31 October 2011
30 October 2011
Toss Pillow Make-Over
After visiting the apartments of some friends I felt inspired for a new upgrade for our apartment.
A long time ago we added bright yellow to our original black, white and turquoise color scheme. But our family room lagged behind and looked kind of thrown together.
Easy upgrade? PILLOWS! (Plus I scored 4 new ones for 2 bucks that needed recovering)
I just used some scraps that I had in my stash and I think they are a fun update.
Poor Dom, I just keep bringing more pillows into our life!
And I did a little upgrade in our bedroom as well. Our color scheme in there is pretty much neutrals and a pale ocean blue.
28 October 2011
Project Mania: Boppy Cover, Lap Blanket, and Pillow
Here are the last few projects for the nursery:
Pillow for our glider. I got the form for fifty cents, the fabric was left over from the bulletin boards and the buttons I fished out of a jar full I bought at the swap meet.
We have a LOT of blankets, our baby will seriously NEVER be cold! But when I saw the cutest baby sitting in front of us in church the other day with a tiny lap blanket, I couldn't resist. So I used scraps from the puff quilt, my grandma-made quilt and a little flannel I had around.
And the last project was a cover for my boppy pillow, I used the free pattern here (it was a little big for my taste, if you want it tighter be sure to cut it smaller.
It has white flannel on one side, plain grey cotton on the other and some fun turquoise piping.
26 October 2011
Nursery and Home Tour
Today is the little guy's due date, but it doesn't look like he is going anywhere.
In honor of him and his future home (when he decides to give up his current one), here is a home tour for everyone that won't be able to come visit and see our nursery.
WELCOME TO OUR HOME
In honor of him and his future home (when he decides to give up his current one), here is a home tour for everyone that won't be able to come visit and see our nursery.
WELCOME TO OUR HOME
If you can come visit, please know that we would LOVE to have you.
Let's plan it!
25 October 2011
DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes
Create Your Own
HEALTHY and Effective
Cleaning Products
HEALTHY and Effective
Cleaning Products
**************
I have banned the use of harsh chemicals in our home, PLEASE see previous posting. Here are some great recipes that I use in our home and that I find at least as effective as the store bought chemical ones I used to use!
Bonus: They are WAY cheaper than anything you can buy
Start by stocking your cleaning cabinet.
You will need:
(worth the extra cost and a small bottle lasts forever)
I purchase mine at Mountain Rose Herbs and always keep Orange, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree on Hand.
Bonus: They are WAY cheaper than anything you can buy
Start by stocking your cleaning cabinet.
You will need:
Borax Castile Soap
Lemon Juice Corn Starch
Baking Soda Vinegar
Empty Spray (squirt) Bottles
Optional: Essential Oils of Choice for Fragrance and Individual disinfectant properties(worth the extra cost and a small bottle lasts forever)
I purchase mine at Mountain Rose Herbs and always keep Orange, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree on Hand.
All Purpose Cleaner- 4 TBSP Baking Soda + 2 ½ Warm H20
All Purpose Cleaner- 3 TBSP Vinegar + 1 TSP Baking Soda + ½ TSP Castile Soap
+ 2 CP Hot H20
+ 2 CP Hot H20
All Purpose Cleaner- 1 TBSP Castile Soap+ 1 TSP Borax+ 2 TBSP Vinegar + 2
CP Hot H20
CP Hot H20
Glass Cleaner- 2 CP Hot H20+ ¼ CP Vinegar+ 1 TBSP Lemon Juice
Glass Cleaner- ½ CP Vinegar or Lemon Juice, 2 CP H20, ¼ TSP Castile Soap
Glass Cleaner- ¼ CP Vinegar, 1 TBSP Corn Starch, 2 CP Warm H20
Tile Scrub- 1½ CP Baking Soda, ½ CP Castile Soap, ½ CP Water, 2 TBSP Vinegar
(mix with fork and keep in squirt bottle)
Furniture Polish- 1 Part Vinegar to 3 Parts Olive Oil
Disinfectant Spray- ¼ CP Borax 2 ½ CP Hot H20, steep w/ fresh herb of choice 10
minutes
Disinfectant Spray- 2 TBSP Borax+ ½ CP Lemon Juice+ 2 CP Hot H20
Tile Scrub- 1½ CP Baking Soda, ½ CP Castile Soap, ½ CP Water, 2 TBSP Vinegar
(mix with fork and keep in squirt bottle)
Furniture Polish- 1 Part Vinegar to 3 Parts Olive Oil
Kitchen Fragrant Rinse- 4 Drops Essential Oil + Hot H20
Rust Remover- Sprinkle Salt on spot and dredge with Lemon Juice, leave for a few
hours and use the rind as a scrubber
Rust Remover- Sprinkle Salt on spot and dredge with Lemon Juice, leave for a few
hours and use the rind as a scrubber
**************
5-10 drops of essential oil may be added to any of
these formulas for a more fragrant mixture
Stay tuned for Laundry Recipes
these formulas for a more fragrant mixture
Stay tuned for Laundry Recipes
24 October 2011
23 October 2011
Easy Knit French Press Cozy Pattern
Dom asked me to make a cozy for our french press, to keep our brew warm.
