Sunday Surf: Birth and Spitting and More Birth!

The biggest thing this week was the heat! Oh, and my dreadlocks, of course! It has been over 100° here and our air conditioner just can't seem to battle it. It's been well over 90° inside our travel trailer. Sasha got sick. We got a box fan. We're still considering a window unit air conditioner and trying to get our awning out. Meanwhile, here are a few of links for you.

Twin babies born by c/section, one still in the caul.
Amazing and rare photo!

I've been told that being born still in the sack is a sign of good fortune. I have even heard tale or two of babies being born like this. I wanted to try with Ronni, but they wouldn't let me at that hospital.

There is even a great tandem nursing twins photo in this one!

3 Common Preschooler Behaviors and 3 Ways to Deal with Them
(While Connecting with Your Child)

I love these tips from Code Name: Mama on fun ways to combat undesirable behaviors. I think sometimes we just need to pause and consider why the behavior is so undesirable. It is often our hangups and why should that stop our kids? Still, sometimes this stuff really is inappropriate if only in a certain setting. This post offers some awesome ideas!

Ruby Jane's Home Water Birth Story

Well I guess we'll just make a little theme here. This birth... oh it is so damned perfect! I actually still have a little bit of a hard time when I read about perfect births because while I am satisfied with my experiences, I had wanted to have a home birth. I'd wanted to try a water birth. This birth is even more perfect than that, including a birth in the caul! and a rainbow! Seriously, go check it out.

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Secret Microwave Questions

This week we celebrated my husband's birthday. I started my dread project! Spencer had his 6 month well child check up. And I've been discovering that Spencer likes to play a little rough (upside down, thrown in the air just a little, swinging in my arms, that sort of thing). That has been my week! Here are a few interesting links for you!

Why did the Russians Ban an Appliance Found in 90% of American Homes?

Like I needed more reasons not to use the microwave. I'd really like to get completely away from it, I just don't see it happening - especially in this Summer heat! Have you managed to get rid of your microwave? I know people who have.

Sasha, sitting in front of the microwave on a Mac 'n Cheese night. I'm not sure box dinners are much better than microwave food.

40 Questions That Get Kids Talking

Conversations build connection, be it friends or family. Perhaps this list will help me make a more positive parenting connection, especially with my teenage daughter.

It Ain't Over: The Business 9 Women Kept A Secret For Three Decades

This story is one of those that will renew your faith in the human race. I don't often get teary-eyed from sappy stuff in the news, but this one... by the time I got most of the way through this one I was definitely dabbing away tears. These people are amazing! And what a fun way to help.

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Sorry for Lying to your Thirsty Child

This past week had its ups and downs. Saturday I wound up rear-ending someone with paper tags on his car. I swear I used to be a good driver. Now I've sworn off driving!

Hey, Liar, Liar. Four Things To Consider Before You Keep On Lying to Your Child.

I'm certain that my husband and I are not the only parents that have lied out of convenience. I try not to do it, but when you have NetFlix (so all her favorite shows are available ALL the time), sometimes you say that show isn't on right now. It is a stupid lie. And what does it teach her?

Ariadne makes a lot of really great points regarding the different reasons and ways that we lie to our kids. Everyone lies at some point, but lets not teach our children to take the easy way out.

I’m Sorry

Speaking of lying, this is a cute little post from Honest Toddler. You're sure to get a chuckle out of it.

Keeping your Children Hydrated

Know the signs of dehydration and keep your children healthy in the Summer heat!

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Daughters Reading about Guilt

I hope you & yours are having a great Father's Day! Here are my pick from... well, recent weeks.

10 Things I Want My Daughter To Know Before She Turns 10

This one might require some tissues. I think I'm going to go share this with my 13yo son right now...

Ronni (then 5 years old) reading to Grandpa

50 Inspiring Children’s Books with a Positive Message

Especially with Summer Reading programs going on, what books do you choose for your children? I always let Sasha choose some books for herself, but I try to request books I think she'll enjoy. Here is a good list of books. Now if only my library had all of them!

