What I've learned.

So, in the past eleven and a half weeks (Holy cow!!!) I've learned that being a mama has its ups and downs, and that when you think you have something down, your baby will completely change the game on you. I've learned that the worst poops will happen when you didn't pack a change of clothes for you or baby. I've learned that the little things will absolutely melt your heart. I've learned that it's the hardest thing I will ever do. I've learned that there are some feelings I'm ashamed to admit, but in the end it's okay because I truly love him. I've learned that adult interaction is necessary for my sanity. I've learned that I can't do all the same things I did before. I've learned that I get to do so many more amazing things. I've learned that very few things will work more than once. I've learned that the animals will always be the loudest right after I get R to fall asleep. I've learned that sleep is scarce and how to deal with that a little. I've learned the magic of coffee. I've learned that Papa's will try their hardest, but still manage to bug you because they just don't get it. I've learned that R's smile can always make me smile. I've learned that you will get more unsolicited advice than you can shake a stick at. I've learned that R will ALWAYS cry as I begin to eat or get a shower. I've learned that babies will fight sleep tooth, nail, and lungs. I've learned that even though I get so frustrated when he's lost his mind, I get so sad when I see how much he's grown. I've learned to take help wherever I can get it. I've learned that I miss cooking. I've learned that I have a baby that just needs to be held. I've learned that I am RIDICULOUSLY out of shape. I've learned the value of baby wearing. I've learned that some friendships will end. I've learned that I'll long for old friends, but look forward to new friends. I've learned that not everyone will agree with my style of parenting, nor I theirs. I've learned that I will be told I am spoiling my child. I've learned that I will not hesitate to be an advocate for my child. I've learned that some things I would have previously considered gross I now do without a second thought. I've learned the many uses of breast milk. I've learned that I'm really good at masking my frustration. I've learned that it's okay to cry. I've learned that husbands give really good hugs. I've learned that my life has changed for the better. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that my life is amazing.

Also, I swear I have pictures, I just have to post them. :)

Day 1: Something Beginning With "C"

What I take most of my pictures with. :)

November

I never finish these, but I love at least attempting them :)

Gluten is a Sneaky Bitch

As you likely know, The Hubs and I recently decided to begin eating gluten free. What we didn't know was how incredibly sneaky gluten is!

We have been sans gluten now for about two and a half weeks, or so we thought. When we sat and thought about whether or not we were noticing any differences, we had to admit that we were feeling pretty much the same. At first we rejoiced thinking brownies and any restaurant we wanted were back in our grasp. What we soon realized was that The Hubs' protein powder has cookie crumbs in it and the chips he eats at work have barley flour in them. This caused me to re-evaluate what I was consuming. As far as I could tell, my eating had been impeccable. I resisted the urge to order a sandwich at Panera. I religiously read ingredient lists and called companies to make sure what I bought was safe. I sadly passed up the brownie samples as everyone else at knitting dug in. What I didn't do, however, was check the gluten free status of my beloved frappuccino.

When I realized that the only thing I hadn't checked was my frap, I quickly made my way to the Starbucks website where I found that they don't release allergen information online. Their feeling is that you should just ask in person. Their official position is that they do not consider any of their products to be gf due to the risk of cross contamination. Their representatives have also stated that "If there are concerns about this product possibly containing an ingredient that you do not wish to consume, we would recommend that product not be consumed." They very much dance around the topic of whether or not their products contain gluten, stating they cannot reveal any more than what their website lists as ingredients for "proprietary" reasons. I'm kind of put off by this! Fortunately, I was able to find an email from one representative who stated that the frappuccino base is not gluten free. So, after much searching and very little actual help from Starbucks, I think I know why I haven't noticed any big changes. I have to admit, I'm a little heart broken. I live for Pumpkin Spice and Egg Nog frappuccinos! I've seen rumours that the lattes are safe, but I honestly don't know if it is worth it.

So, we're starting over, again. Thanks, Starbucks!

DIY Deodorant

One of the things I definitely prefer to make at home (when I have the time) is deodorant. Store bought deodorant is too pricey and full of crazy chemicals for our taste. This version has only four ingredients, takes only 10 minutes to make, and is a fraction of the price. Not to mention, The Hubs and I prefer the way it smells to any other deodorant we've ever used. So, here it is!

8 Tbs Unrefined Coconut Oil

1/2 C Baking Soda

1/2 C Cornstarch

20 drops Essential oil of your preference

(I cut this last batch in half due to close to no cornstarch, so feel free to do the same.)

Put the coconut oil in a glass bowl and melt the oil (my microwave takes about 30 seconds to do this). 

Once melted, add the essential oil. We tend to do half cinnamon oil and half clove oil. 

In a separate bowl mix the cornstarch and baking soda. 

Slowly and thoroughly mix the dry ingredients into the oil. 

Set the mixture in the fridge to harden. 

When solid, pack the deodorant into an old deodorant tube, or use as is.

Be sure to store it somewhere cool since the oil has such a low melting point.

There you have it! Cheap and easy deodorant!

Day 21: Calm

The best way to deal with colic.

Day 19: Letters

A notebook full of letters written back and forth between mah best friend and I.