I used some scrap wool yarn I had lying around in dark grey and neon green. And some awesome vintage buttons from Dom's mom.
So I knitted it a little sweater inspired by the pattern here. Using this pattern I ended up with a cozy that was way too big so I had to recreate my own:
Supplies
a size 5 circular knitting needle (or two sticks if you prefer)
Yarn scraps or a small skein (I used a lightweight wool)
3+ Buttons of Choice
Pattern:
Cast on 50 stitches
Knit in K2, P2 for 4 rows
Switch colors and knit in stockinette for 4 rows
Switch colors and knit in stockinette for 4 rows.
repeat until you get to desired length. (I knitted 36 rows of stockinette in all, 9 panels of color)
Finish knitting in K2, P2 for 4 rows and cast of loosely.
I sewed loops of yarn on one side and buttons on the other. 4 was a perfect number of buttons for me, but more could be cute too! I think 3 is the least you could have.
21 October 2011
Banned
Long ago I banned the use of harsh chemicals in our home.
It is not because I am a Hippy Californian Treehugger. It is because it has become unreasonable for me to continue to use them in our home. Why? I did some major research to present information for a high school seminar class I taught a few years ago and thought I would share it with you. Maybe you will consider joining me in banning chemicals from your home.
In 1901, the cancer was rate was 1 out of 8,000. Since the Industrial Revolution, the cancer rate today has risen to 1 in 2.
Since 1950, at least 70,000 new chemical compounds have been invented and dispersed into our environment. Only a fraction of these have been tested for human toxicity. We are, by default, conducting a massive clinical toxicology trial, and our children and their children are the experimental animals. [Source: Herbert L. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Raising Children Toxic Free]
HOUSEHOLD, FAMILY, and PERSONAL CARE Products
The United States of America Federal Code of Regulations exempts manufacturers from full labeling of products if used for personal, family or household care. [Source USA FCR: Section 1910.1200C, Title 29, Section 1500.82 2Q1A]
150 chemicals found in the home have been connected to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological disorders. [Source: The Consumer Protection Agency)
12- Nail Polish Remover (Source: The National Cancer Prevention Coalition)
Most laundry detergent contains a form of NTA. NTA is a substance we may reasonably anticipate to be a carcinogen. [Source: The Merck Index]
Household bleaches which claim to disinfect are classified as pesticides under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Inadvertently mixing bleach with other cleaners that
contain ammonia produces a toxic chloramines gas. These toxic gases can cause coughing, loss of voice, a feeling of burning or suffocation, and even death.[Source: Guide to Hazardous Products Around the Home, Household Hazardous Waste Project, 1989]
CHEMICALS, DISEASES, and CHILDREN
Today, children have chemical exposures from birth that their parents didn’t have until they were adults. Because children are exposed to toxics at an earlier age than adults, they have more time to develop environmentally triggered diseases, with long latency periods, such as cancer. [Source: Environmental Policy and Children’s Health, Future of Children, Summer/Fall 1995; 5(2): 34-52]
Developing cells in children’s bodies are more susceptible to damage than adult cells that have completed development, especially for the central nervous system. During the development of a child, from conception through adolescence, there are particular windows of vulnerability to environmental hazards. Most disturbing: until a child is approximately 13 months of age, they have virtually no ability to fight the biological and neurological effects of toxic chemicals.[Source: Herbert L. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Raising Children Toxic Free]
Diseases that used to occur later in life are now appearing at younger ages. Diseases that used to be rare are more frequent. Cancer is now the #2 killer of children, second only to accidental poisonings. Since 1977 the rate of cancer among American children has been steadily rising at a rate of nearly 1% each year. [Source: National Cancer Institute]Even small doses of neurotoxins, which would be harmless to an adult, can alter a child’s nervous system development.[Source: Environmental Health Perspectives 106 Supplement 3:787-794 (June 1998)]
Asthma was once a very rare disease. Now the condition is extremely common. The asthma rate has tripled in the last 20 years with nearly 30 million Americans currently afflicted. [Source: Consumer Federation of America, 1997]
Specifically childhood asthma has increased by more than 40% since 1980. [Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, June 1997; 105 (6)]
Asthma death in children and young people increased by a dramatic 118% between 1980 and 1993.
