Elfie Teaches Giving!

I used to love Christmas. It was my favorite time of year. Then I became a Mom. Yes, I said it. Kids ruined Christmas for me. What was one a magical time of giving and joy became a gift grabby, stressful, EXPENSIVE, few weeks I could not wait to end. Not just my kids... all kids. My eyes were opened to how commercial and greedy this time of year has become. 

Not any more though. I am taking back the Christmas spirit! My girls are going to grow up loving December for all the magic and wonder it should have, and have an appreciation for the true reason for the season (I type this envisioning myself standing on top of a mountain, hands on hips, and Super Mom cape flying proudly in the breeze). 

*Steps off High Horse* OK, so maybe not. But I am going to make them do a little something each day to practice the art of giving. I do want them to experience what its like to make someone happy, for no other reason than because they could. 

L is 18 months. I think this is a good time to start our Elf on the Shelf tradition, but Elfie, as she named him, is a kindness elf. Instead of being here as a spy to keep the girls in line so they get more crap, he is going to be my helper in spreading holiday cheer *evil mom laugh*. Each day from the 1st to 24th he will have a special assignment for the girls to help them practice giving. It is easy to get caught up in all the me, me, me, must have attitude this time of year. I really hope this helps instill a sense of greater good and purpose. 

So here is my list, if you are looking for Elf on the Shelf ideas.... 24 random acts of kindness to get through the Holiday Season: 

1.     Take cookies to someone

2.     Collect cans and bottles for the next 2 weeks. Recycle them and donate the money.

3.     Make cards for troops over seas

4.     Take old sheets/blankets/towels to the animal shelter

5.     Donate a toy/get a toy for toys for tots

6.     Collect toiletries for the homeless

7.     Spend an hour cleaning up the beach or a park

8.     Share with a teacher or friend 10 things you appreciate about them

9.     Talk to someone that usually sits/plays alone

10.  Leave a special note/card for the mail person

11.  Help mom make hats for babies in the NICU

12.  Find a way to help someone (parent/teacher/friend) without having to be asked

13.  Make a box of treats and send it to a missionary over seas

14.  Take a meal to a homeless person

15.  Make cards/pictures and visit a nursing home

16.  Put the neighbors trash can back by their house

17.  Do a random chore to help around the house

18.  Give someone a special treat

19.  Do something to make a friend or family member smile

20.  Collect canned goods and donate them to the food pantry

21.  Gather craft supplies to take to the children’s hospital

22.  Give a child with a deployed parent one of your favorite stuffed animals

23.  Make your friends a special gift

24.  Say a special prayer for each one of your friends and family members. Please comment with your ideas too! I will need new ones for next year :)

What about oils?

I am going to start this post with a disclaimer. *** I AM NOT (yet) A DOTERRA CONSULTANT*** please take what I am about to post as an honest accounting of a desperate mom. 

L has been sick for what seems like the over the last month straight. This poor baby gets sick more often than any other child I know, despite still breast feeding and making sure she eats a very healthy diet. She has done 15 days of antibiotics, days on end of 102-103 degree fevers, coughing, wheezing, and sleepless nights... you name it this child has gone through it. Finally the other day she broke out in this HORRIFIC diaper rash with huge blisters all over her skin. We have been to her pediatrician more times that I can say, always with the same response... "its some kind of baby virus," "some kids just have low immune systems," "there is nothing you can really do to make it better." *Eye roll*

I usually go for natural remedies first, but poor L has been SO sick, I really just wanted to get it taken care of. My mistake. After our the last round of "I don't knows" and being given a host of new medications to try... non of which we were sure would work... I started looking for answers on my own.

I was told to try this stuff called On Guard by a friend of mine a while ago. We have used it on and off for a couple months, and I am not sure why I did not think to use it as soon as L started getting sick this time. Sure enough, not long after I started using it again her fever broke, and we have gone almost two days without spiking another one. 

I have also been using a blend called breath the last few nights, and we have gone from up all night coughing and wheezing to only waking up once or twice again, and I did not have to use her nebulizer at all last night. 