Mommy Guilt~The Human Factor

We tell each other, "be gentle with yourself." We advise not to be too hard on ourselves. I think for us (my husband and I), we sometimes get uncomfortable if our child isn't "behaving" in public. Parents tend to feel that it is a direct reflection on their parenting skills. This article reminds us that our children are not just mirrors of us. They are their own individual beings and we shouldn't feel guilt over their personalities and temperaments. Great article!

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Parenting, Non-Parenting, and icky stuff

It was a normal week, with a few appointments. I found a bunch of links, though. I like limiting my list to 3 links, though, so here are 3 of them... I should already have material for next week!

What Everyone's Missing in the Attachment-Parenting Debate

Attachment parenting isn't about breastfeeding or babywearing or cosleeping. It is about responding to our children. This article shares some history - from before the well-known Sears book. Its pretty cool!

An open letter to all parents from a non-parent.

You might have already seen this one since it is making the rounds no Facebook, but it is just too funny to miss - if you haven't already seen it. It might even be a good one to share with your non-parent friends to help them understand why you might not have quite as much of an attention span for them these days.

FDA Asked to Take Ban Use of Pesticide for Head Lice

This was coming people, I knew it was coming! I've posted before, Lindane is bad! I have lots of posts about lice and how to treat it naturally.

Consider this: The EPA banned the use of Lindane in pesticides, but the FDA still allows it to be used on children's scalps! It is seriously scary stuff. Go read the article! I'll be so glad when the news reports that Lindane HAS been banned completely!

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Motherhood & Obedience on Facebook

Lots of appointments this week! Still managed to do a little reading...

Rebirth: What We Don’t Say

This might make you cry. It might give you a major AHA moment. Maybe it'll help you explain motherhood to someone. I've never seen it said so very well!

Are you Damaging Your Child by Demanding Obedience?

I think "discipline" can be really rough for all parents. Add to that working out an opinion upon which you can agree... This is a piece you might find helpful in discussions over how to manage discipline. I'm planning to read it to my husband.

Momma Jorje on Facebook

I really only have two awesome links to share this week, so I thought I'd make sure you knew about my fan page. You can find some fun links shared there throughout the week. I also ask for advice to get different input on common issues (like how to wash cloth diapers or soothe a teething babe). Sometimes there are other fun questions, like what it would look if your child ruled the world. If you're not a fan, please come join us and join in the fun discussions.

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Sexy Dreams of Dolls & Other Art

It was an averagely busy week. Here are the links I enjoyed this week:

Scientists Reconstruct Brains’ Visions Into Digital Video In Historic Experiment

This is fascinating and cool while also being terrifying. They've found a way to monitor what happens in your brain and make it into a video! Its very rough right now, but only in its beginning stages. I could see where this might be neat for sharing your dreams with a partner (or, more likely, a therapist), but... yeah, this is scary.

JLRae Creates Awesomeness

My friend Joni Rae of Tales of a Kitchen Witch makes some gorgeous art! She paints, draws, sews... she rocks! Everything in her shop is 20% off right now if you use this code: NEWJOB!

She also has a sale going on for some goddess dolls from a discontinued pattern: All Cut Out and Nowhere to Go. They're so pretty!

Can Children Know, At Age 2, They Were Born The 'Wrong Sex'?

You see more and more articles about kids who identify with a different gender than their physical sex. I find myself wondering about environmental possibilities - maybe it is something we eat. This article brings up some very interesting points! What if we didn't have an A or B concept of sexuality? Some cultures don't share our rigid division.

The article also discusses the possibility that we don't come to one sexual identity that sticks with us for our entire lives. It can vary - which may prove to be a problem for people who are treated with hormones and surgeries at a very young age, if they basically change their minds later. I would think that there would be some pressure not to "change your mind" after having to fight for yourself as it is.

Very though-provoking article!

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Santa has long hair, doesn't he?

It was a busy week! I'm just going to jump right in:

A Daughter With Down Syndrome Is The Perfect Sister

Kelle Hampton is a great writer and photographer. I always enjoy her blog posts! (I've even got her button on my sidebar!) This is a story she did for NPR. It speaks to me especially because I've just given my children a sibling with Down syndrome. My father even told me several times that Sasha would be the one to suffer for having this sibling. I appreciate Kelle's perspective on her daughters (sisters). It is sweet how her own sister helped her with her perspective.

