The Best Pencil Sharpener EVER!

A few years ago I purchased the best pencil sharpener ever!

I found this amazing product at...

Classroom Friendly Supplies

It has not only survived our 7 children's daily use, homeschooling and the antics of our toddler (who is a destroyer), but my favorite thing about it is it's also pretty! 

I opted for the red one, of course! Isn't it pretty??? 

Here's a little video I did as a give away for our local homeschool mom's group.

One lucky mom won this beautiful and functional yellow pencil sharpener!

Life the last (few) months

I guess I've been busy!
Last post was in mid September!

Busy is an understatement.

I'm not even sure where to start.

For one... I'm HUGE. Baby is 35 weeks along and I really can't imagine how I'm going to make it to my due date. This one has been a doosy (that's an understatement as well). I've never before felt like I would want to be induced (I still don't) but for real... I can't imagine still being pregnant on December 27th. Lots of prayers for the Lord's help going up all day... and night.

We've taken another trip to Washington to lay my father in law to rest. That was hard, but very sweet.

We've worked a ton on our house. Wish it was almost done... but it will be a long process. We hope to be in it by the end of next summer.

School.

Home.

Camp stuff.

Laundry.

Running back and forth to property.

Tutoring.

Grocery shopping.

Learning lessons.

Life.

It's full. It's good.

Things on my Home Birth List that aren't on my Midwife's List

Typically when you give birth at home your midwife gives you a list of Home Birth Supplies. On it are things like: a heating pad, trash bags, bowls, 3 sets of sheets, 10 towels, a birth kit...

However, I've added a few things to my list and this is what I find additionally necessary to have on hand for birth and soon after...

5 brand new wash rags and 2 new bath towels... new because no one wants a scratchy old nubby washrag on your forehead during the throws of labor ... get some that are soft and new. Plus, it's unlikely they will "get ruined"... just wash them!


Stuff to make my ideal post birth meal... Smoothy, egg and peanut butter toast. Best ever!!!  And easy for a tired daddy or midwife to make at any hour!

A dimmer switch in your main birthing area/s... just trust me on this one! It's genius. We have a dimmer switch in our bathroom and bedroom and it comes in handy for late night nursing or a-hem... other things!

A strawed water bottle... I like these >>>>>

A yoga pad... this is handy for if you have to kneel. We have concrete floors and it is nice for those kneeling around our tub helping me too.

A "daddy labor do list"... Look here.  So during my last birth I made this list and felt like my "organizing/nesting tendencies" might have gone overboard. But, the morning after the birth I looked over and saw the emergency hospital transfer bag sitting by the front door and I nearly started to cry... my husband had followed the list!!! And when I asked him about it his response was, "I was just so glad to have something to go by and know what I ought to do and to know how you wanted things, so I wasn't guessing or forgetting things." Later my midwife requested a copy to share with her other clients... she said, "This might just save some marriages." 

Pre-made thank you and sustaining supplies for your birth team... I don't usually have long drawn out births. So I usually make my team a supply mug. It contains: new mug, thank you card, honey straws,  coffee, tea, bag of almonds and directions to where other food is. I don't think they even made themselves coffee last time during my 4 hour birth, but they did take them home! 

A fan... even in the winter it's nice not to be overheating. They will turn if off once baby is soon to come and warm up the room. 

Music... or not. I always make a playlist, but usually have them turn it off soon after because "it bugs me." 

Easy to digest comfort food for during labor and a few frozen nourishing meals for after... Early in labor I always try to eat a meal, if only to get something in me to help me through. Usually it's something like chicken noodle soup. After I have my post birth meal (above) but having something else is nice too... if you freeze a few meals just get one out (or put it on daddy's to do list) and it will likely be thawed and ready to eat post birth!

Extra TP, paper towels, trash bags, ziplock baggies, dish soap, laundry soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other basics... Because who has time to go get basics when you have a new baby to snuggle? Stock up! And don't forget to splurge on PAPER PLATES AND PLASTIC CUPS! Because, its nice to take a break from dishes too!

Herbal sitz bath... During my last birth my assisting midwife made a huge pot of the herbals sitz bath (that came in my birth kit) and steeped it up on the stove. On her way out she said, "Don't forget the bath tea is on your stove in the big pot." The next day I put it in a gallon milk jug and used it in my baths and mostly in my peri bottle to wash myself off with... it rocked!

Happy home birth and laying in! 

Here's my list of postpartum supplies and ideas from last time too! 

