tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56540955606807577582024-02-19T00:37:54.913-08:00ChildrenThings here have something to do with my children. We teach at home, use attachment parenting, co-sleep until we are ready to move them, use a mix of cloth and disposable diapering, believe in positive parenting, and know that discipline takes many forms, usually self-discipline.Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-8614347595024322892017-01-15T08:36:00.000-08:002017-01-15T08:36:17.992-08:00Great news!For the past week I have felt off, as if some great, yet subtle, change was taking place. I don't feel like my hemoglobin is down or that I am having difficulty in uptake of minerals or other nutrients. Yet something is changing.<br />
Friday I sat down and looked at cycle length and figured I would be getting my period soon.<br />
Yesterday morning I had the chance to stop at Dollar General and pick up a few cheap pee stick hcg tests. I had the chance to use one because I still had not started my period. Well...<br />
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Looking forward to September in our house.</div>
<br />Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-67822106447987867782013-09-02T23:24:00.000-07:002013-09-02T23:24:37.450-07:00The reasons we teach at home.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oreFHFSi1Pb5ASZ3CBEaVF0h6DFHY7RE8S-eTx13BnQhLZLsIQWCevt4JaWNJTIPwZfcCUA_mhiskS2aVCj74fUEwyzDdKrIKKs2H_EVPJt5N3vhejVlc4fK66_t920Pqa9qYXItwy2l/s1600/school+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oreFHFSi1Pb5ASZ3CBEaVF0h6DFHY7RE8S-eTx13BnQhLZLsIQWCevt4JaWNJTIPwZfcCUA_mhiskS2aVCj74fUEwyzDdKrIKKs2H_EVPJt5N3vhejVlc4fK66_t920Pqa9qYXItwy2l/s200/school+books.jpg" width="195" /></a>On the Eve of a new school year, I am busy with all the many thoughts and ideas that go along with schooling children in the home. I do feel a need to put the reasons for "homeschooling" out there again, for any of those who question, wonder, and otherwise believe we are crazy.<br />
Here is a basic list, by no means inclusive:<br />
<br />
1. My husband and I believe our Maker has called us to teach our children in the home.<br />
2. We want our children to learn our beliefs in their schooling, not the agenda of the greater schooling community.<br />
3. Our children have enough bad habits. They do not need to pick any more up or pass any on to the children out there.<br />
4. How many school shootings have you seen in the news in the past few years? Granted, we most likely won't have them in Glennallen, Alaska, but anger is everywhere...<br />
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These are our main reasons. Calling, Beliefs, Habits and Safety.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Proverbs 22:6 <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 30px;"><span style="color: red;"><u>Train up </u></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 30px;"><span style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;">a child</span> <span style="color: #674ea7;"><u>in</u></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 30px;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><u> the way </u></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 30px;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><u>he should go:</u></span> <u><span style="color: orange;">and when he is old,</span></u> <u style="color: red;">he will not depart from it.</u></span></blockquote>
Go in Peace,<br />
Sasha Jean<br />
Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-50973117990440676282013-08-29T01:17:00.001-07:002013-08-29T01:17:27.579-07:00The beginning of a new school year...2013-2014. What will this school year hold? Will my light-dyslexic child learn to read all the way? Will we fly high in Science? What will be our stumbling block? Coming soon we will be fully into our school year. Since we teach at home, our school vacations (or holidays) are limited. We take off time for sickness, new babies, trips, and a short break around special days.<br />
<br />
This past school year was disastrous!!! I don't know if we learned anything! The winter here was atrocious at -40<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">° to -<span style="font-family: inherit;">50</span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">°</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Fahrenheit. </span></span></span></span>Our little one we were to welcome in late December died a few short days before his due date. My ability to concentrate on anything but my own grieving was diminished. Looking back, we learned a lot, just not from books.<br />
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This school year, we have to play catch up. This summer was intense with working on the land. We learned about plants, animals, bears, and how to sort everything. So, again, this school year is all about the catch up. I have found some great websites about all sorts of free stuff.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/">http://allinonehomeschool.com/</a> This site gives free curriculum for Preschool (Kindergarten in the UK) through 8th grade.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/">http://www.gutenberg.org/</a> Absolutely fantastic site for free (copyright free) books. I absolutely love finding the classics that are not in print any more!<br />
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<a href="http://librivox.org/">http://librivox.org/</a> and <a href="http://www.openculture.com/freeaudiobooks">http://www.openculture.com/freeaudiobooks</a> These have many free audio books. With 5 children who love to hear a book read aloud, my voice doesn't hold up long!<br />
