Blessed

Time has flown by and believe or not but we have had one more baby!  Lila Jane was born October 22, 2016 ~ she is truly a little blessing and completes our family.  She is also a big part of the reason I have not posted in so long! But she's worth every second of my time, let me tell you <3. She is now 16 months old and hilarious.  She entered the world after a couple days of labour via emergency c-section.  So this ole bode has gone through a c-section then a VBAC then an appendectomy then a c-section!  And it's still kicking and feeling good ~ testament to how amazing our bodies truly are.  I thank God we had the team we did help Lila enter this world safe and sound.  In Lila's case (medically necessary - umbilical cord wrapped around her little leg acting like a bungee cord), it was not only medically necessary but the very reason she is with us today.

Again, thank you God.

Life just keeps pushing forward ~ two kids in school, baby at home, working part time, house, wife, life!  I got to tell you though, my perspective has transformed a lot over the last few years with the challenges I have faced, my family has faced.  I practice daily gratitude for my husband and my children from the moment I wake up.  The things that have happened in my life have changed me spiritually.  I am a Christian and my faith has really gotten me through some very big struggles.  We have settled in to our routines as a family, working together to figure out this parenting thing.  I am finally training again at Excel and it's nice to kick an hour to myself a few times a week!  Every day is a blessing <3 It truly is.

This is what I live for.  This is who I live for.  Blessed.

Dealing with a C-section

If you have looked at previous posts regarding my birth stories you will know that my daughter was born via emergency c-section after numerous hours of labour (long story short ~ me not asking enough questions and just being a passenger and believer in the doctor on call led to a few interventions which led to Marley's heart rate playing ping pong which led to emergency c-section ~ in sum, impatient doctor and non-educated/informed mom brought on the c-section which was not what I had hoped for and wanted).

What is done is done and I am appreciative for my dear Marley who is already 3 years old.  Since experiencing that I have dived deep into natural birth, VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean), midwifery, and all the goodies that come along with natural birth and preventing "unne-caesarean" for both mama and baby.  I will also state right now that we are extremely lucky and blessed to have the ability to bring a baby into this world safely when due to true medical reasons baby can not be born vaginally.  I know deep down in my heart that my first experience would have been completely different if I would have gone with a midwife (or at least a professional) that has the same values as I do.

I admit I was naive and had no reason to not "trust" in my doctor and I do take responsibility for not asking the right questions and educating myself as much as possible.  Sure I read books and went to prenatal classes (mind you they were recommended FROM my doctor and were very HOSPITAL/Doctor based).  I found as a new mom that was new to the world of birth I WENT along with what I thought ladies do.  I didn't have lots of friends that had children and midwife wasn't really even my vocabulary.  I had a birth plan ~ you know, minimal interventions, skin to skin right away but I didn't plan (nor did I discuss) with my doctor what happens if you have to have a c-section.  I didn't know, for example, the lack of skin to skin right away, the possible trouble with breastfeeding since we didn't get that contact right away, the fact that I could actually say NO or ask questions.  I didn't know about my alternatives to interventions and I just blindly trusted in my doctor.  This might start to sound like I really dislike my doctors ~ I appreciate their expertise and all the goods things they do BUT I really dislike how you get whatever doctor is on call (didn't know this until I went into labour ~ did I assume my doctor would be there ~ um yes I did ~ did she mention it was whomever was on call at the hospital ~ um no she didn't).  I also really dislike that fact that the doctor I ended up getting seemed to completely lack appreciation for a women's body and no not everyone will birth in a set number of hours.

I am a slow labourer ~ that doesn't mean once I hit 8 hours that you should do everything in the book to "speed" things along ~ some women are in labour for days for heaven's sake!  He completely seemed to miss that fact that natural birth is important to some and nope I don't want to take the quick route ~ I want to let my body do what it has to do to birth my baby.  If mama ain't stressing and baby ain't stressing then why not just let it happen?  Ok enough with the rant sorry:)  I think you get my point.  I do want to mention that the surgeon who I had was very good ~ great bedside manner and as I woman I feel like she and I connected.  The surgery team was also amazing ~ the had some Jack Johnson playing in the background and one of the anesthesiologist took pictures because Paul was busy comforting me.  I remember he even dabbed away my tears and we had a good laugh.  Then while I was in recovery an older lady nurse came and sat with me.  We talked about her granbabies and I told her how excited I was to meet Marley.  She did freeze test after freeze test as we both were excited for me to go see Marley.  Though it was not in my plan to have a c-section, the experience with the team was very positive and I could tell they were passionate about their jobs.  They tried their best to make it as peaceful and positive as it could be for mom, dad and baby.  Thank you to them<3

After my c-section with Marley I went thru a number of emotions from sadness to guilt to depression.  My family doctor (who happens to be the doctor on call's spouse) sort of blew off my inquires into the "why" of my experience.  Marley wasn't born with any head shaping, Marley wasn't stressing until the time right before he demanded c-section after doing numerous interventions like pitocin (didn't know use of this could increase chance for c-section and wasn't told).  I felt very unsatisfied with the responses I was given and simply felt deep down that it didn't have to be the way it was.  At one point, when I just found out I was pregnant again (Marley was 9 months old) I told my doctor and her first statement/question was "well should we go ahead and book another c-section".  I quickly felt my hairs stand up on my neck and told her no I want to try for a natural birth without all the interventions that her husband did as I truly believe they are the reason the outcome was the way it was.  I told her I would be getting a midwife because I needed to work with someone who had the same values as I do surrounding natural birth and we just weren't on the same page.  She was neutral about that but I think she understood my position (as I am sure not the first one to leave her care and go for a midwife).

I lucked out and got on with the best midwife in the area (and my bets are that she is the best province if not country wide).  My midwife heard my story and how important it was for me to try for a VBAC.  One of the first things I had to do was meet with the top women's doctor in our area and have him review my file to let her and I know if it is a go-ahead.  I still remember sitting in his office discussing Marley's birth and reasons for switching to a midwife for this one.  He looked me square in the eyes and outright apologized for the experience I had with Marley and my c-section.  He said that impatience on part of the doctor was obvious and more time should have been given to let nature run it's course.  There was no evidence the Marley needed to be pulled out immediately except for some heart rate changes that are common when you get to those stages of labour.  I left his office completely in bliss.  I re-trusted my body and my gut.  Needless to say my second birth was slow moving and a difficult one.

Almost a full day before Jonah finally arrived vaginally.  It wasn't an easy labour and there were moments when I thought we would have a repeat c-section but my midwife was so supportive and we were going to do everything in our power to make my VBAC a success and if it didn't turn out that way I knew that I had tried and I had been a DRIVER instead of a passenger on this journey.

  Will I try again?  Yes I hope to have one more baby some time in the future and the moment I get pregnant I will be calling my midwife and asking for her guidance once more.  She was my rock.  The amount of support, guidance, knowledge and caring she provides is astounding.  She is truly a master of midwifery.

