Blogger finally added pages to their edit options!
WHHOOOT!
Check up top as I'll be adding plenty!
First up, READ. :]
Mae
Friday, April 16, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Our First Bug
Well, being in and out of sanity the past 12 hours has done a number on me!
I feel the need to sorta, hang it out to dry and move on, so you, my readers, shall pay the price ;]
At about 3/4 this morning Lily threw up all over the bed. I was so sleepy, and didn't really think anything of it. That girl puts so many un-edible things in her mouth, it surprises me she doesn't throw up more. So I nursed her a little bit and she snuggled right up to me and went to sleep. I woke up this morning at the normal time with her and went to her room to play. I usually lay in the twin bed to try to wake up while she plays. But today, instead of wanting to "read" her books, or play tag with rusty, or build towers, she just got on the twin with me. I thought "YES! SLEEP!" And we woke back up at about 9:15
When we woke up, she was on fire! Ok, not like flaming baby, but her little head was burning up. I got out the thermometer and took her temp. 102.
Hrm... What's going on?
I try to let her play some more, be herself. I took off her diaper, tried to let her cool down some, and her temp came down a little. GOOD. But then, after feeding her, and giving her lots of skin to skin, it rose, and rose, and just kept on rising.
One of the hardest things for me to do since becoming a parent is learning not to please everyone.
That was a hard one to write... By nature, I need everyone around me to be happy about every decision I make-every employer, teacher, babysitter [lol] I've ever had, has told me this. Since Lily's conception, nothing could be truer. With almost any decision I make I receive one of two arguments:
***I wrote these two responses and realized that I was judging these women just as much as they are judging others, so I edited that bit out ;]***
These are both reactions I get when I ask for prayer over my daughter's health, seriously?!?!
After much debate, we decided to take Lily to Cook's Children hospital. Her temp was up, but she showed no "symptoms" Just loss of apatite, uber sleepy, lethargic. I feared UTI.
We checked her in and I started feeling awful about my decision, fearing what my "crunchy friends" would think of me.
Poor Lily was in pain, and the nurses didn't help. We got the head shake, tisk tisk, and eyebrow raise from our doctor for not immunizing her, which didn't help.
She got an "in and out" cath. I'm tearing up just thinking about it, but I can NOT risk her having a UTI and not knowing. My sister was hospitalized and died briefly from a UTI when she was just a few months older than Lily is now. I didn't look, but Eamon was such a great daddy. He held her hand and tried to sooth her. He was our rock.
The UTI screen came back negative, so they drew blood. Another moment for our knight in shining armor to come through for us.
It ended with the doc telling us it was just a 72 hour virus. If it lasted longer than that, come back. UGH. But the peace of mind that she didn't have a UTI from the diapers that I use calmed my spirit.
The thing about sick babies is that they demand all of your time and energy. I told Eamon I hadn't spent that much time with her since the day she was born. And I loved it. There was no fighting me to get down and play with her toys, no pulling my hair, no screaming. Just pitiful pouts, nursing sweetly, and cuddling. It was heart breaking and beautiful all at once.
Well, that the long and short of it. We made it NINE MONTHS without sickness, so proud of my little girl for handling it so well!
Mae
I feel the need to sorta, hang it out to dry and move on, so you, my readers, shall pay the price ;]
At about 3/4 this morning Lily threw up all over the bed. I was so sleepy, and didn't really think anything of it. That girl puts so many un-edible things in her mouth, it surprises me she doesn't throw up more. So I nursed her a little bit and she snuggled right up to me and went to sleep. I woke up this morning at the normal time with her and went to her room to play. I usually lay in the twin bed to try to wake up while she plays. But today, instead of wanting to "read" her books, or play tag with rusty, or build towers, she just got on the twin with me. I thought "YES! SLEEP!" And we woke back up at about 9:15
When we woke up, she was on fire! Ok, not like flaming baby, but her little head was burning up. I got out the thermometer and took her temp. 102.