Making Things {Kids} Work

As I shared, things haven't been working real well in our home recently... functionally. Thankfully, with the new year came increased motivation to find solutions. Here are some of our changes and new things!

Daily

We lightened the daily chores to personal care, picking up and tidying the areas used most, laundry and care of animals. Circled days indicate showers and dot is laundry day.

After each meal clean up is done the following way...

Breakfast - Boys Kitchen, Girls Dining Room

Lunch - Girls Kitchen, Boys Dining Room

Dinner - Everyone Kitchen, Thea Dining Room

Weekly

We then switched up our deep cleaning to a once a week rotation of 4 weeks. On Friday afternoons we all pitch in and do the dirty work! I help and work along side our littlest. The main idea is that the picking up has occurred all week long and we just need to do the deep cleaning that one day a week. 

Every child starts by deep cleaning their room or closet (in shared room situations). Then they move on to other cleaning jobs like: clean the car, clean a bathroom, school room... then they end with cleaning out their "locker" which is a catch all for items left around the house.

Both of the above are required and our children don't get an allowance... because we figure that they help make the messes, eat the food and take up space... so they have an obligation to help manage, clean and organize it as well. Haha! 

But...

We are starting another method of home management to also learn about diligence, work ethic and money management called "Jobs for Hire".  The idea behind Jobs for Hire is that they can (but don't have to) do jobs that are on tickets in a jar for payment.  These are generally harder jobs and require some time... and that, honestly, I struggle to get done on a regular basis (or that only need to be done a few times a year).

There are some policies attached to Jobs for Hire... 

~ They must ask permission to do a job (to make sure it's suitable for the child).

~ They must get a time limit to do it... no dragging it out over 2 months.

~ They must do it to the highest standards the 1st time... Do it right the 1st time!

~ They will be paid for the job within a week.

~ More than one kid can go in on a job together... but the amount paid doesn't increase... they have to split it 50/50 despite circumstances like a sibling not doing as much as the other.

But there's a bonus... at the end of every month if a child decides to put their earned money in the bank for savings Dad will match the amount being saved... This lit up many eyes in our home! 

I will keep you posted on how it all goes... because things change and sometimes things aren't successful! 

Happy housekeeping!

6 Reasons Why Having a 6th Child is More Awesome than the 1st

It was mildly annoying and sort of surprising that the most common question I was asked when expecting our 6th was ...

"Are you excited?" 

As if, it was questionable that I might NOT be. Sad day! Excitement is totally expected when having your 1st or 2nd, but totally worthy of questioning when having any beyond that point. Sort of silly in my opinion... and sad.

But, to put all at ease, I felt implored to share why having #6 is just as awesome that having your 1st... because it is JUST as worthy of excitement!

#1 - Having your 6th is more awesome because you are already broken in. You have no delusions of a baby who sleeps all night long or rarely fusses or works around your life and schedule. You realize that you are there to serve them, help them and nurture them. This isn't about you and you know it!

#2 - Number 6th will most likely be a pretty chill person (but, maybe sometimes they aren't). They've been bombarded from the womb with loud sounds of siblings, jostlings from the outside, and such ... you're already mothering and it's not all revolving around them. They naturally just begin life going with the flow that is surrounding them. They sort of just slip in and find their little niche!

#3 - You already know what to do. It's fairly unlikely that you haven't had a colic baby or one who wouldn't gain weight well, or any number of other things. You've dealt with countless cases of croup, fevers, flus and childhood dilemmas. It might not make you worry less, but you know how to do what you need to do or where to find answers. And if something new crops up you can always say, "Well, this is new... but I'm sure we'll be ok!"

#4 - You know what you need and will use and you don't stress about getting every thing all set up. You likely have all the clothes a baby could ever wear, a hefty stash of cloth diapers and toys galore! We didn't even have a carseat until I was 37 weeks pregnant... I knew I'd most likely go "overdue" {again} and I needn't worry about getting it. We also didn't put together our crib until just a few days before I was 40 weeks, because I wouldn't need to use it "for weeks"... really all I knew I needed was a few blankets, some diapers and wipes and... well, that's {really} all we'd NEED!

#5 - Number 6th is a walk in the park when you have bigger kids around! I've always said a baby should come with a resident 10 year old! They can hold, sooth, love, entertain and even diaper a baby (if trained well). The baby sees it's older siblings as helpers and authorities too... a stern look from a bigger sibling thwarts a tantrum and a baby can look to a sibling when it scared or unsure. It pretty much ROCKS!

