A week of firsts!

So this last week was full of firsts for me.

1. I tried my hand at making homemade fruit leather, peach and pear. (http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_make_fruit_leather/) I didn't follow the directions exactly, surprise anyone?, and I used wax paper. The leather was stuck to the paper, so I could only salvage a little bit. But what I did eat was yummy. Next time I will use plastic wrap.

2. I utilized the library hold system with great results! My friend Kristin opened my eyes to the public library and a book called "Shiver" by Maggie Stiefvater. (http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/shiver.php) I hadn't used the public library in years (since I got a book here or there in college). I couldn't get it on my usual book place (paperbackswap.com) so I decided to find it at the Boise Library and "hold" it. When I found it, it had quite a few holds for just a few copies, so I figured it would be a while. Luckily, just a week later it was ready for me, and I picked it up before our Thursday Story time. I was finishing another book, so I didn't get to it till Saturday. But once I started reading it I could NOT put it down. I loved the writing, and the unguarded, honest personalities of the characters. I finished it in 4.5 hours. I am planning on reading it again before I return it this week!

3. I bought and plan to read a Breast Feeding book....For those of you that don't know the history, I was unable to breastfeed Beth. It was due to a long labor (20 hours), jaundice (due to ABO incompatibility), and I know now, bad preparation. Breast feeding is NOT easy. But I always assumed that being blessed or "well endowed" (as my mom says) in the chest department meant I could easily breast feed. So I did not plan or research. So when things got difficult and Beth was not doing well, I chose formula. Now, I believe, that in our situation it was the best for her. I never developed a good supply even with large amounts of pumping. And although I sometimes still wonder if I even want to try again with Amielia, I know that I should probably prepare so that we have the best chance of success.

I'm planning to read "Breast Feeding Made Simple." It was recommended to me by a St. Lukes Lactation Nurse, and I'm hoping to get a lot of insight out of the book. I was also informed by the Nurse I spoke with that the more interventions you have during and after labor the harder it can be to breastfeed. For example, the longer you have an IV, the more fluid your body can retain during labor. And often times that fluid is retained in places like your breast tissue. Causing the breasts to swell, making it difficult to have room for your milk to "come in" and to properly latch a baby. So, she advised me to talk to my doctor about how I can shoot for a shorter labor, which is typically the case with the 2nd baby. All of this information is probably old to the breast feeding moms out there. But it's a new world to me. If we don't succeed this time around I have no problem with formula, I would just like to see if with more preparation we can have a better experience.

4. I let Beth attempt to "feed" herself dinner. She never likes to be fed by me, big girl syndrome, so I hoped this would help. It ended up being such a MESS. She had chocolate pudding everywhere, and ravioli and green beans all over the floor. But that's what I have a steam mop for.

5. I wanted to make a pair of maternity pants from some old jeans in my closet. So, I searched out a pattern, (http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Maternity-Jeans-Using-Regular-Jeans-an/) called my mom to request her assistance, and went to work. For the stretchy part I used an old down east basics shirt and cut it off at the arm holes. The pattern was great, I only struggled a bit when it came to pinning the t-shirt to the pants. You have to turn the shirt inside out, put the pants inside the shirt, and stretch to pin accurately. Overall it was a great learning experience. We had fun, and the pants turned out great!

Cut the waist band off, and add a curve to the front.

Take a stretchy t-shirt and cut it off right below the arm holes.

Place the shirt over the jeans and pin cut ends together

Sew together, pull the sewn piece up, and Ta-da!

While I was sewing away with my mom Beth and Papa were entertained by Papa's cell phone. Notice that his palm is covered in pen, that teaches him to nap with Beth around!

Since it was Valentine's day, After my project was done Beth made a card for Daddy and I decorated some cookies. They are supposed to resemble lingerie and necklaces. I have to admit the idea was NOT mine, I stole it from Natalie Moon, who had a link on her blog (thanks Nat). After Beth went to bed we enjoyed pizza, ginger ale, and some cookies. It was a relaxing Valentine's Day.

 The last week was fun and I hope to develop more and more talents in the next few weeks. I love to learn about things that can help me be a better person, wife and mother. 

Happy Blogging!