<br />
And <a href="http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/">http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/</a> One of my favorite places for free stuff on the web. They require an email sign up, have most of everything free to download and have very minimal advertising for their ebooks and such that are very well-priced, especially for teaching-at-home families.<br />
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We begin schooling September 3, the day after Labor Day. I plan to take it easy my last weekend of freedom from school planning!<br />
<br />
Yours truly,<br />
Sasha JeanLots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-62663187530832081752010-02-03T12:46:00.000-08:002010-02-03T14:10:07.595-08:001 week old.Miss <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tavia</span> is 1 week old today, and what a week. I am sure all of you moms (and dads) remember how fast the first week went. Seems like a whirlwind looking back a few short days to all the end-of-pregnancy woes, the waiting, and then the final relief of birth. Whew! where has time gone! And I am looking at my other children and thinking " I did this several times in the past 9 years?"<br /><br />I weighed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tavia</span> today. She has lost 7 ounces, making her 5 pounds, 1 ounce. (2300 grams for all the metric system people.) She started at 2500 grams. Patsy told me that she looks like she has grown, but she seems like she is the same to me. I am going to measure her length: she has grown 1/2 inch, making her 18-1/2 inches. Still <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">itsy</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">bitsy</span>. I am glad that she is not as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">itsy</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">bitsy</span> as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Taleah</span> was.<br /><br />I weighed myself yesterday! I will not tell you beginning or ending weight, but I lost about 12 pounds since birth, most of it baby and fluids. My edema is all gone and most of the aches have disappeared.<br /><br />We are getting into our nursing groove. I am glad it is not my first time! I would hate to be without my La <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leche</span> League lady. I feel helpless when asked for nursing help. I just know what works for me, and I have never been engorged. I talked with my sisters who have nursed, and both said they haven't had that problem either.<br /><br />I am going to be changing the name of the blog, because, as you read, I am not dealing with Pregnancy anymore! My husband suggested I use this blog to write <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tavia</span> info down and as an info journal for different things we stumble upon. We will see, but anyhow, I think I will change the name by this weekend. The address will stay the same.<br /><br />Signing off...Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-83006660601216218572010-01-27T02:56:00.000-08:002010-01-27T03:05:33.644-08:00Birth! YEA!!!!!!!!!!We have a girl!! A tie maker. Tavia Elizabeth Carlile.<br /><br /><div>We are now a 3 boy, 3 girl family.</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr0ODoWrahQNQiQLqeTrITT9R7_FIzTO7IoWS4GTCgmW-dihf97FSopK91iq0Hj8IY000SenPINZs6ERlD049hTk5YIIK1f3sIAVgFtJhApO9R-qHOZbLOK8GowICizCe6aQkDZIFw4K0/s1600-h/P1060999.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431373145536464306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr0ODoWrahQNQiQLqeTrITT9R7_FIzTO7IoWS4GTCgmW-dihf97FSopK91iq0Hj8IY000SenPINZs6ERlD049hTk5YIIK1f3sIAVgFtJhApO9R-qHOZbLOK8GowICizCe6aQkDZIFw4K0/s400/P1060999.JPG" /></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR9WrSSb9gdvDnmycoa1aTWn9ObC9makuOZR471itY7pQcLnBNC3M5Dx9APXD-xYWQHPVoCfnlEs7JCtXSz3wAL9E9FmVkekMsDSU0E6uoris8uk4H3kAqfpNjIQD1sQIfk1EUXaNDXUX/s1600-h/P1080002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431373149058632306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR9WrSSb9gdvDnmycoa1aTWn9ObC9makuOZR471itY7pQcLnBNC3M5Dx9APXD-xYWQHPVoCfnlEs7JCtXSz3wAL9E9FmVkekMsDSU0E6uoris8uk4H3kAqfpNjIQD1sQIfk1EUXaNDXUX/s400/P1080002.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Tavia weighs 5# 8oz and measures 18".</div><div>She was born at 5:25 am AST at home in Trafalgar, Dominica, WI.</div><div>Our first homebirth, 2nd VBA2C. Woohoo! It is done!</div><div> </div>Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-7912175276081009942010-01-26T15:23:00.000-08:002010-01-26T15:35:45.701-08:00Regression Agression!1/26/10<br />7:20pm<br />It is funny how easy it is to lose ground if you do not have Pitocin pushing you to dilate. Every time I lie down, I regress. Every time I am up, I progress, but the contractions are so very hard now, that I am so exhausted. Add to that my sleep cycle being upside down, and you get a crazy day!<br />Bonnie and Marie, 2 of Travis' schoolmates, stopped by today with pizza, cookies, and chocolate. I really enjoyed visiting with them. Hopefully I am able to see them again soon with a baby in arms.<br /><br />I just had a very hard contraction- the back labor is still there. I don't know what is in the magic of calling out, "Oh, Mommy." that helps me. It seems to help me relax to point that I can bear the rest of the contraction without crying or screaming. Wish this baby would turn completely. I found out that Oil of Ojas, a local oil here, is lovely for soothing my back labor. The clove oil in it numbs wherever I rub it. Too bad I cannot use it internally!!<br />Update later...Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-82241907627096382812010-01-25T20:19:00.000-08:002010-01-26T07:49:17.893-08:00Finally, labor? Yep!1/26/10<br />12:?? a.m.<br />Here I am, very little water pressure, no hot water, with very hard contractions every 2 minutes. Very frustrating! This will be the last time I fill the pool. I am using the cold, low pressure line to get water in and the electric hot water kettle to heat the pool. It is frustrating, but necessary. The contractions are so hard that all I can do is breathe through them. Much different than the past months, much different from the past weeks.<br /><br />I used some water from the barrel. Hope it will not cause infection! I carried several buckets and water pitchers full of room-temp water from one bathroom to the other, through the kitchen, stopping every 2 minutes to stand and lean and breathe.<br />Soon I will be able to get in. It won't be as deep as I like, nor as warm, but it will provide some relief- all I can hope for.<br />Even as I think and type these words, I stop every so often to lean, breathe, and try to keep from screaming! I need that bath. Well, back to the hot water kettle...<br /><br />6:13am<br />The past few hours have been very productive! I took a bath which felt like hours, but in reality was maybe 45 minutes. I slept between contractions which were about 3 minutes apart. I decided to get out since I did not want to drown. I then laid down beside my husband and passed out for the few minutes between each contraction- not very long I tell you. I woke a bit before 6am and used the restroom. I noticed some extra in the receptacle. I then checked dilation and was VERY surprised to find myself fully effaced and dilated to about 7cm! For the past weeks I have puttered so slooooowly, that to find myself gone from 4cm-ish to 7cm and fully effaced while "sleeping" took me by surprise.<br />I will update later, preferably after baby is born...<br /><br />11:46am<br />Baby is not born yet. I took a much needed nap and I don't remember anything except a few hard contractions that woke me throughout. I woke after about 1.5 hours of restless sleep feeling a bit refreshed. Let's get this moving again. I think the water broke before I laid down for my nap, not sure, but anyway we are within hours of birth...Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-13326612945524918192010-01-21T21:04:00.000-08:002010-01-21T21:23:24.242-08:00Another week...Another night of labor. It seems that the word putter is now my own. I am what is known as a putterer- in more than just labor. There are times when I work fast and hard, but most of the time, I putter. Have you ever had those moments where you just wish the person in front of you would just get out of the way and quit being so poky? Well, I am probably in front, puttering. I am sure a "Please be patient" sign would do wonders. So, I have written on my proverbial forehead "Give me time. Please be patient."<br />I was thinking of patience and how little I seem to have. Jesus had such patience especially for the little children. I try to think of that in everyday dealings, but my stinking human nature constantly rears its ugly head. I found myself being quite irritable today. It could be the hard contractions that make me want to vomit. It could also be the noise that only bothers me during a contraction. It could be the movements that, again, only bug me during a contraction.<br />I am just so ready to be done that I forget to be patient. This little babe, with God's unending help, knows when it is time. I really don't have to do anything, but I constantly find myself irritable at the wait, ready for the change.<br />Am I really prepared for the change from belly-hugger to baby-holder? No. It is as simple as that. I can try to prepare, but in reality, I cannot plan for everything. I am glad that I am not the one holding the reins. I would fail miserably at keeping the million tiny things in line. I am no god. Each day I need reminders that I cannot be in control. Think if, in our human weakness, God gave us the responsibility of forming a baby in the womb. Would we succeed to make a perfect human as He does? Would we be able to remember each exquisite detail of the human brain and body?<br />While Travis was studying embryology, he shared with me a little of what goes on during the process of formation at each stage- and that is only the human understanding. It is a huge amount of knowledge that doctors today know about how babies are formed. A tiny heart is functioning and pumping at 5 weeks, when the baby is still the size of a sesame seed! I know I could not create such wonders.<br /><br />Give me patience and peace...Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-45208672998528905172010-01-17T10:46:00.000-08:002010-01-17T11:02:31.932-08:00What? Still pregnant!?Yes, yes, I know... still pregnant. Well, it does take 9 1/2 months for a typical human gestation. I am just glad I am not an elephant; they gestate for 22 months and give birth to a 250 pound baby!! I will be glad to wait until this 9 1/2 months is finished.<br /><br />The past few days have been tiring, but not as tiring as a pregnant elephant I am sure. I have had harder contractions with more regularity. All last night I was woken by my own moaning with each contraction. I was able to take a bath which felt sooooo good. Thank you Benny for the use of your pool. Each day brings a new tiredness, preparing me for the awesome task of caring for a newborn: feeding, dressing, diapering, soothing, holding, gazing at... the list goes on. Soon, very soon.Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-4958211895182417032010-01-12T09:02:00.000-08:002010-01-12T11:43:53.784-08:00The days drag on...The past few days have been a bit muddled. Just waiting and waiting... and waiting. This babe has to be born sometime, right??