Finally, yesterday another friend of mine gave me some lavender oil for the rash. I have used a little at every diaper change, as well as put some fresh on every few house at home (L has been diaper less as often as possible to help clear the rash). A day later and it looks 75% better. This after I have been pulling my hair out trying everything. 

I am impressed. I am happy my baby is on the way to being happy again. I am relieved. I am frustrated with our pediatrician. 

My encouragement to all the mommies out there... go with your gut. You can do more to help your family be healthy and strong than you even realize. 

 

Out of control

This is a story that is hard to tell, but I really feel it needs telling. It is the story of how little L saved me (literally), and how I still struggle.

I was always the fat kid growing up... not just pudgy, FAT. Like 200lbs by the time I was 10 years old fat. I was the kid you see on talk shows and ask, "How could their parents do that to them?" Unfortunately, both my parents are gone, so that is a conversation we were never able to have.

Then middle school happened, and 12 year old girls are vicious. I stopped eating. Made since at the time. I was getting skinny! Lost 50lbs in 6months, and could actually shop in normal stores. Other kids actually started talking to me! Oh joy! I also started having dizzy/black out spells and not able to focus/function. My mom finally started to notice something was not right. But I could not give up my new found skinni(ish)ness. At the time my life felt like it was spiraling out of control, this is the one thing that was MINE. I chose what I was or was not going to eat, how hard I was going to work out, and I would rather die than go back to being the old "fat" me. So I thought. Looking back now, I want to smack that girl. 12/13year olds are so completely irrational, its frightening.

When my mom started paying attention is when I started to get really sneaky. Instead of not eat, I would eat then make my self throw up. At the time I had no idea there were clinical words for what I was doing. Anorexia and Bulimia were not in my vocabulary. I was doing what I had to do to keep my control. Only, I was losing it... bad. I will not bore you with the hell the next 10ish years brought, but it was not pretty. The eating disorders drug me into a depression, and the harder I fought to maintain control the farther out of it I got.

In 2010 I had had enough. I started searching and found an out patient treatment program to start my path to healing. About half way through the program it became cost and scheduling prohibitive. It was not easy to give up that safe environment, but it was a start. For the next year I bounced between good and bad times, and then I became pregnant. Oh the emotions that brought on. The further along and bigger I got, the more out of control I felt. It was probably one of the scariest times of my life. Morning sickness made me feel guilty because I would wonder if it was real or a subconscious relapse, cravings and the intense huger drove me crazy... then, when I really started feeling those first few kicks, something clicked. My body was creating life. My actions and choices would effect this little life forever. How could I hate something so wonderful, and how could I actively choose to hurt someone I already loved so much? Control over my thoughts and behaviors became more important that control over a number on the scale. And I started to hate myself a little less.

I am not going to lie, pregnancy was one of the hardest times for me emotionally. I did not really understand how messed up my mind was about food and fitness until something took greater priority. I would not allow my doctor to discuss weight with me or tell me how much I gained because I was so afraid it would trigger something inside me. I am ashamed to admit I fell so deep into an illness.

Now, with baby number 2, I find myself still struggling. I am so disappointed in myself. I though I had come to a place of peace with my body. I created life, I nourished a baby (still am, 18 months later), my body is freaking AMAZING thank you... stretch marks and all. Except its getting bigger... and I look in the mirror and still hear that voice, the one that says you are fat and ugly, and every other pregnant girl in the world looks cute while I just look like a fat bloated mess. Yes, my voice even tells me I can't do fat right.

While the behaviors are easier to control and the voice is a little dimmer this time around, it still makes me sad to know its there. I managed to lose all my baby weight plus 20lbs within a year of giving birth to "L". I did not crash diet or do anything extreme, just nursed, watched what I ate, and did light exercise. It was probably the healthiest I have ever been, or so I thought.

I will not go back into that dark place I once was, and I owe little L so much for helping me gain a new respect for myself and all my imperfections. I guess that is why it is so disappointing that these issues, at least the emotional part, are still lurking in the back of my head.

What is the hardest part about pregnancy for you? How did you overcome your struggles?

 

Patience

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:21-22

Today was one of those days that had me reaching for my Bible; something I am ashamed to say I do not do often enough. I prayed for wisdom and guidance, and this section of Matthew is what appeared. It took careful though and meditation to figure out how this was applicable. How do these verses apply to my life today? Then I remembered, I have been praying for greater patience. 