[Source: Environmental Health Threats to Children, Environmental Protection Agency 175-F-96-001, September 1996]
The average child visits the doctor 23 times in the 1st 4 years of life, with the most common complaint being respiratory ailment. [Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 1997]
There is an increased risk for leukemia in children where parents have used pesticides in the home or garden before the child’s birth. [Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute]
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in adults and children is also rising. In 1993, 4.5 million children took the drug Ritalin so they could sit still long enough to learn. By 1998, 11.4 million children were being drugged with this powerful Class-2 narcotic. [Source: Your Children and Ritalin, The Detroit news (March 8. 1998)]
Liquid dish soap is the leading cause of poisonings in the home for children under the age of six (over 2.1 million accidental poisonings per year). Most brands of liquid dish soap contain formaldehyde and ammonia. [Source: United States House of Representatives Report, 1989]
FORMALDEHYDE
Due to the increase in toxic buildup in our bodies, including the toxic buildup of formaldehyde, dead bodies are not decomposing as fast as they used to. Bodies now start to decompose within 7 to 10 days after death. During the Vietnam War, Vietnamese bodies started to decompose within 24 to 48 hours. However, Americans didn’t start to decompose for 4 to 5 days. Twice as much formaldehyde was needed to embalm a person 20 years ago compared to today.
Formaldehyde is a highly toxic substance. It is a highly suspected cancer-causing agent. It damages the neurological connectors in the body. It is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs and may cause:
It is not because I am a Hippy Californian Treehugger. It is because it has become unreasonable for me to continue to use them in our home. Why? I did some major research to present information for a high school seminar class I taught a few years ago and thought I would share it with you. Maybe you will consider joining me in banning chemicals from your home.
In 1901, the cancer was rate was 1 out of 8,000. Since the Industrial Revolution, the cancer rate today has risen to 1 in 2.
Since 1950, at least 70,000 new chemical compounds have been invented and dispersed into our environment. Only a fraction of these have been tested for human toxicity. We are, by default, conducting a massive clinical toxicology trial, and our children and their children are the experimental animals. [Source: Herbert L. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Raising Children Toxic Free]
HOUSEHOLD, FAMILY, and PERSONAL CARE Products
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies have shown that indoor air pollutants are 3 to 70 times higher than outdoors.
As more toxic chemicals have been introduced to our everyday environment in greater amounts over the last 20 to 30 years, the level of toxins stored in adipose tissues (fat cells) of our bodies have risen. Bioaccumulation studies have shown that some toxins store in our bodies for life. Greater and greater amounts are being stored at younger ages. One study showed that in the fat of 100% of the people tested was 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, a chemical found in most household deodorizers and room fresheners. [Source: The American Cancer Society]
The United States of America Federal Code of Regulations exempts manufacturers from full labeling of products if used for personal, family or household care. [Source USA FCR: Section 1910.1200C, Title 29, Section 1500.82 2Q1A]
Of 2,983 chemicals found in personal care products:
* 884 are toxic
* 884 are toxic
* 146 cause tumors
* 218 cause reproductive complications
* 778 cause acute toxicity
* 314 cause biological mutations
* 376 cause skin and eye irritations
[Source: United States House of Representatives Report, 1989]* 218 cause reproductive complications
* 778 cause acute toxicity
* 314 cause biological mutations
* 376 cause skin and eye irritations
150 chemicals found in the home have been connected to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological disorders. [Source: The Consumer Protection Agency)
Out of 2,435 pesticide poisonings in a one-year period, over 40% were due to exposure to disinfectants and similar cleaning products in the home. [Source: State of California Study]
The following products are just a few that are so toxic that they should be disposed of in a toxic waste dump:
floor care products
furniture polish
window cleaners
bug spray
nail polish remover
[Source: Water Pollution Control Federation]
Some products release contaminants into the air right away, others do so gradually over a period of time. Some stay in the air up to a year. These contaminants, found in many household and personal care products can cause dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions, eye/skin/respiratory tract irritations and some cause cancer.[American Lung Association]
Fabric Softeners- Have 9 Chemicals (neurotoxins that affect the Central Nervous System) have been linked to ADD, ALZHEIMERS, MS, PARKINSONS, SEIZURES, and SIDS.
