Operation Baby

I feel like I am preparing for every scenario possible with this child who will be born soon. There are all of these "what if's" going on in my head and I feel like I am training for some covert operation and need to be ready for whatever flies my way. I literally just typed a two page document listing Ava's schedule and her activities along with important phone numbers, name of her teacher, how many dairy items she can have per day, when her daisy troop meetings are, how to apply oils to her if she is coughing, etc. There is one for our dog too.

And I'm also making little piles everywhere with important documents. I have the "girl scout pile" with the money that needs to be turned in so if I'm not around to deliver it, it can be located and taken to Ava's daisy troop meeting. I also have a "tax pile" with all of our documents ready for our tax guy who we will see soon but, who knows? Maybe I won't see him soon. My goal for tomorrow is to stock up on toilet paper and food items for Ava so the person watching her while we are gone will be able to use our toilet without worrying. This time around being pregnant is soooo different.

When I was pregnant with Ava, we of course had things to plan for but we did not have another child who needed arranging. We just drove to the hospital at midnight, I had my sister straighten my hair first (what a stupid thing to do by the way), and all we had to remember was to lock the door when we left our home. That was it. I didn't need to have meals available for another human being, or directions for medicine written out, or a reminder for when library day is at school. We just blew away into the wind and came home with our beautiful Ava.

Now, I'm actually not stressing. It may seem like I am but I'm not. I am really glad I am getting all of this done because that makes me feel better. I do quality assurance stuff for work so me being organized is just a way of life for me. I'm getting the things done that I know I have control over. And I also know that flexibility is key to this whole birth thing because babies have their own agenda - and so does God. So while, yes, I am prepping and getting prepared, I also feel very relaxed in that the Lord has all of this covered.

I am literally just savoring these final weeks (or days - who knows?!) until our son comes. I am in a perfect place right now and just am thanking the good Lord for arranging all of this in His time. Because we had prayed for so long to have this baby - and now it is almost upon us! And the timing is just perfect. All of the noise around me - I just am shutting it out and focusing on our little expanding family. I am at such peace and peace like this only comes from the Lord.

So thank you to all who will be helping us with our sweet Ava while we are gone having our son! We could not do any of this without you! And I know she will be taken care of so well so that puts me right at ease.

I can't wait for this little baby to greet us all!

-Emily

It worked!!

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am that our first attempt at getting a sick child better with only oils worked! I have used young living essential oils for other things of course - especially Ava's asthma which has been amazing. But I haven't had to use them for someone getting full on sick. And I'm still a believer in medicine too so don't get all nutty about it (for instance, if Tony needs to use his epi-pen, I'm not going to do a trial run with oils while he's sitting there with his throat closing).

But yesterday's attempt worked!

So she had a temp of 101 in the morning so I diluted two drops of YL (young living) peppermint oil and rubbed it on her spine. I also put thieves on her feet and diffused it as well. She also sounded a little stuffy so I put a drop of lavender down the bridge of her nose and some lemon on the sides of her neck. Within a couple of hours, temp was down to 98.5 and she wanted to eat and play. Then it went up a tad to 100 and later to 100.8 but my hubinero and later my mother put some peppermint under her armpits ever few hours. Also diffused some purification and lemon throughout the day. So when I got home from work, her temp was at 99 but she had this nasty cough. I immediately had flash backs to when she suddenly developed pneumonia last year so I started to get a little worried (that's what prompted me buy the premium starter kit last year). But I put some RC on her chest, diffused some more thieves and had her drink some tea with one drop of thieves. Later she took a bath with some baking soda and two drops of lavender.

Today she is fine and went to school. Her nose is a little runny but she hasn't freaking coughed once. And I am so happy because this is not typical for her when she gets sick like this. If she starts with a cough and fever, it has almost always developed into an infection and there we are getting antibiotics from the doctor. We all know our kids and how things typically go for them so this was awesome! Now, we did have the Tylenol ready if her temp went over 102.5 or so but we never needed it. I am thrilled! Saved me a large copay at the doctor and best of all, Ava didn't have to suffer for days.

Now, I do want to say I put a lot of effort into researching the oils I wanted to buy. Hands down it is Young Living. I do not use anything else. I have in the past - they don't work so that's why I wasn't a believer at first in essential oils. I just wanted to throw that out there in case you're thinking of running over to sprouts and grabbing a cheap bottle of peppermint off the shelves. Don't waste your money (or risk your health - those contain synthetics as well as other crazy additives). So anytime I talk about using oils, know that I only exclusively use Young Living.