I have heard His voice every night for the last two weeks when my 28 weeks pregnant butt would get irritated at being squished into a toddler bed, because suddenly L can not sleep without me. I have been unable to move or change position, because she gets quite comfortable and so close I SWEAR she is trying to climb back inside to meet her little sister. But I have ignored the quiet blessing of this sweet baby's love and the peaceful voice in my head. 

I have heard His voice with B, and when she wants to do this or that, and it goes totally against our regular schedule. And I ignored it. 

I have heard his voice so many times this last week; as L tore apart 3 rooms while I struggled to clean one, when she thought the baby monitor could swim in the toilet (sadly, it drowned), when she figured out how to open a medicine bottle, and pored her antibiotic all over herself and her car seat, when she dumped finger nail polish all over herself and my mattress, when she threw the glass jar from the shopping cart and it shattered all across the store isle, when she tore the library book into a billion pieces, when B wanted to trick or treat until every house was closed and started mouthing off because it was late, when nothing I did seemed to make her happy, when I had to give the same directions a thousand times, when asking her to help do a few chores made me THE WORST MOM EVER... (yes, all that in the last 7 days)

I have heard His voice and yet I ignored it. But every night, as I have curled my frazzled, sore, tired self into an uncomfortable ball/pillow for L, I pray for patience.     

Today, I tried something new, and had a friend teach me how to drive a standard car. My prayer was patience with myself. "Please Dear Lord, help me over come my fear and my feeling of incompetence. I can do all things with you, even when I don't think I am capable. Show me I am." 

And He did. And I heard Him.  

He answers our prayers said in faith, although not always how we expect. He has been giving me opportunities to practice and use patience. I have ignored them; choosing instead to become angry and frazzled.

So tonight as I pray for patience, I am thankful for faith strong enough to move mountains. And tomorrow I will be thankful for each opportunity I get to become a better, more patient Mom. 

What should every girl (or guy) know how to cook?

I am on a mission. I want to build a collection of simple, healthy meals my family loves, and a smaller collection of classic comfort foods. I want to have go to, standard, tried and true recipes that I can one day pass on to my girls. I want them to reminisce about Mom's Lasagna or Yumazing Baked Chicken. I want to teach them to love food. I want to bond with my 12 year old over Pot Roast and Apple Pie... 

But I don't really know how to make any of it. All my kitchen skills are self taught, and lean more to the diet side of things. My mom didn't cook; I had no one to share this world with. There were no "Mom's" classics or staples on our table. I have been baking frozen pizza, loving some Kraft Mac & Cheese, and tossing salad since I was 10. 

So help me interewebz. What are the staples in your house? What do you think everyone should know how to make? Please share your tried and true recipes with me if you care to (via e-mail or comment). I look forward to hearing from you! 

I want to be a Pinterest Mom

I do, so desperately want my life to look like my Pinterest boards. I want to cook, clean, craft, and be as ecofriendly as all the pins I have stored on the site. But I am not, and this makes me sad. 

There have to be other mom's out there like me. That want so badly to be gourmet meals served on hand crafted ceramic plates on our upcycled pallet dining room table wearing the latest super cute sundress... but instead are mac and cheese on paper plates that we *gasp* throw away; and guess what, I'm lucky of I got dressed today. The water I am saving by NOT doing the dishes has to be a trade off right? 

Why do I let my lack of Pintristyness get me down? I know this is just one more part of our culture that says Mom has to do it all... why can I not just be satisfied that my kids are happy and know they are loved? Why do I buy into the notion that Mom must do it all? I am 26 weeks pregnant, chasing a 17 month old and 12 year old. I am not an epic failure if we "occasionally" run through the drive through. But Pinterest has so many frozen meal menus I could have just popped in the oven... 

I guess its not a bad thing to aspire to be better... a better cook, better organized, or learn a new skill like sewing or crafting. I think it is the overwhelming need to be good at it all  that drives me nuts. 

Does anyone else share my guilt over not making all my own cleaning products and running around in yoga pants 90% of the time? 