#6 - Having your 6th is most awesome because you get to share the joy! As a family of 7 nearly everyone can delight in the ultrasound, your growing girth and baby kicks. Everyone can't wait to find out if they are getting a brother or sister! Everyone has ideas about names or how to decorate. Who will it look most like??? Its all wonderful! And then after the baby arrives everyone delights in all the wonders of the baby... how sweet, how big, how lovely!!!  Baby is a joy giver to all and all share in it!

That's just some of the reasons why #6 is amazingly, sweetly and wonderfully AWESOME ... 

and worthy of excitement, joy and peaceful feelings!

{Not to imply that #1-5 aren't!}

Wink. 

Green Home

It's cold and icy. But there is a little home that is green and warm where things grow. 

 

Little things are sprouting.

Bigger things are producing fruit.

Little by little every day.

Fish and plants work together to thrive.

The big aquaponics is new and we are just getting the water established with proper levels of nutrients.

The blue tank is thriving and the chard is proof... Brighter colors speak of its happiness and nourishment.

Bok Choy just used in our kitchen was then transplanted from our local grocer finds a place to grow and have another chance at fruitfulness.

 

Celery grows again. A rebirth of sorts.

Our first broccoli grows up toward the light.

The tomatoe "tree"... A combined growing mass of life. Six plants have taken up their own empire in a corner. I use to hate the smell of tomatoe plants... Now it is a fresh and inviting perfume to my nose.

Eggplant kingdom... Still no fruit! We wait in expectancy. Hoping for something to grow where only space is taken.

A heavy fruit, nearly ready. Pink and purple tomatoes are my new obsession.

They grow close together, up a stake and around uplifting stabilizers.

If grown in their own way they'd rot on the ground.

My little green "home" is an oasis!

It's teaching me skills and applications for my own little home.

 

 

Dear New Mama,

I heard you say the other day something to this effect, "I can't even get my laundry done, and I only have one baby ... I have no idea how you do it with six children!"  You said it with a defeated, shame-filled tone and my heart hurt for you because I remember feeling the same exact way 5 children ago.

First of all, who says I get my laundry done? Laundry is never done... not when you have 1 or 2 children and definitely not when you have 6! Now that that is cleared up, we can move on.

I get what you are saying, however, I use to say the same thing to my friends who had more children. Then I had 3 children, and then 5 and then 6, and I realized a simple fact of life...

Life as a mama always has its challenges... but it also always has its beauty and joys!

You see, it doesn't work like we'd assume... that once you've had 3 or 4 or 6 that one day it just gets easier and you've got it made, you'll figure out the secrets of mothering, managing a home or doing all things related to this season of life. On the other hand, it also doesn't work (as some might assume) that the more children you have the harder it gets. It's based less on numbers and more on personal capacities growing and changing...

We all start somewhere.

For starters, when I had our 1st baby it was even more challenging to me than it has been to add our 6th baby. It was more challenging because my perception and the level of my capabilities were being radically changed in life-altering ways! You know how it is, life literally changed overnight! Motherhood has a initial steep learning curve.

As each of our children joined our family it wasn't that steep of a curve, but with each and every addition I was pushed to a new maximum functioning capacity. I was able to have 2 children because I had had 1 previously. I was able to have 3 because I had had 2, and so on. Basically, our current abilities are to some degree built upon our previous experiences.

Today, I am very much at the same emotional and functional capacity level I was at 10 years ago when I had my 1st child in that I am still functioning at my own maximum capacity. While it has broadened in scope and capacity, it is still the farthest my scope has ever reached ... just like you are with your one or two. We are very much in the same place, you and I.


For sure, since then, I've learned a whole lot!

I've learned that if you let Cream of Wheat dry on a high chair tray it will be there the day Jesus returns for us, so scrub it off immediately after breakfast!

I've learned that you can just flat out ignore that drawer under you oven... it doesn't exist and no one will open it (not even your husband) and you can worry about other more important things like finding all the possible hidden choking hazards in your home or if your baby's head is the correct size or not.

I've learned that sometimes it is better to spend your day holding a fussy or sick baby than doing anything else, because that day is only given to you once and babies grow far too quickly!

I even have managed to learn how to not let our laundry literally bury us alive ... unless: a) we have the stomach flu or any other illness,  b) we've returned from a trip, or c) it is a national holiday. I hope one day to learn to manage it even under those variables.

