My crunchy tendencies are starting to make themselves known.
I come by them naturally. For goodness sake, my parents live in a house made of tires filled with rammed earth and tin cans. What could be more crunchy than that? Plus, I was born and raised in Colorado, need I say more?
Enough of the rationalizing, let me get to my point. My brother was here for a visit early this year. While here, he saw us heating a "cocoa coffee" for Ryan in the microwave. (Cocoa Coffee is warmed milk with a little ovaltine or nestle quick mixed in.) Ryan has been drinking this most mornings for a couple years now and since he started this at a young age cocoa coffee's were served in a sippy cup. For whatever reason, we never got out of the habit. Moving on, I remember hearing a couple years ago that you shouldn't heat plastic in the microwave, but I guess I'd conveniently forgotten. My brother, made mention of that little fact and also let me know that plastics with the numbers of 3,6 and 7 have been found to leach toxins and shouldn't be used with food at all. At the time Makenna had just been born, it was all I could do to keep my head above water. I heard what he said, but didn't make many changes, other than not heating plastic in the microwave. Fast forward a few months, and I have a bit more time on my hands. I start to research. The more I research, the more concerned I become about exposure to some plastics. Studies are showing that exposure to #7 plastic can cause reproductive, neurological and developmental issues. The more I read the more freaked out I get and more things I begin to throw away! My husband thinks I may have jumped off the deep end, but is trying to be supportive as he watches the plastic plates, bowls and cups hit the box marked good will. Spatulas, air tight containers, and silverware didn't even make it to the box...they hit the trash or were reused for things not food related. My collection of baby bottles will be thrown out, which hurts since I have a bunch. It seems as though each time I turn around, I find something else that needs to go. This morning as I packed Ryan's lunch, I looked at the little container of applesauce I was about to throw in, guess what, it's in #7 plastic. He got a banana instead. For those with baby's that are eating stage 1 baby food, the G.erber stuff is packaged in #7. I could go on, but I'll stop now. If anyone wants some links to studies or plastic info, I'd be happy to send you some or just Goo.gle Bisphenol A or BPA's. I'm trying not to think about the fact that Ryan's exposure has been huge over the last couple years between bottles, dishes and food packaging.
Freak out number one concluded, now on to number two.
This isn't so much of a freak out, just a consideration. While pregnant I researched diapers other than disposable. Knowing myself and my husband, I wasn't sure that cloth diapers would work for us but I found something called the g diaper. It's a cloth outer with a disposable inner panel that you can flush! They are barely more expensive than P.ampers and I loved the fact that you can flush the inner panel and not add to our ever growing landfills. Many eye rolls later, I decided not to pursue this option. Fast forward a few months and I've bought a starter pack of G Diapers and am trying them out as we speak. The liner flushes fine, no toilet clogs so far, and they seem to do a good job at keeping M's skin dry. I don't think we'll use them all the time, but maybe just during the day when we're home. Every little bit helps, right?
Ok, I'm done with my public service announcements for today. Are you rolling your eyes at me or about to run to your kitchen and see how many things you use on a daily basis that are in #7 plastic?
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
3 Months Old
All bundled up at Ryan's soccer practice
Check out my chub!
Pretty girl. (Thanks for my cute dress Aunt Sheryl)
He called my bluff...
Ryan hates to get up and go to school in the morning. Once he's there he has a good time and he enjoys it, but we often battle in the morning. He tells me he doesn't want to go to school and I tell him that isn't an option, then we spend the next 45 minutes with him throwing a fit and me trying to get him out the door. I've been trying to reason with him and tell him that if he doesn't go to school he has to spend the entire day in him room, only leaving to go potty. No TV, no bike, no soccer, no video games, no CD's, etc. Well yesterday he called my bluff and decided he wanted to do just that.
