BLOG.MODESTMIDDLES.COM

Networking for Moms with Stay At Home Businesses is a MUST!

2010-07-28T16:00:00Z

As a stay at home mom who also has a home-based business, I'm constantly looking to network with other moms like me to get ideas about how to promote my business with greater efficiency. I've recently been contacted by several companies that offer to "raise my Google rank" or "get on the first page of the natural search with Google". I'm not sure if these are for real or not....Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great breastfeeding in public."

Getting the Kids to Exercise!

2010-07-27T22:03:00Z

Too hot to play outside after 10 am...We started "Maschue Hourly Bootcamp". Each hour we take 1-min turns jumping on the tramp, jumping jacks & planks. I'm trying to tire them out and burn some calories...Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great while breastfeeding!"

Oh Laundry, How do I love thee?

2010-07-26T18:33:00Z

Guess what I'm doing today....I'm glad at least Philip likes helping. Typically I do laundry on the weekends and try to have it put away by Tuesday am. Summer has made that task a bit tough to complete. It seems like there is evermore laundry. I'm trying to get the kids into the habit of putting away their own laundry; It's a work in progress. Looking at this mountain of laundry, I actually can't wait for school uniforms!!!...Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"

Should I Breastfeed My Baby?

2010-07-23T00:00:00Z

Breastfeeding expert, Amy Spangler , says it best in my opinion..."While breastfeeding may not seem the right choice for every parent, it is the best choice for every baby.".....Amy Maschue "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"

How Early Can the American Dream be Dreamed?

2010-07-21T22:03:00Z

Here's a photo taken for an upcoming feature on Modest Middles--Sharing the American entrepreneurial spirit with the kids =)

Where can a family of 7 go for summer vacation?

2010-07-20T19:55:00Z

As our family has grown, many would also think that our vacation options have decreased. Not really. We have always been a fun-oriented family and the more kids we have the more we feel we need to go on family vacations to relax the craziness of daily life. This weekend we went to San Diego, California. I was blessed to grow up in Northern California (our destination last year), but Southern California is a great vacation spot for our family and since it's closer to Phoenix, we typically end up in LA or San Diego when we can get a weekend away. We left on Friday afternoon and hit Viejas Casino to meet up with my sister and her family. The Indian Casinos in CA (and AZ too) have become great places for inexpensive family entertainment. We grabbed a bit to eat at their outdoor food court, then did some Cosmic Bowling and finally watched a "Fire in the Sky" live action show (that was free!) in the courtyard. The kids had a blast! Saturday we swam at my sister's house. Kids hanging out with other kids is always fun. You add a pool and it's a full day of activity. Later that night we met some friends (who also have 5 kids) at the San Diego Padres v. AZ Diamondbacks baseball game. We were in the nosebleed seats, but the kids loved it! We saw several homeruns. One was an in the park homerun (sadly, the Padres won). We spent the night with our friends on Saturday and woke up early to get to church. We grabbed some lunch on the go and headed to Mission Beach. With a big cooler of treats, sunscreen, boogie boards and sand toys, the kids (and adults) were entertained for the day. I stayed inside and watched from the house my brother-in-law rented on the beach since Maeve is too little for the beach. The baby and I could watch the big kids play and "surf". The ocean breeze was amazing. We all were tired, but revitalized. After quick showers and some great BBQ, we packed up the kids and headed home. Back by 1:30 am on Monday, we were tired, but look forward to our next trip to San Diego!

How do you keep your kids busy in the heat of the Summer?