Now~about dealing with a c-section~I want to talk about how to deal emotionally and physically.  Let's start off with emotionally(and this is from my own personal experience ~ everyone is so different)  I think if it is a MEDICAL necessity then thank goodness baby is here safe and sound.  When it isn't medically necessary or/due to over-intervention like mine, this is what I experienced:

1.  I felt sadness for "missing out" on a natural ~ the skin to skin right away after birth, breastfeeding right away, that initial bond.  Now it could be different in your area and this is something you will want to find out before giving birth just to be aware but in my hospital at the time of my daughter's birth it happens like this: go to O.R. (accompanied by birth supporter~for me, my husband), get prepped/epidural/spinal, baby out, baby over to scale and wrapped in blanket, baby placed on mom's chest, kiss and attempt to hold her but you are frozen, they take baby away (with birth supporter), put mom back together, go to recovery and unfreeze (took me almost 2 hours), then go up to see baby and finally HOLD YOUR BABY!  I know practice is/has changed a bit now that we have a new facility but I still think skin to skin right after surgery and while getting stitched up is hard to come by.

2.  I felt like my body had let me down initially before I became aware of what happened and the "why".

3.  Had seven weeks of difficult breastfeeding ~ I stuck it out but had a lot of pain and trouble.  Marley breastfed until she was close to 10 months old.

4.  Wished I could just be like all the other mom's that had an easier, natural birth.  Was and am still envious of those ladies.

5.  Worried about the trauma Marley went through due to the lack of natural birth and worried about our bond.  I never had full out bonding issues but when your confidence is down regarding what you think your body should have done it does impact it a bit.  

WHAT I LEARNED IN REGARDS TO HANDLING IT EMOTIONALLY:

1.  Becoming informed on the "why" is empowering even if it is disappointing and didn't have to be that way.

2.  Talking to other mamas that went thru similar experiences.  There are a lot of them out there. Connect on social media or local groups for support.  

3.  Share your story and don't be ASHAMED of the way things played out.  It is a learning experience and if nothing else you can help someone else become more aware of their options and alternatives.

4.  It is what it is ~ hug your baby<3 Your job as a mother is the most important job you will ever have<3

Next, physically the recovery can be lengthy and probably is a little different for everyone.  For me it did take about 6 weeks to get close to back to myself physically.  During those 6 weeks I spent a lot of time at home with Marley just getting to know her and breastfeeding.  She took her time eating so we spent a lot of time sitting around nursing:)  My scar healed quite well but on the right side it sort of dipped in (this is apparently where the surgeon tied the knot of the inside stitches).  I was worried about the bump and scar tissue so I luckily connected with a friend that had a similar situation and she directed me to a physiotherapist that specializes in scar therapy (works out the scar to make the tissues flush and smooth like they start out).  Here are some other tricks for dealing with the scar:

1.  (Can do this as early as 6 weeks IF your scar has healed and it doesn't hurt/not tender) Buy some great organic pure CASTOR OIL.  Smooth it onto the scar and around the scar.  Place a piece of saran wrap (plastic wrap) over that area that has the castor oil.  It just clings right on:)  Take a hot water bag or even a very hot wash cloth and place ON TOP of plastic wrap.  Let it sit and heat up for 10-15 minutes.  Pull off the heat source.  MASSAGE on top of the plastic wrap all around the scar.  This helps the tissue become smooth (compared to the harder scar tissue that is criss crossed when heals).  Do this a few times a week.  I did this a few times a week for about 6 weeks while I was seeing my scar therapy physio therapist and getting treatments.  This is what she recommended I do as I was getting treatments to help the process along.

This is the awesome castor oil I purchased ~ from Nature's Fare Market in Vernon, BC ~ I am sure you can find it at any health food or natural product store.

2. C-Panty: I found that underwear sits right around the scar and boy is it uncomfortable.  I did some research and went to Baby & Me in Kelowna, BC where I purchased a couple pairs of C-Panty.  You can find this awesome store on Facebook here.  The C-Panty was great because it has a soft piece of material that covers the scar and helps with the healing!  You can find more information about this product here.  And it helped me a lot ~ the actual product is a little pricey but completely worth it!

I didn't get the high waisted ones ~ I got the regular, classic fit but it does give you an idea:)

3.  Find a physio therapist in your area that specializes in SCAR THERAPY.  Having this wonderful woman help me recover was truly a blessing.  Everything is connected so if your scar doesn't heal properly it can actually impact so many other things ~ not just your core and abdominals but a variety of other parts ~ impacting mobility, impacting how you feel in general.  If you happen to live in the Okanagan, British Columbia Canada ~ contact me through the page and I can pass on this physio's name.  Again, make sure you go to someone who SPECIALIZES in scar therapy to get the most beneficial treatment for your c-section.

In closing, I can not stress enough how important it is to get informed.  No matter how baby arrives, be the DRIVER in your birth and know your wishes and stick to them.  Don't let others intimidate you and make you feel unsure about your wishes.  If c-section is not medically necessary, try to avoid it.  Be informed of how interventions can have an impact.  Power is not ignorance.  Power is in knowledge and no matter what your personal wishes are and how they differ from mine empower yourself with knowledge.  This is the most amazing and life-changing experience of your life and you NEED, you MUST take control and not let someone else DRIVE.  Ask questions, get second opinions and I highly recommend working with a midwife or at least a doula.  The amount of care and time spent is completely 180 degrees from a doctor.  A midwife only has so many patients so they CAN invest that time that a busy doctor can't.  Find someone who has similar values regarding birth as you do ~ whatever those values are.  If you don't know what your values are and what is important to you ~ join groups on Facebook, do research, read books, talk to moms who have a wide variety of birth stories.  Figure it out before the time comes to deliver baby instead of regretting how you let things happen.  Drive.  I wish every mom to be out there the absolute best birth experience.  It truly is a beautiful miracle no matter how it comes to fruition.  The power is in your hands!  Sending love and positive thoughts to you and your baby!

P.S. A book I ABSOLUTELY fell in love with while planning for my VBAC is Ina May Gaskin Guide to Natural Childbirth.  Read it!  You can find her site here with information on her book.

The Best Turkey Chilli

This was originally posted on my wellness blog "eat. burpee. sleep. repeat".  I like it so much I thought it would be valuable to post here as well for any mamas out there looking for great meal ideas!  There is also a great soup on the other blog that can help with cravings, etc. if you are currently on a weight loss journey.  It is not a meal per say ~ it is more of a snack and side option.  You can check it out here.  Bon appetite!

Ok both of my kids are napping so I am going to bang out this post!  Yesterday I shared an awesome soup recipe from one of my favourite nutritionist author's Dr. Joey Shulman.  Well today my 3 year old and I whipped up some yummy turkey chilli.  I find chilli recipes somewhat all the same but really enjoyed this one because it has cinnamon in it!  So not only is it super nutritious, filled with fibre and protein but has undertones off cinnamon which really make this chilli pop!  This recipe comes from Phase 2: Boost of Dr. Shulman's Metabolism Boosting Diet.  You can find it on page 237 ~ it is delicious and again a great meal you can freeze in a portion size container and heat up for a home cooked meal without all the prep!