Home birth & Baby 2.0

Well, its official! We are 13 weeks along with baby bean 2.0. While not exactly planned, it is exciting and will be great for L to have a sibling so close in age.

I have decided to try a home birth this time around. I think this will be a better experience for us all. With L, it was very traumatic... I was induced early for pre-e. Hopefully this experience will be the exact opposite.

We met with the midwife today. She is actually a Naturpathic Physician (ND) and midwife. What a totally different experience than the conventional doctor! It is fabulous that someone else trusts my body as much as I do, and is willing to work with me and TEACH me how to take better care of myself and baby on this journey, rather than just try to mitigate/cover up symptoms.

Yes, I have fears. Especially with the things that happened with L's birth. We are about an hour (more with traffic) from the closest maternity hospital and decent ER. For this reason, I am also meeting with an OB for regular prenatal care... just in case we end up in an emergency situation again. My risks are low, and I am very excited.

Have you had a home birth? What are your experiences?

 

Baby Safe Natural Bug Spray

Oh how I love all things summer... watermelon, sunshine, swimming, hours of daylight, fabulous mosquitos (just kidding on the last one). Seriously, summer is my absolute favorite time of year. Turns out all kinds of little critters love it too. They also love Baby L. 

I know she is just the sweetest thing on Earth, but really mosquitoes, must you make dinner out of my little girl? *sigh* 

Any who, what is a crunchy mama to do but find a safe way to protect the little ones. Turns out, there are quite a few essential oils that repel the pest quite effectively. 

Ether Citronella or Lemon Grass are a must have. The first time I made this I just used citronella and it worked great... you can also add any of the following to boost the bug repellant factor and change the sent: 

Lavender

Clove

Rosemary

Tea Tree

Eucalyptus 

***Note: from my research Tea Tree and Lavender are safest for infants***

You will also need a base of witch hazel and water and a spray bottle. 

Directions: 

1) Fill spray bottle about 3/4 full with 1/2 water 1/2 witch hazel. 

2) Add about 15 drops of ether citronella or lemongrass

3) add 10-15 drops (adjust this to your preference for sent) of whatever other oils you would like to include. 

Vola! Yucky chemical free bug spray! 

Ancient Turtle Ponds

Earlier this week L and I took and excursion with one of my fabulous Peaceful Parenting Network group to the Ancient Turtle Ponds. All I can say is AMAZING! This is the PERFECT beach for the entire family, and super safe for the little ones.

The Turtle Pond is a stone pool created by ancient Hawaiian fishermen. They designed this area to easily gather Honu (sea turtles) for the Ali'i (Royalty). In Ancient times only the Ali'i were allowed to eat Honu meat. A commoner could be killed for breaking this rule.

We did see honu swimming near by, although none came inside the pool area. The water was crystal clear, warm, and shallow; perfect for little swimmers. Older kids and adults would enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the fabulous water outside of the pool.

Although this beach was over an hour from our house, it was well worth the drive. L had an amazing time and got very brave in the shallow water. I think she will be swimming in no time.

Aloha Summer

Wow, it has been a good long time since I have sat down to write a post. Not the best way to keep a blog following for sure. A lot has happened in the last few months, but I am glad to be back.

It is my favorite season in Hawaii... sweet summer time! I am a true sun worshiper, and anything below 75* is just to cold for me. This year, I plan to take the girls exploring. Who knows how long we will be bless to be here, and I want to make the most of this fabulous experience as we can. At least once a week I plan to check out a beach or place around the island we have never been. 

This week we actually didn't venture too far, and found this great little spot called Chun's Reef. The tide pools were cool and perfect for Itty Bitty, and the rocks were great for B (the pre-teen) to go exploring. The water was brackish, fed by a fresh water spring flowing from the mountains, and as crystal clear as could be. This will go on our favorite beaches list for sure! 

How to: Get baby poop out of carpet

Naked Baby Time is getting tricker since starting solids. I try to give Itty Bitty plenty of time to "air out" since it gets so hot here, and my carpet is paying for it. 

Earlier this week we went to the beach. I tried SO hard to keep sand out of the baby's mouth, but alas, I failed. She built a sandcastle in my living room the next day. Talk about a total fail. 