2010-07-16T15:28:00Z

How can I keep my kids busy in the heat of the AZ Summer? I ask myself this question starting in April through the start of school. I'm always looking for fun, inexpensive (free is best), and action-based things to do with my kids. This summer has been particularly tough because our baby Maeve (4months) and little 2-year old Jillian can't tolerate much outside time; they would just wilt in the heat. Usually we do City swimming lessons because they are four days a week and inexpensive, but this year it was too hard get all four of the big kids enrolled at the same time. So, what to do? Lots in the Phoenix Metro area. We have Harkins Summer movies. We go on Fridays. It's only $7/kid for 10 MOVIES! We also have some great free kids water parks with playgrounds attached. Last week we went to indoor mini golf. It was a blast and only $6/kid. There was a great bench area where I could breastfeed Maeve and let her sleep in her carseat as I watched the big kids play golf and Jillian look at the animal structures. Fun in the sun is definitely possible, even in an excessive heat warning =)....Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"

What a Newborn Needs

2010-07-15T20:26:00Z

I love this quote! "A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three."--Grantly Dick Read. As a mom of 5 I have done a lot of nursing. I can't say it's always been easy, but it has been a way to show love and care for my babies that is fully giving of myself. To all new moms out there having difficulty breastfeeding: keep trying, call Le Leche League in your area, talk to moms who have nursed their babies. You can do it! Breastfeeding is best....Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"

A Day of Dress-Up Helps Mommy Get Some Work Done

2010-07-15T05:14:00Z

Wow it's been a busy week--a busy month! How is it mid July already? We just got in a new order of Modest Middles Nursing Tank Tops for breastfeeding moms that needed to be packaged. I'm almost done, but this was the first order I had to package in between caring for a newborn infant. Challenging. I needed to get to some emails this afternoon for Modest Middles events in CA and some blog reviews that are upcoming, so I needed the kids to keep themselves busy (and quiet) while Maeve took a nap. I took the time to set up an environment that would keep everyone happy. Oh, I forgot to mention two of my sister's kids were over to play...sounds crazy, but two more kids actually help keep mine big 4 busy. The girls dressed up like princess cowgirls and danced to an Alvin and the Chipmunks II CD. The boys dressed up like Ninjas and made a fort in the living room. I got my work done and the kids had a blast! Thank goodness for dress up clothes...Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"

Is Organic Worth It?

2010-07-13T21:36:00Z

I've recently been trying to make healthy, yummy, but budget-friendly meals that I can add to my old standbys. A friend sent me some links to organic cook books and I came across a book called, "Organic Manifesto" by Maria Rodale that I ordered on Amazon.com Even at the grocery store there, seems to me, a bigger push of the organic produce, actually organic everything. Safeway has an entire brand based on organics now. These organic foods are often significantly more expensive than the food treated with pesticides and preservatives I have spoken with people on both sides of the organic argument and am more confused than ever!

A farmer friend of mine from California says that "organic" is all a hoax as the organic and non-organic growing fields are often bordering one another and water and the pesticides, etc. can flow from one field to another. Another farmer I spoke to at a farmer's market here in Phoenix disagreed and touted organic fruits and vegetables as important pillars in a healthy diet. So, here's my issue....I want to eat healthy. I'm concerned about the impact preservatives and pesticides have on our health. I also want to stick to a budget; with a family of 7 it's a necessity!....Any thoughts/advice?....Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"

Family Fun Provides Lots of Digital Photo Opps!

2010-07-09T23:56:00Z

I love spending time with the family and the easy point and shoot nature plus easy erase of the digital camera makes every moment a potential photo opportunity. The kids have even gotten into taking the camera and shooting their own pictures. They're actually getting pretty good! I am currently in the process of revamping our Modest Middles website. I was working on a concept page to show the photographer what types of pictures I wanted and specifically how much of the Modest Middle Nursing Tank I wanted to show....I am trying to get action shots that are realistic and still show enough of the nursing tank to advertise our product. Anyhow, my daughter Annie helped me out by being my photographer for the concept shots. As you can see she did a pretty good job.

Besides having pictures for work, I have so many pictures of the kids. I am constantly thinking about "what if" scenerios that may result in loosing our pictures. It's actually easy to imagine: a drink gets spilled on the computer, someone drops the laptop or pulls it off the desk, the computer gets a virus, etc. I've toyed with purchasing one of those off-site computer back up programs (like Carbonite.com or box.net which is free to a certain storage limit), but I haven't made the move.