THE RECIPE:

1lb ground turkey
1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (28oz) tomato sauce
½ medium onion, diced
2 celery sticks, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp EACH dried basil, parsley, oregano, cinnamon
1 tbsp chilli powder
1 bay leaf
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

In a large pot, cook turkey over medium heat until browned ~ drain off fat.  Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetables and spices.  Simmer, uncovered for 40 minutes stirring occasionally.  Add beans and simmer for another 5 minutes.  Remove bay leaf and serve.

SIDE NOTE: I have never had to drain off fat since the turkey I have used is super lean.  I prefer to add my beans when I add everything else and let it simmer for 40 minutes instead of adding the beans at the end.  I think it just depends on your personal preference.  

Here are the goodies I used today ~ as you can tell I veered from the original recipe a tiny bit due to what was in my cabinets:)  I used a can of mixed beans and a can of small red beans instead of 1 can kidney beans.  Now that I have made this recipe half a dozen times or so I feel pretty comfortable with switching it up a little here or there:)

I use pretty much all organic canned goods, spices, etc.  Everything would have been purchased at Nature's Fare (my favourite place for everything grocery).

Two Rivers ground turkey is from North Vancouver, BC ~ again try to do as much organic and local as we can.  Also look for SPCA approved eggs and meat.  Purchased from Nature's Fare as well.

This is my best sous chef Marley:)  She re-washes all my veggies and preps them (puts them on the cutting board)for me to chop up.  Then she puts them in the bowl! She rocks ~ you can't purchase her from Nature's Fare though you will find her there often!  She loves it there!

Mix all these goodies together and simmer!  It smells so good ~ especially with a little cinnamon pop!

Here are the nutrition details per serving:

371 calories

11 g fat

36 g carbohydrates

32 g protein

11 g fibre

12 g sugars

I am telling you this recipe is one to try and it will become a staple in your home!  My husband adds a little hot sauce because he loves hot ~ and nothing is hot enough for him.  This recipe has a bit of spice but nothing drastic.  Thank you Dr. Shulman for another winner!  Enjoy everyone!

Make Mama Well

Sometimes having babies can make us forget about taking care of ourselves.  Sometimes I look at the clock and it is three in the afternoon and I realize I have not changed and cleaned myself up yet.  It is quite something when showers become a treat and going to the bathroom by yourself is rare.  Life is simply…different.  Focus is on the babies ~ who needs a clean bum, who needs a snack, who needs a story, who needs a snuggle, who needs a timeout (MARLEY;), who needs a drink (or a boob depending on the stage).  Moms go day after day waiting on the babies, making sure everyone is taken care of.  It is a honour to take care of my family but sometimes I just want to pee by myself.  So what am I getting at?  Mama wellness, my friends.  Wellness…think about that word for a second and think about what it means for you.  I think for my family to be happy I need to be healthy.  Well what is health to me?  It is nutrition and exercise.  Those are my two priorities after my children and husband (oh and dog).  Over the last year I have really focused on my health (along with my families health).  I also write a blog called "eat. burpee. sleep. repeat." which you can find here.  In this blog I share what I have learned about nutrition, fitness and achieving a healthy weight.  I also do some book review stuff and share profiles of amazing members of my training centre Excel Fitness.  It is amazing how much dietary changes and some good exercise can really change your view, perception, attitude, mood, and the list goes on.  I find that when I am not taking care of myself (eating crap, or not much at all cause I am go-go-go all day; not exercising ~ just doing the running the kids around thing) I feel like garbage.  My confidence is weaker, I tend to have a shorter fuse with my kids, just feel grumpy/sad/tired.  I just really like who I am ~ I deal with it but I know things should change.

Now that I am wiser about nutrition and a day-to-day diet's effect on you inside and out I feel so much better.  I have more energy, a longer fuse for those tough times, and way more confidence.  I feel way more comfortable in my skin and don't mind going out and about with little makeup and my hair pulled back.  A few years ago when I was less healthy I would always do my makeup and hair but look put together but the food and lack of exercise was what I really should have been focusing on.  I mean if you enjoy that good on ya girl!  I enjoy that too but time and priorities are different.  Somedays it works and somedays it doesn't.  The point I am trying to make is that I was trying to hide the fact that I didn't feel to great about myself ~ mainly because I knew I should be eating food that was better for me and exercising more.  I have never been crazy unhealthy but just enough where I couldn't just go out and run a 10km (or a 5km:).  By the way I did just that this past weekend ~ I woke up on Sunday morning and simply felt like doing the 10km race in my area so luckily I got in and did it:)  Here are my stats ~ not too bad for a newbie:
Name: BRITTANY MCMILLAN
Age Cat: F30-34
Place: 149
Time: 1:01:16
DivPlace: 9 / 11
SexPlace: 63 / 94
Mile Pace: 9:52
Km pace: 6:08
Points: 15

Thank heavens that is done!

Running running running!

Post race happy! Sore but happy!

 I love learning about nutrition and how I can FUEL my body to operate at it's best.  And I love training ~ I wish everyone could find a place like Excel.  I look forward to class so much and love leaving there sweating and pumped.  I am so much stronger now than I have ever been.  I feel so much better in clothes that I felt uncomfortable in before ( you know that pants to tight on the tummy thing, etc.).  I am in the best shape of my life (and so wish I would have treated my body like this years ago)!  By no means am I saying that all moms need to make time to become super fit body builders but I do think everyone (mom or not, male and female) need to be cognizant of the nutrients they ingest and the exercise they partake in.  What do you have to lose?  Who wouldn't want to feel better inside and out (when I say inside I am talking about digestion mainly, possibly healing an injury, etc.).  A perk could be you can fit into that pair of pants sitting in your closet but that comes second to the fact that you are healthier INSIDE.

I think wellness can take form in other ways too like doing something you enjoy, crafting, sports, social gatherings, etc. but I really do think you need to make sure nutrition and fitness are somewhere in your top priorities.  Even if you don't think you have time ~ really try to make time.  At some point during the day/night maybe you watch TV or go on the computer.  You can squeeze a little workout in somewhere.  Also prepping food for the week has recently become a life saver for my family.  Instead of reaching for chips you can reach for those carrot sticks or hardboiled egg, etc.  If mama feels good, the kids feel good.  If everyone is eating a healthy, balanced diet then you have more regulated moods plus you just simply FEEL better.  Exercising as I am sure you know improves happiness!  I am not seeing any cons here:)  I wish all mamas a healthy and vitalized life.  You are worth it.

Click over to my wellness blog for tips and how-to.  One author that you must check out is named Dr. Joey Shulman.  She is phenomenal.  You can find her and her books here (and also at your library).  Natural Makeover Diet and The Metabolism Boosting Diet are awesome books!  She is by no means a "fad diet" writer ~ it is all about making changes for LIFE and how to nourish your body for LIFE.  The word diet has a pretty negative connotation but here I am talking about your day-to-day eating.  Organic, local, balanced ~ this is the way to go.

