I had a little time on my hands to spare today while running errands around town. Place of choice? Book store!
I read a bit from each of the books I would be interested in buying, wrote the titles down, and plan on having SuperDan find them cheaper online for me.
I like to read books that give me a well rounded education on counseling and spiritual matters. I try to read books on topics I want to learn more about. Since SuperDan and I love helping counsel others, I devour books on topics like these.
I thought I would share a few of the titles I ran across today that will definitely make my wish list!
1. Modern Parents Vintage Values
2. Preparing Your Daughter For Every Woman's Battle
3. Bringing Up Girls/ Bringing Up Boys
4. Challenging The Unnecessary Delay Of Marriage
5. Letters To A Young Pastor
And with that I'll leave you with this video to brighten your day :)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Family = Important
I have a little "rant" raving in my head. It has been for many many years. I guess I've never written about it. I don't even think one measly little post could cover my thoughts entirely on the issue. But I feel like trying, nonetheless.
Parenting. Man. It is so incredibly important.
I just watched the movie Courageous a few nights ago and was blown away. How those fathers changed their lives and parenting styles goes along exactly with how I view parenting.
Many parents do a good job raising their kids, but few parents do an extremely fantastic job. There is a difference.
If you've seen the movie, you can recall how the fathers changed their mediocre approach to parenting and started aggressively pursuing their children's hearts. I like that.
I've been serving vigorously in ministry since high school, and have worked alongside my husband in youth ministry for 6 years. We've seen the results of good parenting and not so good parenting in those teens lives. You can see a difference in a child's life when their mom and dad actively work on a deep relationship, when they take on the full responsibility of being the spiritual mentor (instead of always leaving it up to the pastors), when they continually foster open communication with their child and know and care about what's going on in their heart.
There are two sides to parenting, in my opinion. (I know I'm not some famous so-and-so with six degrees... so you don't have to believe me if you don't want to). One part involves fostering respect for authority in your child's life with correct discipline, but the other part involves finding the root issue in your child's heart and seeking out what makes them tick, what hurts them, what makes them act the way they do. You can't just shove rules down their throat without relationship. Everything will blow up in your face if you do this. I've seen it. But you also can't give them everything they want and act like their best friend. People don't care about what you know, until they know that you care. Every child is unique, every situation so different, that it requires love and sacrifice on the parent's part to search out the best plan of action in that very moment.
I read an awesome article written by Ron Luce in a parenting magazine from Focus on the Family recently. I wanted to scream, "YES! YES! He is SO right on!" after I read his article. Ron Luce started Teen Mania ministries and runs different conferences and discipleship programs for teens- he's pretty much amazing. He wrote in his article about how he has studied his three children over the years to know how he can most effectively foster a deep relationship with them and help steer them in the right direction. He gave an example of how his teenage son was struggling to find a youth group where he fit in and felt comfortable. His son ended up liking a group almost an hour away, and asked his parents to drive him there every week. Ron wrote that because he wanted his son to thrive spiritually, he did it. How sacrificial and beautiful. He also wrote that he regularly reads spiritual books with his son, and then they meet for a weekly father/son breakfast date at a restaurant to discuss what they read. He said that by reading a book together it helps his son open up about issues he might not normally talk about.
I think many parents mean well, but they are missing the mark. We can't just send our children to school and church and hope they "turn out well in the end". It's our job to mentor them, train them, teach them, and the pastor's job is to supplement what you are already doing at home. I've seen many parents in my day blame the pastors for their children walking away from the Lord. I know pastors have a big influence in teens' lives, but ultimately the responsibility falls on us as the parents. When we stand before the King of Kings, will we whine and complain that so-in-so didn't do a good enough job pastoring us and our children, and blame them that everything didn't turn out right? No. We will take responsibility for our own actions and give account of how we lived our own lives.
I'm not saying this method is a fireproof method for raising perfect kids. I'm just saying that I've watched a lot of kids grow up over the years and have taken mental notes of the positive and lasting impacts great parenting has on children.
SuperDan and I have had the privilege of working alongside many amazing families over the years, and we've noted how the children were raised with the desire to develop the same habits. We've also seen some "not so good" parenting and taken mental notes on what not to do.
Of course I've had my moments where I felt like a failure as a parent. There have been times I have bent down on my knee to apologize to my daughter for something I did. Every day I ask the Lord for grace and wisdom to raise her. But I hope that through all this I am becoming a better mom every single day.
There is one particular teen from our old youth group that stands out in my mind and I will never forget. I always noted to myself how respectful he was to us, how willing he was to help out, how confident he was in himself despite others around him, how caring and equal he treated everyone around him, and basically how awesome he was. As I got to know his parents over time, it became crystal clear why he was so grounded and wonderful. I found out that he and his dad regularly had a bible study together with another father and son every single week. It occurred to me that the lessons and spiritual food he was being fed in our youth group was absolutely supplementary to what his father was already teaching him every week. My eyes fill up with tears even thinking of him while I type this because I treasure this family so much.