Currently I'm backing up regularly on an external hard drive. I'd love any suggestions or motivation to get my pictures in a safe, secure storage system...Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"

Search for a Delicous, Healthy, Budget-Friendly Dinner...CHECK!

2010-07-08T17:23:00Z

I am constantly on the search for something new to make for dinner to keep the pizazz in our meals. Trying to be budget-friendly and healthy can often be a roadblock to "new and different". Last week, my husband made the grocery store run for me; I knew the items on my list would make it, at least versions of those items. Phil is extremely budget conscious. We are a good balance to each other that way (ok, without his frugality I would be in debt up to my eye balls). When he shops, he ALWAYS finds a few extra good deals. At this trip, he happened upon a smokin deal on pork chops. He bought a lot of pork chops! First I made mustard and rosemary pork chops with grilled potatoes. A few days later I simply salt and peppered the pork and slapped it on the grill with some corn and lime butter. Then I was kind of done with pork chops. Honestly, I don't usually cook pork. Later that week I needed a quick meal that I could pull together from the pantry. I noticed the pork. My mind was blank with regards as to how to prepare it, but I had 10 chops left (I told you he bought a lot of pork) and 7 adults to feed for dinner, plus 6 kids. I decided to search the grilling section of The Food Network (foodtv.com) recipes. I love the reviews and chefs. It was an inspired thought. I found a recipe for Grilled Pork with Arugula and Grape Salad . I didn't have the arugula on hand, but I did have endive and escarole washed and in the fridge. This recipe was SO easy and SOOOOOO delicious I seriously wanted to lick my plate. It was great! I even made it a few days later for a friend who had just had a baby just so I could make extra dressing to make the salad for my lunch (I skipped the chops for myself as I was a little porked out). Everyone who has tried this dish has raved about it! I suggest any time you are in the mood for a great meal, try this one, and if you need help finding a new recipe to try while shopping in your pantry, try foodtv.com. You will be inspired!...Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"

WAHMs help out in a tough economy!

2010-07-07T21:19:00Z

Owning my own business with my husband has been a wonderful experience. I am the main "worker" for Modest Middles , but without my husband's advice, support, financially-savvy mind & confidence, I would not be growing a business in this tough economy. (Thanks honey!). I really think that starting and growing Modest Middles Nursing Tank Tops from an idea that I made for myself has given me confidence in addition to a way to help my family financially. I love to see so many moms taking their talents into the business world. Just from the friends I can think of there seems to be a boom in Work-at-Home Mom businesses. Some of my friends make nail polish, candy, sell vitamins, homemade pasta, sun shirts, own a retail store, are a realtor, etc. I really encourage women to take a chance (well-informed of course) and try starting a business . Go ladies!

The Stress-Free World of Children

2010-07-06T23:54:00Z

Hope all had a great 4th! A thought crossed my mind as I looked at a mountain of laundry & mess...kids don't stress, so I did what my kids do---we played squirt tag with the hose, now the kids are helping me clean up the house. Great destress activity! Here's a link to a few more good ideas to destress after a vacation from All Healthcare .

The Pursuit of Happiness...It's not about money, or is it?

2010-07-01T17:25:00Z

A recent Women's Day poll asked "Which one would make you happiest?" winning lottery (56%), Losing 20 lbs (22%), Great love life the rest of your life (22%). I really think happiness is a choice. There are some people with everything in the world to be happy about (e.g., family, money, beauty), but still feel unsatisfied. I think in simpler times people were more grateful for what they had. Now everyone feels entitled to "have it all". I think it's our definition of "having it all" that sets some up for unhappiness while others, possibly with less worldly things, are content. What do you think? Check out this link from Women's Day Happiness Project. It has ideas that are cheap and fun and touted to promote happiness.

Antibiotics...Do some parents use this life saving medication as a "cure all"?

