Having two children has a new set of trials, joys, and strategies. Taste buds change, baby-proofing is back on the market, the house is cluttered with things that I swear to my husband I don't throw on the floor to be tripped on. However at the end of the day, the walls are filled with giggled, love, and picasso artwork.

Some things haven't changed. One being the healthful way we strive to raise our children in a world that tries to sabotage our immune systems. The other is I still thrive off of sharing information with others in hopes they will share their experiences and knowledge with me.

And so it goes...

For many who know me personally, when I find a product I love, I always share this info with others...and I do so passionately. Can you tell from my blog?  I do this especially for products the whole family can use. I had a family member who became very ill a few years ago and started using calcium bentonite clay to detox. Not just any clay but Living Clay. The more I learned about it, the more I discovered its MANY uses!!! This is not just for detoxing but can be used as a preventative part of healthy living. The ingredients of these products are something I've been searching for years to find. I started just with the clay, but recently have found they added other products to their line, which is wonderful because they are common things people use in their home and on the body. Ever since Abigail was born and I started reading labels even more so, I have been clearing out things from my medicine and linen closets that contain chemicals and artificial fragrances we can do without, especially for my children. I have recently started to refill these products with some of the Living Clay line that I know I can trust are free from so many chemicals, parabens, and false marketing. The many uses of Living Clay have made it a household staple for us. I was thrilled to be accepted into the company to share these products with those I know care what goes ON their bodies and IN them. It's also safe for children, pregnant women, those with skin allergies and sensitivities. One less label to have to scrutinize...

I have heard if you wouldn't eat something...then you shouldn't put it on your skin. I encourage you try Living Clay...and please share any testimonies from your own experience. Feel free to email with any questions...as over the past year I have learned a great deal through questioning myself. The information is addicting. The more I read…the more it makes sense. And best of all, it’s helped simplify my life a little more. (Click on the Living Clay tab at the top to see what this is all about.)

Ways we use it in our home: baths, mix with juice and drink as preventative care, sprinkle on scramble eggs for Abigail, after bath body lotion on the kids, dab on dry patches on the kids' skin, bug bites, blemishes ( yes admit it..we still get them now and then) clay masks, diaper care, foot callus, I am also personally addicted to the face and wrinkle cream. I use it at night before bed ( so hydrating without all the grease) and mix with my foundation in the morning. Makeup goes on great! The uses continue to expand...especially when sharing ideas with others who use it and are getting results.

So what can this clay really do for you?

http://www.aboutclay.com/clay_info.htm After reading the uses...check out the incredible testimonials on how people respond to using it and for what purpose.

My most recent personal testimony:

1) I wash my hands hundreds of times a day with the kids. In the winter they get so dry my knuckles were cracking and I could not get them to close. Tried Neosporin with band-aids etc. Nothing seemed to last through the day.  One night I put some of the Living Clay face cream I had in the bathroom on my knuckles before bed two nights in a row. The next afternoon I realized my hands weren't stinging and saw my knuckles were closing up. I continued for a few more days and have had no issues since.

2) My son seems to have slight eczema behind the ears...I usually put extra lotion / organic baby oil there after his baths. I recently started using the Living Clay product there instead. A few days ago I realized one side looked about perfectly clear.  I'll continue on both and see if I can rid it altogether.

For more information you can check out my midwives personal website and read stories/photos:

http://www.hackettstownmidwives.com/index.php

There are some that have water births at home as well. Personally, we preferred to use a midwife in a hospital setting and were very happy with our experience. A good midwife knows how to make you comfortable and ready to deliver without feeling like you're floating away.

It was wonderful to come home and introduce Reed to his big sister. We are now a family of four and couldn't imagine it any other way. Each day is new and exciting...and yes tiring...but always rewarding.