I don't know what the future holds for our family, but I do know that I take parenting seriously, and that will always come before work in our lives. Actually, our desire is to get involved in ministry that works well with our family situation. Currently I have a deep desire for young moms and their children because I can bring Sitora with me and foster our spiritual enrichment together (think playdates, mom small groups, nursery, etc... ) I don't want to send her to a babysitter all the time so I can be involved in work that pulls me away from focusing on motherhood. As Sitora grows older every year I will gladly get involved in the children's ministry, youth ministry, etc... so that I can be an active part of her life while serving Father at the same time. I once knew a lady who served as a youth leader so that she could be involved in her daughters' lives in a deeper way. She invited her daughters' youth group friends over on a regular basis for small groups and parties, drove the carpool to events, and served alongside the youth pastor as much as possible. I bet sometimes those teenagers drove her crazy. I bet sometimes she didn't feel like hanging out with teenagers on a constant basis. But I can tell you today that as adults those girls have a deep love and respect for their mother. I want to be like that mother.
I have more to write on this subject, but now it's time to read 10 bedtime stories to my daughter and pray with her before she goes to sleep. These seemingly small things can add up to big things later in life, and I don't want to miss one moment.
Parenting. Man. It is so incredibly important.
I just watched the movie Courageous a few nights ago and was blown away. How those fathers changed their lives and parenting styles goes along exactly with how I view parenting.
Many parents do a good job raising their kids, but few parents do an extremely fantastic job. There is a difference.
If you've seen the movie, you can recall how the fathers changed their mediocre approach to parenting and started aggressively pursuing their children's hearts. I like that.
I've been serving vigorously in ministry since high school, and have worked alongside my husband in youth ministry for 6 years. We've seen the results of good parenting and not so good parenting in those teens lives. You can see a difference in a child's life when their mom and dad actively work on a deep relationship, when they take on the full responsibility of being the spiritual mentor (instead of always leaving it up to the pastors), when they continually foster open communication with their child and know and care about what's going on in their heart.
There are two sides to parenting, in my opinion. (I know I'm not some famous so-and-so with six degrees... so you don't have to believe me if you don't want to). One part involves fostering respect for authority in your child's life with correct discipline, but the other part involves finding the root issue in your child's heart and seeking out what makes them tick, what hurts them, what makes them act the way they do. You can't just shove rules down their throat without relationship. Everything will blow up in your face if you do this. I've seen it. But you also can't give them everything they want and act like their best friend. People don't care about what you know, until they know that you care. Every child is unique, every situation so different, that it requires love and sacrifice on the parent's part to search out the best plan of action in that very moment.
I read an awesome article written by Ron Luce in a parenting magazine from Focus on the Family recently. I wanted to scream, "YES! YES! He is SO right on!" after I read his article. Ron Luce started Teen Mania ministries and runs different conferences and discipleship programs for teens- he's pretty much amazing. He wrote in his article about how he has studied his three children over the years to know how he can most effectively foster a deep relationship with them and help steer them in the right direction. He gave an example of how his teenage son was struggling to find a youth group where he fit in and felt comfortable. His son ended up liking a group almost an hour away, and asked his parents to drive him there every week. Ron wrote that because he wanted his son to thrive spiritually, he did it. How sacrificial and beautiful. He also wrote that he regularly reads spiritual books with his son, and then they meet for a weekly father/son breakfast date at a restaurant to discuss what they read. He said that by reading a book together it helps his son open up about issues he might not normally talk about.
I think many parents mean well, but they are missing the mark. We can't just send our children to school and church and hope they "turn out well in the end". It's our job to mentor them, train them, teach them, and the pastor's job is to supplement what you are already doing at home. I've seen many parents in my day blame the pastors for their children walking away from the Lord. I know pastors have a big influence in teens' lives, but ultimately the responsibility falls on us as the parents. When we stand before the King of Kings, will we whine and complain that so-in-so didn't do a good enough job pastoring us and our children, and blame them that everything didn't turn out right? No. We will take responsibility for our own actions and give account of how we lived our own lives.
I'm not saying this method is a fireproof method for raising perfect kids. I'm just saying that I've watched a lot of kids grow up over the years and have taken mental notes of the positive and lasting impacts great parenting has on children.
SuperDan and I have had the privilege of working alongside many amazing families over the years, and we've noted how the children were raised with the desire to develop the same habits. We've also seen some "not so good" parenting and taken mental notes on what not to do.
Of course I've had my moments where I felt like a failure as a parent. There have been times I have bent down on my knee to apologize to my daughter for something I did. Every day I ask the Lord for grace and wisdom to raise her. But I hope that through all this I am becoming a better mom every single day.
There is one particular teen from our old youth group that stands out in my mind and I will never forget. I always noted to myself how respectful he was to us, how willing he was to help out, how confident he was in himself despite others around him, how caring and equal he treated everyone around him, and basically how awesome he was. As I got to know his parents over time, it became crystal clear why he was so grounded and wonderful. I found out that he and his dad regularly had a bible study together with another father and son every single week. It occurred to me that the lessons and spiritual food he was being fed in our youth group was absolutely supplementary to what his father was already teaching him every week. My eyes fill up with tears even thinking of him while I type this because I treasure this family so much.
I don't know what the future holds for our family, but I do know that I take parenting seriously, and that will always come before work in our lives. Actually, our desire is to get involved in ministry that works well with our family situation. Currently I have a deep desire for young moms and their children because I can bring Sitora with me and foster our spiritual enrichment together (think playdates, mom small groups, nursery, etc... ) I don't want to send her to a babysitter all the time so I can be involved in work that pulls me away from focusing on motherhood. As Sitora grows older every year I will gladly get involved in the children's ministry, youth ministry, etc... so that I can be an active part of her life while serving Father at the same time. I once knew a lady who served as a youth leader so that she could be involved in her daughters' lives in a deeper way. She invited her daughters' youth group friends over on a regular basis for small groups and parties, drove the carpool to events, and served alongside the youth pastor as much as possible. I bet sometimes those teenagers drove her crazy. I bet sometimes she didn't feel like hanging out with teenagers on a constant basis. But I can tell you today that as adults those girls have a deep love and respect for their mother. I want to be like that mother.
I have more to write on this subject, but now it's time to read 10 bedtime stories to my daughter and pray with her before she goes to sleep. These seemingly small things can add up to big things later in life, and I don't want to miss one moment.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Happy Birthday!
Our little princess turned three last week. I can't believe three years ago I met her for the first time. It seems like I've known her all my life. Funny how three years can change your whole world...
She is in love with Tinkerbell, so of course I had to buy the Tinkerbell candles I saw at the store. And of course she had to wear her Tinkerbell costume: green dress, wings, spunk and all. Notice that chocolate cake next to the Tinkerbell cake? That was for my dad - we celebrated his birthday as well. Except he got the totally awesome candle from Baku that is waaaay illegal to sell in America. It is like a mini fireworks display. So dangerous, and so yet mesmerizing. (FYI- No children were hurt in the production of this birthday candle display.)
Her pile of presents. Can you guess which items she was most excited to open? Her princess underwear from Nana and some rocks from 7 year old Sophia (yes, plain old rocks). Kids are simple you know?
Our attempt at a family photo. Sitora wanted to wear her new dress from Great Grandma Barbara so I raced downstairs to get a matching hair flower. I'm a little picky that way :)
Notice SuperDan in his Packers jersey? Ya, the party was right after Green Bay's loss. We were totally mortified, but Sitora's party lifted our spirits.
This was Sitora's first birthday that was only for family members. For her first and second year parties I totally went all out- decorations, tons of food, friends, games, party favors, you name it. It was super fun planning those parties in Baku and inviting all our friends, but this year it was nice to go simple. She still felt just as special and loved having her family members there.
One tradition we continued from past years was playing Pin-The-Tail-On-The-Donkey. I seriously love this game and we will be playing this every single year for Sitora's birthdays if I can help it!
Another year past. Another year ahead. So much to be thankful for :)
Here's my princess at her birthday photoshoot- I know I already posted it yesterday but I just love it so much it's getting a rerun :)
She is in love with Tinkerbell, so of course I had to buy the Tinkerbell candles I saw at the store. And of course she had to wear her Tinkerbell costume: green dress, wings, spunk and all. Notice that chocolate cake next to the Tinkerbell cake? That was for my dad - we celebrated his birthday as well. Except he got the totally awesome candle from Baku that is waaaay illegal to sell in America. It is like a mini fireworks display. So dangerous, and so yet mesmerizing. (FYI- No children were hurt in the production of this birthday candle display.)
Her pile of presents. Can you guess which items she was most excited to open? Her princess underwear from Nana and some rocks from 7 year old Sophia (yes, plain old rocks). Kids are simple you know?
Our attempt at a family photo. Sitora wanted to wear her new dress from Great Grandma Barbara so I raced downstairs to get a matching hair flower. I'm a little picky that way :)
Notice SuperDan in his Packers jersey? Ya, the party was right after Green Bay's loss. We were totally mortified, but Sitora's party lifted our spirits.
This was Sitora's first birthday that was only for family members. For her first and second year parties I totally went all out- decorations, tons of food, friends, games, party favors, you name it. It was super fun planning those parties in Baku and inviting all our friends, but this year it was nice to go simple. She still felt just as special and loved having her family members there.
One tradition we continued from past years was playing Pin-The-Tail-On-The-Donkey. I seriously love this game and we will be playing this every single year for Sitora's birthdays if I can help it!
Another year past. Another year ahead. So much to be thankful for :)
Here's my princess at her birthday photoshoot- I know I already posted it yesterday but I just love it so much it's getting a rerun :)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Life on hold
Have you ever called a company and they put you on hold?
You listen to that elevator music and just wait.
It's been five minutes, should you hang up and call back?
No, you'll lose your place in line if you hang up. You'll have to wait another five + minutes and start everything all over again.
More elevator music.
Oh goodie, it's a voice! Oh. It's just a recording telling you that all the operators are currently busy and the next available agent will be with you shortly.
How much longer is shortly?
*sigh*
I feel like my whole life is on hold right now. When is the answer coming? Everything and everyone else is passing me by while I just sit here.
And wait.
Three more months and I'll be holding our little man in my arms. Where will he be born? Where will we live? I don't know the answers. Is this how Mary felt wondering where her son, Father's Son, would be delivered? Was she scared? Anxious? Did she feel abandoned by her Creator in her most weakest moments? From what I've read about her in Scriptures, I take it she was a very trusting and obedient servant who did not doubt her Heavenly Father. I want to be like that. I want to trust 100%... and not just in words. For real. I want to trust for real. Help me Father. Help me trust You.
You listen to that elevator music and just wait.
It's been five minutes, should you hang up and call back?
No, you'll lose your place in line if you hang up. You'll have to wait another five + minutes and start everything all over again.
More elevator music.
Oh goodie, it's a voice! Oh. It's just a recording telling you that all the operators are currently busy and the next available agent will be with you shortly.
How much longer is shortly?
*sigh*
I feel like my whole life is on hold right now. When is the answer coming? Everything and everyone else is passing me by while I just sit here.
And wait.
Three more months and I'll be holding our little man in my arms. Where will he be born? Where will we live? I don't know the answers. Is this how Mary felt wondering where her son, Father's Son, would be delivered? Was she scared? Anxious? Did she feel abandoned by her Creator in her most weakest moments? From what I've read about her in Scriptures, I take it she was a very trusting and obedient servant who did not doubt her Heavenly Father. I want to be like that. I want to trust 100%... and not just in words. For real. I want to trust for real. Help me Father. Help me trust You.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
I'm not an organic hippie tree hugger... but...
... I am starting to become interested in more natural alternatives in my lifestyle.
When we lived overseas, we had to be content with what we had. I couldn't despair over my disadvantage of living in a foreign country. I had to be resourceful and thankful for what I could come across.
But now that we do live in the US, I am taking some time to research natural remedies. It's been very enlightening... very enlightening indeed.
A few weeks ago I had a health scare that sent me into a whirlwind of insanity and research. Prescription medication was not an option for me because of the safety of my baby (and the unknowns of the medicine affecting pregnant women). So I scoured the internet for alternative natural remedies.
Thankfully my problem was not as bad as I thought, and I didn't end up needing treatment. But, in the meantime I stumbled across some pretty cool ideas for how I can use natural items in place of chemical ones in our lives.
Number one. Lotion. I will no longer use it.
For a long, long time I've wondered about lotion and all those ingredients on the back labels that I can't pronounce. Like I mentioned before, I'm not a crazy all-natural goo-roo, but in the back of my mind I've always thought it might be something I could avoid. Honestly I've never really liked lotion. I feel like it evaporates into my skin too fast and I need to reapply it over and over for results. I've wondered about the "smells" that we often consider luxurious, but at a chemical price. When Sitora was a baby I would use baby lotion to help me massage her body to calm her before bedtime... but I often cringed thinking of the chemicals in the lotion.
I can tell you now that I am completely sold out on essential oils in place of lotion! My skin has never felt this way before. I put some on after a shower or bath and feel soft and moisturized all day long. I usually get a slight case of exema on my shoulders and arms during the winter and just except it as my lot. But not anymore! The second I put the oils on my dry patches, they stop itching immediately and disappear within a few hours.
Here's how I make my own oil concoction!
I take a small 6 ounce bottle and fill it about 3/4th full of virgin olive oil (this is called a carrier oil, meaning it helps dilute the essential oil drops you will add in).
Then I add about 10 drops of a few different essential oils I picked up at my local health food store. You can research essential oils and determine which kinds you need for your specific ailments (like on this website here). Of course you need to keep in mind the oils need to be diluted and used with caution, especially in pregnancy or with children. Do your research :)
I have also decided that when our little man is born, instead of massaging him with baby lotion I will use coconut oil. I didn't stop massaging Sitora as a baby, she still gets them and loves them! Even I, as an adult, love a daily massage. Yes, SuperDan gives me a massage every day- he is the best! We also try to implement other methods of touch with Sitora by wresting with her and blow-drying her hair after a bath (Daddy does these mostly). Touch is so important and I think we underestimate it's healing abilities.
The following is a short list of ways coconut oil can help improve the health and overall well-being of your baby:
Coconut Oil Is Rich In Lauric Acid
Just like breast milk, coconut oil is a rich source of lauric acid. A study published in the 1998 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that lactating women who consumed coconut oil and other coconut products on a regular basis had significantly higher levels of lauric acid in their breast milk.
Pregnant women who wish to increase the levels of lauric acid in their breast milk should consume coconut oil and other coconut products, such as coconut water, on a daily basis. This will ensure that as their bodies begin to store fat in anticipation of lactation, this excess lauric acid stored withing their fat supply will be incorporated in their breast milk as they begin the process of lactation.
Studies have shown that if a pregnant woman’s diet does not contain sufficient levels of lauric acid than her breast milk will contain only around 3% lauric acid. But, when a pregnant or lactating woman adds foods rich in lauric acid to her diet the levels of lauric acid in her breast milk increase by as much as three times.
Coconut Oil Will Boost Your Baby’s Immune System
Lauric acid, a fatty acid present in human milk, has potent antimicrobial properties. Since a newborn baby’s immune system does not fully develop until he/she is six months old, his/her only protection against everyday viruses comes via the lauric acid present in the mother’s breast milk.
Since the 1950′s scientists and doctors have been studying the role of lauric acid in infant immunology. Therefore, this topic is one of the most studied and best understood aspects of pediatric medicine. So, it is not surprising to note that today lauric acid rich coconut oil is a main ingredient in most infant formulas.
Coconut Oil Will Improve Your Baby’s Digestion
Coconut oil is unique in the sense that it is primarily made up of medium chain triglycerides. These medium chain triglycerides or MCT’s are more easily metabolized by the human body, which is another reason why coconut oil is often used as an ingredient in infant formula.
The ease by which coconut oil is digested by the body can also help ease an array of stomach and digestive tract problems that often plague infants. This is because the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil combat many of the bacteria, fungi and parasites that often contribute to infant indigestion. Recent studies are also starting to suggest that consuming coconut oil, on a regular basis, can help improve the body’s ability to absorb other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Coconut Oil Will Soothe Cradle Cap And Other Skin Disorders
Infants, especially newborn infants, often suffer from a mild skin condition commonly referred to as Cradle Cap. Cradle Cap is characterized by flaking or scaling of the skin. Though the name implies that this skin condition only presents on the baby’s scalp, the reality is that this condition can affect the delicate skin on the baby’s head as well as the baby’s nose, ears, eyebrows and torso. Cradle Cap is mainly caused by overactive glands in the baby’s skin that lead to inflammation.
Coconut oil is a great moisturizer for all skin types, including very dry skin and highly sensitive skin, such as that of a newborn infant. Furthermore, because of the fact that coconut products closely resemble human plasma the chances of your baby experiencing an allergic reaction to the coconut oil are extremely low. Therefore, coconut oil is the perfect infant massage oil. This is especially true for babies suffering from Cradle Cap as the antimicrobial properties of this oil are highly effective at soothing this skin inflammation.
Coconut Oil Massages Will Help Your Baby Sleep Better
Including a 15-20 minute massage into your newborn baby’s daily routine has been shown to have tremendous physical and mental health benefits both for the mother and the child. Hospital data suggests that teaching new mothers infant massage techniques helps ease symptoms of postpartum depression mainly due to the fact that this improves the new mother’s confidence and helps her bond with the new infant.
Furthermore, an overwhelming number of studies have concluded that massaging newborn infants can help speed up their physical and mental development, strengthen their bones, as well as alleviate their stress and help them sleep better at night.
A University of Miami Medical Center Study found that infant massage is especially beneficial to babies born prematurely. During the course of this study, twenty premature babies were massaged for fifteen minutes, three times a day. The babies who underwent this massage therapy showed a 47% greater weight gain per day than their peers and had increased activity levels, alertness and neurological development. Best of all, their hospital stays averaged six days less than their peers.
When we lived overseas, we had to be content with what we had. I couldn't despair over my disadvantage of living in a foreign country. I had to be resourceful and thankful for what I could come across.
But now that we do live in the US, I am taking some time to research natural remedies. It's been very enlightening... very enlightening indeed.
A few weeks ago I had a health scare that sent me into a whirlwind of insanity and research. Prescription medication was not an option for me because of the safety of my baby (and the unknowns of the medicine affecting pregnant women). So I scoured the internet for alternative natural remedies.
Thankfully my problem was not as bad as I thought, and I didn't end up needing treatment. But, in the meantime I stumbled across some pretty cool ideas for how I can use natural items in place of chemical ones in our lives.
Number one. Lotion. I will no longer use it.
For a long, long time I've wondered about lotion and all those ingredients on the back labels that I can't pronounce. Like I mentioned before, I'm not a crazy all-natural goo-roo, but in the back of my mind I've always thought it might be something I could avoid. Honestly I've never really liked lotion. I feel like it evaporates into my skin too fast and I need to reapply it over and over for results. I've wondered about the "smells" that we often consider luxurious, but at a chemical price. When Sitora was a baby I would use baby lotion to help me massage her body to calm her before bedtime... but I often cringed thinking of the chemicals in the lotion.
I can tell you now that I am completely sold out on essential oils in place of lotion! My skin has never felt this way before. I put some on after a shower or bath and feel soft and moisturized all day long. I usually get a slight case of exema on my shoulders and arms during the winter and just except it as my lot. But not anymore! The second I put the oils on my dry patches, they stop itching immediately and disappear within a few hours.
Here's how I make my own oil concoction!
I take a small 6 ounce bottle and fill it about 3/4th full of virgin olive oil (this is called a carrier oil, meaning it helps dilute the essential oil drops you will add in).
Then I add about 10 drops of a few different essential oils I picked up at my local health food store. You can research essential oils and determine which kinds you need for your specific ailments (like on this website here). Of course you need to keep in mind the oils need to be diluted and used with caution, especially in pregnancy or with children. Do your research :)
I have also decided that when our little man is born, instead of massaging him with baby lotion I will use coconut oil. I didn't stop massaging Sitora as a baby, she still gets them and loves them! Even I, as an adult, love a daily massage. Yes, SuperDan gives me a massage every day- he is the best! We also try to implement other methods of touch with Sitora by wresting with her and blow-drying her hair after a bath (Daddy does these mostly). Touch is so important and I think we underestimate it's healing abilities.
The following is a short list of ways coconut oil can help improve the health and overall well-being of your baby:
Coconut Oil Is Rich In Lauric Acid
Just like breast milk, coconut oil is a rich source of lauric acid. A study published in the 1998 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that lactating women who consumed coconut oil and other coconut products on a regular basis had significantly higher levels of lauric acid in their breast milk.
Pregnant women who wish to increase the levels of lauric acid in their breast milk should consume coconut oil and other coconut products, such as coconut water, on a daily basis. This will ensure that as their bodies begin to store fat in anticipation of lactation, this excess lauric acid stored withing their fat supply will be incorporated in their breast milk as they begin the process of lactation.
Studies have shown that if a pregnant woman’s diet does not contain sufficient levels of lauric acid than her breast milk will contain only around 3% lauric acid. But, when a pregnant or lactating woman adds foods rich in lauric acid to her diet the levels of lauric acid in her breast milk increase by as much as three times.
Coconut Oil Will Boost Your Baby’s Immune System
Lauric acid, a fatty acid present in human milk, has potent antimicrobial properties. Since a newborn baby’s immune system does not fully develop until he/she is six months old, his/her only protection against everyday viruses comes via the lauric acid present in the mother’s breast milk.
Since the 1950′s scientists and doctors have been studying the role of lauric acid in infant immunology. Therefore, this topic is one of the most studied and best understood aspects of pediatric medicine. So, it is not surprising to note that today lauric acid rich coconut oil is a main ingredient in most infant formulas.
Coconut Oil Will Improve Your Baby’s Digestion
Coconut oil is unique in the sense that it is primarily made up of medium chain triglycerides. These medium chain triglycerides or MCT’s are more easily metabolized by the human body, which is another reason why coconut oil is often used as an ingredient in infant formula.
The ease by which coconut oil is digested by the body can also help ease an array of stomach and digestive tract problems that often plague infants. This is because the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil combat many of the bacteria, fungi and parasites that often contribute to infant indigestion. Recent studies are also starting to suggest that consuming coconut oil, on a regular basis, can help improve the body’s ability to absorb other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Coconut Oil Will Soothe Cradle Cap And Other Skin Disorders
Infants, especially newborn infants, often suffer from a mild skin condition commonly referred to as Cradle Cap. Cradle Cap is characterized by flaking or scaling of the skin. Though the name implies that this skin condition only presents on the baby’s scalp, the reality is that this condition can affect the delicate skin on the baby’s head as well as the baby’s nose, ears, eyebrows and torso. Cradle Cap is mainly caused by overactive glands in the baby’s skin that lead to inflammation.
Coconut oil is a great moisturizer for all skin types, including very dry skin and highly sensitive skin, such as that of a newborn infant. Furthermore, because of the fact that coconut products closely resemble human plasma the chances of your baby experiencing an allergic reaction to the coconut oil are extremely low. Therefore, coconut oil is the perfect infant massage oil. This is especially true for babies suffering from Cradle Cap as the antimicrobial properties of this oil are highly effective at soothing this skin inflammation.
Coconut Oil Massages Will Help Your Baby Sleep Better
Including a 15-20 minute massage into your newborn baby’s daily routine has been shown to have tremendous physical and mental health benefits both for the mother and the child. Hospital data suggests that teaching new mothers infant massage techniques helps ease symptoms of postpartum depression mainly due to the fact that this improves the new mother’s confidence and helps her bond with the new infant.
Furthermore, an overwhelming number of studies have concluded that massaging newborn infants can help speed up their physical and mental development, strengthen their bones, as well as alleviate their stress and help them sleep better at night.
A University of Miami Medical Center Study found that infant massage is especially beneficial to babies born prematurely. During the course of this study, twenty premature babies were massaged for fifteen minutes, three times a day. The babies who underwent this massage therapy showed a 47% greater weight gain per day than their peers and had increased activity levels, alertness and neurological development. Best of all, their hospital stays averaged six days less than their peers.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
My Grandma
Grandma, you are just the best.
My earliest memories involve you. You have always been an extremely important part of my life. Going to the ice cream store down the street and playing card games at your house were a regular occurrence. You took "grandparenting" seriously, it wasn't just a season of your life, it was your life.
You always made me feel special. You came to all my important events and cheered me on with encouragement and sincere interest. You thought long and hard about giving presents and always made sure they were perfect for me. You made life fun. You laughed, goofed around, and got a little wild.
You were are more than a Grandma to me. You are a friend. I always know you will answer the phone and listen to my latest woes and triumphs.
When I found a genuine vintage apron at the thrift store with your name on it, I had to buy it. You always cooked us yummy meals and desserts, and I will reminisce about you while I wear it. You, after all, have the coolest Grandmother name out there!
I wish we lived closer. But I think there is truth to the saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." I am certain we are closer than most grandmas and granddaughters.
My life wouldn't be complete without you, Grandma. I love you.
My earliest memories involve you. You have always been an extremely important part of my life. Going to the ice cream store down the street and playing card games at your house were a regular occurrence. You took "grandparenting" seriously, it wasn't just a season of your life, it was your life.
You always made me feel special. You came to all my important events and cheered me on with encouragement and sincere interest. You thought long and hard about giving presents and always made sure they were perfect for me. You made life fun. You laughed, goofed around, and got a little wild.
You were are more than a Grandma to me. You are a friend. I always know you will answer the phone and listen to my latest woes and triumphs.
When I found a genuine vintage apron at the thrift store with your name on it, I had to buy it. You always cooked us yummy meals and desserts, and I will reminisce about you while I wear it. You, after all, have the coolest Grandmother name out there!
I wish we lived closer. But I think there is truth to the saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." I am certain we are closer than most grandmas and granddaughters.
My life wouldn't be complete without you, Grandma. I love you.
The history of our grandparents is remembered not with rose petals but in the laughter and tears of their children and their children's children. It is into us that the lives of grandparents have gone. It is in us that their history becomes a future. ~Charles and Ann Morse
What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies. ~Rudolph Giuliani
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
jump!
Who cares who's watching?
Be a little crazy.
Do a little dance.
Act like a kid.
Eat the sugary cereal for breakfast.
Make cookies.
Be more generous.
Smile more.
Look for the good and turn the bad around.
Make somebody's day better.
Kiss your loves a little more.
Life is what you make it. Take those lemons and for goodness sake make some lemonade!
I guess you could say this is my new year's resolution :)
Be a little crazy.
Do a little dance.
Act like a kid.
Eat the sugary cereal for breakfast.
Make cookies.
Be more generous.
Smile more.
Look for the good and turn the bad around.
Make somebody's day better.
Kiss your loves a little more.
Life is what you make it. Take those lemons and for goodness sake make some lemonade!
I guess you could say this is my new year's resolution :)
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Chocolate
I decided we all needed a lil' chocolate this morn. Muffins? Yes. Chocolate muffins? Even better.
We even had deep discussions while licking the batter out of the bowl.
Sometimes in life you just gotta live it up. Lick the bowl. Get messy. Laugh.
I think today's gonna be a good day.
We even had deep discussions while licking the batter out of the bowl.
Sometimes in life you just gotta live it up. Lick the bowl. Get messy. Laugh.
I think today's gonna be a good day.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Wifely matters
I posted a while back about this ladies study I am going to. We are reading and discussing the book The Excellent Wife.
It is seriously kicking my booty. I highly highly highly recommend it. I don't recommend every book I read.
I think the reason this book intrigues me so much is because it gives really specific examples, situations, thought patterns, and uses scripture to answer problems. It doesn't give wishy-washy answers that "sound good to the ears". It gives hard-core truth. I like that.
One thing the book really promotes is how wives play such an important role in the family. One of our jobs is to honor our husbands, lift them up, and allow them the opportunity to lead. One specific example really hit home for me. The author talked about how important it is for us to let our husbands make decisions (and obviously if he loves Father he will turn to you for advice and support in the decision making process). She said that if we give our opinion and our husband still thinks the family needs to go with his decision, we are to obey and honor him. This does not count if your husband is asking you to sin or is hurting you or someone else, mind you. The author explained that by letting our husbands make decisions, we are allowing Father to work in their hearts. If they make the wrong decision, maybe Father is going to teach them a lesson or character trait through the problems leading after the decision.
Something else the book touches on is how Father has placed us in our husbands' lives also to help point out areas in their lives that could be better. But it's very important for us to do it in love and with respect. She explained that marriage doesn't mean you become a doormat. But we can honor our husbands while at the same time bringing up issues you see in their lives that could be worked on. We are to use scripture and kind words, not nagging, rolling our eyes, yelling, or using rude words or name calling.