Santa Doesn't Stop Here

I loves me some Kitchen Witch! This is a long-running, sometimes controversial debate. This seemed like a different sort of perspective on the whole mess... and has me rethinking how we handle the holiday ourselves.

The comments also offer some thoughtful input on holiday traditions.

The Truth About Hair and Why Indians Would Keep Their Hair Long

Um... wow! Just... wow! I had never heard this at all. This is definitely worth a read! I'm wondering how dread locks might effect the sixth sense...

Do you have long / short hair? How about your spouse? your kids? Ever noticed a difference after a big chop?

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Giving away diapers, formula & diet changes

You will not find any TIME references here. There are lots of posts, I'm sure you've already seen plenty of them. Here are the links I'd like to share with you...

Fat Bottom Babies Giveaway

There are two prizes up for grabs. The first is 1 cloth diaper with 1 insert, 1 doubler and a 2oz tube of Bottom Soother. Tabatha (the local mom behind Fat Bottom Babies) is a friend of mine. Her diapers are well made AND adorable... and they don't look just like every other CD out there. Go win one and find out!

Here’s Some Formula Just In Case

I love the comparison this post gives... Imagine if you were given a divorce lawyer's card on your wedding day, "just in case." Yeah, how about the medical industry allows mothers some faith in their ability to breastfeed? Just give formula to them if they have trouble (or if they request it). Assume the normal option!

Musing on Elimination Diets

One of the links I posted last week was about changing your diet to battle [pollen] allergy problems. I do not like changing my diet. I'm married to a picky eater. Its a daunting task anyway. Well this article gives me permission not to change it! hahaha Seriously, though, there is some very good information here.

Sunday Surf: Siblings Communicating with Flowers

Have you missed me (on Sundays)? I've been some major slacker, right? I totally forgot one Sunday and then just didn't force myself to do it this past weekend because I was out of town. (More on that soon!) So now I'm going to have to re-read some of these links so I can refresh my memory on why I wanted to share them / what I wanted to say about them.

What Nobody Says About Bringing Second Baby Home (or) The Greatest Gift You Can Ever Give A Child

One of the major deciding factors for us having another baby was that we wanted to give Sasha a sibling. We wanted her to have that close bond / built in best friend. Ironically, we both had poor relationships with our siblings growing up. There was more of an age gap there, though. Anyway, now that we actually have that next baby at home... sometimes it is hard! Sometimes I feel guilty and have even felt like I had to hide when nursing Spencer. To top it all, he has special needs, so requires even more time and attention. I look forward to seeing their bond develop and grow. Right now... its jealousy city and guilt for me. This article is very reassuring that we made the right decision!

Your Baby Isn't Trying to Annoy You; She's Crying to Communicate

I think this article may have partially been my inspiration for my "Good Baby" post on Friday. The writer makes some really good points. I think it might serve as good "ammo" if you find yourself in a conversation or argument with someone that claims babies are manipulative.

Pollen is Not The Problem

This post... well it honestly scares the crap out of me and actually has me considering some major changes to my diet. We're suffering from allergies this year. I've had a sore throat from post nasal drip all Spring so far (and Spring came early thanks to that gentle Winter). Do you think what you eat could be causing you to have allergy problems? Check out what Sarah has to say about healthy gut flora and allergies.

Sunday Surf: EC & Bad Parenting

Another week full of appointments behind us. Each of the kids had appointments this week, including Sasha's first dentist visit. Thursday was the only day free of them.

Here are just a couple of links for you.

Pottytunities for Two

Clarifying Intentions with Newborns

What is truly the goal when practicing elimination communication with a newborn? This is a great article about what it is like to practice elimination communication in our mainstream society, especially with a new baby.

Cracked.Com

5 Hallmarks of Bad Parenting That Are Actually Good for Kids

I love Cracked.Com. They always take a no-nonsense, fun, often foul-mouthed approach to topics, including parenting. This article lets me know that maybe I'm not fouling up this whole parenting thing. I especially appreciated the section on risky play. Click over to learn something new.

What fun things have you read lately?

Sunday Surf: Dirty Leukemia

Do you ever get to the weekend, look back on your week and find yourself unable to recall what the heck you did?? I do! I always have to check my calendar or journal to get an idea of it. This week I found out that I am not diabetic after all! I also found out that my ear parts all work properly. I also took my teenager to a couple of appointments of her own. Next week we have appointments every day but Thursday!