This morning I noticed she was a little too quiet. To my "delight" I found a very happy and entertained baby. Apparently poop is fun to play with. Yes, she was sitting (on the carpet) in a pile of pooh, just as happy as could be digging around (GAG!). Thankfully, I stopped her just as the fingers were heading for the mouth. 

Now my dilemma. We rent, and I would, at some point in time, like to get my security deposit back. Oh what to do? 

Off to Facebook I went, seeking the advice of my more experienced mommy friends. I got a lot of great ideas... but the most effective one would not work on my not-white carpet. Again, I would like my deposit back, and a peroxide stain might not be conducive to the end goal. I also do not like using chemical carpet cleaners. So I tried something on a whim, and it worked AMAZING! Here goes: 

How to naturally clean carpet stains: 

You Will Need

Glass Jar

4c HOT water

1/2c 20 Mule Team Borax

White Cloth

Directions:

1) Pick up any solids and dispose in toilet 

    (This is THE MESS)

2) Mix 4c HOT water and 1/2c 20 Mule Team Borax in the glass jar 

3) Using a white cloth, sponge/blot mixture onto stain until it is gone

4) Let carpet dry

5) Vacuum 

This worked on a 3 day old spot I had already tried to clean (the sand castle), as well as the new mess. 

Happy Cleaning! 

 

   

Mom's Coconut Granola Trail Mix

Just wanted to post a quick granola recipe I came up with that turned out to be quite good... better (for you) than the store bought kind, and super easy:

Mom's Coconut Granola Trail Mix

1c Oats
1/2c Shredded Coconut
1/4c ether honey or maple syrup
1-2c your favorite mix-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, etc)

Directions:

Pre-Heat oven to 350*
Blend oats and coconut together. Add sweetener and mix well.
Spread on a cookie sheet and toast 20-30min, until just crunchy
After oats cool, add in your favorite mix-ins and store in individual snack bags or large container

Teething, UGH!

There is no pain like tooth pain (except, maybe labor). I can not fathom what these poor babies are really feeling while teething. Itty Bitty is in the process of cutting two new ones at the moment. It is a little known fact that redheads have a lower pain tolerance than others. Thanks for the genes Mom and Dad. Needles to say, my ginger babe is miserable right now. 

This post is dedicated to those things we love to help ease teething pain. Please comment with your favorite (natural) suggestions. 

Momma's Top Teething Solutions: 

1. Hylands Teething Tablets: I know there has been some controversy over the use of Bella Donna, and ingredient in these tablets. I have done my research and am satisfied with the safety of this product. Not just satisfied. I love them. Hylands rock. 
2. Baltic Amber: The stones are NOT to chew on. You really should not get the necklace/bracelet wet. Babies body heat causes the stones to release an acid that is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps relieve the pain and excess drooling. They must be in contact with the skin to be effective. Inspired by Finn is a great site to order from.   
3. Celery/Carrot Sticks: Itty Bitty loves them right out of the fridge. I would only give this to older babies (6m+) and watch them VERY closely. 
4. Mesh Feeder: I fill Itty's up with chunks of frozen apple, banana, or blueberries (the berries make a HUGE mess, FYI). You could even just used crushed ice. This really is a must have though. 
5. Chamomile: I talked about Chamomile in a previous post. It is so great for soothing. Brew a bag of chamomile tea, soak a washcloth in it. Let the cloth cool in the fridge, then give to baby. 
6. Sophie: yes, the $20 squeaky hunk of plastic. Worth every penny.
7. Teething Biscuits: See below for a super yummy make at home recipe. 
8. Nursing: It just solves every problem Itty Bitty has. She is a milk monster. I think the pressure on her gums is soothing also. 

So what are your tried and true solutions? 

 

I have a thing against most pre-packaged baby food. The wholesome, organic pre-packaged food I would buy is wayyyyy out of my budget. So I make a lot from scratch. These are my favorite teethers... Itty better watch out or Momma is going to eat all her cookies:

Vanilla Maple Teething Biscuits:

1 egg yoke (beaten)

3 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 tbsp oil (I like coconut)

1/4c milk (I use Almond)

1 tbsp oatmeal (baby cereal or ground)

1 c whole wheat flour 

1) Pre-heat oven to 350*F 

2) Blend first 5 ingredients, add oatmeal and flour

3) Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll thin

4) Cut into desired shapes (make sure they are little hand friendly... I use the top of a

    glass and just make circles)

5) Put on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 15min  

Aloha! 