It's been way too long since I posted!  Life has been full of distractions...and that is my excuse. Abigail is changing every day as she has passed her one year mark.  She is walking, talking (not that I understand her actual words except for the 4 that really mean something), and exploring everything around her. It's amazing that though her vocabulary hasn't blossomed quite yet, she makes it so clear what she wants, how she feels, what her needs are, and showers us with affection.  There is nothing like feeling two little bare arms wrapped around your neck for an I-love-you hug first thing in the morning. She is my little shadow and immitates everything. She is very trusting of others and will hug almost any child she sees at the park who is under 4 feet tall, which is returned about 70% of the time.  She loves being out and about, meeting new people, and experiencing new things.

I can't believe in less than 4 months, we will have an infant all over again. Oh the sleep deprevation, tiny diapers that multiply, baby coos, and even more laundry! We are so excited for Abigail to have a sibling (which we found out will be a boy!) but also know those first few weeks are going to be tough. I love that Abigail has become more independent. It's the little things like how she will walk up the walkway with me after grocery shopping, instead of me having to carry her every time. How she can sit on the couch to watch Sesame Street sing-a-long sings and I know she's not going to fall off the edge.  I love how she can climb up steps alone...and waits for me to help her down and how she handed me all the silverware to put away when the dishwasher cycle was all clean.  It's these little milestones that assure me she will be even more self sufficient when baby arrives. Yet, a part of me doesn't want her to grow up too fast! She is our little girl and we don't want to miss a thing.

I am also starting to feel a bit anxious about my birth. My husband and I have chosen to use a midwives group that is an hour drive away. Reason being if you read my blogs from the past, my midwives group no longer has access to deliver at local hospitals near us.  Therefore we did a LOT of research to find the closest group with the best reputation. It was Hackettsown Midwives.  After our consultation we were sold on the group since it has the same philosophies as the midwives I used for Abigail..not to mention they used to work together. The hospital is right across the street from them...so it's very convenient in getting checked and heading if/when ready.  However an hour is still an hour and this is our 2nd.

As crazy as it sounds, I would rather drive an hour during early labor...and be in the hands of people I truly trust every step of the way..then go to my local hospital and use a group that I am not comfortable with.  I had an amazing experience with Abigail as you may recall. Yes it was a long labor...but I was allowed to stay home until I was further along...and at the time of birth...the midwives were able to assist it changing my position so that Abigail was no longer postier. I was allowed to walk around, drink fluids, and snack if hungry. Once it came time for delivery...things moved VERY quickly. I am lucky to have had no tearing, thanks to the support in those final moments and guidance, not to mention the preparation I was told to do in advance.  I was in very good hands...and have heard nightmare stories from friends who have been rushed through the process, jump the gun on intervention, push things to progress etc. While I had everything at my fingertips if needed, it was nice that I was able to help make decisions and that my body was allowed the time to progress naturally as I chose since I had no complications.

Soooo with that...we decided to stick with the methods we were comfortable with the first round.

It's an exciting summer as we watch our daughter become a toddler and prepare another room to move her into as my belly continues to expand with life. The funny thing is I wonder if she thinks her mom is just an awkward shape and getting bigger. Reminds me when I worked with 1st graders my first pregnancy and when I was at least 7 months along, one of the students motioned me over to whisper in my ear, "I think you are growing a baby." People ask if she knows and I think she has no clue what's to come.  We just know that with time, once the adjustment takes place, she will be thrilled to have a playmate, even on rainy days and during snow storms.  Even now she is fascinated with other kids and thoroughly enjoys them. To think that we will soon have another member of the family, a son, who will also be an all-weather companion for her, is hard to believe. But the weeks are flying, reality is setting in, and we try to not take a moment or blessing for granted.

A few months have passed since my last post. TOO LONG! Life has been busy with many changes. I weaned Abigail by her first birthday, which we just celebrated last week. My goal was to nurse, if able, until she was one. I cut her final session the day before her one year mark.