<br /><br />I feel like I am in one of those supermarket doors that revolve. First I can accept that the time is near but not right now, then I am impatient, then resigned, then accepting, and so forth. I know part of it is hormones, but I feel like all my joy for this baby is gone.<br /><br />I have been staying low to make sure the health nurse does not come and "talk" to me about birthing at home. I was told that she is responsible if anything happens to me while giving birth at home! I think it is just something she takes on herself. I surely would not press charges on her since I don't care for her assistance. She says that she is the midwife, but if she is anything like the other midwife in Loubiere, forget it, I will have my baby completely alone or just with my husband.<br />I am of the thought that birth, like conception, is a private, quiet time between two intimate persons-- not between me, and some nurse or doctor. Again I am on a soapbox, but when does "assistance" end? Why would I have to take her assistance? I did check into the "laws" surrounding birth and there are none that state a woman cannot have her baby at home, in any circumstances. It is a decision that parents make. Of course we would not make it lightly since it is a decision that affects more than just Travis and I. It affects a new life and 5 other children.<br /><br />Ok, stepping down now. I will leave that argument for all the UC'ers out there. I just wish to be left alone.<br /><br />For the past couple of days the contractions have been harder and more rhythmic, but go away when I am exhausted and lie down! How frustrating. I would rather keep going and them make me arise from bed and have a baby! But, patience, Sasha, patience, your time will come and you will curse the labor to which you look forward!Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-41546124159010163972010-01-06T17:11:00.000-08:002010-01-06T17:15:08.628-08:00A pregnancy funnyTonight, I was getting ready to smooth some oil on my belly and had my shirt up around the top of my belly. Trinton walks in and says, "You have a big belly button. Your stomach looks like bread." Just what you want to hear, right? So then we had a discussion about bread and my belly. Travis quipped with, "I thought that too, but did not want to say anything."<br />Good thing I can laugh!<br />So the conclusion is that I have bread dough belly, like a Russian perogi- a surprise inside. I guess my belly jiggles a bit like bread dough and is raised and soft, and the COLOR of bread dough!!!!<br />I don't know whether to laugh or cry about my belly being described as such!Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-38890163414460542222010-01-06T11:33:00.000-08:002010-01-06T12:21:43.793-08:00Walking for a baby.Today we walked to the river to help bring the baby down and out. (If you want to see river pics, go <a href="http://tscarlile.blogspot.com/">here</a>.) Ha! The only time we want someone to be down and out. This morning we listened to the baby's heartbeat. Little race horse in there. I don't know what week or how far along this pregnancy is now. We have some confusion as to what date was really the LMP and which date to count and how many weeks to count from there- 39 or 40 weeks. With a 3-week cycle, you usually count 39 weeks from LMP, but even then, what if?... I am certain that this baby will come when it needs and that it will not stay in forever! I know that God's wisdom is far greater than mine. Maybe this baby needs extra growing time.<br /><div>I am glad that a due date is when the baby is born, not a certain date that this baby has to be born by, or risk a c-section. I am happy with my decision to have a natural birth, a homebirth. I have suffered the trauma of 4 hospital births with 2 c-sections and a VBAC. This will be our first HBAC.</div><div> </div><div>Today is Travis' dad's birthday. He was hoping to have a baby on this day, but so far, no dice. We will see what will happen before midnight, but I am NOT holding my breath. Travis also stated that this baby (if a boy) should be named ______ Clifford, but Trinton has that name.</div><div> </div><div>Are there any good Carlile/Dirks/Derenoff/Cole family names that we might use for middle names? These would include Moy, Devine, Hansen, Lapedias, and Holub names too. Any others?</div><div> </div><div>Here is an update of what I have made to add to the other day's post:</div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAR99p-ag7blkKTsppZw98PVgtb-F7fUNmPKzqkpmDyte2IkyHW0ejp2f6LJoDQTMzbIZR0kbU_7AQMTNIm_kbJNdzuNfJNbaLXLIviL9wRGa2BOJR6ZAMtDL-PghqD2vFZxMlh_14P0C/s1600-h/P1060817.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 112px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423722286822533698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAR99p-ag7blkKTsppZw98PVgtb-F7fUNmPKzqkpmDyte2IkyHW0ejp2f6LJoDQTMzbIZR0kbU_7AQMTNIm_kbJNdzuNfJNbaLXLIviL9wRGa2BOJR6ZAMtDL-PghqD2vFZxMlh_14P0C/s200/P1060817.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDfqTdn-NTdF9gpYOveXHLgR4N6QYOZEcMZ_JaHGRCXPaLqu80uIkE3Iqy7fss7yHveFUNhS8Enc5NRbUeOWRIyzPzhSp30RDZ-EZPVClQtS8k6SPdqw9djLx_vdpOTcW08XPyKzpA47B/s1600-h/P1060820.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423722297075050530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDfqTdn-NTdF9gpYOveXHLgR4N6QYOZEcMZ_JaHGRCXPaLqu80uIkE3Iqy7fss7yHveFUNhS8Enc5NRbUeOWRIyzPzhSp30RDZ-EZPVClQtS8k6SPdqw9djLx_vdpOTcW08XPyKzpA47B/s200/P1060820.JPG" /></a><br />This yellow sleeper is made from one of my t-shirts that was getting worn and I felt it was time to recycle. The pants are also recycled with fresh sewn panty area. The pair on the left comes from a pair of pjs that ended up moldy after a sack of clothing sat and retained moisture. The purple/blue pair's legs are from Taleah's long-sleeved shirt that wasn't long enough in the arms for her. It still fits her in the length, so no need to pass it onto Taya, just make it short-sleeved!