Here comes the new year

Birthdays, Dance classes, My husbands new job, Its getting Crazy!
My youngest daughters second birthday is Jan. Second...We are planning a Simple party nothing fancy, Organic Cake and Ice cream and maybe some old fashioned games (Pin the tail on the donkey(if I can make it in time!) and Clothes pin drop! LOL!)...Sweet and simple.
Then on the 4th my Eldest Daughter starts ballet classes...She is vary happy! I am so excited to see her in action! She is going to be great at it I can just tell!
Oh the new year is Busy busy busy, we have our 3 year Ann....Then more birthdays, the upcoming birth (OMG!) of our Son (Lucien), More birthdays and then the warm weather will set in and Out door living (ie Gardening and the like) begins.

More on Food.

I just want to tell everyone to check out the Movie Food, inc.

Its a Fantastic movie about Food here in the United states...its about what happens to your food, to American Farmers, American workers, and to the people who get sick off the food itself.

The movie is at times maddening, at times Heartbreaking, and at times sickening but yet its a Must see for anyone who eats!

www.foodincmovie.com

While your there you could sign the petition!

The Sugar plums are dancing

So yule is Just around the bend!!! (December 21st!!!)

We are now working on holiday gifts and seasonal needs...I am Making a Blanket, scarf, hat, and Fishing toy for My daughter Chass, and For Nova I am Making a Blanket, Doll clothes, Mittens, and a Stuffed animal...
Thats Already allot LOL

I am in the Midst of Making My hubbs a Wool scarf, and My Sister wants me to make her a winter her hat (But I think I will just teach her how LOL)

I need to Can up the apple butter for gifts (Its SO yummy) and then I need to figure out everyone's little gifts, I have no clue yet LOL
I think I will make my MIL a Scarf and Hat set this year.

I also have to make up the Mocha Mix for everyone and Lets hope that it turns out good LOL.

It feels so much nicer to spend the Cool days at home with the kids instead of Worrying myself sick over getting all the shopping done...any shopping this year is simple..Craft store, or grocery store then for the gifts we buy it will be online (etsy.com) simple simple simple!!!!

Our first week

One whole week down of homeschooling.
We all enjoyed it! Chass (age 4) is doing great! she is making bounds when it comes to writing and she is doing great with number recognition! Her "crafting" skills are also coming along great as well!My daughter Nova( 22 months) has also learned allot...She is learning her Letters and is forming better sentences! I am so proud of my girls!
We went to the Burpee Museum to see Jane the T-Rex and we went to the Discovery Center Children's Museum...The kids had a blast at both places! I hope we can make it a monthly trip!
Then we also went to a Homeschool meeting and Chassidy made some new friends. Its been one of the best weeks I have had with the girls in awhile, We are all working hard and Playing hard. Its fun to watch my girls make these huge strides and know that they get to learn with their Mom and Dad instead of strangers.

Yule time

Yule is coming fast!

I keep thinking about all the Shopping everyone is doing this year and how much I am DREADING it....
I have already decided that the kids don't need much, maybe 2 new things each and then some homemade items (Blankets, Doll clothes, Snugglies,) and then I will buy homeschool items...

Other then those things I am SO over this toy buying BS...Why does a Kid need to open up 20 toys each? (Not to mention the stuff they get from outside family!) I want the whole Holiday to be about family time, and about caring for others...

Whats NOT to buy your new baby.

When there’s a new baby on the way, busy parents want affordable, practical solutions – not a lot of unnecessary gear. While innovative products are making infant care easier than ever in some ways, experienced parents often find that the simplest solutions are the best.

Parents simplify for many reasons. Some don’t have much money to spend on baby gear. Others don’t have space in their homes for a lot of unnecessary gadgets. Second-time parents often find that it’s easier to fill a need with something they already have. And many families subscribe to the growing trend toward simplifying their lives, from the workplace to home.

