Learning

I was so blessed to learn as much as I did during my pregnancy with Adelynne about pregnancy and birthing. The learning continues as I've had two rough starts (but successful!) with breastfeeding! And Ben and I have also started up with natural family planning. These things combined have given me a new and greater appreciation for God's design of mama's bodies, and babies. I have so enjoyed learning these things, and I hope that I can pass on my knowledge to as many people as possible. I've been thinking that after my little one's are grown, I may go back to school to get trained as a Certified Nurse Midwife.

I have had some great nurses and doctors and some not so great. It is amazing the questions I asked of multiple "experts" that I later (sometimes too late) found answers to on my own because the questions were brushed aside. I love discovering those answers, and like I said, passing them on!

Since Adelynne has been born I have learned an important thing about my body that I believe will change future births into more comfortable experiences. And as far as nursing goes...check out what I've read just today...so fun!

This tells all about why you don't formula supplement in the hospital at first if you are hoping to start a good breastfeeding relationship, and in such a cute way!

This one about God's design for that first milk, colostrum, to help heal babies' developing intestines.

And self-attachment is something I had read about before Nehemiah and Adelynne were born, but apparently I should have looked into it further, because I wasn't quite patient enough! They both developed such painful latching techniques initially, and Adelynne and I ended up back in the hospital for observation because she wasn't gaining weight properly--all because of a bad latch. I can't help but wonder if I had waited, what God might have shown me! Thank goodness I'll probably have another chance someday!

I found these links by reading a fascinating blog by a black woman advocating for breastfeeding. Her blog is called Blacktating, and I have to say I didn't realize it was as rare as it is in the black community! I am blessed to be in a community where breastfeeding is the norm, though I think I will be surprised how rare it really is elsewhere--what a shame!

Sorry, I started rambling, and I hear Nehemiah babbling away in his room, up from his nap, so, I'd better jet! Thanks for looking with me a little deeper into God's design. I am excited to see what else He reveals to me about these things; I am so in awe with each new revelation!

JK Wedding Entrance Dance

Love this! Marriage should be celebrated! Who says Minnesotans can't rock a party?! :D

The one with the stagnant puddle...

Nehemiah has had his eye on the puddles at the end of our driveway for awhile now.

Until yesterday though, he would walk up to the very edge, step in the squishiest mud, say, "Eww, yuck!" and turn from temptation. Until yesterday.

(is this okay Mama? 'Cuz here I go!)

He approached with initial caution. After that wore off, he frolicked with the best of them.

(a true Irish Riverdancer!)

And a little while in, after he got everything good and churned up, I realized that the atmosphere was smelling like frog. And the reason was all over my son...now it's Mommy's turn...EWW YUCK!


Adelynne watched from her carrier, and everyone had a bath when we got inside--there was significant splash transfer after all (unfortunately the puddle is right by our road, so someone--mommy--has to stand sentry, and you just can't get far enough away...sorry Adelynne!)

Nehemiah even gave his car a wash...

then the sky...

then me, and that is where the pictures stop!

Betrayed!

Nehemiah was so sweet, bringing me a fluffy dandelion!

Then he tried to blow, the next one he found.

Eventually, we turned to other methods of flinging fluff!

Picking raspberries

Yesterday in the A.M., we went out to camp with some friends and found some raspberries. Nehemiah has recently become enthralled with picking his own food! Perhaps I can find a blueberry or strawberry pick your own place; right now he only really eats raspberries! Adelynne hung out in the stroller to avoid a sunburn...she burns fast!

Craft Hope

Wow!!! (yes it gets 3 exclamation points!!!) I just came across Craft Hope, and I am in love! I have a lot of things I need to work on straightening out in life right now, but if and when things get a bit more manageable, I really would like to get involved in a Craft Hope project! The Lord uses people in such wonderful ways to provide for his children, Amen? He is faithful to provide for us--I know it! It is a bit hard for me to see right now, as I am in a bit of a rough patch.

You see, Ben is working 70-90 hours a week, and I am not really cut out for the life of a single parent! Especially out on the lone prairie! But, Our Lord is faithful, and seasons do change. In addition to all of the crazy hours of work, we have been greeted with some major decisions...one was buying a new van when ours was totaled. Ben put it in the ditch on his way down to the airport to pick us up. It sounds like he pretty much saved lives with his driving, but it was such an unwanted hassle to go get a new loan and things. Our "new to us" van is lovely, but it was a definite stress. Also, there is some stress over a possible move to Iowa this coming winter/spring. It was a great hope of mine, but some red flags have been popping up. For awhile I felt my hopes dashed, but there may yet be reason to hope. Ben is talking some of our red flags over with his boss today, so we'll see if things are addressed in a healthy way for our family. These are hard things to do when your husband routinely leaves before 6 am, sometimes at 4:30 even, and generally doesn't return home until 8:30 ish at night 6 days a week. We're both zombies by the end--which isn't the best state to make major financial and life decisions in.

Enough explaining of myself though! I just want to say, if you have free time...when I have free time...head on over and help out Craft Hope!

Precious Moments

Fun and recent family photo ops:

2nd--4th of July Birthday Bash

Here is a very small taste of yesterday's fun at our place!

Having a 4th of July birthday is the coolest!

Adelynne enjoying Katie's arms:


Nehemiah spitting (err...I mean blowing) out his candle:

Daddy saves the day!
Sparklers!