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:

My husband took me out for a really nice birthday evening...and my in-laws watched her so we could have some time together. When we came home to pick her up..we were told she was quite fussy and not happy as the evening wore on. We attributed it (to put it bluntly) being constipated. Her diapers were proof. Not terrible...but still enough to make her uncomfortable. Sure enough, the next morning I got online and read what kinds of foods would have that affect on a baby. I knew carrots wre the newest thing on the menu..and I was dubfounded to discover everything I was feeding her for the past 2 days..were ALL binding!! Bananas (which was as much a staple as the rice cereal in general)....and carrots mixed with applesauce (to sweeten it naturally)..and her rice cereal!?

So I wasted no time in preparing some pears that morning, crossing my fingers she would like them. Yesterday I cut out the cereal...and gave her just fruit and veggies for lunch and dinner..besides her regular nursing intervals.  She loved the stewed organic pears I made...it was like a sweeter, applesauce taste. I do pass everything through my pallete before hers...for personal approval. I figure if it doesn't taste good to me..she will probably agree. They were sweet as candy. I also defrosted some frozen yams I had in ice cub trays..which were not a hit the first time around..and warmed them up with some frozen peaches...also a dud. Ironically she gave the combo of the two rave reviews.

Today, I picked up a jar of prunes with oatmeal...stage 2 from Earth's Best, since I couldn't find organic prunes by themselves.  I also picked up Baby Oatmeal Cereal to switch her to from Rice. As I was reading what kinds of foods would bind a baby up after some time...I was not pleased with what I was reading about Rice Cereal..and it being an empty food. A lot of women commented that their pediatricians pushed it due to its iron content..but that the iron used isn't pure and doesn't absorb sufficiently anyway...making me want to go back to basics of fresh and pure ingredients. Live foods you can call them. I am going to implement some oatmeal..which I heard is not only more flavorful...but also good on the digestive system and had health benefits...instead of a filler.

Again, I am reminded how this is all a learning process...I learn as I go. I am happy though that Abigail is enjoying these new tastes and sensations. While I did get jarred applesauce because my first batch came out too tart...and jarred prunes...I balance it with things I can easily steam, bake, and boil at home with half the cost, hopefully more nutritious, and double the volume.

Once her little system is back in the swing of things...and not as binding...I can mix and match throughout the week bringing her adored bananas back on the menu...for now...I think I'll stick to what I call the mostly "p's" diet....pears, plums, peaches etc...until she's in the clear. She's a very happy baby..I just want it to stay that way...it's bad enough..that we are awaiting teeth any day...we'll save that for another blog session!

All the fruits and vegetables mention above are wonderful...it's just a matter of knowing how they affect the little system of a almost 7-month old digesting it spoonful by messy spoonful. It's a balancing act...but well worth it.

I was so appreciative to the clothing I did receive from family and friends when Abigail was born. Not only did it save us a lot of money we needed for the MANY diapers she went through those first 3 months, but also saved me time and energy of taking her out to shop for clothes. As fun as it sounds, it took a lot of effort the first few weeks at getting out of the house in a timely manner! I can't remember a time I went out with as little make-up as I have since March. However I did have everything in my diaper bag I could possibly need if the car broke down for some random reason. We do think of everything don't we...even at our own expense!

I cannot believe all the clothes I have packed away so far. Sentimental too, because I know who gave her what. I packed a bin for newborn and 0-3 sizes. I have also started packing away her 3-6 months. Anything with feet do not fit unless it's 6-9 months.  On top of that, it's mostly a very summery wardrobe. I'm holding out another few weeks to put away her adorable summer jumpers, jean shorts, and onsies that were washed so many times over again and others hardly worn. It's so odd to think that unless we have another girl...I will never see these sweet clothes on my children again...and as I benefited from family hand-me-downs I have ready and waiting for Abigail to grow into, another child, if not my own, will possibly benefit in turn. It's a pretty neat cycle.

She is not old enough to argue or care about what she wears, and I always do the hands and feet test to make sure she's the right temperature. There is also something cozy about putting an item on her that I know was worn by one of my nieces or a memory it brings back. I can tell she is starting to slow her growth down slightly. Week to week I didn't know if something would fit. Now..at least a few weeks pass before she outgrows a item that runs on the smaller side because all manufacturers vary.  I am all about comfort though. Of course I love her looking like a little lady...but if that comes at the cost of being a rough material, bows that stick in her back if sitting in the carseat, or snugger than I would wear myself, it doesn't get used...and before you know it, outgrown.

The best advice I can give with the clothes you have is USE them. Don't save your NICER outfits for when you are out and about...because if wait long enough...the opportunity will pass you by. Also, if it isn't worn and already outgrown and you don't have women in the family who could use them for their children, you can donate them or sell them to consignment shops, where moms like myself, like to find a great deals on brand new items with tags still on. And then you see yourself packing away items that are precious, brand new also, yet too small.

