Verse of the (SUN)DAY!

2 Timothy 3:1-7 KJV

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

⁴ Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

⁶ For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

⁷ Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

I want my heart to belong totally to God. I do not want to read the Bible, go to church but never really know him… Its not good enough just to quote a few scriptures and pay your tithe. My desire is a deep burning in my soul for the return of my Lord. I know that when I go to Jesus in prayer and lay myself down, confessing my sin and unbelief, he will meet me there. If my desire is to be closer to him, he will not deny me. The day is drawing near. Heed the scripture, will you be found without the knowledge of truth? My father said to me this week, “its not too late, until its too late…” You never know when the Lord will part the eastern sky or you meet your demise. Love to all of you this Sunday.

Gods Wondrous Creation

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Is Here!

Look what came in the mail!!!! Tropical Traditions has graciously provided a quart of their GOLD label Virgin coconut oil to review! Following the review, there will also be a giveaway! Stay tuned to Jacks Crunchy Mama for the results and drawing! I can’t wait to try this!

Waiting For Baby…

Waiting For Baby

So it’s your due date and you feel nothing. And by nothing, I mean, no contractions. Sigh… Will my baby ever come???!!

You may be thinking about an induction if you haven’t already scheduled one already at your 39 week appointment. After all, the baby is big enough, and developed enough, why not end your pregnancy and finally hold your baby?

Every mama pondering induction should read the articles below:

Click to access CIMS%20Fact%20Sheet-%20Problems%20and%20Hazards%20of%20Induction%20of%20Labor.pdf

So if increased risk of fetal distress and cesarean section were not enough… There’s the effects on Breastfeeding to consider as well.

La Leche League International states in their document on birth:

A woman considering an induction before her due date needs to know that a late preterm baby (37-39 weeks) may have some of the same types of problems breastfeeding as a very early preterm baby (such as weak or uncoordinated suck, and sleepiness at the breast.)

This link provides excellent insight to the effects that the birth experience can have on Breastfeeding.

Click to access ChildbirthandBreastfeeding.pdf

Listen, I’ve been there! Jack was born at 40 weeks plus 5 days! I was beginning to think I was just fat and wasn’t actually having a baby at all. I say on my sofa much of the last two weeks inhaling ice cream and watching extreme makeover: weightless edition! It was hard to wait for my baby to come. Babies come out when they are ready. Jack was definitely ready too, only 6.5 hours of labor and 9 mins of pushing was all it took.

He was only 8.2 and 20 inches long even post date. He wasn’t a huge baby and came out relatively easy.

Be patient mamas, that baby growing below your heart will soon enough be in your arms and at your breast.

Mommy Necklaces Review

Mommy Necklaces Review

What is it?

A necklace made with non-toxic beads, and a safety clasp for Mothers to wear with young children.

Features:

Affordable
Stylish colors and designs
Safety breakaway clasp
Non- toxic beads
Extra strong cord- can withstand 300 lbs of pressure

Summary:

The reason that I personally purchased a Mommy necklace is because Jack was doing too much damage. And by damage I mean digging and pinching with his fingernails into my neck and chest, many times breaking the skin. It hurt no matter how often I clipped his nails. Plus when he would nurse, he liked to put his hand in my mouth and hang his fingers from by bottom teeth! Disgusting! I needed something to keep his busy little hands occupied.

I purchased my necklace from Angel Britches locally here in Baton Rouge. It came with two donut rings that make a rattling noise when Jack shakes the necklace. He really enjoys it when I remember to wear it! It has pretty colors blue, green, red and orange and seems to match almost everything I wear. It’s not a teething necklace but I don’t worry about him biting it once in a while since the beads are non-toxic.

I would rate the Mommy Necklace a 5/5.

To visit the Mommy Necklaces web page Click here!

This is Jack enjoying my mommy necklace while nursing on our way to Salt Lake City.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Verse of the (SUN)DAY!

Psalm 51 KJV

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Breast Feeding Is Not Against The LAW!

Breast Feeding Is Not Against The LAW!

Breastfeeding is not against the law, well at least in Louisiana it’s not. That’s where Jack and I live, and we nurse wherever, whenever he is hungry.

I nurse in public for one reason and one reason alone. That reason is: My son is my priority, not the comfort of others. PERIOD. I will not deny my son food when he is hungry in order to please people that I do not know, and may never see again.

Let me say this though. Even though I do NOT think breast feeding is sexual in any way, as a Christian I try to be modest. I do not want to be a stumbling block to those around me. When I say modest, I mean as modest as possible with a flailing 8 month old on my lap, that will not tolerate a blanket or a standard nursing cover over his head while he eats. So I wear nursing friendly clothes and multiple layers to show the least amount of skin and boob possible. That is what I am comfortable with and what works for Jack and I.

