B-Day Gifts

My gifts from Bryan and the boys...

VB Cosmetic Trio in Canyon

VB Messenger Baby Bag in Canyon

This diaper bag is awesome- I can't wait to use it!
Thanks guys!!

3 Week Cloth Diaper Update...

Cloth has been going great! I am loving our Simplexes and the new Cloth-Eez NB diapers as well. I was really impressed with the fit of the Simplexes from the get go. They really did fit below the cord stump. Not the workhorses though. Fortunately for us his cord came off on day 7! Au natural too- no dyes, no rubbing alcohol, no special treatment- sweet!

He is  less than a week old and 20 in and 7.7 lbs:

GroVia Newborn AIO

Simplex Newborn AIO

Fit at 3 weeks:

Workhorse Newborn

Thirsties Duo size 1 over WH

Thirsties Duo size 1 over WH

GroVia Newborn AIO

Simplex Newborn AIO

Nipple Cream- EMAB vs. Motherlove

Okay, so I bought EMAB cream before I gave birth and packed it in my hospital bag. But, lo and behold, baby boy hated it! He refused to nurse after I applied it and I had to wash, wash, and wash to get it off and to get him back on! So, I had Bryan order the Motherlove before we were even discharged. He is totally fine with the Motherlove and it works just as great as it did last time around. I don't know if the EMAB actually had a taste, but it has quite a strong chocolate smell to it since it is cocoa butter based. The Motherlove is olive oil based. Has no smell. And I assume no taste. It is softer and easier to apply as well. I would warn you though that it does stain. So know that if you wipe your finger on something after application or if you are using cloth nursing pads it will look oily from there on after. That is my only gripe. Others may not like that it has beeswax in it, that doesn't bother me.

Announcing...

Caden Andrew Thompson
Born in Albany, GA
March 19, 2014 at 13:12
He is 7 lbs. 14 oz. and 20 in.
Mommy and baby are doing great.
I was blessed to have a natural birth in a hospital- whew!
And make it home at the 24 hour mark!
To God be the glory!!

Can't wait to try to cloth diapers!!

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

      Another rice casserole recipe, I know. But it was really good and I am on a mission to find meals to fit into my wheat free diet. I served this with fresh steamed greenbeans and fresh roasted parmesan cauliflower. It was a super yummy combination. And once again the casserole is half eaten- oops!


1. Precook:
1 C. brown rice
1/4 C. wild rice
2. Sautee the following in butter or olive oil: (preheat oven to 350)
1/2 C. diced onion
2-3 grated carrots
1 minced clove of garlic (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
3. Mix together:
2 C. chicken broth
1 T. cornstarch
4. Then add into the sauteed vegetables and bring to a boil. (remember to stir constantly so that the cornstarch doesn't clump) Turn off heat. Stir in:
1 C. sour cream (or plain yogurt)
small can of green chile peppers (optional)
5. Pour into a large mixing bowl. Add in:
cooked rice
2 C. shredded cooked chicken
4 oz. grated cheddar cheese
6. Mix all together. Pour into a greased 9X13 casserole dish. Top with:
additional 4 oz. grated cheddar cheese
cilantro
7. Cover and bake on 350 for approximately 30-40 minutes.

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

The Morning Sickness Handbook

You might be wondering, why would I be thinking about morning sickness when I will be 40 weeks pregnant tomorrow. But, I think that it is natural to look back over your pregnancy when you are reaching the end of it. I always get morning sickness- well around the clock sickness would be a better description for me. With my first it lasted for 6 whole months. With my second and third it was pretty much over as I began the second trimester. But, I will still get queasy if I do not eat properly. And my body requires different eating habits while I am pregnant than when I am not. I must have some whole grain carbs while I am pregnant. I can get away with much less when I am not. So with that being said, I would like to recommend "The Morning Sickness Handbook" to you. I discovered this at the beginning of this pregnancy and I have to say that I was able to get through the sickness so much better this time around. It was not constant or as intense. There were so many wonderful recommendations in this book. It was even divided into sections according to the intensity of your sickness to help you make the most of your time and choose the best remedies for your sickness. Super helpful. I think that any mama suffering from morning sickness should have a copy. There is something in this book for everyone.

Where to buy.

Mushroom, Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

So I made a new recipe tonight and it turned out so good that I had to share it. I wasn't planning on that, so that is why it is a picture of it half eaten! It goes great with a green vegetable or a side salad. I made steamed peas tonight. And the best thing about this is that it is ALL real food! No cream of soups in here.