I also want to put out there that we are also cautious about using them as well. I'm not just dousing my family members with it haphazardly and of course if you're on meds for other things, be wise about your health and talk to your doctor about using new remedies. I did a ton of research on what to use while pregnant. Ava knows not to just start opening bottles of my oils and using them - no way. Only mom or dad can touch them. We handle them the same way as medication. I'm constantly reading and learning. I'm taking charge of our health over here people! And I needed to - the side effects of Ava's asthma meds are long and some even insane yet I just gave them to her because the doctor told me to (even though they didn't work very well anyway). The more I learn about things, the more I want to be an advocate. Yesterday I read the warning label for children's Ibprophen - stomach bleeding. Really?!

And again - don't think I'm against doctors or medical professionals or medications - I'm not. I just so far haven't needed them in the past few months that I've used these oils. No one in my family has actually (now that I think about it). But do you think I'm going to pass up the epidural when I give birth in a few weeks because I'm thinking an oil will help me?! No way! Pass the epidural Mr. Anesthesiologist! So you see, I haven't gone crazy.

So now I'm just doing some preventative stuff for Ava now that she's getting over being sick. I sent her to school with RC on her chest and thieves on her feet and I'll probably do that for a few more days. And she even told me last night that she was so happy she didn't have to take any yucky medicine. Fun times all around!

-Emily

Oh for crying out loud

I am writing this because I am confused. I don't think I know what a contraction is versus a braxton hicks contraction versus cramps versus who-knows-what. I also don't even know if I spelled braxton hicks correctly, but whatever.

Everyday recently there is something going on with my uterus. First, I start to feel warm, and then like my stomach is tightening, which then makes it a little hard to take a breath. It lasts for about 1 minute - sometimes longer. It's not that it really hurts though. But it's not that I'm just sitting there relaxed either.

Yesterday I had quite a few in an hour but then they stopped and I went to sleep. So obviously, a child popping out was not the end result so that's why I think it's not a contraction. But I don't know if that's the right answer.

So today I called my doctor to ask for clarification as to what the difference is between a real contraction and a braxton hicks thing. I don't really think they had an answer either. They just kept telling me "if you have more than 6 contractions in an hour, then go to labor and delivery to get checked." To which I kept responding, "but is it a contraction or just one of those braxton hicks things?" And then they wouldn't answer me but instead ask me something else like "are you drinking water?" So then I would come back around again with the same question thinking they must not have understood me. And then again "go to labor and delivery if you have more than 6." Me: "More than 6 what? Braxton hicks things even though it may not be a contraction?" And again some random comment: "when's your birthdate?" I felt a little like I was in crazyland but then I just figured, they must not be understanding me - maybe I'm not being clear. So I'd throw my question out there again a different way: "So if the tightening lasts for a minute, then it's a contraction?" hoping they would just fire back with an answer already. Nope. I even tried to speak more slowly thinking maybe I'm mumbling and need to work on my enunciation. Oh forget it.

I did not experience any of this with Ava. That girl did not ever make the slightest move to leave my uterus. I was overdue, induced, got to 10 centimeters, pushed forever, and then had my uterus sliced open finally so they could go in and get her. This boy I think wants out. So the only "contractions" I have ever known were when they were coming at regular intervals (and painful!) because of pitocin.

I know people have contractions before their due date - I understand that part. But if something is happening at regular intervals but they ARE NOT PAINFUL, do you still call your doctor? See, I don't want to go to labor and delivery and then find out I'm wrong and have to waddle back to the car embarrassed. I also get that you should go anyway because better safe than sorry. Ugh, things are so confusing sometimes.

So my prediction is that this little boy will be here before my due date. If he's not, I will be very surprised. We also need a name too for our son so if anyone has the answer to that question, that would be greatly appreciated.

Maybe his name should be Braxton . . . ? Hmmm, interesting idea.

-Em

Asthma? What asthma?!

So time for my asthma update! Ever since using Young Living oils, my daughter Ava has not had to use her inhalers or her Singulair AT ALL during this time of year! This is seriously a miracle! She has been on these meds since she was around 3 1/2 so I am sooo glad she will not be using these meds with all of their side effects for years and years. Woo hoo!

Also the hubs has come on board with the oils which has been quite amusing and exciting! The other day he was feeling sick and he always heads for some airborne - still was sick after trying it for a couple of days so I said, "can I just make you a capsule already?" So, there he was swallowing a capsule made by yours truly filled with 5 drops of thieves, 5 drops of lemon, and the rest filled with grapeseed oil - took another one in the morning. Was totally fine. He finally admitted it worked and tried really hard not to smile and show his true feelings but he could not resist! Ha!

My fun little mother even called me one night and said, "I have puss pockets on my throat - I'm getting sick. I figured you had something." Hang on mom! Let me run right over! She gargled with thieves and lemon and swallowed one of the homemade capsules, took another capsule in the morning, and was totally fine and back in business. I'm loving this hippie/witch doctor business.