Hrm... What's going on?
I try to let her play some more, be herself. I took off her diaper, tried to let her cool down some, and her temp came down a little. GOOD. But then, after feeding her, and giving her lots of skin to skin, it rose, and rose, and just kept on rising.
One of the hardest things for me to do since becoming a parent is learning not to please everyone.
That was a hard one to write... By nature, I need everyone around me to be happy about every decision I make-every employer, teacher, babysitter [lol] I've ever had, has told me this. Since Lily's conception, nothing could be truer. With almost any decision I make I receive one of two arguments:
***I wrote these two responses and realized that I was judging these women just as much as they are judging others, so I edited that bit out ;]***
These are both reactions I get when I ask for prayer over my daughter's health, seriously?!?!
After much debate, we decided to take Lily to Cook's Children hospital. Her temp was up, but she showed no "symptoms" Just loss of apatite, uber sleepy, lethargic. I feared UTI.
We checked her in and I started feeling awful about my decision, fearing what my "crunchy friends" would think of me.
Poor Lily was in pain, and the nurses didn't help. We got the head shake, tisk tisk, and eyebrow raise from our doctor for not immunizing her, which didn't help.
She got an "in and out" cath. I'm tearing up just thinking about it, but I can NOT risk her having a UTI and not knowing. My sister was hospitalized and died briefly from a UTI when she was just a few months older than Lily is now. I didn't look, but Eamon was such a great daddy. He held her hand and tried to sooth her. He was our rock.
The UTI screen came back negative, so they drew blood. Another moment for our knight in shining armor to come through for us.
It ended with the doc telling us it was just a 72 hour virus. If it lasted longer than that, come back. UGH. But the peace of mind that she didn't have a UTI from the diapers that I use calmed my spirit.
The thing about sick babies is that they demand all of your time and energy. I told Eamon I hadn't spent that much time with her since the day she was born. And I loved it. There was no fighting me to get down and play with her toys, no pulling my hair, no screaming. Just pitiful pouts, nursing sweetly, and cuddling. It was heart breaking and beautiful all at once.
Well, that the long and short of it. We made it NINE MONTHS without sickness, so proud of my little girl for handling it so well!
Mae
Monday, April 12, 2010
Meal Plan Monday
This past week I received the most amazing thing I've ever, ever used in my life. Ok, that's a little much, BUT REALLY!
Nourishing Traditions is a wonderful book that
"recommends includ[ing] the consumption of unprocessed or minimally-processed foods including: traditional fats (animal fats, dairy fats, olive oil, and fish oils, among others), organic fruits and vegetables, raw dairy products, soured or lacto-fermented dairy and vegetables (such as sauerkraut), whole grains (soaked or soured to neutralize their phytic acid), and bone stocks."
I got a lot of questions about whether or not I was going to stay vegetarian, and yes I am. I am excited to use all of the information on pulling as much nutrients from our food, and finding some new ways to use fish. One more thing that is awesome about Eamon being a sushi chef? Sneakin some fish corpses home to make stock! Be jealous...
[Ok, not really, that's sinful]
Here's what's on the menu this week:
Breakfasts:
Lily:
Steamed eggs
Scrambled eggs w/sautéed veggies
Soaked Oatmeal
Soaked Muesli
Soaked Panckakes [SO good, we served them last week with Amish butter and raw, local honey and steamed fruits. It was very filling! We used the recipe right out of NT because I didn't really like most of the ones I found online]
Lunches:
Snacks
Monday: Tortellini with black olives and artichokes
Tuesday: We're grillin at the Brownings this week if the weather holds up.
Wednesday: Sprouted Sloppy Lentils [a variation on this recipe] on soaked wheat buns
Thursday: Stir fry with brown rice
Friday: White bean soup
Saturday: Pizza [made my first soaked what thin pizza last week! Very good, even though I sorta ruined it, lol ]
Sunday: Angel Hair pasta with feta, cherry tomatoes and broccoli.