1 C. brown rice and 1/4 C. wild rice (uncooked measurements) cook it beforehand
8 oz. package of fresh baby bella mushrooms sliced and sauteed
1/2 C. onion diced and sauteed
2 C. cooked chicken breast shredded
1/2 C. chicken broth
1/2 C. sour cream (or plain yogurt)
1/2 C. parmesan cheese shredded
8 oz. block of colby jack cheese shredded and divided in half
salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook your rice.
2. Prepare and sautee the mushrooms and onions. Do them separately. Preheat your oven to 350.
3. In a large mixing bowl combine the chicken broth and sour cream. Add in the parmesan and half of the colby jack and the shredded chicken. Add in mushrooms and onions as finished. Salt and pepper. Combine. Add in the rice. Mix in gently.
3. Spread into a greased 9X13 casserole dish.
4. Sprinkle the rest of the colby jack over the top and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes on 350.
6. ENJOY!

Mushroom, Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cute finds on the Belk clearance rack

Still waiting for a baby...
I found a couple of flyaway 3/4 sleeve cover-ups at Belk for a total of $14! They were previously $36 each. A little extra coverage is always nice postpartum and while breastfeeding. And so is a couple of fresh clothing articles.

Belk clearance finds

Last minute sewing

So in my quest to find a non-toxic changing pad for my table I ran across this in my google searches: Holy Lamb Organic changing pad. And thought 'holy cow!' when I saw the price and then I thought, I could totally make that. No mine wouldn't be organic cotton twill filled with eco wool, but still it would be alot better than any of the other options that were in my budget range. So I made a copycat. My 2 year old was my tester and he didn't want to get off of it! He said, "It's fwuffy and warm Momma!" My husband said that means it will be comfy for a little baby then.

Homemade changing pad!

And a few days ago I FINALLY finished my ring sling. I finally figured out the padding and pleating the way I like it. I actually redid the very first sling that I ever made because it is my favorite fabric.

Padded rails/inside

Shoulder pad

Shoulder pleats

Drawer full of clothes for Caden!

So cute, don't you just love newborn clothes?
I can't wait until he is here so I can hold him in my arms and take care of him and see him.

Newborn clothes

What is in my hospital bag?

Well, for starters it is alot. You will either appreciate this post or get a laugh out of it. I know that the hospital provides some of the things that I packed, but I wanted my own or a more natural alternative.

My full hospital bag (Large Vera Bradley Duffel in Canyon)

Boppy Pillow all ready

For Mama:
Extra copy of my 'birth preference list'
Snacks, Yummy Earth Candies, (to help keep up blood sugar) coconut water, ginger ale, and Ultima  Replinisher (for during and after labor hydration)
Natural Vitality Magnesium (to help keep away constipation after delivery)
Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil
Earth Mama Angel Baby New Mama Bottom Spray
Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm
Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter
Two packs of Seventh Generation Overnight Pads
Hugo Naturals Travel Kit in Sweet Orange and Vanilla
Chapstick
Tooth brush and toothpaste
Shower pouf
Three pairs of cloth nursing pads
Two pairs of nursing bras
Two pairs of panties
One nursing gown
One pair of PJs
Robe
Lightweight sweater
Comfy, stretchy skirt and t-shirt to go home in
Flip-flops (better than ruining nice slippers, and you can wear them in the shower)

Those alcoholic looking bottles are the real brewed Ginger Ale sweetened with honey.

For Baby:
One pack of Seventh Generation Newborn Diapers
One pack of Seventh Generation Baby Wipes
Earth Mama Angel Baby Wash and Lotion
Boppy Nursing Pillow (lifesaver for me)
Hats
Two pairs of socks
Two long sleeve onesies
Four footless sleepers (these work better because of all the tags/alarms they put on the baby)
Two swaddle blankets
One receiving blanket
Four burp cloths
One footed sleeper, onesie, hat, and warm blanket for going home in

Let me know if you think that I forgot anything.
And thanks to Genevieve aka  Mama Natural for introducing me to Ultima Replinisher and Natural Vitality Natural Calm Magnesium

When it takes 3 boxes to recieve your Vitacost order....

It looks like this:

Laundry detergent
DW detergent
Gluten Free crackers and pizza mix
Active dry yeast
7 packs of pads
All purpose jelly
Baby powder
Baby gift/travel set
Lavender gift/travel set
Booby Tubes
2 packs bath herbs
Tea
2 bags of organic candy (this is what Ethan is happy about!)
Ultima Replinisher