And none of us Dual's over here have been sick this winter season - NOT ONE OF US! All because of thieves!! No one got the flu, Ava did not get her usual strep throat, I've been waddling around fine as a pregnant lady - what a fun adventure!

I just recently stopped using deoderant too (gasp!). Well, just the deoderant that contains aluminum. So I have some all natural stuff now but also will sometimes just make my own. Don't worry - I don't stink. But if I ever do, please tell me! Because who wants to walk around stinking all day?

But in all seriousness, I am trying to help my fam stay away from as many chemicals as they can. There are so many disorders, diseases, etc nowadays - I firmly believe it is because we, as a society, have strayed away from "natural" things to processed/chemical ridden things. We weren't designed to ingest all of this processed stuff. The good Lord gave us plants and things that grow naturally from the earth with sun and water - what a perfect design! The farther I have strayed from natural things, the worse I have felt - mirgraines, arthritis pain, etc. So now I'm just getting back to basics. I'm not doing all of these things perfectly by any means, but it's a start and I feel so much cleaner and happier.

So if any of you want to learn more about these oils, I can add you to some facebook groups to learn more. Or come over to my house and try what I have. You will love it! Because the only side effects so far I've experienced from the oils are healthy family members and no more asthma. You should read the list of side effects of Singulair!

Happy New Year folks!

-Em

I'm probably getting robbed right now

Is anyone else buying their child a Stretchkin this year like this crazy mother is? I didn't think so. This is literally the first year Ava has ever really wanted one specific thing for Christmas so being what I thought was the sensible mother that I was, I thought, what the heck? Let me get her one.

Oh Lord - what have I done.

The website alone is full of so many colors and an energetic video that I was already thinking "what am I doing?" Then to order one, you just blindly fill in all of your personal info and hit NEXT. I might as well of scanned my thumbprint and given them my pin number. So the next page you enter your payment info and it sort of seemed secure but who knows? My bank account may already be drained. Of course there is a cost for shipping - fine. BUT rather than take you to another screen to review your order, it simply says "THANK YOU FOR YOUR PURCHASE - YOU SHOULD GET YOUR ITEM IN 2-4 WEEKS." What the heck?! 2-4 weeks?! Why wasn't that helpful info offered on the first tab?! So after a few more tabs, it then asks me if I would like to adjust my shipping to rush the delivery so I feel a little redeemed thinking it will be here in time for Christmas. I figure well why not? - I've already come this far on this unsecure website - let me see what the cost for a rush delivery will be. Well well well - once you hit NEXT it says "THANKS! YOUR ORDER HAS BEEN CHANGED AND PROCESSED!" Well, where the heck was the warning price on what the rush delivery will be?! So now I am an official idiot who paid way too much for a crazy toy that will probably cause strife and frustration in the home on Christmas Day. Just great.

So I have already taken a vow! Never again will I hunt down some ridiculous toy! And my other vow is that we will all use this toy even if we hate it! We will all pretend we love it. It will be packed on trips we take. I'm sure it will make it's way to Disneyland at some point and we will pose it in a picture with a turkey leg. We will all love it to pieces.

Ugh, so don't go buying one - just wait until next year and if your child would like a unicorn stretchkin you can buy it from me!

And yes, I am now returning back from this fog of a purchase to remind myself why we have Christmas in the first place. And it's not to hunt down toys on the internet. I have officially learned my lesson!

-Emily

I Feel Like a Stuffed Turkey

So besides being up at 5am this morning because I no longer am able to sleep, I also feel like a big overstuffed turkey just waddling around. This pregnancy has made me feel bigger than my first and what's scary is that I still have about 15 weeks to go - so I'm only going to keep getting bigger. That's sort of scary!!

But it is Thanksgiving! So I am thankful that I am housing a growing baby for a few more months even though I will be a sight to see with a huge gut leading the way. And I am thankful that my house is warm right now (although some might say it's still cold as we don't set our thermostat for 70 - it is set for a  few degrees below this). And I have a family who loves each other. And that Tony is such a good dad to Ava and his son already.

Fun story - on Sunday we had a sort of mini thanksgiving lunch after church at home. And Tony was showing Ava the wishbone and explained to her the whole wish thing and whoever gets the bigger piece when it breaks, yada yada yada. So it breaks. And Ava gets the small piece. And just when it looks like she might cry, Tony says "Do you want to know what I wished for?" So she says yes and he says, "I wished that your wish would come true." And boy, did she just light up and smile. What a wonderful daddy who just saved the day and made her day! So Ava was BEAMING and smiles at us and says "Oh good because I wished to be a fairy!" Oh jeez - didn't see that coming. So even though Ava won't turn into a fairy ever, Tony gave her a great moment.