If you are making your insides super healthy and taking care of that part of it I think it is also a great idea to take care of the outside.  I have mentioned this book before in an earlier post but everyone should read Gorgeously Green.  Products that you put on your skin should not be unhealthy for you.  This is a great little wake-up call and can really take mama wellness to another level!  Ok nap just ended so I am going to cut here.  Stay tuned for more:)  Thanks for reading!

What's New?

Well it has been a heck of a long time since I posted last ~ I have been working on my other blog re: health and fitness so that has been taking up most of my computer time:)  Here's a link here if you want to check it out:) http://eatburpeesleeprepeat.blogspot.ca  Not much has changed in our lives ~ we are still getting settled in our new (old) home and loving having the space.  Marley and Jonah are doing fantastic.  They really enjoyed the holidays, receiving presents, eating chocolate and spending lots of time with family and friends.

Here is what is new with Marley (3 yrs in 24 days!):

• Can dress herself
• Doesn't wear a diaper at all now (even at night!) and can go potty all by herself
• Asks me things like "Can I say Damn-it?" and I say "No. That's an adult word" and she replies "Damn-it." Little bum:)
• Is a big helper around the house ~ puts away cutlery, wipes up messes, folds laundry (some what) and gets me things like diapers, wipes, etc.  
• Teaches Jonah not-so-baby-friendly things like standing on chairs and sitting on tables ~ thank you Marley!
• Is very excited about Ballet class which she is going into this Spring.  Has been practising a lot around the house.
• Likes to put jewellery on Jonah, wash him, and read to him.  Very sweet <3
• Loves using the "pad" (my i-pad) ~ I think she knows more than I do already!
• Can do up the chest buckle on her carseat all by herself.
• Is adamant to do things by herself ~ and let's me know by firmly yelling "Let me do it!"
• Has gone to the dentist and received rave reviews.
• Cuddles RAFFIE still and thumbsucks.
• Stopped taking a bottle (we stopped giving her a bottle) about a couple months ago thank goodness.
• Had a temper tantrum when we went to sit on Santa's lap after spending forever in the line up.  She was all excited and the moment she was to walk up to him she crashed.  Not fun Marley! But we tried again the next day and after some bribery and Mommy sitting in the photo we had a good one taken!
• Dance is still her favourite thing in the whole world ~ second is princesses!

She is as sweet and beautiful as one comes.  Everywhere we go people tell her how beautiful she is.  She loves interacting with anyone and always strikes up conversations with someone.  She is funny, goofy, silly, caring, smart and gorgeous.  Love this girl to bits!

Here is what is new with Jonah (16 months):

• Says Ma, Mama, Dada (only when he is mad at mama will he call for dada otherwise dada is mama haha), moo, nay, meow, woof, something that sounds like quack-quack.  
• Loves animal sounds and pictures of animals.
• Is not speaking yet though he grunts little syllables that would be a sentence if he had words.
• Gets frustrated at me when I don't understand what his caveman grunts mean ~ I skipped that class in high school sorry buddy!
• I get frustrated at his grunting (especially since Marley starting talking to me when she was less than a year) girl vs boy I guess:)  Paul says he is a little difficult now but Marley will be in the long run hahah:)
• His comprehension on the other hand is excellent and knows what things are, how to do things, follow directions, etc.  He has a very mischievous side and will look at you out of the corner of his eye, grinning, with his little pointy finger out about to touch something I am saying "ta ta" too.  Little brat:)
• He is starting to get taller so he is losing that chubby little baby boy figure and is looking more like a toddler.
• He cries because he doesn't have words so I get driven a smudge crazy sometimes haha:)
• He still is breastfeeding a couple times a day ~ never took a bottle, hated soothers and never thumb sucked.  Finally more interested in drinking milk from a cup so hoping I won't be breastfeeding a 4 year old!  Hoping to be done in the next month or so.
• Just started forming an attachment to a little soft stuffed puppy so at least he has something other than me to comfort him!  Marley still has her raffies so I think he watched her and learned from her which is great.
• He is a hugger, a kisser, a cuddler, a wrestler (pinch, bite, hair pull) and a ham.  I think he is more sensitive than Marley and his funny personality shines thru most when he is with his family.  
• Makes the most funny CHEESE face!
• Almost gets "where's your nose?" right
• Likes to keep things away from you if he thinks you want it.
• Likes tools.
• Likes to climb everything ~ has fallen off of everything.  Is a DANGER BABY!
• Has had a black eye, a huge goose bump, bloody mouth, scraped face, bleeding nose!  Gives mommy a heart attack often!
• Has a lot of teeth ~ went thru a tough time teething, lots of fevers!
• Can run fast.
• Loves to be pulled on the sled ~ loves Marley right behind him holding onto him too.
• Eats A LOT!  And is messy ~ takes a lot of baths!
• Is in LOVE with Flora our bulldog ~ she is the first thing he wants to see in the morning.  He pets her and kisses her.

Both Marley and Jonah have been really healthy this winter so that is great!  We attend Mother Goose and the library often.  Marley can memorize a book very quickly so it almost sounds like she is reading it!  I am looking forward to Jonah talking ~ just hearing his voice ~ communicating with him.  It will be such a treat and make life a little easier especially if there is something wrong.  Both are going into swimming lessons this winter/spring ~ Jonah adores the water so I think he will enjoy that.  It will also be really neat to see Marley in a dance or gymnastic class:)  Overall they are doing great!  Most days are a blur and I am trying to slow down and take it all in before it's over.  I am still thinking I will head back to work to some degree in the Fall ~ and trying to look at it as a positive for the kids to socialize and make friends.  Even though some days are nuts and I feel like I might go nuts I feel so lucky to be with them everyday.  See their firsts, help them, watch them, play with them.  It is very special.  I llooovvveee those little babies!

Having a baby?

I do not claim to be a expert (on anything really) and I don't know a lot but over the last 3 years of having 2 babies I have learned TONS! Last night I was at a Thanksgiving dinner party and one of the ladies is expecting her first~without even realizing it things kept on coming to mind to share with her~things that I wish someone had shared with me.  So whether she expected it or not I shared some of the little things and big things that I have learned since becoming pregnant with my daughter a few years ago....pregnant, birth, breastfeed, pregnant again when Marley was 9 months old, birth, breastfeed (that's where I am right now:)  As I was up nursing Jonah at 3am-ish, all these 'things' came to mind...'things' that I like sharing, 'things' that I have experienced, researched and learned about thru accident, some on purpose.  I decided I would write a post that encompassed these 'things'~and maybe help, give insight, or just some seeds for thought for those that are in baby mode in some way, shape or form.  Again, these are just 'things' I have learned and experiences (just like pregnancies, births, and babies) are all SO VASTLY different :)  So in no-particular order here are some 'things' you might find useful (or not lol)!

THE TESTERS!