I figured it's better to learn this lesson now, while in Pre-K, but I wasn't looking forward to the day. He started out the day in bed, gloating, thinking he'd won. He was content to be in his room, smiling, telling me he loved me. Then the reality hit. At 11 the first fit occured and there were lots of tears and talk of being bored. He cried himself to sleep and woke up telling me he wanted to go somewhere, but not school because it's boring. My response was nope, sorry, you made your choice and now you have to live with the consequences. Makenna and I ate lunch with him in his room and then left him alone again, at which point he realized it was sunny out. Another fit ensued, he thought it was a nice day and wanted to be outside riding his bike. More tears and more of me saying "I'm so sorry, it's such a bummer you can't go out and play. Some times it's hard to live with your choices isn't it?" Poor kid, thought he was getting sympathy from me, until he realized I wasn't going to let him go out. About midafternoon I went in again while Makenna was napping. We had a snack, read some books and then talked about the day and how hard it was. Again he thought that meant he was done in his room, so as I was leaving a bunch more tears. I thought there would be a point where he would start throwing things in his room, slamming the door, anything to make me angry. It never happened, just lots of whining and crying. At 5 I finally gave in. We chatted again, at which point he told me school was way more fun. So he was tasked with cleaning his room and then told he could come out and have dinner with the family.
This morning was great. He hopped up and said he was ready for school. Listened to everything the first time, was in a good mood and didn't give me grief about anything. When we were in line waiting to drop off he said "I'm glad I get to go to school today"
So, the battle was won but somehow I think the war has just begun. Time will tell, but for now I'm going to enjoy the stress free mornings!
As a side note, by the end of the day I couldn't decide if I was a really good parent for sticking to my guns, or a really bad parent for even suggesting that such a day could happen. A reminder to me that I have to be willing to follow through with consequences.
I figured it's better to learn this lesson now, while in Pre-K, but I wasn't looking forward to the day. He started out the day in bed, gloating, thinking he'd won. He was content to be in his room, smiling, telling me he loved me. Then the reality hit. At 11 the first fit occured and there were lots of tears and talk of being bored. He cried himself to sleep and woke up telling me he wanted to go somewhere, but not school because it's boring. My response was nope, sorry, you made your choice and now you have to live with the consequences. Makenna and I ate lunch with him in his room and then left him alone again, at which point he realized it was sunny out. Another fit ensued, he thought it was a nice day and wanted to be outside riding his bike. More tears and more of me saying "I'm so sorry, it's such a bummer you can't go out and play. Some times it's hard to live with your choices isn't it?" Poor kid, thought he was getting sympathy from me, until he realized I wasn't going to let him go out. About midafternoon I went in again while Makenna was napping. We had a snack, read some books and then talked about the day and how hard it was. Again he thought that meant he was done in his room, so as I was leaving a bunch more tears. I thought there would be a point where he would start throwing things in his room, slamming the door, anything to make me angry. It never happened, just lots of whining and crying. At 5 I finally gave in. We chatted again, at which point he told me school was way more fun. So he was tasked with cleaning his room and then told he could come out and have dinner with the family.
This morning was great. He hopped up and said he was ready for school. Listened to everything the first time, was in a good mood and didn't give me grief about anything. When we were in line waiting to drop off he said "I'm glad I get to go to school today"
So, the battle was won but somehow I think the war has just begun. Time will tell, but for now I'm going to enjoy the stress free mornings!
As a side note, by the end of the day I couldn't decide if I was a really good parent for sticking to my guns, or a really bad parent for even suggesting that such a day could happen. A reminder to me that I have to be willing to follow through with consequences.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Late again
No, not that kind of late. I'm infertile, remember?
Happy 3 Month Birthday Makenna!
You are growing so fast! Before you arrived I told myself I'd relish each stage and never wish that you were hitting milestones quicker, but I never thought I'd have to wish you'd grow slower...much, much slower! Every day it seems like something changes with you. I love watching you discover the world but I can't believe my little baby is already 3 months old!
This month has been full of exciting changes. The most fun being that you've found your voice and you love to use it! You and I spend a lot of time staring into each others eyes and having intent conversations. Your favorite word is "agooo" and you giggle when I repeat it back to you. Your favorite place to chat is lying on your changing table. Since this is our normal place for conversation you're a little confused when I'm all business in the middle of the night. You, however, always have other ideas. You catch my eye and start to grin and coo and before I know it I'm smiling and talking to you.
You're in such a good mood when you wake up in the morning. Just this past week you've starting hanging out in your crib and chatting until I come and get you so we can take your brother to school. Before this you usually woke up crying, so I have to admit, I really enjoy listening to you stretch your vocal cords when tears aren't part of the deal.
You aren't a big fan of your car seat when you're awake, but it's your favorite place to sleep during the day.
You love to be outside, which is good since your brother Ryan has a new found love for his bike. He also started soccer again a couple weeks ago. You love going to his practices and games, except for this morning because it was about 30 degrees.