Perhaps most importantly, I've learned that this whole mothering gig isn't entirely up to me. My days as a mother are crafted by One who knows my abilities, seeks to grow me into someone more like Christ and also hand picked all my children for me specifically to mother. And while I am still at my farthest scope of abilities after a while I have begun to see the fruit of my labor... little by little.

Mama of 2 with #3 on the way ...
Three littles in 3 and a half years was challenging!

Additionally, I've discovered that no matter how much I learn given my previous experiences, children are always growing, enter new phases, changing and things are always new and contain challenges of their own. Life as a mama isn't formulaic. What worked with one child may not with the next. What use to work with one child will fail to work as they grow and mature. We must grow and change right along side our children. We don't "get it all figured out" one magical day just because we've tried really hard to crack the parenting code by reading enough books, feeding them the right food, training them the prefect way. It just doesn't work like that.

Realize when you feel tempted to think, "I should be doing better because, that other mom is doing better than me with her 5 or 6 children..."  kind of thoughts, that that doesn't serve either of us well. When we make comparisons like this, we do so by giving ourselves the short end of the stick and bestowing much more grace on others than is realistic.

What I try to remember is that the struggles I face today are just part of this particular season as a mother. Seasons change, with them we grow, they grow and things mercifully change. It won't always be "this hard" or even "like this". Things will change and when they do things will simply be different.

Our short (4 week) period of time as a family with 4 children!

When I struggle the most it is usually because my expectations and desires are incongruent with the reality around me.

My messy house grates on my expectations of order, beauty and perfect functioning.
My crabby, sassy, disobedient children expose my irritable, snarky and sinful self.
My plan for today, to accomplish x, y and z, is derailed and exposed as unrealistic by the reality of the urgent that unfolds around me.

Expectations (particularly unrealistic ones) don't help us mamas.
In fact, they can be our true nemesis! They tend to wear us down. They make us feel defeated and incompetent.
Much like "worry" they don't accomplish anything of true worth. They tempt us to look at the 10 things we have to do in a given day with defeat and irritation instead of doing the one next thing well and with love.
They most often simply deceive us from our real God-given purposes and they rob us of the joy of participating in the beauty that is present in the reality around us!

Much of motherhood is about surrender. Giving up and laying down of self.
In laying down of my personally imposed expectations I've found I feel a whole lot lighter, more free and able to do the things that have been placed before me with more grace and love.

My meditation of mothering has become, 

"Do the next thing and do it with love."

Wow, that mama sure looks like she's got it all together...
Sometimes I wish I could be that lady.

I fail most days, many times a day at this, but going to God in my brokenness and asking for help makes it not only possible, but beautiful!

I remember this verse when I feel defeat creeping up on me, 

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, 

for in due season we will reap, 

if we do not give up.

So then, as we have opportunity, 

let us do good to everyone..." ~ Galatians 6:9-10

So, new mama ... know that we are so very much alike!

We are both doing big things, working hard and loving the people God has given us.
We are pushed to our own maximum every single day.
We need God's help and we need each other.

Thanks for walking this road with me!

Stuff You Never Knew You'd Want Postpartum...

These are a few of the things that have made postpartum an easier time for us this go around...


Dimmer Switches or Low Watt Bulbs

This is seriously GENIUS, if I don't say so myself!
We planned a home birth and at some point I realized that the glaring lights of our bathroom would not be enjoyable for me to deliver our baby in (the tub). So, I asked my husband to pick up a dimmer switch (cheap) and install it (easy) in the bathroom for me. He did and also installed one on our main overhead light in our bedroom (I figured he was thinking ahead for some nice "mood lighting").

It was SO nice during labor to have dimmed lights and also for them to easily be turned up after delivery for the midwives to be able to do their thing with ease. What I didn't realize is just how awesome the dimmer switches would be for postpartum... Namely, late night nursing.

I had also asked my man to pick me up the lowest watt bulb he could find for the lamp behind my nursing rocking chair. It was great, but then I realized that the overhead light on the lowest setting was even better because it was easier to turn on and off and made less noise than a clicking lamp switch and it provided just enough light to make late night diaper changes and nursing not a hassled, fumbling ordeal!

It only took us 6 kids to figure this amazing trick out... live and learn!


Postpartum Absorbers for Mama

Home births kits typically come with a stack of Chux pads, a pack of heavy duty (diaperish) pads and usually a pair of "depends" or "mesh underwear". But here is the deal, home birth or hospital... you might want one more pair (at least) of those "underwear" and at least 3-5 chux pads for at home.