1.  My experience with a Midwife was phenomenal.  The holistic care, the mastery of pregnancy, labour and birth, the availability to help and answer questions, the support ~ everything involved expected and unexpected.  If you read previous posts my experience with my doctors was not a positive one and long story short my c-section (Marley) was a result of impatience on the doctors part as I am a slow labourer.  Decided when I was pregnant with Jonah to go with a midwife and luckily I got in ~ the appointments were more personal, didn't feel rushed, all questions answered and things I would never even think to ask brought to my attention.  Jonah took a while to arrive (close to 21 hours from when labour started) and my midwife guided me thru all the tough times to make my hope of a natural birth a reality.  Positions, techniques, and everything else involved really made the difference.  So my hope is that you do your research and learn as much as you can about your OPTIONS ~ obviously when a baby needs to be delivered via c-section in a medical emergency your options are limited and key is to get baby out healthy and safe while keeping mama safe too.  But there is and has been the scenario where doctors are impatient and take that route for whatever reason (though it is not a medical emergency as in my case).  Being in labour for the first time without much support (doctors and nurses are in and out not really there to help you with techniques and positions though I am sure some try and help a lot), we were scared when the doctor came in and said "If you don't progress this much in the next hour we are going to have to do a c-section" you are even more scared and of course that is not going to help you relax and work with your body ~ you are tense and don't know what to do.  For sure not saying all doctors are bad and all midwives are amazing but I think you really need to be on the same philosophy/beliefs/practices as your care provider.  I also HIGHLY disagree with the fact that here at my city hospital you get whomever is on-call and that chances of getting your actual doctor are low so all the birth plans, knowing your beliefs, situations, etc. really goes out the window.  If your doctor was for sure the one to deliver your baby then things that happened to me may not happen as much.
For my family a midwife was the way to go.  A birthing centre or at home would have be the next step (if I wasn't a high risk birth due to being a VBAC patient).  The labour and birth of your child is one of the most amazing experiences of your life and I think every measure needs to be taken to get the BEST care possible ~ to me that means respecting a woman's wants and needs regarding natural birth (if there is no medical reason for c-section of course).  I loved delivering my son though yes it was the toughest thing I have had to do in my life and took every ounce of my strength but once he was out and they put him on my chest and it was pure euphoria.  My bond with Jonah was so immediate (whereas I didn't get to really hold Marley or see her until I unfroze a couple hours after c-section).  So bonding was stronger off from the start, breastfeeding was easier, recovery was extremely fast (went to the fair 5 days after Joe was born!), post-partum blues were minimal ~ I was just happier overall and in turn was a better mama when times were stressful.  And Jonah seemed to be just a calmer, peaceful, chill baby and I believe it has to due with how he came into this world ~ out of mom and onto mom.  It is already a traumatic CRAZY experience for a baby and if you can show baby you are there I think it makes the transition so much easier.  Again, if you have go with a c-section for a medical reason ~ different story ~ obviously making sure baby and mommy are safe and ok is key.
If you can not get a midwife (because they book up SO fast) I really encourage a doula ~ just having that support person to help with making decisions are such an overwhelming time would be so helpful!

Ok that ended up being a long #1 point LOL ~ let's get down to the little things!

2.  Read INA MAY'S GUIDE TO CHILDBIRTH
http://www.amazon.ca/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Material/dp/0553381156and check out her website http://inamay.com

Lots of great stories, explanations, tips ~ you name it.  Really can help you make informed decisions and also great tips for labouring and birth.

3.  Read THE HAPPIEST BABY ON THE BLOCK by Harvey Karp  http://www.amazon.ca/Happiest-Baby-Block-Harvey-Karp/dp/0553381466
Here's a little more info summarized on Baby Center http://www.babycenter.com/0_harvey-karps-happiest-baby-method-for-baby-sleep-and-soothin_10373838.bc

Either way this is BY FAR THE MOST USEFUL BABY BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!  It truly works ~ Marley and Jonah are 5 S's babies all the way!  DO IT AND THANK HARVEY FOR IT!

I know the Baby Whisperer is another good one and gives lots of good tips but Harvey Karp's book was better at giving straight up HOW TO and that's what a mama needs!  Read both and take what you like the best from both and what works for your babe:)

4.  Best stroller: BOB http://www.bobgear.com/strollers  This was the only thing other than cloth diapers that I bought new when Marley was around 6 months old.  I LOVE this stroller ~ it is light, practical, so easy to turn and use, goes anywhere in any type of weather and terrain.  Best purchase for sure.  You can get them used too so if the price tag is a little steep then go that route but really a crappy stroller is a pain in the butt.  I started with a Graco which was fine but found it heavy and didn't go where I wanted to go.  Seriously a good stroller gets you outside which is important and baby is happier too:)

5.  Cloth Diapers:  I started using cloth with my first when she was around 5-6 months old ~ I used Bum Genius ~ mainly Flips and some all-in-ones.  I have a variety of types and brands depending on what I could get for a great deal.  Flips worked best for my daughter but the all-in-ones worked best for my son (he would pee thru the flips super fast).  Either way it did save us money for sure but with both kids I stopped around 11-12 months because they would both pee thru whichever one no matter how many inserts I used.  I used them sporadically with Jonah ~ mainly if I know I can be on top of changing him often and I do have some Bum Genius Flip potty trainer ones too that I used with Marley ~ she was a quick potty trainer so never got used a lot but I will try them with Jonah when he is at that stage.  http://www.flipdiapers.com Something I learned while getting into cloth diapers is the expensive cloth diaper laundry soap is the same as COUNTRY SAVE http://www.countrysave.com  Buy it at London Drugs ~ I still use it!  A good site about how to wash cloth diapers is http://www.zany-zebra.com/wash-cloth-diapers.shtml.  This is an email I have sent to any friends that ask about doing cloth diapers:

"So we use bumGenius Flip diapers-they are a hybrid which means you don't have to wash whole diaper(like all in ones) - you just wash insert and cover when soiled(I wipe the inside of the cover after I wipe marley when it is just pee). We have a system of 30 diapers- you can get these ones in a box to save money so you get 2 covers, 6 inserts per box - a box is $55 ---- we bought 4 boxes of that then one box of the organic cotton inserts(better absorbency for night) which is $75 again 2 covers and 6 inserts. 

We also got a diaper sprayer, a pack of disposable inserts(haven't used them yet) and 2 wet bags(later I bought 2 more - large to hang off of change table and a travel size for diaper bag-these are waterproof, no smell,etc. Bummis and planet wise are great!- buy online you can get them cheaper!  )

So this is the jist:

1. 4 boxes of flip with regular inserts

2. 1 box of flip with organic insert

3. Large wet bag to hang (I don't like the pail so hanging wet bags are great) and travel wet bag (I would get 2 hanging and 2 travel)

4. Diaper sprayer(not a have too but nice to have)

5. Roll of biodegradable liners (makes dealing with poop a lot easier )

6. Rock n green detergent(best out of all cloth diaper friendly detergent- buy online can get great deals)

7. Shake it up-powder made by rock n green that you sprinkle into your wet bag keeps it smelling better

8. Pack of disposable inserts for flip diapers(not needed just nice to have in some situations)

So that makes a really complete system! There are newborn clothdiapers by bumgenius too since newborns are a bit differently shaped. They actually told me to not start cloth until baby is  a couple months old but you could if you wanted too. 