Women who work in the home have a 68% higher death rate from cancer than women who work outside of the home (Source: 17 year EPA Study). ·
In one decade, there has been a 42% increase in asthma (29% for men, 82% for women). The higher rate for women is believed to be due to women’s longer exposure times to household chemicals. [Source: Center for Disease Control]
The Top 12 CANCER causing Household Products: The Dirty Dozen
1- Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder w/Talc
2- Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste
3- VO5 Hair Conditioner
4- Clairol Nice-n-Easy Hair Color
5- Cover Girl Make-Up
6- Ajax Cleanser
7- Lysol Disinfectant (Spray)
8- Liquid Dish Soap (The leading cause of poisonings in the home for children under the age of 6).
9- Floor Care Products
10- Furniture Polish
11- Window Cleaner2- Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste
3- VO5 Hair Conditioner
4- Clairol Nice-n-Easy Hair Color
5- Cover Girl Make-Up
6- Ajax Cleanser
7- Lysol Disinfectant (Spray)
8- Liquid Dish Soap (The leading cause of poisonings in the home for children under the age of 6).
9- Floor Care Products
10- Furniture Polish
12- Nail Polish Remover (Source: The National Cancer Prevention Coalition)
Most laundry detergent contains a form of NTA. NTA is a substance we may reasonably anticipate to be a carcinogen. [Source: The Merck Index]
Household bleaches which claim to disinfect are classified as pesticides under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Inadvertently mixing bleach with other cleaners that
contain ammonia produces a toxic chloramines gas. These toxic gases can cause coughing, loss of voice, a feeling of burning or suffocation, and even death.[Source: Guide to Hazardous Products Around the Home, Household Hazardous Waste Project, 1989]
Warning labels on containers refer only to toxic hazards from ingestion; however, only 10% of health problems from chemicals are caused by ingestion. 90% are caused by the inhalation of vapors and absorption of particles.
Government regulations require that only the most EXTREMELY toxic substances must contain a warning label. Labels that say the following should be removed from your house immediately immediately:
“Do not induce vomiting”
Corrosive - rinse from skin immediately”
“Harmful or fatal if swallowed”
“Call physician immediately”
“Warning!” (may mean that as little as 1 teaspoon of product can harm or kill an adult)
“Danger!” (means that as little as 5 drops can harm or kill an adult)
CHEMICALS, DISEASES, and CHILDREN
Today, children have chemical exposures from birth that their parents didn’t have until they were adults. Because children are exposed to toxics at an earlier age than adults, they have more time to develop environmentally triggered diseases, with long latency periods, such as cancer. [Source: Environmental Policy and Children’s Health, Future of Children, Summer/Fall 1995; 5(2): 34-52]
Developing cells in children’s bodies are more susceptible to damage than adult cells that have completed development, especially for the central nervous system. During the development of a child, from conception through adolescence, there are particular windows of vulnerability to environmental hazards. Most disturbing: until a child is approximately 13 months of age, they have virtually no ability to fight the biological and neurological effects of toxic chemicals.[Source: Herbert L. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Raising Children Toxic Free]
Diseases that used to occur later in life are now appearing at younger ages. Diseases that used to be rare are more frequent. Cancer is now the #2 killer of children, second only to accidental poisonings. Since 1977 the rate of cancer among American children has been steadily rising at a rate of nearly 1% each year. [Source: National Cancer Institute]
Asthma was once a very rare disease. Now the condition is extremely common. The asthma rate has tripled in the last 20 years with nearly 30 million Americans currently afflicted. [Source: Consumer Federation of America, 1997]
Specifically childhood asthma has increased by more than 40% since 1980. [Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, June 1997; 105 (6)]
Asthma death in children and young people increased by a dramatic 118% between 1980 and 1993.
