Mothering

I'm finding there is a major discrepancy between the way typical American women mother and the mothering instincts and designs God has given us. I'm fine with agreeing that we do live in the American culture, so there are things that we do to get along better within our society... However, some things may be better off picked apart and looked at, to determine why we are doing them, if they are beneficial, or if they are even what we as mothers want to be doing.

Some obvious two-sided issues like the "Cry It Out" method of teaching your child to self-soothe, are no-brainers to me. Especially when studies are being done that prove methods like this are dangerous! Psychology Today (http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-landscapes/201112/dangers-crying-it-out) just published an article listing the many dangers of the method - life long risks that include altered brain chemistry and a messed up stress-response system, which leads to other physical and mental health issues later in life.

Some issues need real thought, there aren't necessarily clear studies that back them up on either side. Like this week's issue (I'm sure there will be many more) is nursing to sleep. There are a hand-full of points that can be made in favor or against it. If we didn't nurse to sleep, Andrew could more easily put Fern to bed, giving me a break. I would be more likely to even be able to put her to bed and have time in the evenings to spend with my husband. My days wouldn't revolve SO much around getting her to sleep for at least three naps and then for bed.
On the flip-side though, Fern falls asleep SO peacefully and happily at my breast. It is the place she feels most comfortable, warm, and loved. God designed breastmilk perfectly...even possibly perfectly for nursing to sleep. It contains sleep-inducing chemicals, possibly more effective than a Benedryl! And as a mom, it is so cozy to nurse my little pipsqueak to sleep.

Certainly it would be nice to get things done, to enjoy time sewing, or tea in the evening with my husband. But Fern will be a baby only once. So my desire is to push aside cultural (and family!) expectations, and move more on instinct, remembering that God gave them to me. Trying not to be influenced by people who say "but you need a break", "that's what naps are for", etc. Or having an attitude of a parent who lives for the time the baby is asleep. I'm still a mama, even when she's asleep.

New Winter Boots!

Just finished up baby's first pair of winter boots. The lining is made from an old, shrunken sweater and the exterior is made from wet felted wool - from my favorite fiber store in Savannah Wild Fibre and a cute store in the upper peninsula of Michigan!



Can't blog long... too much stitching to do!

Dad's Baby Blankie

Andrew had the fun idea of turning an old uniform into a cute little baby blanket! Well, the uniform wasn't exactly old...but rather had a small hole chomped into the back by our first born - Violet. She enjoys sneaking into the laundry room, pulling clothes through the holes in the laundry basket, and snacking quietly til mom comes to catch her. She has a special taste specifically for camouflage... we think it reminds her of her roots in the fields of west Texas.



So this is it. A little lap blanket for the car or for snuggling when dad's at work. Oh how soon will there be a little body under this blankie.

Baby Quilt!

I just finished my Cloud9 organic cotton baby quilt. Smiling ear to ear to have it finished! I'm not entirely impressed by my binding, or actual quilting for that matter, but it will help me loosen up and be prepared for dirt, puke, and (hopefully not) poo that may come into contact with my fine piece of work!




The little mushrooms in the fabric make my heart hurt...they are SO CUTE!

Well, I guess I'm ready at least for the hurricane now, if not for the baby!

Baby's First Toy

Yesterday, Modern Alternative Mama posted a great blog about toys and the correlation between simple, natural toys and a peaceful environment in the home. Perfect timing for this post, considering my sewing machine came home from the doctor today! And if there is one thing I have to have it is a peaceful home. I can't imagine how much more I'll want that when we have a little, tiny addition to our family. So I made our tiny addition it's first toy - an organically, stuffed bird!

Cats in Bags...

Well, my dear friend Lizzie let her cat out of the bag, so I suppose I'm due to let mine out too. In four short months - give or take however long Junior desires - we will be a family of four (three humans, one bunny).


me - six months pregnant (not scared really, though I look it in the picture)

Surprisingly, considering how I felt four months ago, I'm getting excited. God really does know me better than I do. I wouldn't have necessarily planned this myself, but it's good. It sure helps that Lizzie is also going to be a momma! And also my friend Aliza is expecting, whom I adore.

Andrew put in a good long Saturday painting and trimming the baby's room. Well, not actually that long, the room is tiny - he fondly calls it the Harry Potter bedroom. Then follows up with "are we bad parents because we're making our kid sleep in a walk-in closet?".