Ummm~ I will forward you a great website from cotton babies (check out the clearance/sale area!! Seconds are just diapers that had a little defect still work perfect but say the sewing was not straight things like that). I would by used online check out castanet or Kijiji or baby swap pages on Facebook. 

Don't buy G diapers!

Bumgenius, fuzzibuns, Kathy, thristies, grovia all great. 

Hybrids are better!

To wash you throw diapers and wet bag in- do cold rinse with little detergent (we have a basic washer so I just do a 3 min delicate cycle cold water)

Then take out wet bag - don't wash them in hot as you can ruin the waterproof sealing

Add detergent and wash hot, double rinse

Throw inserts and wetbags in dryer, dry on low heat 

Hang diaper covers - I put up a little clothes line in my laundry closet works like a charm!

That's it!!!!  

I sometimes use a disposable at night if I have to change marley between boob feedings as it is quick and easy. 

Flips are good from 8-35 lbs!!! Snaps are better than Velcro for longevity!

I go thru about half my stash every few days - never use them all. I make sure to rotate them around. Put the newly washed ones at the bottom of the pile type thing. 

Best to do a load every 2-3 days. Easy as pie:)

Best website to buy that I found was 

Baby bellhop out of Victoria- amazing company. Good deals. Check out clearance that would start you up for sure if you wanted to buy new. Detergent, wet bags, accessories, everything there is good deal. Free shipping when spend $100. 

You can't use dryer sheets with cloth diapers as it effects absorbency. 

Same with diapers creams/ointment. If you need something for little bum rash use grovia magic stick and throw biodegradable liner over insert. You can get it at baby bellhop:). You can also do a trial run from them. More details on their website:)

You for sure don't need to have all the same diapers so if you buy some flips and some fuzzibuns or something depending on sales, etc that's completely fine!"

6.  Skin Care:  We were/are super cautious about the ingredients in things like baby wash, lotions, etc. and have found a lot of the mainstream ones are chalked full not-so-good things.  After doing some research we found a few really yummy products and we have never had any skin issues with either baby.  A local company is AMAZING and her products are starting to get into a variety of stores ~ I go to her little shop out in Lavington but I believe Save-On might be selling her products.  Either way for baby wash and lotions (and everything in between) check out BACK TO EARTH http://backtoearthenviroproducts.com/index.php/baby-products.html/  Even things like diaper cream ~ "Sweet Pea Herbal Balm" (used to be bum balm) is fantastic ~ you can use it on bug bites, scratches, rashes, chapped skin, anything!  It is for sure my fav!  Another product that was a life saver when I was struggling with breastfeeding Marley (super painful but not mastitis just sore) is called Gentian Violet http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&id=73:using-gentian-violet&Itemid=17  This really helped with the pain and Marley looked pretty cool with a purple mouth:)

7.  Teething:  Your baby will teethe ~ some are fine and some are cranky.  There are a few things you can try other than Children's Tylenol:)  Both of my babies wore teething necklaces (MAKE SURE IT IS GOOD QUALITY BALTIC AMBER and not just beads) ~ It seemed to work for Jonah, whereas it didn't make much of a noticeable difference for Marley.  Hylands teething tablets (you can buy them from Nature's Fare here in Vernon) seemed to help too.  I also liked using homeopathic products from Boiron like Camila (for teething) http://boiron.ca/en/products/children/camilia/
For sure if you buy an amber teething necklace get it from one of the baby steal sites listed below and pay a third of what you would if you went to a store:)

8.  Swaddling:  Both of my babies were swaddled and it seemed to help A LOT!  But when Jonah was new I came across the most amazing MUSLIN BLANKETS at Chicken Little here in town.  They are fantastic blankets ~ not heavy or bulky.  One of the makers is Aden&Anais http://www.adenandanais.com/shop/swaddles.aspx
The blankets are so nice and big you can actually swaddle your baby effectively.  I used 2 because Jonah always seemed to break free from the first layer but was stuck at the second.  I also really like using them as a little blanket in the summer or a stroller/carseat cover to keep out the elements.  I can see myself using them for years:)  Very cute designs to and the more you wash them the softer they become! Another item a friend passed on to me was the WOOMBIE ~ ain't no breaking free from thisn puppy!  It was really handy when you had to do a quick swaddle. http://www.woombie.com/the_original_woombie.html

9.  Gear:  If you ever need to buy ANYTHING for your baby you must check out the facebook selling groups, baby deal sites and the giant Kids Garage Sale (held at the rec center in Spring and Fall) ~ if you don't live in Vernon, check and see if your city holds something similar ~ LOTS of great deals to be had.
Here are a list of BABY DEAL SITES(your husband is going to hate me hahaha):

1. Baby Half Off http://babyhalfoff.com
2. Baby Steals (also linked to Kid Steals and She Steals) http://baby.steals.com
3. Baby Heist http://www.babyheist.com/category_1/Heist-of-the-Day.htm
4. True Cuddles http://www.truecuddles.ca
5. Bundles and Buzz http://www.bundlesandbuzz.com
6. Mama Bargains http://www.mamabargains.com
7. Baby Cheapskate http://www.babycheapskate.com
8. Sweet Baby Deals http://www.sweetbabydealz.com
9. Mamas Retreat http://www.mamasretreat.com
10. Mom n Tot Deals http://www.momntotdeals.com

**By far Baby Steals has the best deals more often than the others and check the ARCHIVE (esp around Christmas ~ they do big sales on things that on sale already and sometimes free shipping)

SHOPS (Local to Vernon BC Canada)

1. Second Street Children's Store (Vernon) ~ bought my Bob Stroller and accessories there ~ lots of good consignment items as well:)
2. TJ's Kiddies Store (Kelowna) ~ great prices esp. on floor display items ~ I bought the floor display model of my daughter's nightstand there reg. $125.00 Got it for $20 because it had a little chip out of the back corner!  For sure the best prices around, amazing selection!
3. Baby & Me (Kelowna) ~ awesome selection and they have some good sales too!  Lots of furniture and uniques things.  All the top quality brands.  Great place to buy your swaddling blankets too:) 

FACEBOOK SALE PAGES/GROUPS (Local to Vernon BC Canada):

1. Vernon & Area Buy'n Sell, Swap, Trade, Give Away
2. Vernon Kid Swap Buy/Sell
3. Vernon & Area Buy & Sell Children's Items
4. Vernon Parents Swap & Shop
5. Vernon and Area Buy & Sell Everything
6. Kelowna Parent's Buy and Sell

BEST BABY BUMP AND BABY AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER IN VERNON IS BY FAR Image Studios ~ Caylee Secretan and Fiona Forshaw!!!  Seriously go to their Facebook pages and LIKE them ~ they are soooo good and they do lots of giveaways and deals:)  LOVE THEM!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Studios/228528600617859

https://www.facebook.com/CayleeSecretan.Photography

OTHER ITEMS I LOVED:)