You can make one pair of "depends" last a bit longer by treating them as underwear and placing an additional pad in them and changing that out for the first 24 hours after delivery. But depending on the "damage" done and your rate of bleeding postpartum you might like to have a few more around... just so you don't have to worry about making a mess because most pads won't cut it. Having some extra Chux Pads around will also help you not ruin your sheets and give you peace of mind while resting. I like to put them down under me and place a ratty twin flat sheet, towel or receiving blanket over it... it is far more comfortable, and it doesn't move around on you as easily.

The last absorber you'll want is lots of nursing pads. I don't really like the cloth kind, and I just stock up on my favorite brand (Lansinoh).


3 Types of Blankets

#1 ... Cheap flannel receiving blankets
Uses:
Folded for a diaper changing cover on your bed, couch, etc...
To wipe up fluids of all kinds, basically a bigger burp cloth.
To lay over those handy, yet nasty chux pads so you don't feel like you're laying on plastic.
To lay down on your bed to put baby on (if baby wets or spits up) only the receiving blanket has to be laundered... No changing your entire bedding at 3 am!

#2 ... Bulky blankets to roll up
These are all the blankets people make or bought you for your shower ... the "pretty" ones that don't seem to serve much purpose.
Uses:
Roll them to make a bolster to prop behind babies back to keep them on their side, put a roll on each side of baby (well away from their face of course).
Lay them on the floor for a ground cover for babies tummy or play time.
Cover carseat to keep out drafts, help baby sleep or keep germy stranger hands from touching!

#3 ... Muslin swaddle blankets
Uses:
Swaddling of course!

All three used at once: yellow for a bed cover, knit rolled up under her side (and over her) and the circles as a swaddle.

Soothies

Soothies are glycerine gel pads for your tender nipples... yep. And they ROCK! I typically get 3 boxes to cover me for the postpartum period. They are kind of like little cool packs for your nipples, they reduce swelling and soreness. That said, I make sure and also let my breasts get some air from time to time too.

Pillows... lots of them!
I am a pillow hog. But, postpartum you will need lots of pillows! Depending on where you nurse your baby, having a few around is super helpful! Use them to prop yourself up on, put behind your back and head for better support on a couch or making a little nest on your bed, or using them for added height under your nursing pillow of choice... because they aren't quite enough in my opinion.

I think there are 7 pillows being used there! 

Also, we always do some co-sleeping for at least a season of time and I always struggle to know where to put the baby that will be safest. If I put her on the inside between my husband and me she is more easy to cover with bedding or at risk for being hit or rolled on my my less aware husband... but if I put her on the outside she could fall off the bed.

This time around I took a firm dense blanket and rolled it up tightly. Then I placed it under the fitted sheet on the edge of the bed. It creates a bumper for her and I can sleep more soundly knowing she is safe and won't roll off and that the sheets won't cover her.


Belly Binder
Oh my goodness! I have never used a belly binder after my 3 previous pregnancies... but I will say, that this is now my #1 most needed postpartum item! After you deliver you'll notice that your once tight abdomen is about the consistency of a "bowl full of jelly". Your poor muscles are extended and they literally are holding in all your innards and pulling on your back. It feels pretty weird, and can be painful on your back to not have support. Belly binders are the added support your body needs! Additionally, it will help get your uterus back into a smaller size quicker, helps eliminate painful afterbirth pains and it helps position your organs into the proper places. All in all... they are ESSENTIAL!

My 2nd day postpartum I was having some severe lower back pain and just felt like my whole core was swaying all about every time I moved. I was hesitant to put on the binder quite so soon, but the back pain convinced me to give it a shot. The moment I put it on it provided INSTANT relief from the pain!!! It was unbelievable. I wore it the whole day and am still going strong wearing it. My back  and core seemed to heal and reestablish itself all properly much quicker than I remember it having done so with my previous pregnancies.

I tried the Gabrialla Abdominal Wrap postpartum... and found it to be highly comfortable, easy to use and good for immediate use after birth. Its' only downside for me was that it did roll up in the back a bit, but I found when worn over a nursing tank and under yoga pants it stayed in place very nicely all day long.

And I had purchased this one, but wouldn't suggest it for use immediately after having a baby because it is far less adjustable and honestly, I am currently having issues figuring out how to wear it properly!


