my plate right now. In fact my BF keeps telling me to relax and enjoy my pregnancy. I have to say every moment of this pregnancy has been wonderful. I was lucky enough to not experience morning sickness. I did have some eating issues. Like not knowing what I ever wanted to eat, plus the smell of food making me feel ill. There have definitely been some good times and some rough times, but I know that in the end I will have a precious child in my arms and it will all be worth it.

So I have been a little over the top with lists. To Do list, Registry List [4 pages in excel] and now the 30 Before 30 List. I guess it helps me deal with everything I put on my plate when I have a list and I check things off. I even swapped the calendar function in my Blackberry for the old fashion paper planner and highlighters. I like the feeling of writing things down and then crossing them off when they are done. I guess it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I think there's a name for that compulsive behaviour...hehehe

So here's the why I ask "am I crazy for trying" ever since I have been blogging I have wanted to participate in a quilt-a-long. In fact quilting is what got me into blogs in the first place. I have admired many quilters and their blogs for years now. I can finally say with several quilts under my belt, and the intention to create a quilt for Bunny I have decided to join a quilt-a-long.

Some of you may wonder what a quilt-a-long is. Well the short of it, is that a blogger post tutorials and guidelines for creating a quilt. They set goals like "create a block every day / week" and post about what the next step should be. Some bloggers even keep track of everyone who is following along and they link to their blogs or Flickr accounts where photos of their work can be seen.

So I have joined Don't Look Now's Jacob's Coat quilt-a-long. Wish me luck. Hopefully by the time our little Bunny has arrived I will have a quilt for them :)