1. Guzzie & Guss Highchair ~ we love wooden stuff and it was a great price (bought it at TJ's)http://www.guzzieandguss.com/buffet-highchair-p-99.html  You can also buy a seat cushion in a variety of colours and designs:)
2. Bumbo with the tray ~ buy this used for sure though ~ super handy with both of my babies ~ Marley liked it more though.
3. Dream Screen by Lamaze ~ I don't think they make or sell this product anymore but I bought this at the big kids garage sale.  Both my kids loved this once they turned one-ish.  http://www.amazon.com/Lamaze-LC27104-Dream-Screen/dp/B000I2Q09A
4. Sleep Sheep ~ I think ours has been used at least 90% of the time when putting our kids to bed.  I love the whale sounds:) http://www.sleepsheepandfriends.com/sheep.html
5. Robeez Shoes ~ these are the best!  They are easy to get on and they stay on! Never buy from a store ~ buy from their website ~ they are always having big sales and they are shipped really fast!  LOVE THESE! http://www.myrobeez.ca
6. Padraig Slippers ~ these are awesome too!  Easy to get on and Jonah loves his! http://www.padraigcottage.com/m-55-padraig.aspx
7. Carriers ~ it really depends on the baby and you.  Both mine have used a few different ones and like them just fine.  Ergo, Bjorn, Cuddly Wrap.
8. 4MOMS Mamaroo ~ this is the holy grail of automatic bouncy chairs ~ huge life saver when Jonah needed constant movement for those hard nights:) http://www.4moms.com/mamaroo  I also borrowed a friends swing which was a huge help and we also had a bouncy chair that you push with your foot.  All handy ~ you need a place to put baby down sometimes.  Really you only use these special items for a short amount of time so if you can get them used or just borrow them that is the way to go:)

So I think that covers most of it ~ of course I will go to sleep tonight and think of something else but these are the main ones:)  Hopefully it will help make your search for things easier and you will find some great deals.  If there is ever a product you want to research or compare Baby Gizmo.com on youtube do great and honest reviews.  Of course every mom has things to share from her experience too so ask them too:)  Enjoy the deal sites!

Keep on keeping on...

Well it is almost summer and I am so excited!  I am excited that Marley loves building sand castles and can actually swim with me this year (somewhat:)  I am excited to have baby Jonah at the beach eating sand and splashing in the water.  This first time we took him to the beach a couple weeks ago he literally crawled his way about 15 feet to the water.  It was like a baby sea turtle making his way to the ocean ~ all you saw were these two tracks.  So cute!  I am excited that we might be moving soon ~ still listed and waiting but it could happen!  Man I hope it does!  I am excited to take the kids camping and boating.  One other thing that I am super pumped about is the new me physique wise.  I think this is the first time in my life I have actually felt comfortable and confident in a two piece bathing suit.  I am the most fit I have ever been and the most healthy though my husband and I have led a healthy lifestyle for many years in terms of eating and being active.  But I have really kicked it up a notch and I am still training at Excel http://excelfit.ca 4 to 6 times a week ~ 45 minute classes.  I am down another 5lbs and now am working at maintaining ~ which isn't really work at all as it is pretty much the new normal.  I really do crave the awesome workout sessions and LOVE leaving there drenched in sweat ~ literally dripping.  I rarely have any 'bad' cravings for things I used to like mocha frappicinos and other sweets.  I do eat a lot and I pretty much eat all day ~ healthy veggies, fruits, grains, etc.  I also have a couple water bottles I keep filled all day that I drink (if my daughter doesn't drink it first lol!)  I do have a cookie every now and then, I do have other treats once in a while ~ who doesn't like an ice capp in the summer heat!  But I just make sure I am balanced in my diet and maintain my activity level.  Here are some pics of the current me when I first put on my bathing suit (it's an old bathing suit but it was expensive and it fits fine:)
Let's keep in mind that I have a 26 month old little girl and a 9 month old baby boy so yes it is possible mamas ~ if I can achieve this so can you<3

Side note ~ I have always had a bum and bigger legs since I can remember ~ this is the first time since I was probably 13 that I have had a space between my inner thighs and a smaller toned bum!  My body has completely changed! 

Holy calves batman!

Marley is my trainer:)

So last August when I was about to deliver Baby Jonah I was 185 ~ had Baby Jonah on August 22, 2012 (he was 8lbs 6oz) and about 2 weeks later weighed myself and I was 170 or so.  I started back at the gym about 5 weeks postpartum (heal time from a natural birth compared to my daughter's c-section was sooooo different!).  I was going to my gym classes about 3 times a week but my eating habits in terms of consistency, etc. were not great nor was I getting much sleep ~ which is bound to happen when you have a new baby, a 2 year old and they are sharing a room in our 2 bedroom townhouse! AHh! Oh and breastfeeding exclusively and sure your body holds onto some nourishing fat for that:)  SO not much progress made for the next few months and then I find myself at 165 and it's December ~ complete bummer and sure doesn't help with one's self esteem when you are so hormonal:) Decided it was time to kick it into high gear and what better way to do that than to sign up for the "60 DAY FITNESS CHALLENGE" Excel Fitness http://excelfit.ca was holding.  Weighed in on January 6 and I was 165 of lovely mama body.  Measurements done.  So from that moment I started to go to gym classes 5-6 days a week (keep in mind these are 45 minutes at a time ~ perfect mama break for a breastfeeding mom that has to get back to feed a little guy!).  I made sure my diet was healthy, consistent and balanced.  Nothing extreme ~ just eat good food and do it all the time (like 6 meals a day~pretty much a grazer) AND drink a ton of water!  We do eat a lot of organic and unprocessed food so it wasn't that much of a change ~ just keeping on top of it!  Fast forward 60 days ~ I win the challenge ~ YAY!  Lost over 20 pounds in 60 days ~ more importantly lost a lot of inches and body fat plus gained a lot of muscle.  Oh and another side note ~ I have PUBIC SYMPHOSIS INSTABILITY from back to back babies ~ pretty much the joint holding my 2 large pelvis bones in loosey goosey ~ BAD NEWS I CAN'T DO ANYTHING 1 LEGGED!  No lunges, no running what so ever, no balance on one leg crap, no star jumps, no mountain climbers, nothing!  So guess what ~ my instructors helped my modify (along with advice from physio and chiro)  I started this process not being able to walk much without pain ~ limping around a lot of the day.  So these were my keys moves that I still do a lot of today:

1. SQUATS are your best friend ~ grab a kettle bell and do some shoulder presses while you are at it:) turn it up a notch and jump while you are it or stay down and pulse.  Either way you don't need a gym to do squats:)

2.  BURPEES ~ I have to step back one leg at a time so I am not the fastest but boy is it good cardio!

3.  SKIPPING ~ while others were doing sprints, I would be skipping ~ I now can skip for a few minutes straight and fast too:)

4.  SPIN ~ no matter how you look at it cycling provides a great workout! 

In addition to all that I do strength training, stretching, some core work (lots of glute bridges to help with my pelvis), and sometimes when I am feel strong I will do stairs but the moment I am hurting I pull back otherwise I will have a rough next day.  I am now able to run a bit (say around the bases when I play ball) but running is still quite the struggle for me.  SO yep I lost all these inches, all this weight and didn't run a mile!  

