Monday, November 30, 2009
The Picture
At the end of this post,I mentioned a picture that was hanging in the entrance hall of my midwife's office. Well, I found it online here, so I can share it with all of you. You'll have to select the 4th picture at the top and then the 3rd one on the right. This was the first time I read the text that goes with it. I'm so busy trying to get 3 kids in and out with me that I never stop.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tired of turkey? How 'bout some beef!
After two days of turkey, Hank and I were so ready to go pick up our beef for the year. We took the plunge this spring and bought a cow. It's been boarding at the neighbor's with his 3 cows and Hank has been going over to feed them all summer and fall. Mid November they went to the butcher and Hank picked ours up on Friday.
In the past we bought our beef from the other farm next door at a reduced price in exchange for Hank's hard work bailing hay and fixing farm equipment. This is how we live creatively on one income. Since he started his new job last fall it was very hard for him to find the time or energy to help out at the farm. Then there was the problem that they couldn't sell us the amount of meat we needed. Our family is growing and Goldie can already eat as much steak as her sisters! We felt getting our own cow was the next best option.
It is important to us that our kids know where their food comes from and that it be as healthy as possible. I'll guess that you've already heard about the benefits of pasture raised animals or grass fed beef. It seems to be getting a lot of press lately. Our cows were rotated between two pastures, given hay that was grown on the same plot of land, and also fed a little corn to fatten them up. The corn came from the farm next door, so no antibiotics were added. Do we even want to venture a guess as to what this meat would cost in a store?
Now for the numbers. I used to work in accounting, so this is my favorite part.
purchase price of cow $314
price of feed $95
kill/freeze fee $60
butcher fee $265
Total $734
The hanging weight of the cow was 528 pounds which yielded us about 300 pounds of beef. Our cost per pound ends up at $2.45!
Ground beef at the grocery store here is about $2.99/lb. But, my freezer is not just full of ground beef, we have steaks, roasts, and stew meat all at that price. I'm really hoping this puts a dent in our grocery bill. Since I got pregnant and Goldie stopped existing on breastmilk, its been out of control. Not to mention, nothing makes a nesting pregnant woman happier than a full freezer! Except, having fewer groceries to carry home from the store.
In the past we bought our beef from the other farm next door at a reduced price in exchange for Hank's hard work bailing hay and fixing farm equipment. This is how we live creatively on one income. Since he started his new job last fall it was very hard for him to find the time or energy to help out at the farm. Then there was the problem that they couldn't sell us the amount of meat we needed. Our family is growing and Goldie can already eat as much steak as her sisters! We felt getting our own cow was the next best option.
It is important to us that our kids know where their food comes from and that it be as healthy as possible. I'll guess that you've already heard about the benefits of pasture raised animals or grass fed beef. It seems to be getting a lot of press lately. Our cows were rotated between two pastures, given hay that was grown on the same plot of land, and also fed a little corn to fatten them up. The corn came from the farm next door, so no antibiotics were added. Do we even want to venture a guess as to what this meat would cost in a store?
Now for the numbers. I used to work in accounting, so this is my favorite part.
purchase price of cow $314
price of feed $95
kill/freeze fee $60
butcher fee $265
Total $734
The hanging weight of the cow was 528 pounds which yielded us about 300 pounds of beef. Our cost per pound ends up at $2.45!
Ground beef at the grocery store here is about $2.99/lb. But, my freezer is not just full of ground beef, we have steaks, roasts, and stew meat all at that price. I'm really hoping this puts a dent in our grocery bill. Since I got pregnant and Goldie stopped existing on breastmilk, its been out of control. Not to mention, nothing makes a nesting pregnant woman happier than a full freezer! Except, having fewer groceries to carry home from the store.
Monday, November 23, 2009
36 Weeks!
I had my 36 week midwife appointment today. It felt so wierd to go back, since I was just there 5 days ago. But, weekly visits it is from here on out!
I measured 35 cm. Which is just great! He doesn't seem to be a very big baby and they estimate he'll be about 6 1/2 pounds, no more than 7. I can't wait to see if they're right. I know the u/s I had with Goldie wasn't very accurate. I was offered an u/s today, but declined. My neighbor is going through a complicated pregnancy right now, with weekly ultrasounds and visits to specialists. I see the emotional roller coaster this has put them on and I want no part of it. I don't need any help finding things to worry about.