But the 1 thing I am most thankful for (if I had to pick just one) is that "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." - John 3:16-17. Isn't that remarkable? That God SO LOVED the world - SO LOVED. Not just cared for or like the world, but SO LOVED. And when I think of all the rotten things I have done in my life, I am THANKFUL. And grateful. And humbled. And ashamed even. Because I have done and continue to do rotten things. But He did it anyway, even knowing all this. So I am thankful.

Now that I have a child, I could never in my whole life imagine sending my one child as a ransom for the sins of the world. My sinful self sees other sinful people and I think, "No way would I give my one child away to die for so and so." Especially then if no one cares about the sacrifice later and forgets all about. Or says it really didn't happen - NO WAY would I give my child up to do this when so many people would reject it or ignore it. But God is not me. And God SO LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten Son . . . wow. That is the best thing ever. And that has to be the number one thing I am thankful for - how could it not?

Everyone please have a wonderful thanksgiving! And give thanks for the Lord is good. And I am so excited that my family is here and we are already enjoying the next few days together. And I will get to see a friend tomorrow who I haven't seen in years! Literally - years! Wow - what a wonderful Thanksgiving :)

"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms." Psalm 95:1-2

-Emily

Drugs or no drugs?

The cold weather is upon us and I am bracing for Ava to, once again, have her asthma start flaring up. Every year around this time she starts coughing - she will sometimes throw up from coughing so hard, sounds like it is difficult for her to breathe and of course all of this happens at night so I don't tend to get much sleep because I'm just waitng to hear her cough and need help.

Every year around this time I start her on her Singulair, QVAR, and albueterol to try and prevent it from getting worse. Every year, even though she uses these meds, it gets worse - she has coughing attacks, we end up going to the doctor, and she usually starts to run a temp because she gets an infection, or she gets strep throat. And every year I tell her doctor, "I don't really see that the medications help her that much when she's coughing." To which he smiles at me and says, "well she would be much worse if you didn't give them to her."

Last year, she was having such a bad time coughing and breathing, I put her in the car to drive to the emergency room. When we went back to the doctor, I again told him the meds weren't working well and he told me to keep using them. I also notice the meds make her more moody and irriated - she's typically a very happy girl.

So now we are in THIS YEAR. And it is my first time using my oils on her for her asthma. Two nights ago, she started coughing - the kind of coughing where I would normally grab her inhalers, give her some honey, and if it still didn't work, I've put her in a steamy shower to help open her up and pray like you wouldn't believe. Well, I just bought a bottle of oil called RC which is a blend of a few oils including eucalyptus, pine, marjoram, lavendar, and peppermint. I dilute two drops in my hand with about 4 drops of grapeseed oil and rub it on her chest and back. Two nights ago, when she started coughing, I put some in my diffuser in her room and I kid you not - within 7 minutes she was done coughing. All night I kept waiting for it to start up again (because it ALWAYS starts up again). And it didn't. She slept like a log until 7am. I put some more on her chest in the morrning along with some thieves oil on her feet and sent her off to school. So I was quite impressed and I'm hoping it continues to work as well for the rest of this fun asthma season.

The bottle of RC was $22. A jar of grapeseed oil is maybe $5. Ava's Singulair costs me $147 for 30 5mg tablets. Her QVAR is around $45 and her albuterol I think is $15. So $22 plus a jar of grapeseed oil? I will keep using it. Because so far, it has worked far better than those meds. And I'm actually crying as I'm writing this because so many times in the past few years, we have struggled to buy these meds. And when a doctor tells you to get them because they will help, I bought them. And sometimes I could only buy one or two of them because I couldn't afford all of them and I would cry because I felt like a terrible mom who couldn't provide something her child needed. I always asked for samples at the doctor and sometimes they would have some to give me. I spoke with the doctor about the cost of the pills and they gave me numbers to places that maybe could help me. But they couldn't because it was based on income. So Tony and I would feel stuck because we didn't qualify for anything low-income but it's not that we made so much money that I could just go buy any prescription Ava needed. I was finally successful with one of the meds when I sent a form to Merck and they sent me a years worth of Singulair for free last year so that helped quite a bit with the cost.

So again, I praise the Lord for helping us and I'm hopeful these oils will continue to work well. Because the meds sure didn't impress me with their effectiveness for Ava in the 3 years we've used them. And the preventative meds she had, I made sure we followed how they were supposed to be used but she would still have horrible coughing attacks, strained breathing, etc. Maybe some people have had great results with the meds - I'm glad for you. And I will continue to monitor Ava to see how these oils work this season. But so far, so good. And at the end of this cold season, I will report my findings!

-Emily