(photo compliments of sierraclubgreenhome.com)

Not only was that my goal, but the fact that we are expecting our 2nd baby in September gave me even more motive to stick to the plan.  First, I want to give my body a break before the next arrives. Second, I don't want Abigail to associate me with nursing when I hold her new brother or sister for obvious reasons.

The next issue was what to replace me with. Milk is recommended well into the 1st year. Abigail never took to formula as a baby...and I am not a huge fan of standard cow's milk from the store.  We use organic, but to go from breast milk to that seems to be skipping a step. I felt after nursing a whole year in order to give nothing but the best, I could do better. I did some, ok a lot, of research as I was debating where to get milk even purer and fresher from a local farm...and read some great things on the benefits of goat's milk such as how easily it's digested, less prone to allergic reaction, higher calcium...etc. (If interested, send me an email and I'll send you some neat links.) Long story short...I did a lot of research and phone calls and found a local, PA licensed farm that uses no fillers or additives in their goat milk and have a wholistic approach.  I personally spoke to the owner who was incredibly knowledgable about her home-grown goods. I was sold. She takes much pride in what she offers and treats her animals with the same respect and quality. She used to show her goats and had an immaculate farm. She has such demand that she heads to NYC once a week where she sells her milk, cheese, and yogurt.

Abigail took to the bottle of goat's milk with no complaints at all! Since I was down to 4 nursings a day around her meals and snacks, and my doctor suggested she get 16-20 ounces of milk a day, she in turn gets a bottle when waking, one before morning nap, afternoon nap, and before bed at night. It is so nice that my husband can equally take part in the night routine without me feeling I have to step in. (She is now starting to transition from 2 naps a day to just 1...but that is another story!)

I was more worried about my body adjusting to weaning than hers..but since I spaced it out by a week at a time, thank goodness I was fine, with little discomfort, and also benefited from more energy. Some people say they cry when they have their final session. Being that I know I have 6 months to go before I start the process all over again, it did not hit me like that. I was glad we had made it this far and that she was still a happy camper. I am just as happy to give her a bottle and have her on my lap and enjoy quiet time together. Personally, I think she loves how much milk she gets from the bottle as well ha...even if it is only 3-5 ounces. I also do warm it since it's still cool out...as warmer weather approaches...she will get used to having it at room temp or even chilled.

Some asked if she takes it from a sippy cup. While she uses a sippy cup during the day, I decided to use the bottle to transition her so that it was something still as comfort yet different. In a few months we'll make the switch to the sippy cup as we cut back on the amount of milk she takes a day. One step at a time...but we're doing well...and it's a first-time learning process for me.

Another milestone for another time is she also mastered walking in time for her birthday. She keeps busy in the house when we are home...and with spring around the corner..is juuust starting to explore the outside world from her own baby-steps perspective. Life is exciting.

During the lapse of my last blog, Abigail has since cut her top front teeth.  Along with these jagged edged pearls came a runny nose and some congestion.  The last time she had a stuffy nose was exactly when her bottom teeth came through, over 2 months ago. I know it's due to her teething..but I still consider it a cold because her body is working at protecting herself and fighting infection. I did some research as to why this often occurs and from what I read the gums/mouth is extra susceptible to infection as the teeth are coming through...picks up things easier since everything is being put into the mouth, and the body works overtime to compensate.

It's a pretty cruel cycle because when her teeth are bothering her, it takes longer for her to get to sleep, sometimes causing her to fuss, and create more congestion. This past weekend she was up quite often through the late evening. I knew she was exhausted, but could not let her cry back to sleep because it made her nose stuffy once again. We would help clear her nose with the Bebe nasal aspirator that I blogged about last time, which she wasn't in the mood for since irritable and tired, and then after distracting her a bit, back to her crib she would go.