Before you sign up for a gang of gift registries and a flurry of baby showers, consider whether simplifying and streamlining might be more practical for you and your family. Think about dropping these items from your handy-dandy list of must-have’s.

Baby bathtubs
Bulky storage and a limited size/age range make baby bathtubs prime candidates for pruning off a must-have list. Many parents take their babies into the bath or shower with them; you can tag-team with your partner, handing baby out for drying while you finish up. Small, blow-up air pillows and towels provide padding and insurance against slipping for baths in a dishpan or the kitchen sink. Wobbly sitters will feel secure in a plastic laundry basket set inside the big bathtub.

Baby laundry detergent
While it’s true that many babies do have sensitive skin, most babies don’t need special detergents. Buy a “free/clear” formula and avoid unnecessary dyes and fragrances for the whole family. Test new products by washing and using a few items of clothes before washing all of baby’s clothes, sheets and towels.

Bottles
A given if you are planning to work and pump, bottles may prove to be completely unnecessary if you’re going to breastfeed at home. Many breastfed babies progress straight from the breast to sippy cups by six or seven months of age.

Breastfeeding clothes
Some women feel more comfortable wearing specially designed nursing clothing that helps them breastfeed discreetly, but others find that the special buttons, snaps and openings are more trouble than they’re worth. Before you invest a lot of money in these often pricey specialty clothes, test out a style or two (and don’t forget your own clothing!) to see what works best for you.

Changing tables
Changing tables become precarious places to perch wiggly older babies. You can change your baby on a bed, couch, big chair or the floor. Tuck supplies into a dresser or bookcase, or station several baskets around the house for extra convenience.

Cribs
Keeping your baby close at night simplifies things for everyone. Breastfeeding mamas have known for years that nursing in bed at night helps a mother snatch every precious second of sleep. Little bed-sharers can eventually move from your bed to a bed of their own – or even a comfy pallet or small mattress on the floor nearby. Don’t underestimate the power of flexible sleeping arrangements that change as baby grows.

Diaper pails
The simplest and least expensive solution for dirty diapers is that old stand-by, a plastic flip-top trash can from the discount store. Buy one with a lid that pops up with the push of one hand or foot.

High chairs
High chairs are high-profile items that gobble up floor space. Because you shouldn’t start solids until your baby can sit up well on her own anyway, you don’t need equipment that reclines. Try a booster seat that attaches to your table or chairs. You’ll save money and room, and your baby will feel more like a part of the family sitting at the table with the big people.

Pajamas
Babies grow so fast! Buy clothes that do double duty. Use sweatsuits in the winter and T-shirts in the summer.

Plastic baby carriers
Yes, we know they’re a standard – but your baby will outgrow a plastic baby carrier after the very first months. Besides, the very best way of getting to know your baby and bonding with her is to snuggle her up close in your arms or a soft carrier.

(This is NOT speaking of Carseats which are a Legal and safety MUST if You plan to put your baby in the car)

Play yards
These space-hogs limit your baby’s ability to perform his primary task as an infant: explore and learn about his world. Babyproof rigorously and let your baby go. Buy a clear shower curtain, pull out a special basket of toys and lock baby inside the bathroom with you when you need to shower. Give you baby a special cabinet of things to play with in the kitchen, and carry him from room to room as you do things around the house. It’s time tested by generations of parents, and it works!

Strollers
Consider how much easier it would be to slip between clothing racks at the mall with your baby in a front carrier or how much happier he would be nestled next to you in a sling, leaving you two hands free to deal with packages at the post office. A pull-along wagon fits the bill for special outings and does double duty for play.

Swings, bouncers, etc.
When your baby needs comfort and movement, do things the easy way: pick her up! Save money and space and give your baby the physical and emotional closeness she craves with a carrier or sling that keeps her close to you.

Most of these space- and money-saving strategies offer an additional benefit: parent-child bonding. Steering clear of ”babysitting” gadgets and gear helps not only simplifies your household but also puts you and your baby in a position to build even stronger connections – simply wonderful, indeed!