</div>Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-91158442823705402912010-01-05T12:42:00.000-08:002010-01-06T11:33:27.178-08:00Today's workAgain I am having contractions and again they will peter out.<br /><br />Update: They petered out.Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-1435715631106699672010-01-03T15:38:00.000-08:002010-01-03T16:10:37.763-08:00Nope, no baby yet...I guess that must be my opening line since I am getting tired of answering "Do we have a baby yet?" with "No, of course not."<br /><br />Today I have been having contractions every 2-3 minutes with varying degrees of severity. Some I cannot handle, most are easily handled. I have never had a very consistent pattern of contractions with them getting stronger, closer together, and making "headway" in the canal. I have, however, managed to dilate to 5cm and back down to 3cm, efface to about 60%, and get the baby down into position. Before, the contractions could not work properly because baby's little head was turned wrong and not engaged all the way. I would have hated to have back labor like I did with Trinton.<br /><br />Trajun's birth was a long, drawn out one, much like this. I labored for about a week with on-and-off contractions before they set into a hard and fast pattern after taking a whole bottle of castor oil. I may never drink a chocolate shake from Jack in the Box again! I gag just thinking of it. After hard labor set in with Trajun, he was born a little over 3 hours later. It felt like 20 minutes.<br /><br /><br /><br />Just another boring day waiting around...<br /><br />I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but the full moon is past and tonight's moon is only 82% illuminated and has a zenith here at 3:24am.<br />I am just trying to enjoy my time handsewing a few extra baby items. So far, added to the items of a few days ago, I have made 2 more pairs of pants and almost have one sleeper done. I will show pics as soon as I am done with the sleeper.Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-13417867173223211072010-01-01T03:57:00.000-08:002010-01-01T05:32:31.444-08:00Happy New Year.Well, this pregnancy will finish in this new year. A 2010 baby- I can handle that. I think I had a mental block on when the baby was supposed to be born! People kept saying, "Better hurry up and have this baby so you get another tax break." And for some stupid reason, my mind was convinced that I failed if I did not achieve that! As soon as I realized that the new year had come and there would be no extra entry on our 2009 taxes, I relaxed. Funny how things work. And then I was plagued by hard contractions all throughout my sleep.<br />Also, last night while thinking about my part in this, I came to the realization (again) that I am just a vessel for this baby. I cannot evict or otherwise control the length of stay. Well, I could, but if the baby is not ready, would that be very nice- or could it be considered a type of abortion? That caught me up short.<br />I am ready for this baby to be born- I think. I know I could be much more prepared with clothing, diapers, etc., but mentally, I think I am just ready for the baby to come.<br /><br />I looked at what I have for baby in the way of material goods.<br /><p></p><p></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgtAmJ-trF3hazNoQ0CBeEz_EjrQsCGpdAnsqGHX3y_4JRwIEc9AbosZo1KMk5qlZnbERnJfhQkv5Mx-iO-HAvtHU9x6ApqcQKVCPzJWjNCJo4tLdU6ZAFOZ0obgNBqmnxbx9mB9LTQT4/s1600-h/100_1314.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421757925064325762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgtAmJ-trF3hazNoQ0CBeEz_EjrQsCGpdAnsqGHX3y_4JRwIEc9AbosZo1KMk5qlZnbERnJfhQkv5Mx-iO-HAvtHU9x6ApqcQKVCPzJWjNCJo4tLdU6ZAFOZ0obgNBqmnxbx9mB9LTQT4/s200/100_1314.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcpdcN1kOrWU0q-WCn1wVENY5Ox2UvJ8VDVnKuT-6sj8zjdk5Brz4w0oaqwfgMrpPe5Yg6v4EBOyZoNKtqVsxE20YaTTTqtZzVWOf3DXoGn7dEr6nuqc4mb4k8J3JJ78wF5lGuyIzkFl6/s1600-h/100_1313.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421757916990647010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcpdcN1kOrWU0q-WCn1wVENY5Ox2UvJ8VDVnKuT-6sj8zjdk5Brz4w0oaqwfgMrpPe5Yg6v4EBOyZoNKtqVsxE20YaTTTqtZzVWOf3DXoGn7dEr6nuqc4mb4k8J3JJ78wF5lGuyIzkFl6/s200/100_1313.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a9C6qhzocErvzkhCAm-EyatzQ1QNpY6tJ66fHVATYdUN94iJdBCShLxJueLhQY_3gzwXrSSBtuGwHyMfRji1nYnMyO575Ktk_SGKaDt7UdbRC6J91xJ22iWIBkRCYY9l5lh1bUcoQEvZ/s1600-h/100_1320.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421759164545423650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a9C6qhzocErvzkhCAm-EyatzQ1QNpY6tJ66fHVATYdUN94iJdBCShLxJueLhQY_3gzwXrSSBtuGwHyMfRji1nYnMyO575Ktk_SGKaDt7UdbRC6J91xJ22iWIBkRCYY9l5lh1bUcoQEvZ/s200/100_1320.JPG" /></a></div><div>A girl and boy sweater/hat/booties set, a few pairs of recycled pants. I made these by taking the arms off long sleeves shirts from the older children and sewing them onto little panty-type sewn fabric.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PaIVF0Hw0Sog6K-t4IFwsLWTgt-BFfD_Ou9rb7m4SUZxXpSm9OKRcvedGWCn2aJ9Y7MvtcufcIwwPHqOkMcGiJkfjuiHj-xfFz52mATXFYq97eQG4R32GBVjfpF7de28Bh5CHZFkJbna/s1600-h/100_1319.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421757941485710194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PaIVF0Hw0Sog6K-t4IFwsLWTgt-BFfD_Ou9rb7m4SUZxXpSm9OKRcvedGWCn2aJ9Y7MvtcufcIwwPHqOkMcGiJkfjuiHj-xfFz52mATXFYq97eQG4R32GBVjfpF7de28Bh5CHZFkJbna/s200/100_1319.