Growing up, myself and my 3 older siblings had a pretty strict regiment when we had colds. Our diet was limited to most fruits, most vegetables, and fluids like tea with honey. Anything that would cause mucous, was limited or eliminated until out system was clear. This meant white sugar, grains such as wheat and rice, meat, dairy products, and starchy fruits and vegetables like potatoes and bananas (Abigail's usual mid-morning snack!  This is not a diet to live on for months..but merely for the length of a cold, usually a week or less, when your appetite is limited anyway and you are trying to give yourself nothing but the best so you are back to yourself again soon.  It simply allows the system to flush itself of congestion and keep things simple going down. Just think when you have a sore throat and eat pizza for dinner. The next morning is usually pretty rough.

Abigail certainly can't have honey yet...and still she is somewhat limited to what foods she CAN eat, but I do have control over what she eats. I am still nursing so don't have to worry about cutting out cows milk that would be in formula. For the past 2 days I have cut out her yogurt, cereal, and some of the heavier grains is some of the jarred food I use. I have also limited her sweet potato and bananas. She has mostly been eating steamed broccoli, apple and pear sauces, roasted butternut squash, prunes, blueberries, spinach, water diluted with a little bit of fruit juices, and her nursing sessions. Already, in the past day, my husband noticed when he got home from work that she seemed much better tonight. She is content during the day and also slept better today with less congestion when she awoke.

At this rate I am quite sure her cold, be it teething or something she picked up, will not last as long as it would if she were eating her regular diet. I am not a doctor and don't claim to be one, but this is a system I grew up with that was passed down from my grandfather, who was a doctor and nutritionist. The times I've cheated with anything from ice-cream, heavy breads, to especially sugar, (my weakness) I have noticed my progress takes a step back and takes a little longer to clear my system then if I did it right the first time.

I have recommended this routine to friends of mine who didn't know what to do, who saw similar results and had to agree that the colds passed quicker than in the past.

I am not a fan of cough medicine because feel it doesn't rid the cold, only temporary relief. This system works for the long haul personally speaking and help clears the root of the problem quicker.

My daughter's needs are totally dependent upon myself and my husband...for better or worse. We control what she eats...when she bathes...what she wears...when she is layed down to sleep...and how often she gets outside. She is not old enough to tell us...so it's up to me to take initiative and give her growing body what it needs.

Getting outside in the fresh air..is one of the body's best defenses against sickness. If you think about the fact that our body is made up of millions of cells that need oxygen...and sunlight...it really does make sense.  I have to make an effort to try to get Abigail out each day...even if it's just for a walk around the yard on a day that's not so pleasant.  Not only does the fresh air boost her mood...but also makes for great nap sessions. Many parents know if their child is fussy...step outside for a few minutes..and watch the transformation. I am always amused how quickly she is distracted and forgets what she was upset about.

She was a March baby...when the days and nights still have quite a chill. After a few weeks old...we would bundle her up snug and take her for walks...just so she could get natural sunlight...and air out her lungs. We too needed to clear our minds and get out of the house as well. Now that she is a bit older and has better control of her body temperature...I am sure to crack her windows at night..to allow air to circulate and keep the room fresh. On a occasional night when the temps drop below freezing, I reluctantly leave them closed...but otherwise it's a go.

My husband thought I was nuts when we were first married and I would crack our bedroom window in January. He would say you do realize it's such and such degrees outside.  However, the nights we would leave the window closed...would be the mornings we would wake up feeling congested and less mentally and physically refreshed.  It's no longer an issue...but just a way of life.

Growing up...I had the best air flow in the house. Windows on both sides meant always a summer breeze. Come winter..the thermostat was set very low and windows were cracked.  Even now..if the window is closed..I will sometimes wake up in the middle of the night feeling like the room is stuffy. This is especially so if we stay somewhere where we cannot open the windows..or it's not done in the home. It's just a matter of fact...I sleep more soundly with a little fresh air circulating. It's not even a mental choice..it is what it is.