So, why was I up with her at 12:30 am last night and 5:15? Now, I know if she did a straight shot from 7pm to 5am that is not something to complain about. However, normally she is waking between 3-4am to eat. She is easy as pie, it's all business, and she goes right back down. She seems legitimately hungry too, because will fuss if I ever try to change her before feeding. Unless soaked, I let her diaper go now. Afterall, once she IS sleeping the night, that will be the case. She doesn't try to talk to me or play, she eats. As soon as she's done, she snuggles back into her crib content. She wakes for good around 7:30...happy as can be..and not necessarily starving either.

I just recently switched the feeding sessions of solids to lunch and dinner instead of breakfast and dinner. I found she was impatient in the morning and didn't last long before her first nap. Lunch and dinner were much more successful. On top of that, she also nurses in-between feedings and whenever she goes down for a nap or at night. At this age, milk or formula is still suppose to be their number one source of nutrients.

So many people say, "If you want them to sleep the night...start food early."  She eats solids for dinner around 6...and nurses before being tucked in at 7. Funny, right around when she was about to turn 5 months, she gave me a tease of a few nights of solid sleep. It wasn't long lived. It made me wonder if people associate them sleeping with eating because it happens to be around the time most are introduced to solids. I was hoping the food would have that affect too, but no luck yet. I have talked to a lot of moms who said it made no difference...the night wakings passed on their own...no thanks to increasing food intake.

So here I sit wondering when my time will come.  I have no problem letting her cry for a stretch if I know she will go back down. I have tested it a few nights..and have seen her go down..but pop up again, sitting in her crib fussing until I head in. I can deal with anything for a time...but just as it interrupts her sleep...let's me honest...it interrupts mine and my husband's.

As her appetite is growing...and her belly stretches...hopefully our time is near when we can both wake up to the sun and start our day fully refreshed after a long, restful, night's sleep.

Are others experiencing this or have experienced this as well?

Last week, a friend asked if I wanted to join her and her husband for peach picking at a local orchard. Sometimes it's easy to over think things. I start processing what I need to bring, how accommodating the terrain will be for a stroller etc...etc...etc. It's easier if I just commit to something and wing it. I am starting to go more with the flow and realizing Abigail can float along just fine. I called a friend who's daughter is about 6 months older than mine...and eating most foods. I asked if she knew whether or not peaches were considered a safe food for one of her firsts. She just warned that peaches are considered to have one of the least protective barriers when it comes to pesticides and sprays, something I wouldn't want Abigail to be ingesting as she is discovering new foods. Good to know.

It turned out to be a b-e-a-utiful day!!  It was a short 15 minute drive there. I brought along the jogging stroller knowing we'd be mostly on grass and it would be forgiving of most bumps in the field. When we checked in, I was thrilled to find out that NO pesticides are put on the fruit they allow to be picked. Excellent! We hopped on the back of a farming truck, lifted the stroller on, and were driven up to the rows from which we could select our peaches. I had never been orchard picking before.  Though a little buggy, it was such a neat experience, and felt good to know I was hand selecting something that my family would be eating later. As for Abigail, she always enjoys new scenery and being outdoors when the weather is comfortable.

While waiting for the truck to bring us back to the main entrance, I asked one of the employees how to preserve the peaches in order for me to be able to give them to my daughter in a few weeks. She suggested blanching them by putting them in boiling water for about half a minute and then transfer them to a bowl of cold water. She said with little effort, I should be able to peel the skins right off.

When we got home, that is exactly what I did, and it worked great!  I took a portion of the peaches, blanched them, peeled them, and cut off large sections avoiding the pit. I then put small amounts in zip lock bags and placed the bags into the freezer.

Abigail started her cereal this week. I am looking forward to introducing her first fruits one at a time. I am glad to know that when it's the peach's turn for her taste buds, I will have fresh ones in the freezer ready to puree. As we know once they go out of season, the prices in the stores sky rocket. It was money well spent.

As for heading to the orchard...I will definitely be going again. It was a great experience...just being outside in the fresh air...a break from life's hustle and bustle...with nothing but rolling hills within your view.

(*Suggested to use frozen peaches within 3 months, unless in a deep freezer where they last longer.)

I am not looking to sign every emotion and feeling with her. I am not looking for a whole other language to communicate with, although I admire anyone who is that advances. For now, I am simply trying to build upon the one we already know and give her little ways to express her world.  What's neat is we are learning together. It was quite a sight Sunday afternoon. My husband, Abigail, and I were sitting on the couch signing along to the words shoes, socks, hat, and coat. She lost interest after about 10 minutes..but my husband and I watched half the DVD just so we had some starters in our pocket.

I will keep an update on how things go once we get the first DVD, and I get a sense she is making a connection. If anyone has personal experience on this...I would love to hear more stories.