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6U5wHcJb9jGDBcXZ6TFPD-t9kxItNHYaCOe0uGRNMsMj4JghEfEj78VekumxST2Rhyphenhyphen1ZcnAvR5LyQpyxqdzSSjyL7PIvYfUdLMUt4kOEp-3oe0svI5kLIq0fDZbFUDD37ap8DQGF6L1g/s1600-h/100_1316.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421757935322552930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6U5wHcJb9jGDBcXZ6TFPD-t9kxItNHYaCOe0uGRNMsMj4JghEfEj78VekumxST2Rhyphenhyphen1ZcnAvR5LyQpyxqdzSSjyL7PIvYfUdLMUt4kOEp-3oe0svI5kLIq0fDZbFUDD37ap8DQGF6L1g/s200/100_1316.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21W2_vDzAvYMNPlm8qYwT7dsgKZ_DQDQxhNeYlKHvhgeBdnGJnCTd-pCvIJEckJi_7bKB_Y9RnVPIfAihChKzdmys4nzQGudwsDWQXliLI5I43kBvWEPt4KYekQTMZe_aKGtL1Dj731su/s1600-h/100_1315.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421757929944524162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21W2_vDzAvYMNPlm8qYwT7dsgKZ_DQDQxhNeYlKHvhgeBdnGJnCTd-pCvIJEckJi_7bKB_Y9RnVPIfAihChKzdmys4nzQGudwsDWQXliLI5I43kBvWEPt4KYekQTMZe_aKGtL1Dj731su/s200/100_1315.JPG" /></a><br />A few accessories, 6 onesies, 2 "soakers" 7 homemade prefold diapers, and 5 plastic pants- just in case.</div><div>This might do for the first week. I plan on making a few sleepers, plenty more diapers, pants, and shirts. I think I might have to go buy socks for the baby since it is the cold part of the year here. (I know, nothing compared to the weather most of you are going through!) I have been chilly several evenings and a few days to the point where I wear pants, sweat jacket, and socks in bed! Even pregnant!<br /></div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>I decided on a few "New Year's resolutions" that I can actually attain:</div><br /><div>1. Lose 20 pounds! Ha, this year I won't have a very hard time with that.</div><div>2. Spend more time with my children; I have them for so short a time.</div><div>3. Don't take anything for granted; it can always be taken away.</div><div>4. Say "I love you" to my husband and each of my children at least once a day.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxUXTTXlmK90PFXUjRW0Pcd9LjGyV47g6O_Kgw0vob6ce9mBzNzAkzAHZ9iHFZQkyUSwuD8uicr63ZQKLbrrG4362luRukJw-iKXQiIgFxypKK0vXHTI001B8zmbGgzPn-L-cX__jsoPK/s1600-h/100_1302.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421759174900191650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxUXTTXlmK90PFXUjRW0Pcd9LjGyV47g6O_Kgw0vob6ce9mBzNzAkzAHZ9iHFZQkyUSwuD8uicr63ZQKLbrrG4362luRukJw-iKXQiIgFxypKK0vXHTI001B8zmbGgzPn-L-cX__jsoPK/s200/100_1302.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-68882585609054211622009-12-30T08:45:00.000-08:002009-12-30T08:58:52.793-08:0012/30 labor<div>12/30 noonish AST</div><br /><div>Last night I was having consistent contractions, but seemed to lessen as I went to sleep. I was woken up several times in the night with contractions, but nothing that kept me from going back to sleep.</div><br /><div>Today I woke and ate, and the contractions came back. I am having them every 2-3 minutes as very noticeable contractions. I have not had pain to speak of yet, just bearable pressure with occasional times of unbearable pressure. I feel a general malaise, like in other labors. I just want to hide in myself and listen to no noises. My back is aching and I feel very tired. I have waves of nausea with most contractions. The baby is not moving in a contraction anymore, so that discomfort has ended.</div><br /><div>Tomorrow night is full moon, and while not superstitious, I do believe that the gravitational pull is a reality. Just look at the great oceans which are affected so easily by the moon and its pull. Our bodies are made up of a great percentage of liquid. And, I believe that since God made the moon, I can recognize His creation as a force that can affect me.</div><br /><div>We are one day past the "due date." I am happy that this baby has finally decided that it is time for birth. I am glad that s/he has waited this long to be born, rather than making an appearance at 26 weeks or so and requiring a long hospital stay. Praise be to God for His timing in all things.</div>Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-53147268192905911632009-12-29T16:48:00.000-08:002009-12-29T17:00:18.728-08:00Could this be labor finally??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJRG5kWpeJ5YbiizBBAJCbFvq1-Vup_7pSsKGGou4rQdiSuNztd0C3WfdhT7RUSQHhUeYnPeKXr29vxnrVgK-WRWLzCsOIMDyfJa4Klcp87HyRvm5agbqa1uVpVjgTPLEogcR7bX-NqJk/s1600-h/P1060813.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420826855122060194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJRG5kWpeJ5YbiizBBAJCbFvq1-Vup_7pSsKGGou4rQdiSuNztd0C3WfdhT7RUSQHhUeYnPeKXr29vxnrVgK-WRWLzCsOIMDyfJa4Klcp87HyRvm5agbqa1uVpVjgTPLEogcR7bX-NqJk/s320/P1060813.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div>8:55pm<br /><div>I think I have finally gone into real labor. This could be yet another false start, but I truly hope not. I set up the "tub" in the shower. I made my friend's circular pool into a rectangular tub for comfort in labor. </div><div>I tried it out and it works just fine. The first hot bath I have had, in my own home, while living in Dominica! The breeze is not awful, but if it were a windy night, we would have problems.</div></div></div><br /><p>Contractions are coming pretty regular with hard ones about 6 minutes apart and 2 small ones in between, kind of like a continuation of the hard one. So, if I had to say exact timing between them, 2 minutes between each with varying degrees of strength. I don't know what if anything the small ones are doing.</p><p>I will update as I can.</p>Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-11346742897813158042009-12-27T14:57:00.001-08:002009-12-27T15:39:31.101-08:00Update anyone?I have been really bad about posting. I really should tend to the updates more often...