From cooking so much, two things have happened.
One: I got sick of cooking one night last week! HA!
resulting in
Two: Not home cooked meals make me sick. We ordered Domino's [which I used to LOVE] and it made me...well, not good. Same with Bueno. I am doomed to eat my own cooking for the rest of my life. Crap. HAHA!
So, this is why I must insist that everything that comes out of my kitchen promots optimum health for my family :] I highly reccomend getting a copy of Nourishing Traditions to any one in charge of their family's health.
What are you eating this week? Join us for Meal Plan Monday every week!
Mae
Nourishing Traditions is a wonderful book that
"recommends includ[ing] the consumption of unprocessed or minimally-processed foods including: traditional fats (animal fats, dairy fats, olive oil, and fish oils, among others), organic fruits and vegetables, raw dairy products, soured or lacto-fermented dairy and vegetables (such as sauerkraut), whole grains (soaked or soured to neutralize their phytic acid), and bone stocks."
I got a lot of questions about whether or not I was going to stay vegetarian, and yes I am. I am excited to use all of the information on pulling as much nutrients from our food, and finding some new ways to use fish. One more thing that is awesome about Eamon being a sushi chef? Sneakin some fish corpses home to make stock! Be jealous...
[Ok, not really, that's sinful]
Here's what's on the menu this week:
Breakfasts:
Lily:
- Steamed egg yolks [I crack the egg, removing the white (maybe save them for something later on that day, but usually not) place the egg yolk carfully into a collinder (or steaming basket would work too) and place in a pot with an inch of simmering water covered for about 5 mins. Allow to cool and add a little salt]
- Fruit or veggies steamed
Steamed eggs
Scrambled eggs w/sautéed veggies
Soaked Oatmeal
Soaked Muesli
Soaked Panckakes [SO good, we served them last week with Amish butter and raw, local honey and steamed fruits. It was very filling! We used the recipe right out of NT because I didn't really like most of the ones I found online]
Lunches:
- Salad w/pan fried fish [talapia, flounder, or salmon]
- Fish [the same mentioned above] with brown rice and steamed veggies
- Hummus plate
Snacks
- Laver [nori]
- Fruit/veggies
- kale chips
- turnip chips
- sweet potato fries
Monday: Tortellini with black olives and artichokes
Tuesday: We're grillin at the Brownings this week if the weather holds up.
Wednesday: Sprouted Sloppy Lentils [a variation on this recipe] on soaked wheat buns
Thursday: Stir fry with brown rice
Friday: White bean soup
Saturday: Pizza [made my first soaked what thin pizza last week! Very good, even though I sorta ruined it, lol ]
Sunday: Angel Hair pasta with feta, cherry tomatoes and broccoli.
From cooking so much, two things have happened.
One: I got sick of cooking one night last week! HA!
resulting in
Two: Not home cooked meals make me sick. We ordered Domino's [which I used to LOVE] and it made me...well, not good. Same with Bueno. I am doomed to eat my own cooking for the rest of my life. Crap. HAHA!
So, this is why I must insist that everything that comes out of my kitchen promots optimum health for my family :] I highly reccomend getting a copy of Nourishing Traditions to any one in charge of their family's health.
What are you eating this week? Join us for Meal Plan Monday every week!
Mae
Friday, April 9, 2010
Corrected...Or Not.
We've had a great morning here at the Burke house! Lily slept in her "Big Girl" room by herself till about 1 am! Tonight we're gonna shoot for 3 am! And, just like I hoped, Eamon and Lily both slept great! I even got about an hour and a half of uninterrupted sleep! I know that seems crazy, but when I heard her cry from the other room, I thought it must have been like 4 or 5 am! LOL!
Does this look right to you?Me either.
Recently, I told a friend of mine that there is no civilization on Earth that has survived being vegan. He has been vegan on and off for ten years, eating soy day after day, and loosing a bunch of weight-which isn't necessarily great... Also, his sexual preference has changed from heterosexual, to bisexual. Interesting, huh?