Witch Hazel Astringent
Like with my previous newborns I started using rubbing alcohol for our newborn's cord care. It dried up very quickly, but the alcohol seemed to be causing her a lot of pain and not really doing anything for the base of the cord, that was getting a tad stinky. She would cry and cry because it was stinging. It was really making me sad!

I mentioned it to our midwife who suggested making a switch to Witch Hazel which is an astringent. It is milder, gentler on the skin and still cleans and dries it out. She stopped crying and really didn't seem to mind me dabbing the witch hazel on her cord and around the base. Amazingly, her cord fell off before she was even a week old! I really think it was the Witch Hazel.

:::::::

So thats what I've got!
I've really enjoyed this postpartum season... its been easy and enjoyable. A time of rest and healing.

Honestly, that is the best thing you can give yourself and your baby... keep this time sacred, live in the now, and allow your body to rest and restore itself! Don't short yourself, and your baby, this time will be over before you know it!

More Nesting... The Nursery!

Here is the "mama nursery" or baby's space near mama for the first few months.

Nothing special, but I got it set up! YES!

 Here's the Little Girl's Room ... AKA "the nursery"!

Thea's bed with lovely new duvet cover, made by Maga (grandma)! She is over the top thrilled with her new big girl digs! (And is even motivated to make her own bed every single morning... it is precious!)

Just the other side, because we have to give a 360* view!

My mother-in-law made this ADORABLE bedding... ruffled (RUFFLED!!!) bed skirt and wedge bumper cover!

Isn't it precious???

A place to rock and relax...

Closet, fully stocked with diapers and changer/dresser.

(I still need to find the changing pad... attic, I think!)

I LOVE Eloise Wilkin books and art... so naturally, it needs to be in the nursery. They say "God is great" and "God is good." Sweet.

Peter Rabbit and a little bit of dandelion art I created... minus the new baby's name... yet to be determined!

That's it! Simple, but so fun!

Yay for babies!  AND ... amazing mother-in-law (loves) that make things lovely and help you make your vision complete! 

Maternity Leave For the Stay at Home Mom?

I recently read this article and it totally inspired and challenged me to re-think my approach to postpartum!

My typical response with each new baby has been... "If I can do it, I ought to do it... (even if it sends me back to bed or I end up struggling emotionally, physically for a longer period of time... ) because if I don't do it, who will?" 

Looking back I sort of want to smack my forehead! 

One week after my 1st I went out to dinner with my family, because I "didn't want to miss out"... a waitress almost knocked our week old baby off the highchair we had her propped on in her carseat! I went and sat in our car to nurse as I was SO stressed out and had major anxiety every time we went out for quite some time after that!

With our 2nd I charged into camp season with out reservation and felt weepy and incompetent most of the summer.

With our 3rd birth baby I bleed a whole lot at birth, and made no adjustments for the longer period of healing I might need. For probably 6 months+ after I dealt with several bouts of mastitis, anemia, lack of energy and generally not feeling well.

What was I thinking???

While it seemed logical at the time, in hindsight, I see how unwise I had been and that my months of feeling unwell, not "normal" and struggling to a greater degree emotionally was very likely a result of my lack of healing and postpartum rest in the initial weeks and months following birth.

My healing and being restored fully is what is best for my family... not getting back to my old routine and trying to muscle it out of shear willpower! And that, like the author of the article states, takes rest, intentionality and a plan centered around the process of healing. 

My healing and restoration WILL benefit us all much more than me "muscling it" out of poorly acquired strength of will and good intentions. Additionally, I will admit that my emphasis on "getting back at it" was sort of based in my pridefulness... to prove to others my competency and also because I wanted to make it seem like it was all "no big deal." Hum... Sad.


Here are my Ideas...
(I'll try to update later with what I actually end up doing and how it goes for me.)

Preparations
Preparations are good. I feel like it creates margin and space. Elbow room. It helps me feel like I've already done most of the work and can relax in the moments that lay before me. It provides me peace of mind and clarity of thought. In the weeks prior to birth my "to due" list includes...
~ Stock up on basic supplies (what a great list!)
~ Prep for the home birth: clean, buy birth kit, practice relaxation, make a "nest".
~ Prep for homeschool: buy curriculum, make a plan, organize spaces.
~ Prep baby room and clothes.
~ Make freezer meals (more on that later)
~ Go on a nice date with my honey!
~ Do some special things as a family.
~ Nest... get my home ridiculously clean!

Laying In
The concept of "laying in" was introduced to me prior to our last birth baby (nearly 6 years ago). Basically, laying in is practiced it through staying in bed for about 2 to 3 days, much like a healing mother would at a hospital. Much is done and provided for her during this time.