<br />With that off my chest, I want to let everyone know that my due date has changed again! We counted from the real dates that Travis wrote down in his date book, and found that my due date is really supposed to be December 29! That is just a few days away. You can imagine our surprise when we thought of all the time I spent on bedrest thinking that the baby was way too early to live outside the womb. Maybe if I had known, I would not have been so careful... so maybe it is a good thing that we did not know.<br />The past 3 weeks have been fun filled and busy. We had visitors from Colorado off the cruise ship 12/20, and visitors from Oklahoma- Shelby's visitors really. We finally counted the dates on the 17th or 18th and I was able to be up and about for our company and Christmas.<br /><br />As for baby: No update from a website, but my own rendition. Baby is fully developed and ready for birth. You may be in labor or there soon. Congrats on surviving 40 weeks of ups and downs!<br /><br />Last Sunday (12/20) I started having intense contractions with lightheadedness and a pukey feeling and thought This is it! But, alas, I am still pregnant. Here we see another Sunday and I, again, am having contractions, harder this time, but not hard labor.<br />I am knitting an 11th-hour diaper cover. I finished some seamless baby booties in purple and green. I am finishing up some cloth diapers to use. We will see how that goes.<br /><br />Lately I feel like I have an 8-pound octopus residing inside of my belly. I am warned by a few mothers of twins that this means more than one, and I will probably eat my words, but, no, I am not having twins *beating hands and feet on the floor*. I am having just one baby- right God? The ultrasound tech told me there is no way I have twins, so I am hedging on that. Although I am preparing for a baby with as much extra as I can. I already wash 1-2 loads per day, so what difference does it make if I have to wash a third??<br /><br />I am sort of glad that I did not have a Christmas baby. That would have made our ham dinner a little late, like 2 days late.<br /><br />This morning during meeting I started having a dizzy spell. I was singing and started feeling lightheaded and my vision was going dark. I guess the singing made me oxygen deprived. As soon as I put my head down I started feeling better, but it took several minutes for me to feel as though I was not going to faint. All the contractions since then have given me breathlessness and dizziness. Hope this is it!!<br /><br />Signing off for now. I have to update the <a href="http://tscarlile.blogspot.com/">family</a> blog.Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-44098306434693880542009-12-07T19:07:00.000-08:002009-12-07T19:24:18.013-08:00Look at me grow.<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIdvJDrEwV9Bca7Zi8mYbqqLHAygPYnYX6c5qtnpYJLcRwcvEAGKZJExAH_3tNBAiTR8Qm8bFSqmNvMuql0kN3pkZrx8THplPNlXVeENAM7_FW9c-Hu1SYSQPwa1cOnsb8NJH2571jNYi/s1600-h/100_1125.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412698824405663026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIdvJDrEwV9Bca7Zi8mYbqqLHAygPYnYX6c5qtnpYJLcRwcvEAGKZJExAH_3tNBAiTR8Qm8bFSqmNvMuql0kN3pkZrx8THplPNlXVeENAM7_FW9c-Hu1SYSQPwa1cOnsb8NJH2571jNYi/s320/100_1125.JPG" /></a> The above picture was taken October 12th or so...<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhBaaoPhyqIFgwNPzTASCJTkRpubrIggucTzUgmnOu7U5VcM0haRTWwt6XL-oLC7GFNymr2hdHCCA7vBPGUH6xEbxwRZMm0VK_51MhVKCdESVUbEdQmZKaOhm3AaNVdQFK6kJl36P1gvl/s1600-h/100_1238.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhBaaoPhyqIFgwNPzTASCJTkRpubrIggucTzUgmnOu7U5VcM0haRTWwt6XL-oLC7GFNymr2hdHCCA7vBPGUH6xEbxwRZMm0VK_51MhVKCdESVUbEdQmZKaOhm3AaNVdQFK6kJl36P1gvl/s320/100_1238.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Here I am December 7th. Look at me here. It is not usual for me to be up but decided that I must get a picture to show myself how I am growing! I keep looking down at the belly and think that I seem to be staying the same size... forever. But now I see there IS a difference.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div></div>Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-37877564993537884752009-12-05T08:45:00.000-08:002009-12-05T10:26:40.205-08:00Back labor??Yesterday I did what I knew I should not. When it was time to go to the chiropractor, there were no local buses due to a cruise ship being in, so we started walking. I had a bad feeling about walking but went along with it thinking that we would get a ride after just a bit of walking. Was I ever wrong!<br />We walked about 10 miles, really only 3/10 of a mile, but it FELT like 10 miles! It did not take us long but we walked down toward the river and then across for a bit before we were picked up by a tour with 2 people in it.<br />We arrived several minutes later in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wotten</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Waven</span> at the chiropractor's office. She was at lunch and we waited for a good 1/2 hour before she was ready. Meanwhile, I tried to sit, walk, stand, and finally ended up using the restroom several times. Severe pain had started in my lower back and I had waves of contractions along with nausea and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lightheadedness</span>. The contractions did not seem to go away completely and they were very hard. Walking helped but also made me walk quickly back to the bathroom. Finally I had to sit and stay in a chair, moving around to find a "comfortable" position. All the ladies with labor out there know that there is no comfortable position, there is only "hurts too bad", "doesn't hurt as much", or "hurts the least."