After my comment [on FB] one of his friends piped in with this:
"Keep telling yourself that, [M]ae."
Me [with MUCH restraint]: "Show me proof otherwise.""There's never been a 100% vegan civilization just as there's never been a 100% omnivorous civilization. There have always been people who went their whole lives without consuming meat or dairy. There are plenty of people in Tibet who are over 100 years old and have been vegan their whole lives"
I didn't even reply. There was so much wrong with this that I didn't even want justify her with an answer.
After talking to Eamon about it last night, he helped me articulate what I was trying to put in to words all week.
So, lets do this.
First
"There's never been a 100% vegan civilization just as there's never been a 100% omnivorous civilization."
Correct.
However, one mark of a civilization is that there is religion. Most religions have a period of time where they fast. They often go days, or weeks eliminating meat and animal products. Some cultures do this once a week, others once a month, bi-annually, or yearly. Even so, there are plenty who are still allowed fish, butter, and unfertilized eggs.
BUT the majority of all thriving civilizations are omnivorous or non-strict vegetarians. If someone could find me a society that lasted a significant amount of time with a majority of vegans, please email me @ maeannette@gmail.com
Second
"There have always been people who went their whole lives without consuming meat or dairy. There are plenty of people in Tibet who are over 100 years old and have been vegan their whole lives"
Hmmm, can't justify awarding any points to this, but here's half a gold star.
The main reason I didn't argue my rebuttal to this is because the majority of my friend friend's are Atheists. I can never successfully argue anything with them, so I tend to stay away from it. But here is my first argument:
- As far as "people in Tibet", those would be Tibetan Monks who are called by God to live the life they do. They are ordained by Him to do so, and will be blessed in their endeavors, as many, MANY men and women have.
- Monks that "go their whole lives without consuming meat or dairy" do not reproduce! And those that do, have sickly children. [And MOST of those have NOT been vegan "their whole lives" it's usually a choice!] There have been a handful of criminal cases in the past ten years against parents of vegan children whose babies died from being fed a vegan diet. And while this is a sorrow I cannot understand, and my heart is broken for these families being charged of killing their own babies, there is a point being made here. These parents were uneducated in their decisions and misinformed, and their babies-and eventually themselves- were the price payed :[
NOW- I'd love to hear your thoughts on this- both sides.
If you are vegan or a strict vegetarian- please reconsider your choices. Your health, as well as your children's depends on it!
Mae
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Dear Lily (9 months)
*Today I had something else planned, but in honor of my sweet girls 9 month birthday, I think she deserves some attention ;]
Sweet Baby Girl,
Words cannot express how much you've changed my heart the last 3 months. Your personality is blossoming so sweet and sassy, and you are the biggest joy for Mama and Dada. Puppets and books can keep you entertained endlessly, but nothing compares to the way you giggle and grin when Daddy comes home for lunch!
In the past few months you've learned to say "Dada", "Mama", and "Buh-Bye!" You can take a few steps all by yourself, but still think crawling is the way to go. You love to twirl your adorably chubby fingers in my hair when you nurse. I know there's no connection like that of a mother and son, but I am in love with the connection of mother and daughter that we have now.
One year ago I was about six months pregnant. Daddy and I were finally recovering from the first financial drought of our marriage and everything started to change. After coming out of some really tough stuff, and about to enter the most stressful time of my life I started nesting like crazy talking to you every night, and clinging to your Daddy and Jesus. For the past few weeks I have been having flash backs every time I step outside. The way the air feels on my skin, the way the grass tickles my toes, the way the new spring produce invigorates my tongue...it all takes me back. Sometimes, I stand in awe that I'm not holding you in my womb anymore, but that you can experience all of these things with me!
I can't wait to know more and more of you as we [possibly] finish up our time here in DFW and the last few months of your first year!