The midwife also mentioned that there was a RSV outbreak at the hospital they use. (I'm planning on delivering at a birth center.) Healthy newborns from the nursery were testing infected and they had to stop admitting mothers to labor and delivery. I relayed this story to my husband who still thinks a hospital birth may be safer. It just shows that anything can happen regardless of how well thought out and researched our choices are.
I've also been thinking a lot lately about trusting my instincts and intuition with this pregnancy. I'm finding it harder since Goldie was born. My question is this: Did you "know" (in your gut, not medically speaking) your baby was going to have DS or have a feeling that something wasn't right when you were pregnant?
I measured 35 cm. Which is just great! He doesn't seem to be a very big baby and they estimate he'll be about 6 1/2 pounds, no more than 7. I can't wait to see if they're right. I know the u/s I had with Goldie wasn't very accurate. I was offered an u/s today, but declined. My neighbor is going through a complicated pregnancy right now, with weekly ultrasounds and visits to specialists. I see the emotional roller coaster this has put them on and I want no part of it. I don't need any help finding things to worry about.
The midwife also mentioned that there was a RSV outbreak at the hospital they use. (I'm planning on delivering at a birth center.) Healthy newborns from the nursery were testing infected and they had to stop admitting mothers to labor and delivery. I relayed this story to my husband who still thinks a hospital birth may be safer. It just shows that anything can happen regardless of how well thought out and researched our choices are.
I've also been thinking a lot lately about trusting my instincts and intuition with this pregnancy. I'm finding it harder since Goldie was born. My question is this: Did you "know" (in your gut, not medically speaking) your baby was going to have DS or have a feeling that something wasn't right when you were pregnant?
Sunday, November 22, 2009
What do you do all day?
As part of my baby preparations, I wrote down Goldie's routine for the day. My mom will be taking care of her and I want to make it as easy on both of them as possible. Plus, I can go into labor with a clear mind that Goldie's needs are being met. It may also come in handy if anyone stops by to help out after the baby is born.
I couldn't believe once I started how many little things I do for her. I also learned that while I may feel disorganized, we really do have a routine that we follow everyday. Its flexible, but consistent. It also answers the age old SAHM question, "What do you do all day? Don't you get bored?" I thought I would post just the morning to lunch portion, I don't want to completely bore you. If this doesn't seem like a lot, keep in mind that all this goes on while homeschooling my 2 older kids, making their lunch, etc...
So there you have it, a peak at the day in the life of Goldie!
I also did not intend this post to be about nutrition, supplements, or potty training. But, I realize people may have questions after reading it. I consider all of Goldie's supplements essential for her. She has to have probiotics and fish oil(Children's DHA) to avoid constipation. The fish oil and melatonin work together to help her sleep. We also see a difference in her speech and cognition when she is taking Ginkgo. As for potty traing, we aren't. We have practiced elimination communication since Goldie was 4 months old. Our road to being diaper free is just a little longer than most!
I couldn't believe once I started how many little things I do for her. I also learned that while I may feel disorganized, we really do have a routine that we follow everyday. Its flexible, but consistent. It also answers the age old SAHM question, "What do you do all day? Don't you get bored?" I thought I would post just the morning to lunch portion, I don't want to completely bore you. If this doesn't seem like a lot, keep in mind that all this goes on while homeschooling my 2 older kids, making their lunch, etc...
Goldie’s Schedule
6:30-8:00 Good Morning!
Potty -Right after she wakes up Goldie pees on the potty. She is usually dry in the morning.
Breakfast Goldie likes: - toast w/ raspberry jam or peanut butter
-Waffles w/ maple syrup to dip them in
-banana
-cereal w/ soy milk (feeds herself so use 2 bibs and a placemat)
- NO cheese, milk, or yogurt
Drink - 50/50 juice (white grape or oj) and water = 8 oz w/ 5 tsp Thick-It
- add 4 drops of Vitamin D (only added to morning drink)
Ginkgo - give .50 ml in the morning (not afternoon or evening)
Get dressed, puts her pajamas away in drawer
Playtime - read books, do puzzles, play babies, watch Signing Time, helps unload dishwasher and puts her dishes away.
10:00 Potty time and snack. Encourage Goldie to drink.