 

 

Let's Talk Seeds

Part two in setting up our garden:

Itty Bitty and I have been hard at work getting our garden together. There were two small beds already in place when we moved in, although they were overgrown. I cleaned both out, but decided to start small and only plant one this time around. If we are successful, I may expand next time around.

This is a picture of the garden. The left side is after we cleaned, added new soil tilled and planted. The right is the side we left fallow and more of a "before" picture.

I made the choice to use seeds rather than starter plants. It was hard for me to find a local farmer with seedlings for sale, and I did not want to buy from a big-box store like Walmart. I wanted to know how the plant has been treated from the moment it entered the soil. 

I was not prepared for the effort needed to pick out some simple seed packets.

Hello Google! 

It turns out Monsanto purchased a company called Seminis in 2005. Seminis has 40% market share for all the vegetable seeds sold in the US. Not all the companies under the Monsanto/Seminis umbrella produce GMO seeds, but they do all funnel your money right back to the mothership. Here is a list of all the seed companies owned by Monsanto/Seminis:

Audubon Workshop
Breck’s Bulbs
Burpee
Cook’s Garden
Dege Garden Center
Earl May Seed
E & R Seed Co
Ferry Morse
Flower of the Month Club
Gardens Alive
Germania Seed Co
Garden Trends
HPS
Johnny’s Seeds
Jungs
Lindenberg Seeds
McClure and Zimmerman Quality Bulb Brokers
Mountain Valley Seed
Nichol’s
Osborne
Park Seed
Park Bulbs
Park’s Countryside Garden
R.H. Shumway
Roots and Rhizomes
Rupp
Seeds for the World
Seymour’s Selected Seeds
Snow
Spring Hill Nurseries
Stokes
Territorial Seeds
T&T Seeds
Tomato Growers Supply
Totally Tomato
Vermont Bean Seed Co.
Wayside Gardens
Willhite Seed Co.



There are many (smaller) companies that provide an amazing, quality,  product without trying to own or genetically change our food. The Safe Seed pledge is an amazing project. You can learn about it HERE as well as get a list of LOCAL companies in your area selling safe seeds. 
Moral of the story... do your research. Don't encourage the destruction of our planet by greed. Know what you are growing and how it is treated. 
*Hops off Soap Box*
I ended up planting some Chamomile, Basil, Cilantro, and Parsley from Seeds of Change and Tomato, Cucumber, Green Bell Pepper, and Lettuce from Ferry Morse. Yes, Ferry Morse. I checked the list of Safe Seed pledgers when I purchased the seeds and this company had signed. It was only later, after the seeds were in the ground, I discovered they were owned by Monsanto. Shame on me for not doing due diligence first. Lesson learned. 
The next phase of our project will be setting up a small compost bin to help nourish our plants. 
Please pray they grow! 

Natural Flu Treatment for Baby

Aloha All! 

This year's flu season has me scared. It has not struck here as bad as the mainland yet, but I thinks it's only a matter of time. Pre-teen got vaccinated because she goes to public school. I felt the benefit out weighted the risk in her case, especially with an infant at home. I have chosen not to vaccinate Itty Bitty for the time being... a discussion for another post. My hope is that *IF* pre-teen gets the flu, it will not be as bad, and hopefully my little milky monster will be protected by my antibodies. However, I spent the afternoon researching natural/homeopathic remedies suitable for an infant, just in case.

Before we get into the good stuff, I must post this disclaimer. I am not a doctor, nor do I have any medical training. I am just a mom doing some google work. Please heed the advice of your medical professional. OK, on to the info...

Prevention is important: this is all the stuff you already know you should be doing with the little ones. Good habits start young. Each of these measures help support healthy immune function so their bodies can fight off illness without getting sick.