I feel that all babies should eat when hungry and all mothers be able to nurse those hungry babies without fear of attack.

I know of someone locally that while feeding her baby in a restroom at a public shopping mall was told that she was turning her baby into a slut or a lesbian by doing that (breast feeding).

Then of course you hear of the women being kicked out of restaurants and denied their law given right to pump at work or on an airplane even.

The point of this post is- Know Your Rights! Look up your state law regarding breast feeding and save it on your cell phone. Keep it with you I case you need to utilize it while nursing in public.

Here is a link where you can find the laws by state.

http://m.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/breastfeeding-state-laws.aspx

Keep your head up nursing mama and do right by your baby!

You Are Doing What With Your Placenta?

While I was pregnant with Jack, I decided to look into placenta encapsulation. I cannot remember which book I came across it in first, I just remember feeling intrigued by the idea.

I was open to anything that would help my transition from pregnant to mother. I feel like it served to be extremely beneficial to me the first few weeks after delivery and the only negative thing for me was that I had a small placenta. So I only had a small amount of pills, many days I wish I had some left over when I needed a “pick me up”.

A local midwifery student and doula, Nicki Pugh, provided this excellent explanation for my blog. If you are pregnant and are interested in her services please contact her through the link at the bottom of the post.

Here’s a totally awesome picture of one of her placentas. It’s amazing, it is the life source for our babies as we grow them.

Encapsulation:

Placenta encapsulation has really hit the mainstream in the past year or so. While there is a lack in current research regarding consuming the placenta, there does exist ample anecdotal evidence that women who encapsulate and consume have less emotional distress, have more energy and have a quicker, more pleasant postpartum recovery.

Numerous benefits including:
Improved mood and energy
Increased milk supply
Balancing of hormones
While these benefits are wonderful during the immediate postpartum weeks, the capsules can continue to be of benefit for months and years into the future for a variety of hormone-related issues.

The process includes adhering to strict sanitary guidelines during the process of preparing, drying, grinding, and encapsulating the placenta. The capsules can be placed in the freezer for long term storage. In addition to capsules, the placenta may also be used to create a tincture, which is highly shelf stable and can remain potent until menopausal years.
Ideally, the placenta is encapsulated within 48 hours after delivery. To facilitate this process, families are provided with information about how to properly store the placenta until the encapsulator arrives.

Most hospitals have policies in place to accommodate those that are planning to utilize the placenta. While your encapsulator can advise regarding local hospital, it is always best to discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to the birth, as well as include as part of a birth plan.

Placentas that have been properly frozen can be encapsulated up to 6 months or longer after delivery.
For more information about placenta encapsulation, contact Nicki Solomito Pugh via facebook at ‘Old River Doula-Nicki Solomito’ Click Here!!
Nicki Solomito Pugh, MS, student midwife at Midwives College of Utah and homeschooling mama to three girls.

Gluten Free Cheesecake!

Old School Gluten Free Chicken & Dumplings

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

Cooked Chicken 1.5 cups (cubed)
Chicken Broth 2.5 cups
Mixed Vegetables 1 cup
Milk 1 cup, 1/3 cup separately
Cornstarch 3 tbsp
Egg 1
Butter 2 tbsp (melted)
Bobs Red Mill GF Biscuit and Baking Mix 3/4 cup
Pepper and seasoning salt to taste

1. Heat chicken, broth, veggies, salt and pepper to boiling.

2. Mix cornstarch and 1 cup milk- add to boiling broth and wisk smooth.

3. In a small bowl mix dumpling ingredients together (baking mix, 1/3 cup milk, butter and egg)

4. Carefully drop dumpling dough into boiling broth by tablespoons. I like to use a stainless steel scoop from pampered chef.

5. Continue cooking uncovered on low heat for 10 mins.

6. COVER and cook another 15 mins and serve!

This serves 4 people so adjust accordingly!

Guest Post: In Order For Her To Survive

Jack's Crunchy Mama

In order for her to survive, I have to get the milk out of me and into her.
I knew nursing wouldn’t be easy. My first two fought the breast and wouldn’t latch, but this time things were different. I wouldn’t subject myself to the emotional and mental struggle of fighting with inverted nipples and huge milk filled breast and a fussy hungry baby. I made my mind up before giving birth. I would pump for her. In my mind, this seemed so easy. I was wrong.
The first 4 or so days she was on formula. I was in tremendous pain from a c section and tubal ligation. Again, I knew how emotional it would be to fight with nursing. So I took the formula route.

I didn’t pump until we got home. I wasn’t uncomfortable or engorged and the milk actually was flowing. By our third day home…

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