It was very helpful to heal up from birth, get nursing established and just to get to know my new baby. I hope to do this again... but for longer, this time... say 4-5 or so days. Not only should this really be sort of mandatory and expected for any postpartum mom, but I think it really helps baby, siblings and dad to just chill, get to know the new baby and savor the new sweet things. Welcoming the whole family to enjoy a slow, unhurried season is much needed following a new addition to the family.

4 Weeks Off
I am planning to take 4-ish weeks "off" from my normal routine. This will include: instructing school, doing cleaning/cooking, laundry, and anything other than baby care. Basically, I plan being on my couch as much as possible with feet up, nursing, resting and loving those around me. I am hoping to get out daily for a short walk and sunshine. I am planning on keeping baby out of stores, church and germ-y places for both of our benefits (more on postpartum for baby later). My hope for this is that my diligence with rest will allow me to heal, stop bleeding quicker and avoid bouts of mastitis and postpartum emotional issues like I did with my 3rd birth. 

Belly Binding and Healing Postpartum Practices
I hadn't heard of abdominal binding until just recently, but when I did I thought "That is what I needed each time, but didn't know it existed!" Basically, you bind your abdomen from ribs down to hips soon after birth to stabilize floppiness, eleiviate after birth pains and to regain muscle support ... and to look more trim (not that I care much about this, honestly).  The jury is still out which binder I will get, but I have heard the most positive reviews on basic hospital/medical grade binders, and not fancy/trendy/pricy looking ones.

Here are the ones I've bookmarked as my top choices...

FitSplint
Squeem 
3 Panel Abdominal Binder
Underworks
Shrinkx

Additionally, I've always made some postpartum cooling comfrey and witch hazel pads and bought a sitz bath herbal mix that is really nice. I'm also exploring the world of essential oils and how they might aid in healing this time around!


Taking in Good Things
Continuing vitamines, fish oils, probiotics and vitamin D are on my list for post-baby health and emotional wellness. This would be in addition to all the meals I am planning to store up for easy prep during the weeks following birth. I WAS plan on making 2-4 meals of each of the following recipes, but my husband says not to... as freezer meals and his Mast Cell (sensitivities to histamines built up in foods that are preserved) issues don't mix well. I will still make a few, for lunches and breakfasts, but I'll go ahead and share my basic plan...

Chili - I add a TON more veggies to this recipe... Kale, peppers... basically whatever is laying around.

Beef Stew - Add the potatoes in the stew instead of mashing them and serving on the side.
Lamb Stew - My family LOVES this recipe!

Quiches -  I love having some hearty breakfasts the week following birth!
Baked Oatmeal - We've been enjoying baked oatmeal at camp all summer and I think it might do ok in the freezer... giving it a shot because of how great oatmeal is for milk supply!

Beef Taco Meat -  This is a great way to cook ground beef in bulk for freezing and adding to other recipes.

Shredded Chicken - For tacos or sandwiches or to put in other recipes.
Beans and Rice - Uganda style.

Beef Strogranoff - Stocking up on egg noodles too.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken - Paleo
Ugandan Chicken Stew - A family favorite that has become "comfort food" to me, yet fresh.

This would provide nearly a month of mostly prepped meals to pull out, pop in the crock pot and let cook all day, and just toss a salad, cook some rice or a veggies side and feel nourished and "on top of it" during the weeks and months after a husband is back to work!


Enlisting Help
I know we all deal differently with accepting support, but really, new mom's need a mother too!

We are super blessed to be having this baby in our "off season" at camp! While this doesn't mean my husband is at home all day, every day, it does mean he is WAY more available to be at home or come home as needed. The plan is for him to take off 3 weeks of work! I am also hoping my mom can come for a few weeks at or around the time of birth to help us manage our other children, home, cooking, and school.

I was considering hiring a "mothers' helper" this fall to help me with homeschool, light housework and preschool for our 3 year old... but I have yet to find anyone who either fits our needs or doesn't charge an INSANE amount. Not sure what will happen...

My Maternity Leave Plan: Adjusting Our School Schedule

This fall I will have a 3rd grader, two 1st graders, a kindergartener (who does 1st grade work) and a pre-schooler! I learned some great lessons when our last two children joined our family (although it was not through birth)... they are only "newborns" once in your family and that time is sacred and not to be rushed. I've realized that having a baby is worthy of adjusting ones' life, even for a few short weeks, there is NO rush to get back to anything. Even with school, the opportunity to witness and participate in the lessons a new baby brings are not long lasting. Expectations will be adjusted, the house will be a mess, children will have to do a bit more and mom will have to let some things go.