2010-06-30T15:15:00Z

With 5 kids, I am a frequent visitor at the pediatrician, especially with sick kiddos in the winter months. I hate it when the kids are sick! I look at their sweet little face full of boogers and snot, red eyes, etc. and just want to make it better. Lately, I've heard more and more talk about whether antibiotics are being overused. My father-in-law passed away in part due to his infection being resistant to even the highest level of antibiotics and ever since, I've been very careful about when we use them. It's confusing as a parent. I am thankful to have a great doctor who is clear about the difference between a likely viral infection and a bacterial infection. I love this video from American Baby Magazine and article from IBS Pro on the guidelines to follow (e.g., visit doctor if concerned, hydration, fever over 3 days, etc.)What guidelines do you use when deciding to give your child antibiotics or treating symptoms (e.g., tylenol, humidifier, gatorade, etc.)? If you don't use antibiotics, what do you use? What do you do to help keep your kids healthy (e.g., lots of hand washing, vitamins, supplements, etc.)?

I'm Committed to Trying to Workout Today =)

2010-06-29T15:55:00Z

When it comes to exercising, I'm the Queen of Excuses. I'm too tired. The kids/Phil need me. I need to clean the house (always, but that is beside the point), etc. My newest, favorite excuse is the lack of a good-fitting nursing work out bra. It feels like the bra makers don't get that we NEED support (and not ugly would be nice too). Right now I'm wearing two of my old work out bras layered...great for support, but it stinks (well actually hurts) when Maeve, 3 months, needs a mid workout refuel.

Don't get me wrong, I know there are a million places to get nursing bras, supportive yet school-marm bras, even pretty bras . However, after 5 kids and an untold number of ill-fitting purchases, I just don't think the perfect nursing bra is out there...I digress...post-pregnancy brain is still in full effect...I was talking about exercise.

I looked around my house last night and realized I am not motivated to exercise. Why? I don't know. I own a mini trampoline, a million and one work out DVDs from Taebo to Yoga with Your Baby, a set of hand weights and an elliptical trainer. Finding the will power to start today, not tomorrow, is the issue. I recently downloaded a running/walking schedule that claims to get you 5k ready in 8 weeks. I know it's possible, but will I do it?

Before I was married I jogged at least 13 miles a week. I knew that a marathon was in my future--definitely by the time I was 30! I'm 36 and my sisters completed a marathon two years ago--me nada. I want to be a healthy mom. Living in Arizona, I'm surrounded by parks, mountains and swimming pools. Nine months out of the year I can walk out my front door into perfect workout weather. What's missing? Probably accountability on my part. I've considered joining the Stroller Strides group in my area when the three big kids go back to school. Right now though, I think I'll take it one day at a time so as not to be overwhelmed. Tonight I'll go on a walk with my family and take as my motto the wise words of Yoda, "Try, try not. Do or do not." ...Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"

Crazy Birth Stories...My 4th Baby Crashed Her Sister's Birthday Party & #5 Came So Fast She was Born in Her Sack!

2010-06-29T02:43:00Z

If you are a mom, chances are you have shared the stories of the birth of your children with many a mom. It seems to be a mom past time. I think it has something to do with the "rite of passage" nature of giving birth, regardless of the length of labor, c-section, epidurals, or no drug vaginal births. I am a mom of 5. The birth of each child has been an amazing journey and you'd think I'd have a predictable pattern by babies #4 and 5, but as you'll read below Jillian (2 years old) and Maeve (7 weeks) showed that they wanted to enter this world in their own ways!
Baby #4 Jillian the Party Crasher---This is part of the letter I wrote my daughter Jillian to tell her the story of her birth (I write one for each child)

Nov. 4^th 2007, it was a Sunday, so we all went to Mass and had lunch at Chuey's. I had been planning your sister’s 4th birthday party. I got some strong contractions that afternoon and thinking I could stop them quickly got in the tub. Around 5pm things stopped, but you were determined! I say that you did not want to miss another Maschue party, so you were coming out! This is where the story gets good!

