Birth

Birth.
Hard.
Scary.
Long.
Rough.
Intense.
Painful.
Happy.
Love.
Empowering.
Gratefulness.
Smiles.
Hearts.
Crying Baby.
Hungry Baby.
Breastfeeding Baby.
Content Mama, Content Baby.
I did my job as a Doula yesterday, and with an epidural, pitocin free birth, a little girl was brought into this world. Good job, mama.

My work as a Doula

So I hadn't mentioned it on here before, but I work as a Doula, as well as go to school full time to become an RN, and eventually a midwife. A Doula is a childbirth assistant, someone who is there to support a mother who is in labor and after. We provide mental, emotional, and physical support for the Laboring Mothers.
I have a Doula client now, who is about to give birth anyday.
I have my bag of tricks packed by the front door, waiting. The little gifts wrapped for the pregnant mama. And childcare set up for my Babby, in case my husband isn't home while I am gone.
I am excited about this birth in particular, because the pregnant mama and I have known each other for a long time, I can't wait to meet the new addition to her family. The baby's sex is a surprise. So that is always exciting!
So farewell. Hopefully next time I write in here, it will be about the birth (we are all anxious at this point)
Goodnight.

easy dinner!

I made the most delicious and easy dinner last night. I think a lot of people let the healthy foods their families need go by the wayside when they are all busy with school and work.
Well have no fear! The recipe I made last night takes about five minutes of actual work!
Curried Sweet Potato "Enchiladas"
what you'll need:
2 sweet potatoes
6 whole wheat tortilass
cumin, curry, chili powder (1/2 tsp each)
cheese

Bake 2 sweet potatoes for one hour @ 425 (or until tender)
keep oven on
let them cool (cool enough to touch to be able to peel)
peel potatoes, mash them up in a bowl.
grate cheese (your preference on that amount and kind)
add 1/4 tsp. cumin, curry, and chili powder into potatoes
Now take your tortillas and add potato mixture, and roll them up
you can grate with more cheese if your heart so desires
put in oven and bake until cheese in melted.
Serve with sour cream, salsa, and chips.
It is a delicious vegetarian alternative to meat. And sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Enjoy!

February

For many people the month of February tends to be, depressing, or dreary. When will the snow melt? I want to do something exciting! Get me out of my house! etc etc ( this is coming from the mind of a stay at home parent)
Well living in the midwest, we all know that snow is here, sometimes until March...instead of getting upset over it this year, or letting it get to me, and get cabin fever, I have found some things that really help keep myself and my daughter busy and happy.
We have a wonderful library right down the road. All of the Toledo libraries are nice, but I really like our branch. We go about once a week, we pick out a bag full of books, and greenmama picks out some movies, that her and greendaddy, can watch after the Babby goes to bed at night.
Also, we live near one of the greatest Art Museums in the country. They offer "family day", and Tues., Thurs., and Sun. they have a scheduled time of arts, crafts, and imaginative play, for absolutely FREE! It is wonderful. It is a way to get out of the house, and stay warm, and have fun!
And finally, of course, we play at home. We have lots of toys, however, sometimes it is more fun to make things. We like to use recycled paper (junk mail), to make paper beads. We cook too. And since we are vegetarian, there is one major way we keep it green. We cook with organic, and mostly local ingredients as well (also keeping it green).
Well, this is my first post. Just a little thought from me to you