Set Your Mind To It
Too often I have a client who is interested in natural birth, but also says that she is "okay" with an epidural "if she needs it." Nearly all of these same clients have used an epidural.On the flip side--those that determine they want a natural birth and pursue techniques and resources to help them accomplish natural birth--nearly all of them achieve it.In the past, when a client said they liked the idea of natural birth, but were okay with interventions--I would smile and say okay. After all, I am their doula--there to support the mother's wishes and desires.

Entry #7: High-calorie Cooking
Kids with cystic fibrosis require more calories than kids without CF. In fact, some days it seems my 4 year old requires more calories per day than I do. Which, is probably true.Trying to cook with his caloric needs in mind can be a challenge. Meals need to be balanced and beneficial to the whole family, but he needs more calories packed into each bit. At the same time, those bites need to benefit his whole body--not just those affected by CF. Oh wait, one more thing--it has to be pleasing to the ever changing, very select tastes of a kid.Praise God that I enjoy cooking and a challenge.

My Opinions On Raising Kids::Pacifiers
Last night was E's first night without a pacifier. She did magnificently! Of course, that doesn't mean tonight will go well, but I have hope.Pacifiers. There are some strong opinions out there. My opinions have changed on them over time, but here's where I'm at now: If it works for you, good.Yes, it's that simple. Yes, I know some say that they're bad for developing teeth, harmful to getting a good breast-feeding routine going, and so on. Yeah, well, if it works for you, good.I had no intention of EVER giving my kiddos a pacifier.

My Opinions On Raising Kids::Chores
When I complained about doing chores as a kid, my mom would say "That's why we had kids--slave labor." Of course, I responded with a melodramatic eye roll.I don't understand parents who don't have their kids do chores, or for that matter decide to wait to have them start doing chores. I say as soon as they can sit up--they're ready. It's a great way to teach them responsibility, and to learn to be part of a team--the family team. So, here's my age-graded list of chores for pre-kindergarten kids:Sitting Up to Standing Up:put away toysStan

Meal Planning Made Easy
Plan to EatI've been using this tool for a couple months now, and I LOVE IT! Hurry and sign up, my friends, so we can easily share our recipes.