Most of the family got to our house around 6pm for your sister Annie's 4th birthday party, but Aunt Karen, who was also the midwife who was to help deliver you was running late. Everyone was eating the spaghetti dinner I had made--including me. As I finished eating, I was visiting with your Grandma. She said, "You are making a weird face about every 5 minutes. Are you ok?" As Aunt Karen came through the door, my cousin Pamela and her husband Randy greeted her by saying, “We’re so glad you are here, because we don’t know anything about birthing babies”. Lucky for you Jillian! So the word got out that I was contracting. See, I was trying to keep it on the down low and doing a pretty good job. Aunt Karen got there at 6:15PM, sat in the living room and watched me contract. Jillian, let me tell you about your uncle Ed, that’s a funny story. He noticed that I was having contractions, and it was making him nervous. He turned to Aunt Karen and said “I’ll bet she just doesn’t want to go to the hospital tonight”. Aunt Karen turned with an utterly perplexed look on her face to your Aunt Maura and she said, “ He is so out of the loop” Then he sat down and asked Aunt Karen “Are you taking the kids?” meaning your brothers and sister. She said “Ed, how do you not know that Amy is having a home birth?" Then she took him into my bedroom and showed him all of her equipment.

When Aunt Karen came into the living room she noticed some more distress on my face. People were not even done eating yet! Your Dad had taken over all hosting duties for me, so he didn't realize things were moving quickly. Aunt Karen asked me if I wanted to have them cut the cake. It was an emphatic yes!

So we spring into action. Your dad lit the candle, all that were present sang happy birthday to Annie, cut the cake, ripped open the gifts and Dad began ushering people out the door. My favorite line was from cousin Randy. He said to me and your grandma, “This is the most exciting party I have ever been to” All because you were ready to come out. How cool is that!

Most people left; your Aunt Wendy stayed to help clean up. Aunt Karen called her assistant to tell her to get here. When all were gone, she checked me and I was dilated to 7cm. So, Aunt Karen listened to your heartbeat. You sounded great, then into the tub! I got in and said thank God for this tub! Lights were off, I was focused, your dad was by my side, and prayers were being said.

A few minutes later, Aunt Karen asked Dad to turn the lights on. Then all of a sudden with one big surge, I pushed and I could feel your head. Next surge you came flying out. Okay that is a little over exaggerated, but not far off. You see your dad was supposed to catch you. Aunt Karen was just going to make sure that there was no cord around your neck. Well, you came out Sunnyside up, so it was all in one motion--no time for Dad to get in position.

There you were on my belly crying away. Honestly I don’t even remember what anyone said. We were just all so happy! What a great day! You were pink and healthy and wanted to be fed right away. It was great. I loved every minute of it! I was so relieved to have you on the outside! We were all just thankful to God that all things went well for your beautiful birth. It was 8:16 pm and as Annie reminded us the next morning when she came home from spending the night at Aunt Lisa's house---she didn't even get any of her birthday cake. I love you Jillian. Welcome to our family.---Oh one more odd thing----Not only did you share your birthday with your sister Annie, you were the exact same birth weight 7 pounds 11ounces. You two have a special bond. =)

Baby #5 Maeve Born in a Veil

Maeve is our 5^th child. She was due March 1^st, born March 6, 2010 at 8:34pm. I should know how it goes by the 5^th time, but my deliveries are very fast and intense. By Friday March 5^th, I was ready for her to be born. I thought a Saturday baby would be great because the oldest two kids wouldn’t have school until Monday morning which would make life a bit easier. I woke up Saturday morning and nothing. I decided to go to a mom’s group meeting at 9am to keep my mind busy. By the end of the meeting, I thought, something will be going on---a backache, anything----but nothing was happening.

Frustrated, I called my midwife and asked if I could use castor oil to try to induce the baby. She agreed as long as she was there when I took it. I had used castor oil with my oldest child and had a three hour labor. My subsequent kids were born in labors between 1-3 hours and she didn’t want to take any chances. She came over and checked my cervix around 2 pm. I was 2 cm and 80% effaced. She told me that I should take a walk and then try the castor oil. She also mentioned that she didn’t want me to get my hopes up too high. Castor oil is guaranteed to clean you out, but not guaranteed to produce a baby. I did as she said.