So that is how things are here (busy, as usual). Here are the links I have for you this week.

Uh, yeah. We let Sasha get dirty.

Girls who play in dirt grow up healthier according to researcher

"Women infected with the auto-immune disease Lupus outnumber their male counterparts 9-to-1. While there isn't a concise explanation as to why the disease occurs more frequently in women, the expectation for young girls to stay cleaner than boys may provide a reason."

Doesn't that say it all? I, personally, think that our society has become ginormous germaphobes. Pfft! I loathe hand sanitizer. As in: I don't like the way it feels. I don't like the way it smells. And I don't think it is a good idea. To each their own. Reading this article may help you see how germs help our children.

Knowing your baby has an
increased risk of Leukemia can be terrifying.

Down Syndrome Mutation Helps Leukemia Survival">Down Syndrome Mutation Helps Leukemia Survival

I knew that leukemia was a little more prevalent in children with Down syndrome. I also knew that children with Down syndrome and leukemia responded better to treatment than typical children with leukemia. Scientists think they have figured out why our children work this way.

So yeah, knowing that your baby has in increased risk of leukemia is terrifying. (Don't you find that word itself scary?) It is, however, slightly reassuring to know that he also has a greatly increased chance of beating it.

Did you read anything fascinating or fun this week?

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Yelling about Numbers on TV

Ever feel like you can't do anything but take care of your household? That is me lately. I've been having a hard time finding time to get online, other than an hour or two after the kids are in bed. Still, here are the links I scrounged up this week...

Why Yelling at a Child Is STUPID

I've been losing my patience a lot lately. I hate it when Sasha yells at me. I don't know how I can expect anything else when I've been yelling at her. This article articulates just how ridiculous it is to yell at... well, anyone.

Simple Cloth Number Cards

Sasha has seen us playing with cards lately and these would be a great play thing for her!

How to Wean Your Child (from TV)

We have televisions on far too much in our home. Did you know there is a Screen Free Week coming up? This real momma offers tips on how to cut back on screen time.

Which of these links jumped out and grabbed you?

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Parenting

I had such a beautiful and productive Saturday, despite having a toothache. Today, however, the kids (namely the toddler, as usual) is grating my nerves. An attempt to get a nap with Spencer (as the husband strongly suggested) resulted in a very short nap which just made my toothache worse.

I totally spaced Sunday Surf last weekend, so here are two weeks worth of links!

To praise or not to praise: Is that the question?

I've written before about not praising OR disciplining children, namely in my EC - No Praise / No Discipline post. The first time I heard Alfie Kohn (on DVD) talk about not praising kids, it made sense to me... or at least his reasoning did. Still, I felt a little lost about where to go from there. Click over to read a guest post from Amy Phoenix from Presence Parenting on Hobo Mama's blog. She went through the same confusion... but came out with some great explanations and tips for us!

Sunday Surf: Simple Sunday

We recently moved into a space that includes WiFi. The service, however, is completely unreliable. And so I have literally only been to one link this week and didn't have any links to share the week before that. Good thing, too, since I couldn't get online to share anything with you then, either.

A friend shared this messed up story of some parents suing their medical staff because they didn't get a prenatal DS diagnosis (but have a child with DS). This country sure is suit-happy. Anyway, they were awarded $2.9 million!

Have I missed anything big or amazing in the last two weeks?

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Cure Nothing, Cure All, and a Tower

I've coddled my sick hubby this week and we suspect our littles are at least a little sick. My own cold has taken its time settling in, hiding in a headache most of the week. Meanwhile, here are the links I found for you!

5 Common Medical Procedures (That Secretly Aren't Worth It)

I bet you can think of 1 or 2 that are on this list! I love cracked.com and usually agree with their articles.

58 Medicinal, Cosmetic, and Other Alternative Uses for Breastmilk

On the other end of the spectrum, breastmilk is good for pretty much anything. I'm sure my husband thinks I'm insane, I've been putting breastmilk on pretty much everything! He says I think it is a cure-all and I reply that it pretty much is!

The Gro Tower

You've probably seen these wooden towers around, but this particular one is a new item being offered by my friends over at BornAtHomeToys. They are good peeps and I love that they manage to do this together for income.