Fast forward to NOW:  I weigh roughly 135 ~ I have dropped a couple more % of body fat as well.  I am now wearing a size 8 which is the smallest I have been since I was about 12! LOL!  It's really not about the size to me ~ I just wanted to fit into clothes without being uncomfortable.  I wanted to feel strong and help heal my injury.  I just want to feel great and looking great is fun too!  I will never be a skinny girl as I am naturally a muscley person ~ and I am super happy to be that way!  I mean check out the biceps and the calves in the pictures above ~ Love it!  Things are just so much easier when you are in great shape ~ climbing the stairs while holding a 2 year old in one arm and a car seat with a 21 pound 9 month old in the other arm, cleaning the house, running errands, etc.  It is all easier and it feels awesome to just go into my closet and grab whatever and throw it on without worrying about it being tight.  I now throw things on and am like "damn too big!"  Now that is rewarding!  

I am still breastfeeding A LOT so even though my plan is to lose about another 10lbs, tone up more, get rid of some more body fat (2% more), I am just maintaining where I am at right now and staying healthy and nourished so baby Jonah can reap the benefits:)  Thinking come September I am going to kick it up one more notch, train a little harder and reduce calories a tiny bit while fuelling my body for the kickass classes I will be doing. 

Right now I am happy.  Right now I am proud.  Right now I am feeling great and that's exactly where I want to be.  And it doesn't hurt that my stretch marks have almost disappeared since I have toned up my tummy!  And I hope some mom is reading this out there and gets inspired to push themselves to where she is feeling strong and healthy:)  Ha perfect timing ~ guess who just woke up looking for a boob ~ nope it's not Paul;)  I am on my way baby Joe<3

A few of my favourite things...

You know when you come across something and you think to yourself "this is awesome ~ I wish someone had told me about this ages ago!"  Well that's what I am going to do:)  I am one of those people that has a bit of an A type personality ~ I research the heck out of things before I make decisions.  Today I will focus on SKIN CARE, BEAUTY and HAIR CARE products.  Here are some things I wish I knew about a long time ago:
1.  I have a huge appreciation for things that have pure ingredients and can thank a book called the GREEN GODDESS for that.  I had many aha moments reading that book.  When I was a teenager I would use all those products that you commonly find in the drugstore and that are well advertised.  I hated having skin that would break out so I would go buy more of this product to "fix" the problem.  After reading this book and investigating the ingredients in products I use I realize that it is a snowball effect that only benefits these companies.  So read that book and clean out your makeup, hair and skin products ~ you might be sad that it's money down the toilet but will benefit your skin & hair in the long run!  Which brings me to my next one!
2.  SUKI ~ they make skincare and hair care products ~ organic and natural all the way and not tested on animals.  They are fabulous and have research to back their products up.  You can even eat their Lemongrass Scrub!  It does come with a bit more of a price tag than crap you buy at the drugstore.  Comparable to crap you can buy at the counter at say the Bay or Sears (which have horrible ingredients BTW).  I buy mine at Nature's Fare ~ but pretty sure lots of natural foods type store carry it.  If not you can always get it online and sometimes they have great sales.  http://sukiskincare.com  I usually do a toner and moisturizer in the morning and a cleanser and then toner before bed.
3.  CURELLE ~ this is a Vancouver based company that I use for hair care products.  They have great ingredients as well and don't test on animals.  They have one product that removes other product buildup, chlorine, etc. and it is fabulous! https://www.facebook.com/curelle
4.  ZUII ~ makeup products http://www.zuiiorganic.com.  They are amazing ~ again I get mine at Nature's Fare.  Please do you skin a service and check the ingredients in your makeup ~ especially your eye makeup!  This is one of my favourite brands but there are many great organic, natural brands out there.  Use them!  Gabrielle http://www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com is another one.  Great BLUSH!  Earth Lab is another one http://www.earthlab.ca MADE IN KELOWNA!!  Best mascara ever!  Aveda of course is wonderful too.  You can buy it at Seasons Salon and Spa in Vernon BC.
5.  BACK TO EARTH products ~ this is a little company out in Lavington BC that has skin care, hair care, cleaning supplies, detergent, candles, and the list goes on!  They are awesome too.  I am in love with their Sweet Pea Baby Balm ~ heals any diaper rash one time around ~ chap cheeks from cold windy days healed, scratches, scraps you name it.  I use it on my skin too!  http://backtoearthenviroproducts.com/index.php/baby-products.html
6.  EMU OIL http://www.kalaya.ca I like this brand a lot ~ their concentrated emu oil is an awesome all-around product and it's BABY SAFE too!  If I have a dry patch of skin, this fixes it asap.  I also would take an eyeliner brush and put some on my eyelashes when a bunch fell out right after my son was born.  They regrew back fast (within 2 weeks) and they were full and soft!  I just put it on like eyeliner right before bed (don't do too much as it will get in your eyes).  And it is usually all absorbed by morning.  Also great for cracked hands!
7.  BEST HAND CREAM IN THE WORLD is called GARDENER'S DREAM CREAM by Aroma Crystal (a BC company!) https://www.aromacrystal.com/store/products/allproducts/gardeners-dream-cream/5/  I buy mine at Nature's Fare as well.  I apply this every night before bed and when my hands are super dry and cracked.  This doesn't sting ~ it is soothing and has lavender so super relaxing to breath in.  Lasts a long time so it is money well spent.  This is the only hand cream/lotion I have EVER used in my whole life that actually works!  So great!
8.  GOT BLEMISHES, BREAKOUTS, ACNE?  Ok this will be the only product I promote that has chemically based ingredients but I have researched it and trust in the product.  My doctor prescribed it to me back when I was pregnant with my first and my hormones went all wonky around 2nd trimester. Ever since then I swear by this stuff.  I break out in a couple spots once in a while and this is an overnight fix.  I get mine in a tube, lotion form ~ put it on before bed and let it work it's magic.  Ever since I was a preteen I probably have tried every possible brand, every possible treatment.  Organic, natural, not-so-good ingredients (like Clean & Clear type stuff), expensive, cheap, you name it!  This stuff works!  And it is covered by my health care provider so that also helps.  It runs about $60 for a tube about the same size of toothpaste which will last you a long time!  Wish I had this when I was a teenager! Here's the company info on the product http://www.stiefel.ca/pdf/clindoxyl_pm.pdf
9.  Let's talk HAIR!  So best flat iron would have to be by Zazen (my stylist got in for me at the beauty supply) and best hairdryer would have to be my HOT TOOLS one ~ got it at Chatter's:)  Don't cheap out on blow dryers ~ I can't believe how fast I can dry my thick hair now!

Hope this helps!  Off to nurse Jonah!  Oh the things I do when nap time is over LOL!