If you think about the idea though...that when you rest...you body is re-booting itself over a 6-8 hour stretch...that is lot of time to be in one room without air moving. For my little one..it's 11-12 hour stretch. Yes there are air filtration systems and purifiers...all good...but it still can't compare with the true thing. Being I live in an area that's not in the middle of a busy city, I want to be sure to take advantage of the fresh air...because not only is it free...but it's something our body needs to function at its best.

She takes two naps a day...one morning...and one early afternoon. So long as they are at least an hour and a half each..this allows her to then last until bedtime at 7. Abigail's sleep clock has set it's own schedule..her naps seem synchronized for 9 am..and then again around 1pm.  Also I know that when she wakes in the morning..she lasts about an hour to and hour and a half..before she is ready for her first nap. So you can do the math..she wakes up at 7..she's ready 8:30...if she wakes up 7:30...I can usually predict 9 am. And so the day continues. And yes it's amazing how much sleep she needs!

It's amazing how quickly the daily routine changes when there is a commitment...an important task that needs to get accomplished out of the house...work inside the house...business calls..etc.  I wanted to try for a week straight to keep her as close to schedule as possible. This would mean...that I would be sure we are home so that when she was ready to go down..there was no delay. I was sure to do any errands I needed to do between naps...or between her last nap..and dinner.  I would even run out once my husband got home..if there was anything I just could not fit in.

I found that when she cut her bottom teeth..I knew it was bothering her..because her sleep and eating was on her predictable schedule...I could do process of elimination.  It is a good way to narrow down what is wrong if they complain...and overall makes a happier child, well at least a happier Abigail. I can only comment on persona experience.  There is a sense of frustration when we are out...it's her nap time..and she's ready to go down.

Of course there are times when it's just not possible...or when there is a family function..doctor's appointment...or an extended dinner out. However I have come to realize...that when I can help it...and do have control over those precious naps...the days go much smoother...and ironically her night's sleep do better too.

She knows her needs are being met...and trusts me that I will follow her cues...when I am able. It also helps me personally to know her schedule..because I can then work my own around hers.

So while I can't always make my MOMS playdates, my weekly 7:30 a.m. Rotary Breakfasts, or a friend's last minute call...I am doing the best I can to give Abigail what her little body needs as she contiues to grow and change. Her most recent well-visit was a thumbs up. It's always nice to feel that pat on the back and nod of approval. I don't sacrifice my week or my life...but I have quickly learned to time things right...and it's been rewarding in return. It's about putting things in perspective for a short time for a big pay-off.

( Above photo credited to Child Magainze, G&J Publishing)

As you may have read on my About Me page, though I delivered in one of the best, medically advanced hospitals in the area, we used a midwife instead of an OB. I had all the technology needed within reach, yet was able to have the person of my choice deliver our first born. Yes, there was an OB on call in case of complications, as well as all the other hospital staff, but it was my midwives who saw me through my delivery from when I met them at the entrance of the maternity ward, to the birth of Abigail. Some people assume midwives means all natural, no pain meds, and fly by the seat of your pants. None of this is the case. You are offered everything an OB has at their disposal. I too, met with the anethesialogist in case I would need/want an epidural as labor progressed. I found the biggest difference between seeing both an OBGYN and a midwives group during my pregnancy, was being informed. The midwives not only checked me and gave me the time of day to answer ALL of my questions, but, also great resources in which to prepare my body for labor. They also have great confidence in me and put me at ease. I was treated more like a person that a patient with a sickness.

Although my labor wasn't an easy one, being it was my first and took a long time to get to that final "push" phase, I had a voice that was audible throughout my labor. I was allowed to move around and walk rather than be confined to the bed. I did not need an IV for fluids which is said to dilute your body's natural hormones that are stimulated to aid in labor. I was allowed to drink fluids and eat lightly...though I had no appetite for food.  I was also NOT forced to deliver on my back. In fact, this is a big difference of using a widwife. Being my baby was posterior until the last moments, meant had I delivered on my back, it would have put further excrutiating pain/pressure on my tail bone, as if the pain wasn't intense enough during each contraction. For those who don't have experience with a midwife, when I tell people I delivered on my side, they seem very surprised that it is possible.