[Source: Environmental Health Threats to Children, Environmental Protection Agency 175-F-96-001, September 1996]
The average child visits the doctor 23 times in the 1st 4 years of life, with the most common complaint being respiratory ailment. [Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 1997]
There is an increased risk for leukemia in children where parents have used pesticides in the home or garden before the child’s birth. [Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute]
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in adults and children is also rising. In 1993, 4.5 million children took the drug Ritalin so they could sit still long enough to learn. By 1998, 11.4 million children were being drugged with this powerful Class-2 narcotic. [Source: Your Children and Ritalin, The Detroit news (March 8. 1998)]
Liquid dish soap is the leading cause of poisonings in the home for children under the age of six (over 2.1 million accidental poisonings per year). Most brands of liquid dish soap contain formaldehyde and ammonia. [Source: United States House of Representatives Report, 1989]
FORMALDEHYDE
Due to the increase in toxic buildup in our bodies, including the toxic buildup of formaldehyde, dead bodies are not decomposing as fast as they used to. Bodies now start to decompose within 7 to 10 days after death. During the Vietnam War, Vietnamese bodies started to decompose within 24 to 48 hours. However, Americans didn’t start to decompose for 4 to 5 days. Twice as much formaldehyde was needed to embalm a person 20 years ago compared to today.
Formaldehyde is a highly toxic substance. It is a highly suspected cancer-causing agent. It damages the neurological connectors in the body. It is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs and may cause:
* skin reactions
* ear infections
* headaches
* depression
* asthma
* joint pain
* dizziness
* mental confusion
* nausea
* disorientation
* phlebitis
* fatigue
* vomiting
* sleep disturbances
* laryngitis
* ear infections
* headaches
* depression
* asthma
* joint pain
* dizziness
* mental confusion
* nausea
* disorientation
* phlebitis
* fatigue
* vomiting
* sleep disturbances
* laryngitis
One in five people are sensitive to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is commonly found in:
* drugs
* mouthwash
* drugs
* mouthwash
* hairspray
* cosmetics
* cleaning products
* perfumes
* waxes
* hair setting lotions
* shampoo
* air fresheners
* fungicides
* fingernail polish
* floor polishes
* dry cleaning solvents
* toothpaste
* laundry spray starch
* antiperspirants
…just to name a few
* cosmetics
* cleaning products
* perfumes
* waxes
* hair setting lotions
* shampoo
* air fresheners
* fungicides
* fingernail polish
* floor polishes
* dry cleaning solvents
* toothpaste
* laundry spray starch
* antiperspirants
…just to name a few
DO YOU STILL WANT TO USE PRODUCTS IN YOUR HOME THAT CONTAIN FORMALDEHYDE?
Formaldehyde has more than one name. How many of these names would you have recognized as formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde has more than one name. How many of these names would you have recognized as formaldehyde?
Formalin
Methanal
Methyl Aldehyde
Methylene Oxide
Oxymethylene
Bfv*
Fannoform*
Formol*
Fyde*
Karsan*
Methaldehyde
Formalith*
Methylene Glycol
Ivalon*
Oxomethane
Formalin 40
Formalin
Formic Aldehyde
Hoch
Paraform
Lysoform*
Morbocid
Trioxane
Polyoxmethylene
Methanal
Methyl Aldehyde
Methylene Oxide
Oxymethylene
Bfv*
Fannoform*
Formol*
Fyde*
Karsan*
Methaldehyde
Formalith*
Methylene Glycol
Ivalon*
Oxomethane
Formalin 40
Formalin
Formic Aldehyde
Hoch
Paraform
Lysoform*
Morbocid
Trioxane
Polyoxmethylene
* denotes trade name
Food for Thought: Why on earth do people still continue to purchase and use these products in their homes around their family, children and pets when there are natural alternatives available for ALL these toxic products?
Each and every one of us has a choice! We can continue to poison our homes and family on a daily basis, or we can take the stance and fight back, the natural way!
What Can You Do Know?
-Check Labels (even on 'enviromentally friendly' products)
-Buy greener products when you can, or if you are really commited make your own cleaning products! I have compiled a bunch of great recipes that I have used and will vouch for their effectiveness. I will post them soon!
19 October 2011
Birthing Music Playlists
I have been looking everywhere for suggestions on the topic and the internet seems empty.
I know that everyone is different but a few suggestions would be helpful!
I decided to make 4 Playlists to try and anticipate my various moods. But also we have the sleep machine app for Dom's iTouch and I made a few Birthing Mixes of my own for relaxation.