    Clean Hands

    Healthy Diet

    Stay Hydrated

    Minimize stress

    Sleep

If your baby does get sick, here is a quick reference to tell if it is a cold or the flu:

Here are a few baby safe home remedies to ease the most painful symptoms if/when your little one does become sick: 

Congestion/stuffy nose:

Saline Drops and a bulb syringe

Place a few drops in each nostril and gently suction. Breast milk works in place of saline drops as well. 

Home Sauna

Close up your bathroom and run a hot shower, Put a Vapor Disk (see below) under the water, sit in the room with LO like a sauna. The essential oils in the disks are associated with relieving congestion, opening airways, and soothing. The steam from the shower helps keep membranes moist and loosens up nasal and chest congestion.  

Keep Baby Propped Up

This just helps keep airways open 

Sore Throat:

Honey and Lemon Juice

(not for babies under 1 year due to risk of botulism in honey) 

Lemon juice dries up mucous and the honey is soothing on the throat. 

Mix 1tbsp of each in a cup and heat just until warm. Drink slowly

Frozen treat

Give baby a frozen washcloth, fruit juice popsicle, or ice cube to chew on. You could even put frozen fruit in a mesh teether. The idea is to get the cool, soothing liquid on the throat. 

Tummy ache: 

Chamomile

Give little one tsp of brewed tea 3-4x a day

and/or

mix 2-3 drops chamomile essential oil with 2tbsp of a carrier oil (I like coconut) and give a gentle tummy massage. 

You can also check with you local naturopath or health food store for holistic medicines that are safe for babies.

Add plenty of rest, fluids, and extra snuggles and hopefully little one will be better in no time. 

Wishing good health to you and your family! 

Vapor Disks

You will need:

A muffin pan and liners

1c baking soda 

1/3c water

eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary essential oil (optional, chamomile) 

Directions:

Line the muffin tins

Mix baking soda and water

spoon into tins

Bake at 350*F for 20min

When disks are cool, add 2-3 drops of each oil to the disk.

Leave disks in the liner, seal in a bag or container and use as needed. 

Crafty Crafty

I love to craft. Its the feeling of creating something unique and beautiful... being able to say "I made that." Needless to say Itty Bitty hates Pinterest, or rather, me on Pinterest, (check out my boards here) and the many oh so cute baby girl things one can create. She would be in big trouble if I ever get a sewing machine.

Today's project was a crochet adult headband for a friend. This was my first time creating my own crochet pattern, and I think it turned out pretty good! Here is the pattern if you want to try this at home:  

Adult Tapered Headband

Key:

Ch= chain stitch

DC= Double Crochet

DDC= Decrease Double Crochet

Pattern:

Row 1: Ch 5, turn

Row 2: DC in 3^rd chain down, DC in remaining 2 chains, Ch1, turn

Row 3: 2 DC in first chain, DC, 2 DC in last chain, Ch 1 turn

Rows 4-5: [DC in each stitch, Ch 1 turn] repeat  

Row 6: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in stiches2-4, 2 DC in last stitch, ch 1, turn

Rows 7-8: [DC in each stitch, ch1, turn] repeat  

Row 9: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in stitches 2-6, 2 DC in last stitch, ch 1, turn

Rows 10-12: [DC in each stitch, ch1, turn] repeat

Row 13: 2 DC in first stitch, DC in stitches 2-8, 2 DC in last stitch, Ch 1, turn

Rows 14-36: [DC in each stitch, ch 1, turn] repeat

Row 37: DDC, DC in next 7 stitches, DDC, ch 1, turn

Rows 37-39: [DC in each stitch, ch 1, turn] repeat

Row 40: DDC, DC in next 5 stitches, DDC, ch 1, turn

Rows 41-42: [DC in each stitch, ch 1, turn] repeat

Row 43: DDC , DC in next 3 stitches, DDC , ch 1, turn

Row 44-45: [DC in each stitch, ch 1, turn] repeat

Row 46: DDC , DC in next stitch, DDC, finish off

Attach a button to the bottom of one end to fasten the headband closed

I created a 3 layer flower clip to attach for some bling, that pattern coming soon!

You can check out my Etsy Store, Lana's Closet to see some of the other fun stuff I make. 

Happy Crafting!