At my most recent 6 month pap appointment, I was shocked and very upset to learn my midwives were no longer allowed to deliver at the hospital I gave birth in.  Here, I thought we found the most amazing team, only to learn that when we do have another child, we will also have to research our options extensively all over again. The hospital that is only 5 minutes away from us...will not allow me to birth the way I want.

There is a two-fold wave. One, women are losing choices in the delivery room. C-section rates have SOARED over the years. The problem is a lot are now out of convenience rather than necessity. I had another friend basically pushed into taking petocin, had her baby whisked away after being born...and had to demand to have her back after an hour so that she could start the  nursing process. Another friend is terrified to think about a second child because doesn't want to go through what they experienced their first time around. I know people who had severe episiotomies and now dread that potential aspect. Birth is a natural process in life...it shouldn't be this way. There are ways to prevent this!

While labor was...well...labor for me, drug free by personal choice, I would still do it all over again for how successful the outcome was and how well I recovered. More and more women are looking into using midwives because they feel they are more part of a team, than a medical condition. While I am not bashing the OB world, because there are some very good ones out there that follow the techniques and strategies of birthing like a midwife. On the flip side, I am seeing and learning more and more that the process of labor and birth is becoming more structured and routine than looking at the individual and allowing women the time they need to let their bodies do what it's created to do. I am saying I think a women's involvement is slowly diminishing.

My voice is not alone.  I am part of a large network just in my area alone, who are trying to keep a woman and her husband's options open during their labor. It's called labor for a reason, things take time. We shouldn't feel rushed or pressured. The medical world is taking a lot of lead way and assumptions on the way it thinks births should be performed.  It's scary for me to think that I have to actually research to have things go how I plan and desire for any future children we wish to have.

Why should we have options removed from us during a time in our lives when we need them most.

My husband and I wrote up a birth plan that we brought to us when I went to the hospital. Even though I knew who would be delivering, and knew the way they operated, I wanted to be safe in case for some reason, my support had to switch. It was not long and drawn out, but I wanted it in writing so everyone was on the same page. (I highly recommend this to anyone.) All our wishes were followed through except for one due to complications. It wasn't major, but I had also agreed that I would do what is best for the baby should something come up so long as our options were explained to us. For those who have done any research on the cutting of the umbilical chord and the benefits of waiting for a few moments to allow the baby to receive all the nutrients, this is what we desired. Being that there was a little meconium, the NICU checked her at my beside right away, hence cutting the chord quickly. Vitals were checked and within moments she was returned to me. The family bond continued.

We need to have a voice in the medical profession when it comes to birthing. It's becoming harder and harder to carry out your wishes and have the freeom of choice during labor.

This topic seems to be buzzing the media lately..scare tactic? Logistics? Not quite sure...but with so much hype about H1N1...what's going on behind the scenes?

I sat in the doctor's office for a well check-up..waiting to be seen. A mother and her recently turned 6 month old were sitting next to me...exchanging stories and schedules. Her daughter just turned 6 month, just had her scheduled vaccinations..and on top of that a flu shot...total of 4 in ONE visit.

I did not question her...because she can do as she chooses...but was surprised they gave her the flu shot on top of everything else. Many people I know are choosing to space out vaccines administered to their children and are doing more research on some that even doctors admit aren't necessary depending on their environment.   It's easier on the immune system..and they are able to see if they have a reaction to a certain one. The mother I was speaking with had to sit for a certain amount of time just to see if her daughter would have a reaction in general...as well known standard protocol.

The flu shot is being pushed HEAVILY especially this year and came on the market fast and furious...yet reports say it's very risky in itself!

Check out this short clip from Fox News to hear from a seasoned Doctor himself, WOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1z7KSEnyxw

As a side note, the following list was taken from Dr. Mercola's website as the top 9 reasons why NOT to give your child the flu shot: