Fall break goodness and PICTURES!!!

Fall break is starting out quite nicely here with sister snuggles,

Momma making a Thanksgiving shopping list, and the biggest sister practising clarinet.

And, of course, Zachariah is wearing my tennies!

Yes, that's right.  Celestia has decided that she wants to be in band next year, since Anna High School doesn't offer choir, and she's not particularly enjoying drama.

In other news, our family pictures came back, and turned out quite nice, if I do say so myself!  Thanks to Kalie Evelyn for taking such great pictures!  :)

I can't believe it took us having another baby to begin taking yearly family pictures!  It's so worth it to have such beautiful memories captured.  <3

40 lashes with a wet noodle for me!

I know, I know.  My blogging habits have been woefully inadequate this year.  I could make excuses.  I could tell you that Zachariah sees the laptop out and thinks that it's out for him to play on.  I could say that getting the girls transitioned into public school has been a much, much bigger undertaking than I anticipated.  I could easily say that Jonathan has been gone a LOT and I've been struggling to keep my head above water.  I could use studying as an excuse.  All that would be true.  The fact is, however, that if I had really wanted to find time to blog, I could have made the time.  It has been much easier to upload photos directly from my phone to facebook with quick little captions.  So 40 lashes with a wet noodle for me!  I have neglected my blog, and I will try to be a little better about it in the future.  It looks like the last time I posted any pictures here was in July, so here is a very brief synopsis of what we've been doing in the months since then.

August
Celestia and Ana have returned to public school this year.  I cannot begin to describe what an enormous transition this has been for all of us.  The first few weeks, Zachariah looked for his sisters frequently and was considerably more prone to breakdowns.  Our mornings getting the girls out the door look something like this.

September

Ana turned 13!!!  I am now officially a mom of two teenage girls!  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Ana's first school dance on her last night of being 12!

 

Being silly outside the Rainforest Cafe.

October

Jonathan and Zachariah had birthdays!  I seriously can't believe our baby is TWO!

Zachariah and I went to the Dallas Zoo together to celebrate his birthday and had SO much fun!

Playing in the water at the zoo.

Yum, birthday cake!

Daddy was out of town for both his birthday and Z's, so we went back to the zoo!  :)

November

Hey look, I'm caught up!  We had family pictures taken.  So far, I've only seen the preview, but I think good things are to come, don't you?

Everyone should go check out Kalie Evelyn's page right now!  She is a recent graduate of our homeschool co-op and is starting her own business.  If you're in north Collin County, I highly recommend having this young lady take some photos for you!

Essential Oils

If you've followed my blog for a while - or not - you may know that I facilitate a Trust Birth group.  Last month, we had a guest speaker come in to discuss essential oils, and apparently, that was a no-no.  I sure did think it would fall under the category of "alternative therapies", which is approved, but the fact that it was a representative from a specific company was a problem.  Out of respect to the founder of Trust Birth, I have removed it from our blog, but still feel that it is useful information.  Therefore I am posting it here, on my blog, with the disclaimer that Trust Birth does not support any one brand of any product, and also does not approve of any manipulation of the birth process (perineal massage, etc.).

At our July meeting, we had the honor of welcoming Sally Beredo, a doTERRA Independent Consultant, to speak with us about the uses of Essential Oils for Maternity. Much of the information given that night was a basic introduction to essential oils, what they are, the different types, and the basics of how to use them. Sally offered to set up a more informative maternity session with the help of another consultant, Shyanne, who came in to help teach the class from Utah. Many thanks to both Sally and Shyanne, who gave their time and talents to hold such an informative class for anyone interested in essential oils and their benefits.

For those who were unable to make the meeting or the class in Arlington, we sure did miss you, and hope that this information is helpful when you are looking to use essential oils for the pregnant, postpartum or nursing mama. If you would like more in depth information, look for contact info for our wonderful presenters below. They would be happy to speak with you more about any of the information here and would also be happy to assist you in getting the oils you need.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MATERNITY

What is an Essential Oil?
  Essential Oils are natural aromatic compounds found in plants and are drawn from the plants by methods of steam distillation or cold pressed extraction. Essential oils provide powerful, safe benefits without any side effects.

Grades of Essential Oils
  When looking to use essential oils for health benefits, be sure to watch out for the 'grade' of the EO. SYNTHETIC grade EO's are only for use as perfumes and to 'smell good'. FOOD grade EO's must be held to GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) standards, but will usually say 'not for internal use' on the bottle. THERAPEUTIC grade EO's are more commonly used for health benefits, but many will still stay 'not for internal use' on the bottles, and are generally used by diffusion or diluting and rubbing on the skin. doTERRA's oils are CPTG, or Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, oils and have supplement facts on the bottle to show they are safe for internal use.

How to use Essential Oils
  Aromatic - You can diffuse EO's into a room either with an electric diffuser that sends a continuous mist of the EO into the air, or by placing some on your hands then cupping and inhaling, bath salts, or cotton wick.

  Topical - You can also apply EO's directly to the skin for systemic or localized effects. Some topical application methods include massage and reflexology. These methods provide immediate comfort and immune support.

  Internal - Some EO's are able to be consumed as a dietary supplement for targeted wellness of the digestive system, mouth and throat, liver and urinary tract.

General Essential Oil Safety
  Essential oils are very safe and gentle with few side effects. However, you do want to try and be sure to keep out of the eyes, ears and nose. Skin sensitivity is the primary safety issue, so be sure to follow all label directions for safest use. Some oils require dilution before use, but be sure to use other oils, not water.

*PLEASE NOTE: There are 2 oils that are not meant for routine maternity use. The first being Clary Sage. Clary Sage can induce labor and is NOT meant to be used before labor begins. Also, the use of Peppermint oil in late pregnancy can reduce lactation, and therefore should not be used once a woman is full term.*

COMMON MATERNITY DISCOMFORTS

Nausea and Indigestion
  Apply 3-5 drops of Peppermint, Ginger, Fennel or DigestZen Blend on abdomen. For some, just open the bottle and smell for relief or just put a small amount under your nose.

Morning Sickness
  Lavender, Sandalwood and Ginger into FCO (Fractionated Coconut Oil) and massage abdomen. OR Put 3-5 drops of Fennel, Ginger, or Peppermint into a capsule and swallow. Ginger and Lemon, 1-2 drops each, mix in water with honey or stevia for nausea.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux
  Apply a couple drops of Peppermint, DigestZen Blend, or Wild Orange on ears or in mouth.

Hemorrhoids
  Geranium, Cypress, or Lavender oils diluted in FCO then applied to hemorrhoid.

Stretch Marks
  Apply Lavender and Myrrh or Immortelle diluted in FCO to stretch marks.

Leg Cramps
  Soak feet in a warm bath with 5 drops Geranium, 10 drops Lavender and 2 drops Cypress.

Swelling and Water Retention
  Apply 3-5 drops of Lavender and Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit or Cypress diluted in FCO and massage into hands, feet and ankles. For internal remedy, try 3-5 drops of Grapefruit, Lemon and/or Lime into every glass of water you drink (between 3-4 qts a day). Elevate your legs 3 inches above the heart.

BEST CHOICES FOR LABOR

- Balance - Apply to feet to help instill confidence throughout the labor process.
- Serenity or Elevation blends - Reduces anxiety and promotes calm. Gives energy and stimulates circulation.
- Deep Blue, PastTense, Peppermint or White Fir - Helps ease pain from back labor

Recipe once labor has started:
15 drops carrier oil plus:
5 drops Ylang Ylang
4 drops Helichrysum
2 drops DigestZen
2 drops Peppermint
2 drops Clary Sage

Massage on the inside of ankles, lower stomach and low back for nausea and muscle pain.

Perineal Support
  Geranium and Lavender in 1 oz of FCO for 3-6 weeks prior to due date to be used for perineal massage.

Recipe for Crowning
  20 drops Helichrysum with 2 Tbsp FCO and apply all over perineum. Helps to stretch tissue while minimizing swelling and avoiding tears. Also helps prevent bruising on baby's head.

OILS FOR THE NEW BABY

Frankincense on the crown of head and spine.
Myrrh on umbilical cord to help seal tissue and protect all systems of the body.
Balance on feet to ground and align babe.
Melissa on bottoms of feet.

POSTPARTUM FOR MOM

White Fir and Lavender on tummy for after pains.
Immortelle Blend, 20-30 drops in empty 15ml spray bottle, fill rest with FCO, and use as a Peri Spray. May be used on circumcisions as well.
Balance on feet morning and evening for grounding.
Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang. Diffuse 2-3 drops of each to promote peace and calm.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Lemon, Vetiver, Balance Blend, Elevation Blend

Blend 1
1 drop  Lavender
3 drops Grapefruit
1 drop Ylang Ylang

Blend 2
1 drop Bergamont
1 drop Grapefruit
1 drop Clary Sage
1 drop Wild Orange
3 drops Frankincense

BREASTFEEDING

Relief from dry, cracked nipples
  Dilute 1:1 drops of Myrrh, Geranium or Sandalwood with FCO and apply to nipples.

Mastitis
  Melaleuca, Thyme, Clove, Rosemary or Wild Orange and Lavender. Massage into breast and lymph nodes under the armpit.

Increase Milk Flow
  2-3 times a day, massage either Fennel, Basil, Geranium or Clary Sage into breast tissue or in capsule, but AVOID the nipple.

Decrease  Milk Supply
  2-3 drops of Peppermint, 3-5 times a day.

WELL BABY CARE

Overall Wellbeing
  Frankincense on back. Balance on feet everyday to balance all body systems.

Jaundice
  Geranium and Lemon on feet to help support the liver in breaking up bilirubin.

Colic or Tummy Aches
  DigestZen or Fennel on tummy, 1:1 ratio with FCO if needed.

Diaper Rash
  Sandalwood or Myrrh diluted in FCO, then lightly coat affected area. May also use Immortelle, Lavender, Helichrysum or Melaleuca.

If you would like to learn more about Essential Oils and their uses, whether in maternity or just for general health, please be sure to contact Sally Beredo at sallyberedo@gmail.com. You can also purchase any of these oils from her site at http://www.mydoterra.com/sallyberedo/

A day in the life of a mom with a teen, a tween, and a toddler

Zachariah awoke at 5:11 with a twinkle in his eye that said "I'm up, Mom!"  I snuggle up to him and nurse, hoping he will fall into a milk induced coma, but to no avail.  Not wanting to fight for the next hour to get him back asleep, I opt to get up, knowing that he will crash in a couple of hours and we'll take a mid-morning nap.

I stumble out of the bedroom with a skipping Zachariah, let the dogs out for a morning potty break, mash the start button on the coffeemaker, and turn on Z's favourite Veggie Tales in hopes that he will cuddle and watch the tele while I have my morning cup.  No such luck.  When I open the freezer to get ice for my water bottle, he spots the Blue Bell and starts stomping his feet and screaming.  I scream.  You, scream. Zachariah screams for ice cream!  I try to redirect with grapes, one of his favourite snacks, but he will not be distracted from a sweet, creamy treat by mere grapes.  I open the produce drawer, which is full of tomatoes from our CSA box and he dives in.  Whew!  I get him a cup of water, pour myself a mug full of steaming coffee, and collapse into the rocking chair with my Kindle, but the cantankerous toddler is not in a mood to let me wake up slowly.

Jonathan emerges from our bedroom and Z decides that now is a good time to throw another fit, this time demanding a fortune cookie sitting on the kitchen counter.  Deciding that this is a battle I am not ready to fight so early in the morning, I break open the cookie, retrieve the fortune and hand him half.  I can almost hear Jonathan thinking "He needs to go back to bed."  Wisely, after more than twelve years of living together, neither of us says much beyond "I love you" and "Have a good day."  Early morning conversations aside from those phrases are not likely to turn out well.

Once Jonathan walks out the door for work, Zachariah makes it clear that he wants to P L A Y!  We sit down on the kitchen floor and play with his Transformers pull-back Optmius Prime and I begin to emerge from my early morning stupor and enjoy myself.  Veggie Tales ends and Z asks me to start it again.  I'm house-sitting for a friend this week, and it has gotten a little lighter outside, so I tell Zachariah that we're going to go for a walk and let doggies out first.

On the way over, I see my neighbour taking his rubbish out and remember that it's trash day, so we will need to take care of that when we get home.  Once dogs have been let out, we walk back to our house and Zachariah helps me push the garbage can down to the curb.  We go back inside to collect the rest of our rubbish and Z drags the bag down to the can.  I lift him up and he throws it in.  Again, I realise how much I'm enjoying the little things in life.

When we finish our chores, I restart Veggie Tales and try again to have a cup of coffee.  This time, I've also gotten myself a Luna Bar to share with the boy.  He shares my breakfast with me, and dances around the room for a while.  It becomes evident that our mid-morning nap is soon to be forthcoming.  I grab diapers to throw in the wash because it's diaper laundry day and Jonathan is leaving later in the week, so I need to make sure all his clothes are ready to pack.  I have lots to wash today, but I'm ready to rest and diapers are the easiest laundry I do.  No separating, just toss it in.

8:15 blissful nap time.  Z and I snuggle up to nurse and this time, he does sleep.  I am thankful for the respite, as he didn't sleep well last night, and I feel like I'm coming down with a cold.

When we get up again around 10:00, Celestia is up.  I turn my computer on so it will be ready if I need it - I schedule appointments for a psychologist - and it gets stuck in a boot cycle.  It is a new box, and I have a feeling that Zachariah, a notorious button-pusher, has probably already located the power switch and wreaked his havoc on it.  I call Jonathan several times trying to get the problem sorted out and it finally gets up and running.  Somewhere in all this, Tatiana also graces us with her presence.

Zachariah is now gazing longingly out the back door at his wading pool.  I enlist Celestia's assistance in watching him while I go outside to wipe down the pool and fill it with fresh water, only to discover that the dogs have decided that they should explore this strange object in their yard, and torn holes in it.  Frustrated, I return to the house and again call Jonathan to vent about things not working the way they're supposed to, and being broken.  We've been talking about putting a little fish pond in the back yard since we moved in eight years ago, and I debate ordering a "fish pond" for Z to play in.  Upon contemplating the work that installing a pond will entail, I decide that a mere wading pool is not going to defeat me, and return to the backyard with scissors, duct tape, rubbing alcohol, microfibre towels and fierce determination.  The pool is a "slide and spray" with a little inflatable slide and dragon that sprays water out of its mouth.  The landing pad for the slide has been destroyed, so I cut into it with the scissors to make a patch for the part on the bottom of the pool that is also damaged.  After much cleaning, cutting and taping, I declare it repaired, and start it filling.

Upon returning to the house, I find Zachariah dancing at the back door in contemplation of a splash in his pool.  I bring all my tools back into the house, and tell Tatiana to take off Zs diaper and turn him loose.  I turn around just in time to see a dirty bum trotting across the yard to play.  Oops!  Potty break!

Bum cleaned, we turn Z back out into the yard to splash, get muddy, and play drums on the side of the pool with sticks.  While we're playing in the wading pool, Celestia has decided she will bake some peanut butter cookies for Daddy to take on his next trip.  I call Tatiana to take some pictures of her brother and I since I have a history of drowning phones, and would very likely drop it in the water if I tried to take them myself.

All played out, I bring Zachariah back into the house to get a dry diaper on and have some lunch.  As I'm washing my hands, I remember that the humidifier needs cleaned out, and figure that the girls will keep an eye on their brother for the minute it will take me to do that, since I had forgotten to shut my bedroom door and he has already run out.  No sooner did I get the lid unscrewed than I hear Tatiana shout "Zachariah!!!  MOM come quick!"  Judging by the laughter, I am more curious than worried as I make my way into the kitchen to see what had transpired.  Apparently, I had also forgotten to lock the back door, and Z has bolted outside and slipped in the mud.  He is not a happy camper.  Laughing, I grab the hose, spray him off and leave the muddy diaper on the porch to be rinsed out once Z is once again dried off.

Muddy boy and diaper taken care of, I look at the clock and decide that it's about time to get my friend's dogs inside to cool off.  Zachariah and I again take a walk and discover that one of the dogs had pooped in her crate overnight.  In my early-morning fog, I hadn't noticed.  We make the walk back home, and I tell the girls what has happened and ask them to watch their brother.  I return and clean the most monumental cow-paddy-sized poop I have ever seen come out of a dog.  She still refuses to go back to bed, probably because the crate now smells like what I had cleaned it with, so I send her back outside.  Her bedding has also gotten soiled, so I bring it home to wash.  Another load of laundry.

When I get home, Tatiana tells me that they have put my lunch in the microwave to stay warm.  I thank them and take the dog's bedding outside to spray off before I wash it.  I do some shuffling of laundry from washer to dryer and toss the now dripping bedding in to wash.

Lunch time!

Celestia is now baking the cookies, having mixed the dough and waited patiently for it to chill.  I wander to the coffeepot to pour myself another cup, and realise that after playing in the mud and cleaning up the poop of the century that I feel gross.  I turn to her and say so, and she tells me that I should go take a bath.  I take her up on that offer because I really do feel disgusting.

Laying back in the tub, I relax with my Kindle for the first time all day.  I reflect on the morning (and early afternoon) and feel the urge to blog about it.  Quickly, I discover that Blogger and Kindle do not play well together.  Bummer.  About this time, I hear Tatiana shouting at Zachariah.  Not good.  I wrap myself in a towel, open my door and call Z back.  Tatiana tells me that Z had been chasing Arynson in his crate, and Aryn was none too happy about it.  Looking at the clock, I decide that it is about nap time anyway, so I will try to get Zachariah to sleep.

Once again, Zachariah does not want to go to sleep.  A recurring theme in our day, apparently.  I try, but quickly realise that it's just not going to happen, so instead, I get dressed and go back out of the bedroom.

The rest of the afternoon flies by in a blur.  Celestia manages to get Zachariah down for a nap.  I take the now clean and sun-dried bedding back over to my friend's house and the dog finally goes back to bed.  I get another load of laundry washed.  And another one.  Jonathan comes home.  The dishwasher is filled, run, emptied, and loaded up again.  Five people generate a lot of dishes.  Supper is made and we all gather on the sofa to eat and watch a silly show together.  Zachariah climbs all over Jonathan and I as we try to eat, and gets cheese sauce everywhere.

I take Zachariah to our bedroom to begin his routine.  Bath.  Massage.  Brush teeth.  Read a book.  Nurse.  Again, he fights sleep.  I sit on the edge of the bed and bounce him, looking at his sweet little face as he stares at me and think about how quickly it passes.  I can hear my big girls in the front of the house listening to music.  Arguing with Daddy.  Weren't they babies yesterday?  Ultimately Jonathan comes in the bedroom to relieve me, and finally Zachariah gives in.

Now?  Now, I am going to pour myself a drink, curl up on the sofa next to my husband and enjoy my last night off of work before he leaves town.  It was such a busy day, in such a beautiful life.  I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Night weaning, week two!

I've been a picture-taking slacker, so there aren't too many new ones.  Especially of sleeping and nursing! So enjoy some random cute pictures!  lol

Zachariah got his very first sno cone!

Day 8 - Sunday, July 8
Another rough night.  I'm really not sure this is helping me get any more sleep.  If we get to the end of the week and it hasn't gotten any better, we're going to have to do something else.

Little drummer boy!

Day 9 - Monday, July 9
Tonight, I had to work, and Jonathan had JUST managed to get Zachariah to sleep when I walked in the door from work at about 9:45.  Pretty rough, considering that his normal bedtime is between 8:00 and 8:30.  Zachariah slept until 2:30 when he came to bed with us and nursed.  At 5:15, when the alarm went off for Jonathan to go to work, I hit the snooze button a few too many times.  Oops.  When I got up at 6:00 to help get Jonathan out the door, Zachariah woke up and was ready to go.

Bwahahahahaha!  Managed to sneak a shot of Tatiana...  Sort of.

Day 10 - Tuesday, July 10
I worked again.  Zachariah went to sleep easily, and slept until 2:30, when he came to bed with us and nursed.  He woke up for the day at 6:30.  I think this may be the longest block of sleep I've gotten since the end of the second trimester or so of my pregnancy, when I began waking regularly to have to use the restroom.  I could get used to this.

YUM!  Cherry tomatoes!

Day 11 - Wednesday, July 11
I was able to nurse Zachariah to sleep in about 15 minutes or so.  He woke up once about 9:45 and Jonathan bounced him back to sleep.  Again he slept until 2:30 and woke for the day at 6:30.  Three nights in a row!  I sure hope this is going to be a new routine.  I'm feeling like this is a comfortable place for me, and I probably won't try to stretch it to 6 hours at this time.

Day 12 - Thursday, July 12
Last night, I cheated.  I was a super zombie when Zachariah woke up at 12:30 so I brought him to bed.  He woke about every two hours after that point, but went right back to sleep.  I obviously needed the rest, so I'm OK with it.

Necklace fun!

Day 13 - Friday, July 13
Cheating probably set us back a bit.  At 1:30 Zachariah would not go back to sleep without nursing.  I let him slip into bed a half hour early.  He woke up at 4:00 and didn't get back to sleep until 5:30, the stinker.

Yum-o tomato!

Day 14 - Saturday, July 14
I was gone all day long seeing Ina May Gaskin speak SQUEEEEEEE!!!!!  That has absolutely nothing to do with night weaning, except I was super ready to nurse when I did get home at bedtime.  Zachariah went to sleep quite easily and stayed in his hammock until 2:30ish, waking once afterward and was up for the day at 7:00.

 

Bonus! Day 15 - Sunday, July 15
Zachariah came to bed around 2:00 and woke sometime in the night.  I didn't even roll over to see what time it was.  Jonathan snapped some pictures of us snuggling before he went to work.  <3 

This is why I love co-sleeping!  Zachariah burrowed himself under my cheek, and I fell asleep with the sound of his breathing in my ear.  <3

At this point, Z is sleeping so much better that he was before, and I'm no longer perpetually exhausted.  Even with the very, very busy week I had last week, it took until Sunday for it to catch up with me.  I'm pretty consistently getting a good four hour block of sleep, and for now, that's good.  Although we're not up to the full eight hours, I am going to declare partial night weaning a success and leave it at that for now.  :)

The "W" word!

This post contains lots of talk (and pictures!) about boobs and breastfeeding.  You have been warned.
















From the day he was born, Zachariah has been a boobie monster.

He's absolutely never slept through the night, which I was OK with, because he's grown so beautifully.  He's not too fat or too small, so I've always felt like if he was nursing that frequently that his body and his metabolism probably needed it.  As we near his second birthday, however, MY body needs sleep.  I'm quickly turning into a basketcase.  So this week, we began the process of night weaning.  Because Zachariah sometimes wakes up every single hour, I began with a shorter time period than suggested - four hours - between 10 PM and 2 AM.  Once we've got that down, I'll stretch it to six hours, and then eight.

Day 1: Sunday, July 1
Zachariah woke up almost every hour between 10 and 2.  Jonathan bounced him in his hammock a couple of times and I bounced him a couple of times.  All of the times he woke, it didn't take very long at all to get him back to sleep.  Maybe between five and ten minutes.  He woke just after 2:00 and I brought him to bed and nursed.

Day 2: Monday, July 2
I worked and got home maybe 9:30ish.  Zachariah woke up shortly thereafter, and I nursed him until a little after 10:00.  He woke up once at about 1:15 and Jonathan bounced him back to sleep very quickly.  At 2:30 he woke and came to bed to nurse.  Only problem I had was that he woke up for the day at 5:13.  Ugh.  I am not a morning person.

Day 3: Tuesday, July 3
Basically the same story as Monday.  I did, however, notice that Zachariah only woke a couple more times in the night to nurse after coming to bed with me at 2:30, which is a vast improvement over previous nights.  He woke up again at 5:15 or so and it took a good hour and a half to get back to sleep.  I probably wouldn't have bothered with continuing to try if Jonathan wasn't off of work for the 4th.

Day 4: Wednesday, July 4
I expected this night to be goofy.  We went to see fireworks, and didn't even attempt to begin putting Zachariah to bed until we got home at around 10:15.  He went down fairly easily, but woke several times before 2:00, and continued to wake throughout the night.