Lunch - 1 orange probiotic and ½ tsp Children’s DHA
- both are on door of refrigerator, use medicine syringe for DHA
-Goldie likes: leftovers from dinner, pb&j, fruit, salad, canned pasta, chicken, salty foods, tuna, and soup
Potty
Nap - Goldie is ready for a nap by 1:00.Sometimes sooner if she was up early. She likes to rock in the recliner and listen to her GloWorm (while I sing along). Sometimes we lay on my bed and I sing to her.
Potty - Goldie usually poops after her afternoon nap. Be patient this can take a long time. It’s a good time to read some books.
So there you have it, a peak at the day in the life of Goldie!
I also did not intend this post to be about nutrition, supplements, or potty training. But, I realize people may have questions after reading it. I consider all of Goldie's supplements essential for her. She has to have probiotics and fish oil(Children's DHA) to avoid constipation. The fish oil and melatonin work together to help her sleep. We also see a difference in her speech and cognition when she is taking Ginkgo. As for potty traing, we aren't. We have practiced elimination communication since Goldie was 4 months old. Our road to being diaper free is just a little longer than most!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Measuring Up
We've been humming right along the last couple weeks. Putting food in the freezer for next month and going on a couple field trips. Like these replicas of the Nina and the Pinta we toured last week.
I've been feeling pretty good, just a little uncomfortable by the end of the day. Which is to be expected at this point,especially with a 2 year old. I have no problems gaining weight, 5 lbs in 3 weeks. I think I'm as big now as when I delivered Goldie. So, I was not expecting to hear that my measurements hadn't changed since my last midwife appt. I measured 33 cm 3 weeks ago and again at 35 weeks. I'm worried about the lack of change more than anything. It is in the normal range to be 2cm smaller or bigger than the number of weeks.
I have to admit that I was pretty freaked out when we left. And into the next day. This wouldn't have bothered me 3 years ago. I should say didn't bother me. I measured small when I was carrying Goldie. Looking back it was the only concrete sign that something was up with her. But, now I know so much more. I'm not worried that this baby could have DS. That I can deal with. I am worried that he's not getting the nutrition he needs to grow. What if something is wrong with the cord or the placenta? I just want to get him here safe and sound.
The good news, he is moving almost constantly and his heart rate was good. The previous measurement could have been wrong and he has also changed position and is sitting lower than before. For now I'm making sure I drink enough water and taking it easy. I go back on Monday and if there is still no change I'll go in for an ultrasound. Until then, prayers are always welcome.
I've been feeling pretty good, just a little uncomfortable by the end of the day. Which is to be expected at this point,especially with a 2 year old. I have no problems gaining weight, 5 lbs in 3 weeks. I think I'm as big now as when I delivered Goldie. So, I was not expecting to hear that my measurements hadn't changed since my last midwife appt. I measured 33 cm 3 weeks ago and again at 35 weeks. I'm worried about the lack of change more than anything. It is in the normal range to be 2cm smaller or bigger than the number of weeks.
I have to admit that I was pretty freaked out when we left. And into the next day. This wouldn't have bothered me 3 years ago. I should say didn't bother me. I measured small when I was carrying Goldie. Looking back it was the only concrete sign that something was up with her. But, now I know so much more. I'm not worried that this baby could have DS. That I can deal with. I am worried that he's not getting the nutrition he needs to grow. What if something is wrong with the cord or the placenta? I just want to get him here safe and sound.
The good news, he is moving almost constantly and his heart rate was good. The previous measurement could have been wrong and he has also changed position and is sitting lower than before. For now I'm making sure I drink enough water and taking it easy. I go back on Monday and if there is still no change I'll go in for an ultrasound. Until then, prayers are always welcome.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Halloween 2009
Here is the best picture I could get. Goldie wanted nothing to do with standing still, she was ready to go! Hank and his friend use a tractor drive the kids around with a trailer and some hay bales. I think that was Goldie's favorite part. After getting out for the first 5 houses she was done and I brought her home. Despite all the candy, all 3 girls were asleep by 9:30!
I wanted to update since my last post. Goldie's ped doesn't have the H1N1 shot. My PCP only had 4 left when I called and Goldie is not their patient so I couldn't get one for her. The health department said they don't know of anyone in this part of the state that has them and I was very lucky to get one myself.
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