Mood 1: Relaxation
Let's Stay Together- Al Green
Across the Universe- Beatles
Nobody Does It Better- Carly Simon
The Scientist- Coldplay
How to Save a Life- The Fray How to Save a Life
One Love (People Get Ready)- Glee Cast
Raining On Sunday- Keith Urban
Unforgettable- Nat "King" Cole
Speechless- Lady GaGa
Hurt- Christina Aguilera
Time Of Our Lives-Tyrone Wells
What I've Done- Marie Digby
Three Musketeers -Hans Zimmer The Holiday Soundtrack
Bohemian Rhapsody- Rockabye Baby!
Dream On- Rockabye Baby!
Across The Universe- Rockabye Baby!
Tiny Dancer- Elton John
Awake My Soul- Mumford & Sons
Paint Me In Your Sunshine- Marie Digby
I Want To Hold Your Hand- Glee Cast
Sun Down- Iver
Citadel Of Stars- Iver
Only Hope- Switchfoot
Carried to the Table- Leeland
Glitter In the Air- P!nk
Mean- P!nk
At Last- Etta James
All I Could Do Is Cry- Etta James
Don't Cry Baby- Etta James
Trust In Me- Etta James
Is This Love- Bob Marley & The Wailers
(Nice To Meet You) Anyway- Gavin DeGraw
Belief- Gavin DeGraw
We Belong Together- Gavin DeGraw
Metal & Wood- Tyrone Wells
Iris and Jasper- Hans Zimmer The Holiday Soundtrack
Separate Vacations- Hans Zimmer The Holiday Soundtrack
Anything Can Happen- Hans Zimmer The Holiday Soundtrack
Definitely Unexpected- Hans Zimmer The Holiday Soundtrack
If I Wanted to Call You- Hans Zimmer The Holiday Soundtrack
Busy Guy- Hans Zimmer The Holiday Soundtrack
Kiss Goodbye- Hans Zimmer The Holiday Soundtrack
Christmas Surprise- Hans Zimmer The Holiday Soundtrack
***Plus I am including full albums of Billie Holiday, Bob Marley, and a Rockabye Baby CD***
Mood 2: Worshipful
All I Need Is You-Liberty University Praise Band
Revelation Song- Liberty University Praise Band
Strong Tower- Kutless
O Praise Him (All This For A King)- David Crowder Band
You Are My Joy- David Crowder Band
Take Me In- Kutless
Arms Of Love- Kutless
You are a Child of Mine- Mark Schultz
I Surrender It All- Meredith Andrews
More of You- Meredith Andrews
So Great A Salvation- The O.C. Supertones
Beauty for Ashes- Shane & Shane
I Need You- Sonicflood
My Refuge- Sonicflood
God Of Wonders- Third Day
Mood 3: Powerful
Fighter- Christina Aguilera
Makes Me Wanna Pray- Christina Aguilera
So What- P!nk
I Will Survive- Gloria Gaynor
Since U Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson
Defying Gravity- Wicked: Original Broadway Cast
LoveGame- Lady GaGa
Bad Romance- Lady GaGa
Grenade- Bruno Mars
Stronger- Glee Cast
We Are the Champions- Queen
Mr. Brightside- The Killers
If I Could Turn Back Time- Cher
Shiny Toy Guns- Le Disko
Shut and Drive- Rihanna
Mood 4: Upbeat
River Deep, Mountain High- Glee Cast
Teenage Dream- Glee Cast
Poker Face- Lady GaGa
Too Legit To Quit- Hammer
Obe La Di- Beatles
The Way I Live- Baby Boy Da Prince featuring P. Town Moe
You Belong With Me- Taylor Swift
Rock 'n Roll All Nite- KISS
(I've Had) The Time of My Life- Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
You Sexy Thing- Hot Chocolate
Wake Me Up Before You Go GO- Wham!
I'm Coming Out
Eye of the Tiger
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Happy As The Sun- Tyrone Wells
Marry You- Glee Cast
Resolution- The O.C. Supertones
In Between- The O.C. Supertones
Shape Of My Heart- Backstreet Boys
Stupid for You- Marie Digby
Please Don't Leave Me- P!nk
Tell Mama- Etta James
Cop Stop- Gavin DeGraw
Dream Kitchen- Hans Zimmer
17 October 2011
Finally Grown-Up
For the first time in our lives we OWN a washer and dryer!