My husband does consult me on many matters of our family's business, but with many issues I give them the reigns with full trust. I think he turns to me for advice even more so because I trust him and honor his decisions always.
I'll give a simple recent example.
A few weeks ago we were traveling to visit friends and relatives in a different state. Whenever you travel as a family you can expect your normal routine (like meals and naps) to be a bit altered. One morning while I was getting ready in the bathroom Sitora came running to me and asked if she could have cereal for breakfast. Not knowing what everyone else was eating at the time and not knowing what all was in the kitchen for options, I just told her "yes" and said she could ask her Daddy to get it for her. Seconds later she came running back to me with tears in her eyes exclaiming, "Mommy, Daddy won't let me eat cereal! He said I have to eat a banana!" Right then I had a choice to make. Was I going to honor my husband or fight for my own opinion? I decided to honor him. I bent down on my knees to look my daughter in the eye and explained, "Well honey, if Daddy thinks a banana is a better choice for breakfast, then we should obey him. I'm sorry I confused you about the cereal. Maybe we can have it another time. Go back into the kitchen and eat a banana like Daddy says." She quickly agreed and happily ate her banana. I hope that in this instance I was also teaching my daughter what it means to honor authority.
I could go on and on about this topic, but there is just too much to say. Again, I remind you that submitting to our husbands does not apply when they are asking us to sin or are hurting us or someone else. In that case we take different measures. The book discusses that for anyone who is curious.
I hope I finish this study a changed women and a better mom and wife.
It is seriously kicking my booty. I highly highly highly recommend it. I don't recommend every book I read.
I think the reason this book intrigues me so much is because it gives really specific examples, situations, thought patterns, and uses scripture to answer problems. It doesn't give wishy-washy answers that "sound good to the ears". It gives hard-core truth. I like that.
One thing the book really promotes is how wives play such an important role in the family. One of our jobs is to honor our husbands, lift them up, and allow them the opportunity to lead. One specific example really hit home for me. The author talked about how important it is for us to let our husbands make decisions (and obviously if he loves Father he will turn to you for advice and support in the decision making process). She said that if we give our opinion and our husband still thinks the family needs to go with his decision, we are to obey and honor him. This does not count if your husband is asking you to sin or is hurting you or someone else, mind you. The author explained that by letting our husbands make decisions, we are allowing Father to work in their hearts. If they make the wrong decision, maybe Father is going to teach them a lesson or character trait through the problems leading after the decision.
Something else the book touches on is how Father has placed us in our husbands' lives also to help point out areas in their lives that could be better. But it's very important for us to do it in love and with respect. She explained that marriage doesn't mean you become a doormat. But we can honor our husbands while at the same time bringing up issues you see in their lives that could be worked on. We are to use scripture and kind words, not nagging, rolling our eyes, yelling, or using rude words or name calling.
My husband does consult me on many matters of our family's business, but with many issues I give them the reigns with full trust. I think he turns to me for advice even more so because I trust him and honor his decisions always.
I'll give a simple recent example.
A few weeks ago we were traveling to visit friends and relatives in a different state. Whenever you travel as a family you can expect your normal routine (like meals and naps) to be a bit altered. One morning while I was getting ready in the bathroom Sitora came running to me and asked if she could have cereal for breakfast. Not knowing what everyone else was eating at the time and not knowing what all was in the kitchen for options, I just told her "yes" and said she could ask her Daddy to get it for her. Seconds later she came running back to me with tears in her eyes exclaiming, "Mommy, Daddy won't let me eat cereal! He said I have to eat a banana!" Right then I had a choice to make. Was I going to honor my husband or fight for my own opinion? I decided to honor him. I bent down on my knees to look my daughter in the eye and explained, "Well honey, if Daddy thinks a banana is a better choice for breakfast, then we should obey him. I'm sorry I confused you about the cereal. Maybe we can have it another time. Go back into the kitchen and eat a banana like Daddy says." She quickly agreed and happily ate her banana. I hope that in this instance I was also teaching my daughter what it means to honor authority.
I could go on and on about this topic, but there is just too much to say. Again, I remind you that submitting to our husbands does not apply when they are asking us to sin or are hurting us or someone else. In that case we take different measures. The book discusses that for anyone who is curious.
I hope I finish this study a changed women and a better mom and wife.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
bad week
Wow. This has probably been one of the top worst weeks of my life.
I know there are varying grades of "worst", but this one tops the list.
I haven't cried this much in one consecutive week ever.
Thankfully, the storm has passed and I cannot believe it's over. I am emotionally and physically exhausted and feel like a truck hit me.
I think I need a few days to recover. Excuse me while I eat some chocolate please.
I know there are varying grades of "worst", but this one tops the list.
I haven't cried this much in one consecutive week ever.
Thankfully, the storm has passed and I cannot believe it's over. I am emotionally and physically exhausted and feel like a truck hit me.
I think I need a few days to recover. Excuse me while I eat some chocolate please.
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