Love,
Mama
We will return to our regularly scheduled broadcast tomorrow;]
OH! And a big shout out to Michelle Monk Photography for taking such gorgeous pictures of our family!
Sweet Baby Girl,
Words cannot express how much you've changed my heart the last 3 months. Your personality is blossoming so sweet and sassy, and you are the biggest joy for Mama and Dada. Puppets and books can keep you entertained endlessly, but nothing compares to the way you giggle and grin when Daddy comes home for lunch!
In the past few months you've learned to say "Dada", "Mama", and "Buh-Bye!" You can take a few steps all by yourself, but still think crawling is the way to go. You love to twirl your adorably chubby fingers in my hair when you nurse. I know there's no connection like that of a mother and son, but I am in love with the connection of mother and daughter that we have now.
One year ago I was about six months pregnant. Daddy and I were finally recovering from the first financial drought of our marriage and everything started to change. After coming out of some really tough stuff, and about to enter the most stressful time of my life I started nesting like crazy talking to you every night, and clinging to your Daddy and Jesus. For the past few weeks I have been having flash backs every time I step outside. The way the air feels on my skin, the way the grass tickles my toes, the way the new spring produce invigorates my tongue...it all takes me back. Sometimes, I stand in awe that I'm not holding you in my womb anymore, but that you can experience all of these things with me!
I can't wait to know more and more of you as we [possibly] finish up our time here in DFW and the last few months of your first year!
Love,
Mama
We will return to our regularly scheduled broadcast tomorrow;]
OH! And a big shout out to Michelle Monk Photography for taking such gorgeous pictures of our family!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Meal Plan Monday
Sorry for my absence last week! But the Burke househould is finally...well, almost in order. It was a whole lotta work, but I'm glad we did it.
My family was down for the weekend to spoil us, and it was so sweet. My sisters stayed here while my parents went on a date Saturday night. While making them some pizza, Alli decided it was time for her to get baptized! SO, I did it in my bath tub! It was amazing! And I'll be able to keep an eye on her when we move to RPT.
Oh, and before I forget. I have to brag a little here, Last week I meal planned for the whole month! I cannot tell you how awesome that felt!
Now, on to some food!
Monday: Whole wheat Maccaroni with Roasted Veggies
Tuesday: We're bringing sides and dessert to the Brownings. We are gonna try this awesome Israeli dessert of Medjewel dates, filled with tahini, topped with a walnut and baked with honey on top. Mmmmm.
Wednesday: Beans and Rice [brown for me] with crawfish
Thursday: Pad Thai with tempeh...mmm
Friday: Black Bean Soup
Saturday: Pizza [I've got it good with about 2/3 wheat. Anything more than that ends up yucky ]
Sunday: Spank-o-pita with Hummus
My prayer for you this week is more specifically for the wives who read my blog. Sorry, fellas ;]
I pray that the Lord brings divine words from Him through your husband this week. That He will do amazing works in your husband that you will learn to respect, cherish, and obey. Let no negative words about your husband [or at all!] come out of your mouth this week and see what it can change in your relationship. I pray that He can give you an unending amount of patience to show no "attitude" towards him, and that your home's peace is abundantly multiplied!
Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!
My family was down for the weekend to spoil us, and it was so sweet. My sisters stayed here while my parents went on a date Saturday night. While making them some pizza, Alli decided it was time for her to get baptized! SO, I did it in my bath tub! It was amazing! And I'll be able to keep an eye on her when we move to RPT.
Oh, and before I forget. I have to brag a little here, Last week I meal planned for the whole month! I cannot tell you how awesome that felt!
Now, on to some food!
Monday: Whole wheat Maccaroni with Roasted Veggies
Tuesday: We're bringing sides and dessert to the Brownings. We are gonna try this awesome Israeli dessert of Medjewel dates, filled with tahini, topped with a walnut and baked with honey on top. Mmmmm.