(que the applause)
We had to sacrifice one of only two closets to squeeze it in, but it was worth it. Storage may be a little tighter, but this is glorious! And since we already converted Dom's office into a nursery we are getting pretty good at utilizing every inch of space we have.
This is our friend Chris and his son helping us install them, believe it or not Dom is also in this picture.
...and speaking of utilizing every inch of space...
No more lugging load after load to the laundromat (or dorm laundry facilities)!!!
And now to prepare my laundry station. One of my secret loves is laundry.
Super pumped to set up all my stain fighting potions!\
Do you love laundry? Check out
'Laundry the Home Comforts of Caring for Clothes and Linens' by Cheryl Mendelson
LOVE IT!
Do you love laundry? Check out
'Laundry the Home Comforts of Caring for Clothes and Linens' by Cheryl Mendelson
LOVE IT!
15 October 2011
Daddy, Mommy, and Baby Makes 3
We realized we have not one picture of the two of since I have been pregnant, so we scrambled to get it in before we run out of time.
14 October 2011
13 October 2011
Packing for the Hospital
According to my lists, I am a little behind on the whole packing for the hospital thing, I guess I was supposed to do it at Week 34. Oh Well!
I finally set my mind to the task, popped in Parenthood for a little theme movie in the background, and began.
Here is the list that I have accumulated over the past months; Amendments made each time someone told me of one more thing I needed to bring.
My Final List (for anyone else preparing their lists out there):
A copy of driver’s license, insurance card, birth plan, and social security card.
iPod and Dock, filled with great labor music.
DVDs if your labor center has a TV for you, ours does! We included Away We Go (our favorite baby movie)
Cards or a Game
Birthing Ball if your hospital doesn't provide one (ours does so I skipped this)
Massage Oil
Pajamas and a robe (ones you don’t mind getting messy) for when the visitors start to show
Slippers and Socks (I hear pregnant, laboring feet get real cold)
A couple good nursing bras (and pads)
A couple good nursing bras (and pads)
Granny Panties
Honey Sticks (I heard from a seasoned mother that Honey helped her through, so I am packing some!)Hard Candies
Gum or Breath Mints
Make-Up
Make-Up Remover Wipes
Toothbrush, Hairbrush, Deodorant and other toiletries
Lip balm
Lip balm
A ponytail holder or headband
Pen and Paper- Just in Case.
Cute Going Home outfit
For the baby
Going Home Outfit: cute little hats and socks included (Ok I packed like 3)Swaddling Blankets
A couple dipes in case we decide to stop anywhere on the way home.
Dad's bag
Cash (for vending machines)
Snacks
Camera and/or camcorder
Cell and Computer
Chargers for all the technology we are bringing
Our “call” list
His toothbrush, deodorant and other toiletries
His toothbrush, deodorant and other toiletries
Change of Clothes
Pajamas and Slippers
Swim Trunks in case I need his support in the shower or labor tub.
***I heard bringing your own hospital gown is a waste because you pretty much ruin it, and you can use as many as you want of the hospital provided ones. Personally I would rather stay clean.***
Also our birthing class instructor said you might as well pack everything you think you will want because it's just going in the car anyways and dad isn't going to want to leave you while you are in labor to pick something up.
10 October 2011
09 October 2011
Monte Vista Baby Shower
We have been so blessed by everyone who has thrown baby showers for us. This little man will definitely feel loved! First the Monte Vista girls threw a shower before summer had begun and they bought lots of super cute clothes for the little one. And they pitched in and gave us money that has gone towards a fund, buying my before mentioned Graco Sung Glider, a baby timer (that I think will be helpful for my scattered self), crib sheets, a vaporizer, and lots and lots of other baby care essentials. Then there was the shower thrown by my family and long time friends in So Cal, a wonderful Trinity Covenant Church co-shower with Kristen Davis and Baby Espen, and now a super fun shower with my friends at Monte Vista.
The spread was beautiful. And because of the Bird Mobile project it was bird themed! Super Fun!
Um, Bree and Fig Jam? I think I could eat that all day!
Checking the belly size! Ms. Martha literally guessed the EXACT size. The ribbon came around my belly at the widest point and just touched.
Guessing baby food: peas or yams and turkey anyone?
Baby Poo Candy guessing.
Presents!
I never know what to do in pictures like this, so I just do stupid stuff. Evidence Here.
And here.
And Here.
Sometimes I can pull it together and act normal.
Here we are "birthing babies" out of ice cubes.
I think we were the last two to finish.
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