Our choice to Homeschool

My husband and I have Decided that after this year we will start homeschooling our children.

I know not many people understand the choice to homeschool, But we are Confident that we are making the best choice for our children...
We have found a GREAT Curriculum...and plan to Purchase the materials this coming spring for Chass's Kindergarten year..
We have chose to use the Curriculum from Oak Meadow (Oakmeadow.com) it's a Waldorf Based Curriculum that goes from preschool- high school...

We have made this choice for a Few Reasons...They include Learning styles, Personal Beliefs, and The fact that Schools are NOT doing the best they can to protect certain children from more aggressive children.

I know someone in my family is not going to like this (LOL someone ALWAYS has a comment) But It is OUR choice and we are making the BEST choice for OUR children.

10 reasons to wear your baby

1. Wearing a baby is convenient. When we carry a baby in a sling, we can walk around freely and not have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow aisles with a stroller. Plastic "baby buckets" and removable car seats are heavy and awkward for parents, babies often look uncomfortable, and they are kept at knee level. A sling can block out excess stimuli when breastfeeding a distractible baby, and it allows for discreet nursing in public places. A sling can also double as a changing pad, blanket, or cushion when away from home. I've found my sling especially handy when negotiating busy airports with a small child and several bags! 2. Wearing a baby promotes physical development. When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and the movements his mother makes – walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance. The sling is in essence a "transitional womb" for the new baby, who has not yet learned to control his bodily functions and movements. Research has shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not1. Mechanical swings and other holding devices do not provide these same benefits.
3. Babies worn in slings are happier. Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and fuss2. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day – in contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting for both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage as the baby's developing brain is continually flooded with stress hormones.3 Babies who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing and actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is especially useful for colicky babies, who are far happier being worn, but placid, content babies and children will also benefit greatly from the warmth and security of being held close. 4. Baby-wearing is healthy for you! It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and "weightlifting". A long walk in the sling is also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated child fall asleep. 5. Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling. Slings are usually associated with infants, but they can be very useful for toddlers as well; most slings accommodate children up to 35 or 40 pounds. The world can be a scary place for toddlers, who feel more confident when they can retreat to the security of the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers often become over-stimulated, and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and comfort them before (or after!) a "melt-down" occurs. It can be very helpful in places like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where a small child in a stroller would miss many of the exhibits. 6. Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with each other. The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can relax and enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident as a parent is the ability to read our baby's cues successfully. When we hold our baby close in a sling, we become finely attuned to his gestures and facial expressions. Many baby-wearing parents report that they have never learned to distinguish their baby's cries – because their babies are able to communicate effectively without crying! Every time a baby is able to let us know that she is hungry, bored or wet without having to cry, her trust in us is increased, her learning is enhanced, and our own confidence is reinforced. This cycle of positive interaction enhances the mutual attachment between parent and child, and makes life more enjoyable for everyone. 7. Slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers. Slings are a useful tool for every adult in a baby's life. It makes me smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his baby in a sling. The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own. Fathers don't have the automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but that doesn't mean they can't make up for this once their baby is born. The same goes for babysitters, grandparents and all other caregivers. Cuddling up close in the sling is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life, and for the baby to get to know you! 8. Slings are a safe place for a child to be. Instead of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child in a sling is held safe and secure right next to your body. Slings also provide emotional safety when needed, so that children can venture into the world and become independent at their own pace.
9. Slings are economical. Slings cost far less than strollers, front-carriers or backpacks. Many mothers consider the sling to be one of their most useful and economical possessions. Inexpensive used slings can be found in consignment and thrift stores, and new ones can be bought for about $25 -$50 (U.S.) - not bad for an item many parents use daily for two years or more! A sling can also be sewn for the price of a length of cotton, some rings and batting; sling patterns are available. 10. Baby-wearing is fun. Who doesn't love to cuddle a precious little baby? And when your baby is older, having her in the sling makes conversations easier and allows you to observe her reactions to the wonders of the world around her. It's also fun for baby, because when she is up at eye level, other adults notice and interact with her more. Your child will feel more a part of your life when she is in her sling, and you will find yourself becoming more and more enchanted with this special little person.

