Family Fun Provides Lots of Digital Photo Opps!
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!
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!
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
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?
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"?
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 =)
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!
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. 4th 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 5th child. She was due March 1st, born March 6, 2010 at 8:34pm. I should know how it goes by the 5th time, but my deliveries are very fast and intense. By Friday March 5th, 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
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.
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!"
