Gentle Reminders

Sometimes after the kiddos and hubby are tucked sweetly into bed, I browse the Internet performing my 'research'. Google is usually my site of choice. I constantly have a never ending stream of questions in my head, and am happy that I can turn to my trusty computer and find answers in a flash.

Last night, water-birth was on the brain. (No, this is not a subtle announcement). We are not expecting. Not yet at least. A blogger that I enjoy reading just had a baby, and she choose to use a midwife and water birth to welcome her baby into the world. I have always been curious, but both of my pregnancies have come with a few medical problems, and home birth was never an option. I think it takes a brave woman to birth at home, but I really like the thought of laboring like my ancestors did; bringing a baby into the world naturally, in the comfort of your own home.

My research started with water-births (which is fascinating) to YouTube videos of water-births (ouch!) to lotus birthing (which is very interesting: it is when you leave the baby attached to the the placenta via the umbilical cord. You wait until the cord detaches; all the while carrying around a rotting placenta. I do not see the point of this, but ... to each his own!) Was that too much info? well, you learn something new everyday!

My research continued, and I noticed another video about a baby, so I clicked and it was a story of a still-birth. It was heartbreaking. Along with that video came others. Stories of women who lost their babies at 20 weeks, 26 weeks, 39 weeks. Each story heartbreaking. There are some things that happen to us in this life that we may never understand. I can't imagine that there is anything more devastating than losing a child.

I thought of my own two girls and how lucky I was to have given birth to them. Then i was able to wrap them up tight and bring them home. And now, I get to care for them. I am blessed to have the opportunity to teach, and love, and cuddle, and play with them. These videos served as a gentle reminder for me to take the time and cherish the moments that I have with my babies. I am so very thankful to be able to experience the joys of motherhood. It's not always easy, but I wouldn't trade one single second.

Filter PLEASE!

Do you want to know what is so wonderful about having a four year old who LOVES to talk... she tells the world all of your secrets- big and small, significant or otherwise- to all who will listen; strangers included. It is just grand to not have any privacy anymore. Can you sense the sarcasm?

I remember when I was little my younger sister had the same 'tongue slipping' problem. We were all terrified of what she was going to say, and my mom often stood next to her with a hand ready to cover the little mouth that never stopped. It appears this same problem has been passed down to my child. Hooray for me.

I should also add that I don't really have any dirty secrets to hide, but I don't like for people to know all of my business. Like... my house isn't always spotless, or I don't like to wear pants at home, or that my 'boobies are fun to poke'... so on and so forth. you get the idea. Let's just say that courtesy of my pre-schooler, strangers know a lot more about me than I wish they would. I find myself hoovering over Haley a lot, hand ready to cover her mouth before something terribly embarassing falls out. Well, hopefully.

How do you teach the difference between pure honesty and just saying a little too much?

Ah... the joys of parenthood!

Like a zombie...

...A cute one, that is.



Lately, Kaitlyn has become enchanted by Dora... you know, the explorer. She absolutely loves her, and will sit (and stand) right by the t.v. and watch her for as long as I will let her. I try my best to limit her exposure, but I won't lie... I don't mind the quiet sometimes!

I caught a picture of K watching Dora the other day. (It wasn't too hard- she doesn't budge an inch when it is on.) She's like a little zombie. You can try all you want to interrupt her, but she won't take her off the screen. Should I be impressed by her strong ability to pay attention? :/ Personally Dora's voice gets on my last nerves, but there are some days that I am downright grateful for her chalk-board scratching pitch!

Anywho- just wanted to share this cute picture of my chubby-cheeked girl. And, it showcases her new haircut nicely!