Great sites that Offer Natural/Waldorf Toys

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Baby stuff

Yes I feel the Urge to get baby things just as any mother does LOL.

But that Baby stuff adds up, and this is my third child. I plan to buy from thrift stores for clothing...Why do I need to Buy Brand new clothing that My baby will out grow in two weeks? I see no point in it!
Its SUCH a Waste!!!...I dont need a Crib because we co-sleep (Its not going to change this time either LOL)....and dont need Bottles because we Breastfeed, and We have a Carseat...
What more does a baby need? Diapers I guess...I will Buy new Cloth Diapers...as my daughters are falling apart but I have all the Covers I need and what I dont have I can sew up myself with the scraps that are tossed about my house.

Toys? Have those already...If its a Boy (as I have two daughters) He will get wooden toy cars when he is older, and a wooden toy train set as well...but he wont need that for awhile LOL...
We have Blocks, Dolls, a wooden bowling set, and even a pull along Crocodile that chomps as its pulled...I dont see how a baby needs much else LOL

I am Pleased with this choice, It seems so many people place such value you on buying All new for their babies when really I go to Goodwill and some of the things I buys still have Tags!...Thats still new! It just means I wasnt the one stupid enough to spend 20$ on baby jamas...Someone else did and Then Gave the to me for 1$ (Well Basically LOL!!!!)

I am going to have the Cheapest dressed baby in town...But I bet now one will have a Clue LOL (Unless they read this....of course)

Brave has nothing to do with it

When hearing the news that I had my last baby at home and am planning to have this one at home as well, the first response from most people is, "You're so brave."

This has to be one of the most irritating things that people say to homebirthers. The implication is that birth is dangerous and that we are willing to take on a tremendous risk to do it anywhere but a hospital. It negates the research and planning that we've done to come to this decision. It makes the choice about balls, not brains. After all, homebirth is "dangerous." Hospital birth is "safe." Therefor, it must be bravado alone that would lead a woman to choosing such an option. Right?

In 2003, over 20% of women had their labors induced, with a rate closer to 40% in many hospitals, while that rate should not exceed 10% (and has remained at 10% in most industrialized nations). Inductions are approximately 5 times more likely among planned hospital births than planned homebirths. An 1999 American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology "Green Journal" review of 7000 inductions found that 3 out of 4 of the inductions were not medically necessary. Inductions are performed unnecessarily for estimated size of the baby (too large or too small), going past the estimated due date, amniotic fluid levels that are low but not critically low (correctable in nearly all cases by rehydration of the mother), rupture of membranes without immediate start of labor, the mother being dilated/effaced but not in active labor, or scheduling reasons on the part of the mother or care provider. Approximately 40-50% of inductions fail (depending on the induction method used and the mother's Bishop score), and most failed inductions end in cesarean section. Inductions increase labor pain and length, and create, among other problems, an increased risk of fetal distress, uterine rupture, and cesarean section.

But homebirth is "dangerous." Hospital birth is "safe."

Over 30% of women in the US have cesarean sections, while overwhelming research has led the World Health Organization to set an ideal standard rate of cesarean sections at 10-12%, with 15% being the rate where more harm is being done instead of good. Cesareans are performed at a similar rate across all risk groups, low to high. The cesarean rate for planned births at home or in an independent birthing center is approximately 4%. Cesarean sections increase the likelihood of maternal death by as much as 4 times, and have other immediate and long-term heath risks for mothers that include, but are not limited to, infection, bowel or bladder perforation, hysterectomy, future infertility, and increased risk of uterine rupture for future pregnancies. Risks for the baby include respiratory distress, fetal injury, prematurity (if result of schedule section or failed induction), and breastfeeding difficulties. Four of the greatest causes for the increase in cesarean section are overuse of interventions during labor, concern for malpractice/liability on the part of care providers, failed labor inductions, and "failure to progress" (labor not progressing fast enough or regularly enough for care providers).