When you want to eat, you want to eat! We've all figured out your cries now and even your brother recognizes that "neeeehhhhhh neeeehhhhhh neeeeehhhhhhhh" means you're hungry.
You have the chubbiest cheeks. I love to sqeeze them with an accompanying noise. You think it's hilarious. You also love to play Pattycake. Unless you're really tired or hungry it always makes you grin.
You'll hang out for 15 or 20 minutes by yourself now! Your play mat is starting to hold some interest for you, I've caught you batting at the toys that hang from it or intently watching your brother move them around. You also like to lay on it for tummy time because there are lots of designs to look at.
Your eyes twinkle when you're happy. I love to watch them go from serious or teary to smiling and twinkling. It's an incredible transformation and one that can take place in the blink of an eye.
You're down to just one medication a day, instead of two. The one you're still taking is very minty. You aren't a big fan of the flavor, but you're so good about taking it. Hopefully we'll be able to wean you off that one before to long as well, since your reflux seems to be getting a bit better.
You spit up all the time. Did I already tell you that in an earlier letter? If so, it's worth mentioning again. You and I change our clothes numerous times each day and Ryan has a lot of fun guessing who's going to be spit up on next. We went to your Daddy's office so he could show you off to the people he works with, and he told them before we arrived that you always smell like spit up. You don't, but it sure feels that way some days.
You are really developing a personality and just like Mommy you like to go out and do things. We're going to have some serious fun when you get older!
I love you baby girl!
Mom
Happy 3 Month Birthday Makenna!
You are growing so fast! Before you arrived I told myself I'd relish each stage and never wish that you were hitting milestones quicker, but I never thought I'd have to wish you'd grow slower...much, much slower! Every day it seems like something changes with you. I love watching you discover the world but I can't believe my little baby is already 3 months old!
This month has been full of exciting changes. The most fun being that you've found your voice and you love to use it! You and I spend a lot of time staring into each others eyes and having intent conversations. Your favorite word is "agooo" and you giggle when I repeat it back to you. Your favorite place to chat is lying on your changing table. Since this is our normal place for conversation you're a little confused when I'm all business in the middle of the night. You, however, always have other ideas. You catch my eye and start to grin and coo and before I know it I'm smiling and talking to you.
You're in such a good mood when you wake up in the morning. Just this past week you've starting hanging out in your crib and chatting until I come and get you so we can take your brother to school. Before this you usually woke up crying, so I have to admit, I really enjoy listening to you stretch your vocal cords when tears aren't part of the deal.
You aren't a big fan of your car seat when you're awake, but it's your favorite place to sleep during the day.
You love to be outside, which is good since your brother Ryan has a new found love for his bike. He also started soccer again a couple weeks ago. You love going to his practices and games, except for this morning because it was about 30 degrees.
When you want to eat, you want to eat! We've all figured out your cries now and even your brother recognizes that "neeeehhhhhh neeeehhhhhh neeeeehhhhhhhh" means you're hungry.
You have the chubbiest cheeks. I love to sqeeze them with an accompanying noise. You think it's hilarious. You also love to play Pattycake. Unless you're really tired or hungry it always makes you grin.
You'll hang out for 15 or 20 minutes by yourself now! Your play mat is starting to hold some interest for you, I've caught you batting at the toys that hang from it or intently watching your brother move them around. You also like to lay on it for tummy time because there are lots of designs to look at.
Your eyes twinkle when you're happy. I love to watch them go from serious or teary to smiling and twinkling. It's an incredible transformation and one that can take place in the blink of an eye.
You're down to just one medication a day, instead of two. The one you're still taking is very minty. You aren't a big fan of the flavor, but you're so good about taking it. Hopefully we'll be able to wean you off that one before to long as well, since your reflux seems to be getting a bit better.
You spit up all the time. Did I already tell you that in an earlier letter? If so, it's worth mentioning again. You and I change our clothes numerous times each day and Ryan has a lot of fun guessing who's going to be spit up on next. We went to your Daddy's office so he could show you off to the people he works with, and he told them before we arrived that you always smell like spit up. You don't, but it sure feels that way some days.
You are really developing a personality and just like Mommy you like to go out and do things. We're going to have some serious fun when you get older!
I love you baby girl!
Mom
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