I hope you've enjoyed this week's links. Please let me know if you have one I should check out!

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Tantrums, Violence, and Makin' Babies!

Kindness During a Tantrum: 10 Ways to Show you Care

It can be really hard to maintain our own calm when one of our littles is throwing a tantrum. Here are 10 possible ways to help your child through their tantrum instead of battling it, which is likely to make matters worse anyway.

You Didn’t Thank Me For Punching You in the Face

This article is about one of those things that ya don't give much thought... until suddenly you do. This is a thought-provoking post, but it'll still make you laugh... as long as you don't mind a little foul language. Ever been told "he hit you? oh, that just means he likes you!" Wow, what are we teaching our daughters?!

What Makes a Baby

This book looks like it will be awesome! It especially made me think of my friends that are going through IVF to complete their families as well as my alternative lifestyle friends. Right now the book is just getting started, but it is going to be great!

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: With Love

Sunday again, already? Well I tend to keep this list down to 3 links for you so as to not be overwhelming or too much to read, but this week I can not help myself. I have some amazing stuff for you!

Carry Me

Go to any NP/AP forum, board, group, etc. and you're bound to see a discussion on favorite carriers. No single carrier is the answer for all parents. It sucks to go buy a carrier only to find that you and/or your child don't like it. And of course its an expense for a temporary item as it is. Well Carry Me has your solution! It is a Baby Carrier Lending Service! You can rent carriers from them! They even have gift accounts available so that you can give a rental as a baby shower gift!

Sunday Surf: Sleepy Green Syndrome (or not)

This week has been mostly uneventful. I don't feel like I accomplished much and not much happened. I only have a few links for you.

Sleep Problems: Your Child

This is an article from the University of Michigan Health System. With Sasha waking at least every 3 hours at night and sometimes as often as every hour, I was desperately seeking some answer and help! If you're in a similar predicament, check out this page for lots of possible reasons.

That said, the Pediatrician suggested (among other things) behavior modification: stop night nursing. My knee jerk reaction: No way! Then I had some other natural moms suggest it as a possibility. Then my doctor suggested it, too. I'm writing about the progress, so you can expect to see that in a couple of weeks.

By the way, my daughter does not have pinworms!

Why I Stopped Drinking Green Smoothies

I never knew some of the things shared here about the benefits lost when you pulverize your food. (This includes juicing, too!) The full content of the post has been removed, but there is still a summary there if you're curious.

I did not Birth a Syndrome

This one is me. Its right here on my very own blog. The post has been passed around Facebook a bit, though it hasn't gone viral or anything. I'm very proud of the post and touched by the responses I've received. Everyone (online, anyway) has been so supportive since Spencer's initial diagnosis. Have a look if you're interested in our experience / journey.

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I hope you found at least one link here that sparked your interest. Tune in next week to see what else I find! Any sparks you care to share with me?

I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!

Sunday Surf: Wipes, Books and a Carrier

I feel like I've not nothing productive all week. You know, other than feeding babies, changing babies, emptying the potty, washing diapers, washing clothes, washing babies, refilling the humidifier, occasionally feeding myself... There is always something else that needs done!

Here are the links I somehow managed to find for you:

~ Cloth Baby Wipes ~

Oh yeah! I did research and make my own wipe solution! I checked with Natural Parents Network and also found recipes at Zany Zebra Designs. I finally settled on my own version of one of the recipes:

• 1½ C Hot water
  
• 2 T Coconut Oil
  
• 1 T Baby Wash
  

Spencer's bum has seemed red, though. I'm not sure if its from poop or the coconut oil, so I'm afraid to use it anymore. I'm taking a break. I was loving having it next to the cloth wipes in a travel spray bottle, though! I didn't add any essential oil, though the bottle had previous had diluted lavender. I like the resulting scent.

~ Little Free Library ~

One of my friends is trying to get some of these set up and the project just look awesome! I love it! Its a little free standing library box available for people to exchange books for free. Check it out!

~ Tablerunner/Placemat Onbuhimo ~

This is a tutorial on how to make a carrier (an ABC type or similar to a Mei Tai) out of a table runner and a placemat! Talk about upcycling!

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I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!