But homebirth is "dangerous" and hospital birth is "safe."

The ACOG and AMA have both come out against homebirthing, calling it a dangerous trend and referring to it as a "fashionable, trendy, [...] the latest cause célèbre," and they paint a horrible picture of complications arising in low-risk pregnancies with no warning that cannot be handled anywhere but the hospital. Despite that, the most thorough study ever done on homebirth safety, Kenneth C Johnson and Betty-Anne Daviss's Outcomes of planned home births with certified professional midwives: large prospective study in North America, BMJ 2005;330:1416 (18 June), found that the outcomes of planned homebirths for low risk mothers were the same as the outcomes of planned hospital births for low risk mothers, with a significantly lower incident of interventions in the homebirth group. The Lewis Mehl Study of home and hospital births, which matched couples in each group for age, parity, education, race, and pregnancy/birth risk factors, found the hospital group had 9 times the rate of episiotomies and tearing, 3 times the cesarean rate, 6 times the fetal distress, 2 times the use of oxytocin for induction/augmentation, 9 times the use of analgesia/anesthesia, 5 times the rate of maternal blood pressure increase, 3 times the rate of maternal hemorrhage, 4 times the rate of infection, 20 times the rate of forceps use, and 30 times teh rate of birth injuries (including skull fractures and nerve damage). Breastfeeding success rates are higher and postpartum depression rates are lower for planned homebirths.

But homebirth is "dangerous" and hospital birth is "safe."

The United States spends more per pregnancy/birth than any other country, the vast majority of women in the US give birth in hospitals, and yet the US's maternal death rate is the worst among 28 industrialized nations and the neonatal mortality rate is the second worst. The Netherlands, where 36% of babies are born at home, has lower maternal and neonatal mortality rates than the US. Denmark, where all women have access to the option for a safe and legal home birth, has one of the lowest maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

But homebirth is "dangerous," hospital birth is "safe," and Brutus is an honorable man.

I didn't choose a homebirth because I am brave. Bravery has little to do with it. If anything, I believe women who choose to give birth in US hospitals are the brave ones, because knowing what I know about our technocratic obstetrical system, I can't imagine voluntarily choosing an obstetrician and a hospital for anything but absolute medical necessity. My decision to homebirth wasn't made in a void, but based upon years of research. I wonder how much research the average woman puts into her hospital birth? Considering how many times I've heard someone say "I'm glad I was in the hospital because..." and then given as her reason a non-emergent situation (such as fetal size or nuchal cords), I'd say not that much.

Call me stubborn, because I wasn't willing to accept out of hand the culturally held belief that hospitals are safer. Call me an idealist, because I believe that birth can be a positive, safe, and empowering experience for child and mother. Call me a nonconformist, because I choose to birth at home in defiance of a powerful technocratic system. Call me outspoken, because I can't keep my mouth shut when I hear about yet another iatrogenic birth calamity. Call me a "birth nazi," because I believe it's the right and responsibility of every woman to educate herself about birth and take ownership of her birth experience.

But brave? Don't call me brave. "Brave" has nothing to do with it.

Morgan A. McLaughlin McFarland

Fruit leather

Apple Leather

1 1/2 lbs tart apples, peeled, cored and cut up
1/4 cup water

2 cups prepared apple puree
1-4 tbsp Honey (More Honey then this will make them STICKY!!!)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Cook apples in water until barely tender. Drain. Run though blender to smooth.