Haha!  I tricked you!  This is neither a boob nor a sleeping baby!  ;)

 Day 5: Thursday, July 5
This was the worst night so far.  I had to work, so didn't get home until around 10:00.  Jonathan said that Zachariah had woken up four times between going to sleep at 8:30 and when I got home.  When he woke again at 10:15, I nursed him.  I'm beginning to think I should switch our block of time from 10:00 - 2:00 to 11:00 - 3:00.  Although unless we really continue to back-slide, I want to increase to six hours next week, so it would not be as big of a deal.
After nursing at 10:15, Zachariah continued to wake up frequently.  At 12:45, he woke and I noticed that his diaper was especially wet, so I changed him and held him to bounce and sing to him, instead of leaving him in his hammock to bounce.  After probably 20 minutes of this, he looked at me and asked to nurse, so I did.  For probably 30 minutes.  FINALLY, at a quarter to two, he went to sleep and slept for a couple of hours.  This was the first time since night weaning that I needed to nurse.  We're not doing full on don't offer, don't refuse weaning yet, as I do still offer sometimes when I can tell that he's overwhelmed or exhausted, but I definitely don't refuse when he asks.  Sure do hope Friday is going to be a better night.

Day 6: Friday, July 7
A much better night.  I did not have to work and was able to nurse Zachariah to sleep.  He woke up about 9:30 and I nursed him one last time before we went into the four hour weaning block.  During that four hours he woke up once, and easily went back to sleep.

Day 7: Saturday, July 8
UGH!  Zachariah woke up a lot.  I mean really, a lot.  At 1:45, he awoke, and it was evident that he was not going to go back to sleep without nursing, so I let him go ahead 15 minutes early.  He continued to wake up throughout the night, and awoke about 3:00 for an hour and a half.

After a week, I'm not sure how successful I feel like we've been.  I suppose, if you're only looking at weaning, we're not doing too badly.  Unfortunately, it's not the nursing that I have a problem with, it's the frequent waking, which I'm not sure has abated.  I'm definitely going to stick with the four hour time block and not go to six just yet.

What is this "blogging" of which you speak?

Yep, I'm behind.  WAY behind!  So what HAVE we been up to?
Well... 
Zachariah turned 18 months old.  (Yeah, like three months ago, but here are his stats!)
Height: 32.5" 55th percentile
Weight 26 pounds 51st percentile
Head circumference 19.25" (not sure of the percentile on this one because they mis-measured the first time and didn't give the percentile for the correct measurements.)
Unfortunately, because I didn't document it right then I have no idea what new words he was saying at 18 months.  I can tell you that as of today, he is a little parrot.  He repeats practically everything and responds in some of the cutest ways.  If you tell him something such as "We're going to get dressed so we can go to the store."  He looks at you and nods, and says "Oh."  It's SO CUTE!!!!!!!

We went on vacation to Houston, where my camera was on the fritz, so I only have phone pictures.

This is at Ben's Beans, where the kids and I had coffee every morning on our trip

Playing in the water at the Houston Children's Museum

Yum, rock candy!

Wait, how do I get it out?!

Celestia helping me break in a new sling.

A rare moment of sisterly affection.  Better take a picture!

Riding the tram at NASA

Z had so much fun!

Sadly most of the pictures of our trip were very blurry.  :(

We went to Scarborough Faire.

We've been enjoying locally grown produce from a friend's farm.

What's in here?

A peach!

YUM!!!

Zachariah had some swimming lessons.

Tatiana got contacts.

And we've been playing in the water to stay cool as much as possible.

Zachariah has also begun potty learning, and actually tinkled in the potty for the very first time just today!

On the health front, I am discovering that chiropractic care fixes practically anything.  Since getting adjusted, I have not had one. single. panic attack.  I also went during a time when I was having issues with my gallbladder and mentioned it to the chiropractor - I was not going expressly for gallbladder troubles - and haven't had a spasm since.

I went back to work part time to save up some money for childcare when I am apprenticing and have no income.  I've also downloaded a sample unit in a midwifery course and have been working on it, in addition to the work that I'm doing with Trust Birth.  I would like to really dive in on actually training sooner, rather than later, but it does not look like it's in the cards quite yet.  I'll get there.

So that's pretty much us in a nutshell.  Spring and fall are Jonathan's busiest times of the year, so we're trying to enjoy him as much as possible when he's home, which isn't nearly as often as I would like.

I make no promises as to the frequency of my future blogging.  I haven't forgotten, but this season of our lives simply doesn't afford me much free time in front of a computer.