The basic plan is:
~ Starting school early this year, and do school as close to the time the baby is due/arrives as possible. I really hope to get a full month under our belt. 
~ Once the new baby arrives we will take off 4 weeks of school and have a 5th week of phasing back in. 
~ My hope is that weeks 3 and 4 I'll be able to have my bigger children doing their math, reading and handwriting independently during a short school block in the morning, and just check their work from the couch or have my mom or Tim assist with school. 
~ I am making a list of audio books on librivox.com that connect with our History Unit (middle ages) that we can sit and listen to together (while I am nursing or occupied).
~ I am planning and preparing for our school year NOW... getting our curriculum, making a bomb proof curriculum plan/schedule and organizing our spaces and resources! I'd ideally like to have both our children and my husband to be able to take a look and know what ought to be done just by looking at one page!
~ I intend on doing very little work or activities at home or outside of it during the 4+ weeks that we are taking off and to count much of it as a "fall break".

Family Functionality
A big part of making this all happen is teaching and training my family how to function as we include this special season and new member into to our family... that is what I am all about right now. 

~ Personal Laundry System ... My husband (genius that he is) instituted a personal laundry system. In short, each child has 1 labeled clothes basket for dirty clothes. They have one day a week to do their laundry and they must all do it start to finish on their own (wash, dry, fold and put away). If they mess up they deal with the natural consequences of their failure... no clean clothes. It has also helped eliminate the girl's struggle with dumping out drawers of clean clothes and putting clean clothes in dirty clothes for repeated unneeded washings... because it only creates more work for them! LOOOOVE it!

~ Morning Chore List ... We are trying something new. I made a list of the basic things I would like them to accomplish each morning from the time they get up until breakfast is served at about 8 am. The idea is that they must do this every morning, cross it off with a dry erase as they do it and show us it has gotten done. We will see how it pans out...

~ Area Management Positions ... This spring we started training our children in managing a particular area of our home. They don't have to do all the work in this area, just oversee it and report back to mom or dad what is needed. For example, Addie is the "Laundry Room Manager". Her tasks there include: keeping things tidy, gives daily reminders of who's laundry day it is and overseeing supplies in that area. Allan is "Kitchen Manager", Eli is "Animal Care Manager" and Cora is "Trash Manager." 

~ Baby Care ... This will be a lesson learned once the baby arrives, but ideally I'd love to have my four oldest capable of: holding, washing face and hands of a baby, diapering wet and dirty diapers, spoon-feeding, keeping a baby safe while they are mobil, and of course playing with a baby. I would like our 3, almost 4 year old to be capable of washing, holding and playing with a baby as well as assisting mom in various tasks and being a helper. I think all of our children will greatly benefit from learning to be confident in baby care.

~ Basic Self Control and Obedience ... This is mainly for our youngest. She is still learning to hear mom's voice, respond in obedience, not get into things and to have basic self control. I typically use some of the methods at Raising Godly Tomatoes, she is nearly always by my side, as being alone or on her own is just too much for her ... but it is a good reminder for all of them too in various areas (like how we speak to each other, or in putting away things and being in control of our own actions). We practice this daily as we live and it is a process I know isn't learned in a day.

~ Potty Training ... Our youngest is still in the process of being completely self motivated and able in this area and it would be AMAZING  to get her in big girl undies before this baby arrives... but no stress!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

That's it.
But I want to share something I've been telling myself...

Mamas of new babies... it is OK to not pick up a day or two (or week or two) after birth and do your "normal" routine at your normal level. In fact, it is very much not ok for you to try and do that, even if you think you can or want to!

Please give yourself permission to rest and heal. Give your body and mind time to adjust and savor. This is a short season of time. Most traditional cultures set aside somewhere between 40-60+ days of rest for new mothers... from any obligations or work. This is a holy time... not laziness.

I've been studying the biblical concept of "rest and sabbath" and one of the main gleanings I've taken away from the study is that biblical rest is about being satisfied in mind and body with what is before you... the season, your own capacity and what God has placed before you. Having a new baby is a great time to practice the act of "sabbath" in a very real sense.

Rest is saying to God "I trust you to do what I am unable, as I enter into the rest you've provide and commanded of me."