Place puree in bowl. Add honey and cinnamon to taste. Stir well. Line 10x15" jelly roll pan with wax paper, using 2 sheets crosswise fashion so as to have plenty of overhang. Spread puree mixture over wax paper. Dry in 150°'F (65°'c) oven overnight or for 8-10 hrs during the day, until dry and leathery. It iwll be stiff enough to pull off wax paper. May be turned to dry other side a bit. It should be pliable and stretch a bit as it is torn. Roll up with plastic to store in airtight container to freeze.

12x18"' pan may be used for 2 1/2 cups puree

Food for thought.

Food.
Its vital to our being...Yet so many people are STARVING from the inside out...

Children are especially at risk, as they can show signs of being "Picky" or "Finicky"....
They may eat and gain weight yet they are lacking in many vital health areas...we may want to Jump to vitamins, while this maybe a somewhat effective band-aid it is Not the answer.

We need to start on a path of healthy eating...of having whole foods...Foods nature has provided...or as some people call them "Slow Foods".

It maybe hard to Change the Diet of a "Picky" eater...But Parents need to remember that THEY hold the Key to their child's food patterns.....They have chose what food to introduce and they can be the ones to CHANGE what they eat.

It may not be easy but their are good ways to start...

Replace a Daily "Junk snack" (Like Processed Crackers or Gummy Fruits) with a Healthy whole food snack...Like an Apple, Banana, Organic Yogurt or even fruit leather (Dried fruit puree...Offered at health food stores and VARY easy to make)

Replace a "mock juice" with an 100% Fruit Juice.

Have Your child Help prepare a meal....its surprising what they will eat when they got to cook it!

Visit a Farm and talk about the Foods they eat....Its a fin trip for the whole family!


Again, You don't have to make the change overnight....actually it would be better in baby steps....But in the end your child's eating habits will likely transform!

The CHILD Disorder by Jan Hunt and Naomi Aldort

After close observation of their own children, with a combined age of 61 years, observations of many other children in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Israel, Greece, Italy, Swiss, France, Holland, Belgium, England, Scotland, and the Bahamas, and numerous reports throughout recorded history, the authors have determined that a widely-distributed behavioral disorder has somehow been overlooked by psychiatrists. They have labeled this disorder "CHILD"¹. Just like "ADD", "ADHD", and "Asperger's Syndrome", CHILD is not based on any medical evidence or test whatsoever, but it should nonetheless be a useful diagnosis for mental health professionals, school administrators, and parents.

Symptoms

Stage 1:

• cries when left alone at night
• cries when put into car seat
• cries when being diapered or dressed
• cries when hurt
• naps too long (or) does not nap long enough
• potty-training does not go smoothly
• poor hand-eye coordination
• fussy when teething
• clingy during times of family stress
• dribbling

Stage 2:

• tantrums when frustrated
• incoherent babbling
• climbs onto dangerous areas
• enters roads without looking
• fussy when hungry
• insists on favorite cup at meals
• refuses all vegetables
• clingy following a parent's return from a trip
• clingy following a move
• clingy following birth of sibling
• clumsiness with frequent dropping and spilling
• continues unwanted behavior even when told to stop
• punishment doesn't work

Stage 3:

• sudden unexpected movements
• irrational fears that don't respond to logic
• funny noises, sudden shrieks, inappropriate giggling
• talks to dolls and stuffed animals
• may have imaginary playmates
• fidgets when bored; unable to sit still
• runs and climbs; always on the go
• insists on wearing favorite clothing
• does not come promptly when called
• tells silly jokes
• embarrasses parents in public
• interrupts when parent is on the telephone
• grumpy when tired
• angry when losing a game
• dawdles when hurried
• fights with siblings
• insists on own way of doing things
• punishment doesn't work

Stage 4:

• prefers playing to doing chores
• stammers when nervous
• doesn't listen to reason
• selectively forgetful
• talks excessively (or) does not talk enough
• ignores direct questions
• sudden, energetic behavior
• self-centered, egocentric behavior
• walks away when parent lectures
• sullen when mistrusted
• forgets to say "please" and "thank you" despite repeated reminders
• grumpy when ill
• resists structured teaching; prefers own way of learning
• punishment doesn't work

Etiology

The causes of this disorder are not yet clear, but the authors suspect that the primary cause is premature birth, i.e. birth prior to age 20. This is probably inevitable, as a 20-year gestation would be stressful for the human female.