Wednesday: Beans and Rice [brown for me] with crawfish
Thursday: Pad Thai with tempeh...mmm
Friday: Black Bean Soup
Saturday: Pizza [I've got it good with about 2/3 wheat. Anything more than that ends up yucky ]
Sunday: Spank-o-pita with Hummus
My prayer for you this week is more specifically for the wives who read my blog. Sorry, fellas ;]
I pray that the Lord brings divine words from Him through your husband this week. That He will do amazing works in your husband that you will learn to respect, cherish, and obey. Let no negative words about your husband [or at all!] come out of your mouth this week and see what it can change in your relationship. I pray that He can give you an unending amount of patience to show no "attitude" towards him, and that your home's peace is abundantly multiplied!
Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A Home for The Burkes :]
While I had decided that I was going to skip the blogging this week to start really organizing my home. I have been ALL OVER Passionate Homemaking's blog this week gathering references and material, and so far it's working great.
But I did want to share this piece of *possible* exciting news...
We may be homeowners soon! There's a possibilty we will be moving to Rockport this summer into our own HOME! Not a an apartment, but A HOUSE!
We...I swore up and down that I would never, ever, EVER move back to that town, but the more we talked about it, all of the things we hated about growing up there were the rooted in cranky teen angst. Here's how it's panned out so far:
Cons
- We won't get to go cross country with the Brownings this summer:[ We're actually really bummed about this. These are both once in a lifetime opportunities, so the decision will not be taken lightly.
- It's mother flippin humid in Rockport. Seriously, this is all I can think about. The humidity is debilitating sometimes, AND I'll have to cut off all my hair again, bc I'm not even gonna try to work with it again. Plus, I have no idea how Lily is gonna adjust to that...
- We have, surprisingly, found our way into friendships with a few families here. While I know I find these relationships way more serious than my counterparts, it's tough.
- Along with that, my birth team, photographers, healthcare providers, etc. are all here. AH!
Pros
- My whole family, including my inlaws, are all in Rockport. The lack of family here is very, very hard sometimes.
- Our church family is there! HELLO? I hate to say this, but every church I've stepped foot in here enrages me. Coastal Oaks Church makes me feel at home, and I feel Jesus every time I walk through the doors.
- WATER! I cannot express how landlocked we feel here. Everyone talks about the "lakes" you have here...but you seriously have no idea how depressing it is seeing LAND on the other side when you're used to looking out across the blue...ahem, brown expanse of water only interupted by boats and barges. Being able to take Lily to the beach any day of the week will be so amazing. Who's dream isn't to live on the beach?
- And with that, fish! My diet, well all of our diets will be SO much better with the amazing access of local, FRESH fish! And I can't wait to teach Lily! I've known how to fish ever since I was little, as well as my sisters. And now that the Lord has given his gracious blessing for me to eat [and kill! EEK!] fish, I'm ever so excited to get my pole, some stinky shrimp and sit on the peir with my family...ahhh. Oh! And wait til my dad realizes he can take Lily out on his boat...Oh gosh...think about her chubby cheeks in a life jacket!
- We found a midwife [for the inevitable eventuality of pregnancy] that used to go to church with us! Bless her in her efforts to bring the option of homebirths to the area!
- The house we are looking at will cost us no more than $40k. That's right- 4-0 thousand. Eamon's dad got an amazing deal on a house at a tax auction.
- The house is a block from the H-E-B [miss that place SO much!] and just down the street from the high school...which meeeans,
- I GET TO HEAR THE MARCHING BAND PRACTICE! I know it must drive some people CRAZY, but I love hearing the crappiest of crappy high school bands, and ours is far from that. Who knows...maybe I can do some good for that place... Whoa, whoa, whoa, getting ahead of myself!
As you can see, the pros far outway the cons. The three of us will be going down to Rockport for my biggest little sister's graduation at the end of May to check out the house, and if we like it, we'll be moving mid-summer. Whooooo...breathe! I don't know how this is gonna turn out, but I'm really, REALLY excited. And I never thought I would be.
OX, Mae
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