By 6pm I was really frustrated. I had minimal contractions that were inconsistent and weak at best and no closer than 15 minutes apart. My midwife suggested I eat some dinner and that if nothing had happened by then, that it was likely the baby wouldn’t come that night. Get some sleep was her recommendation. I was disappointed. My husband took the older four kids to get some dinner so I could relax and potentially get to bed early. The family got home around 7pm and I was helping get the kids ready for bed when I felt that the contractions might be getting a bit stronger. My midwife was cautiously optimistic. I wrote down the first contraction at 7:52pm. There was another at 7:56 and then at 8pm and that one stopped me in my tracks. The kids were watching a Dora video. I still wasn’t sure, but I definitely wanted privacy and since this was going to be a home birth; the kids either needed to go to bed or go to my sister’s house. My husband called my sisters who live about 7 minutes away and asked them to come to our house so he didn’t have to leave me as things looked like they were progressing quickly. My husband fast forwarded Dora and got the kids in bed as I walked around the house, contractions now 2 minutes apart. The kids were oblivious. They gave me a kiss good night and by the grace of God, went to bed without any trouble (not a usual occurrence at our house).

I delivered three of my other children in the water and I planned on another water birth. I was so nervous that this was going to be a false labor and just exhaust me. I was afraid to get in the water and slow things down. My midwife took one look at me and assured me this was not going to shut down. I got in the warm tub and immediately felt better. I was in the tub for about 15 minutes when my midwife asked me if I felt the urge to push. Phil was holding my hand and my sisters slipped into the bathroom. I pushed with the next contraction. With my other kids I would push with a contraction, take a short break and push with the next contraction. This was different. The contraction ended, but I could feel the baby still moving down. I decided to stay calm and try to relax. The midwife called for my husband to reach his hands down to catch the baby. Within seconds of his hands reaching position he said she “popped out”. She was still IN AN COMPLETELY INTACT BAG OF WATERS. The midwife quickly popped the bag and removed the loop of cord from her neck. The baby had never crowned and was born in what they call “the veil” according to my Irish mother-in-law. It was a completely different labor experience than the other four. As before, I was surrounded by the most important people in my life, but this birth was quick and intense, but calm at the same time. She was born at 8:34pm. I held my new baby girl immediately and just felt thankful for this new life, my husband and my older four children.

I know a water, homebirth is not for every mom and I am thankful for the hospital option should I have needed it, but I am thankful for the beautiful birth of my baby Maeve.

Whistling a Happy Tune =o

2010-06-26T05:18:00Z

Tonight as I write this I feel like whistling (probably because my singing voice isn't particularly good). The last two days have been really busy with friends and relatives in town. The kids had such a blast! It's hot here in Phoenix, but outside time in the morning is the kids' favorite time of the day. We've been painting, slip 'n sliding, swimming, playing air hokey, baseball and basketball, and building forts inside when it gets too hot. Uncle Jim came over today and helped us renew our commitment to container gardening. Thank you Uncle Jim! We're growing tons of herbs, squash, watermelon, flowers, etc. At night I've been getting ready for the Glendale, AZ Baby & New Mom Wellness Expo. The expo takes place tomorrow, Saturday, July 26, 2010 from 9am-4pm at the Glendale Civic Center. It's free admission with lots of classes and activities. I hope to see lots of Phoenix area moms there. This is Maeve's first conference. She's our sleeping little princess. She's giving me a good couple hours to work each night. I am so thankful for my husband, kids and Modest Middles business. Life is good...Thank you God!...Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"

That last 5 pounds sticks around after having a baby...even with breastfeeding.

2010-06-22T22:37:00Z

How long does it take you to loose the baby weight? Breastfeeding definitely helps me initially, but I don't seem to drop the last 5 pounds until we are done nursing...Amy "You nurse to give your baby the best, let Modest Middles help you look great doing it!"