Prevention

This disorder is not preventable; it appears to be universal among low-age populations. However, there are several approaches that can minimize behavioral difficulties:

• cosleeping
• carrying in the first years
• breastfeeding with child-led weaning
• eye contact
• gentle touch and hugs
• respectful listening
• undivided attention
• validation of feelings
• empathy
• trust
• avoidance of punishment
• natural learning

Prognosis

The prognosis is excellent, as this disorder subsides over time, provided the preventative measures listed above are taken. Drugs are not recommended.

For more Please Visit www.naturalchild.org

OBGYN Quotes

"I'd section all women if I could. It's the 'way to go'."

"The vagina is not made for having babies anymore than the penis is. I'm speaking as the head of the ob/gyn department here. I want to come across as the voice of reason in this."

"If I could give all men vasectomies, I would. No wives should have to go through birth more than twice, at the most."

"We shave 'em, we prep 'em, we hook 'em up to the IV and administer sedation. We deliver the baby, it goes to the nursery and the mother goes to her room. There's no room for niceties around here."

"I put women on a pedestal. I open doors for them. I have a lot of respect for them. In the hospital I have to see them in certain degrading positions, see certain degrading parts of their bodies. So I try to do all I can to maintain their dignity. I heard that one of these younger doctors lets women be naked on his examining table. Can you imagine that? Why would any woman want to do that? I had gowns specially made that conceal all of a woman's body except the part I absolutely have to see in order to preserve their dignity. Once I saw a woman in labor - another doctor's patient - she was crawling around on all fours, stark naked, panting like a puppy. Can you imagine? What kind of respect for women does that show?"
-from Birth as an American Rite of Passage by Robbie Davis-Floyd

"I just want my couples to have as good a hospital experience as possible, so I make sure they understand everything that's going to happen to them so they won't be shocked or scared. If I talked too much about alternatives, I would just set them up with expectations that are not going to get fulfilled. Besides, I like my job and I don't want to lose it."

When n Compleat Mother editor Jody McLaughlin suggested to Alan R. Lindenmann, M.D. that women should give birth in an upright position so as to make use of gravity, he responded by saying "Gravity doesn't affect all women."

Orgasmic Birth

Pregnant in America

Natural Learning

Nature is the best place to learn!

In the natural world kids are free to explore and Free to open their minds and learn. Its really a Beautiful sight to watch a child exploring a forest or river bed learning about the Plants, animals, and the ways they work together.

Watching a Caterpillar eating a leaf, a deer Grazing on a forest path...their eyes fill with amazement and wonder.

Children need that time in nature...they need to see the natural world at its best...Its not hard to find places to go, a State park is the BEST place to start...Many of them have streams or even a lake you can explore.

Bring a Bag and Gather clam shells (PLEASE LEAVE THE LEAVE CLAMS!!!), or make a scrap book of leaves and put the names of the trees they belong with them.

The possibilities are endless...and dont think that because you went once you have seen it all...There is Always something to see that was missed before.

Learning to Mother.

Hello, My Name is Heather.
I am the Proud Mother of a Four year old, and a 20 Month old (Both Bright little Girls).....and I am Pregnant with baby #3 and Due feb. 23rd 2010.

We are an AP family trying to Raise our children to be respectful and Loving towards the earth, And all the creatures in it....
We Believe in treating our children with the Same Kindness we would treat other adults, and helping them learn instead of forcing them to "Behave".

Well thats just a bit about our family and a bit about this Blog really.