<br />When the chiropractor walked out, she did not seem too worried since she knew I had been having contractions on and off for weeks, but when I told her that I was too dizzy and wanted to puke, she took notice. She decided to adjust me outside standing up. The pain did not go away and Travis did not get adjusted. The receptionist drove us straight home, making sure to go over all the potholes and bumps. Not really, but it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">seemed</span> like it ;)<br />After the adjustment, I just wanted to sleep and forget everything. I slept for about 2-1/2 hours total. Upon waking, the pain was not better, but walking helped.<br />I called my mom who said something like, "Sounds like back labor. You know they tell women to walk to bring on labor right?" Of course, I knew, I just ignored that bad feeling at the beginning. I am so sick of being on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">bedrest</span>!<br />I called my sister who told me a few ideas to slow labor. She told me of the old remedy of a glass of red wine. Knowing that Friday night was not the night I would find red wine- anywhere on island- I suggested rum, which I have on hand for eggnog flavoring. She told me that 1-2 shots would be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> but not to get drunk. Ha! 1/2 a shot is enough to get me drunk! I finally tried that but it did nothing to slow the contractions or diminish the pain.<br />Next, I drank red raspberry leaf tea. I do love it strong. It did not work. I drank a high dose of magnesium citrate which was suggested by a family member. This worked the best, but only for about 30 minutes. I thought I was all out of ideas.<br />We watched a comedy trying to get my mind off the pain and contractions. The semi-reclining position really helped, especially while I was laughing uncontrollably. If you need a good laugh, watch Old Dogs. Robin Williams and John Travolta are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hilarious</span> in this movie. I am usually not a big John Travolta fan since he tends toward a lifestyle in his movies to which I will not attain, but I don't remember one cuss word or one sexist comment. There were no intimate scenes, but there is drinking in the movie. Still very hilarious!<br />After the movie, I noticed that the pain had lessened just a bit, but then I arose to visit my second home, the room with the white seat. As soon as I started walking the pain came shooting back but eased after that. When I came back to bed, I could not find a comfortable position, or even semi-comfortable. I was up and down for about an hour and could not doze off.<br />Finally I decided that melatonin was my choice of drug to force my mind to sleep. The melatonin certainly forced me to sleep, but every time I woke to use the restroom, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">woul</span><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">d be</span> hit with a wave of pain and nausea. Along about 5am, I noticed a shift in pain which let me sleep deeply and comfortably without waking with pain.<br />I still <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">had</span> a little bit of pain and remembered what my mom had mentioned about back labor. I remembered also that baby has been "face up" when I lie down, this noticed by all the kicks and hits being in the front of my belly. So, I rocked hips and the baby turned so that his little back was laying in my hanging belly. Way more comfortable!! Unfortunately, I cannot stay in that position all day.<br />The pain stayed away until about 1pm (is it 2 pm already???) when I went to the kitchen and fried eggs for the hash that Travis had made for "breakfast."<br />I am back in bed, semi-reclined with knees up. I talked again with my sister who suggested laying with knees up since this is a known position to inhibit labor. I still don't know if I am in true labor, but I don't want to be, so I am doing whatever I can to keep the pain and contractions away.<br />Right now, Junior is punching and kicking upward and I am having pain in the back again. Labor sucks, false and real! I just have to keep my mind on that precious goal which I will hold in my arms very soon. Watching life go by with me in bed is irritating to say the least.<br /><br />I have had the hymn Blessed Assurance in mind lately.I really enjoy Fanny J. Crosby's hymns. Here is a <a href="http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh369.sht">link</a> to the website where I found the words and the music.Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-78159670551427799472009-12-02T06:38:00.000-08:002009-12-02T08:02:44.373-08:0033 weeksHere we are at 33 weeks. We have made it past Taleah's gestational age when she was born. For some reason, if I make it past 32 weeks, 6 days, it is like everything will be fine and the baby will be able to breathe if born today. I know that this is not neccesarily so, but there is that mental block that is so scared of any birth before that age. Somehow my brain disregards the fact that I had steroid shots to boost her lung development!<br /><br />Contractions have started again even with caffeine. Last night lying in bed, I felt the baby's movements in a different way. I have this extreme low back ache like back labor even though I know nothing is happening. I have to slouch to get it gone. It hurts to lie down on my back or sudes, but feels great to lie half on the stomach with my knee brought up beside my belly to prop me up. I don't know if this is pain from the sciatic nerve or just body aches. Last time I felt this bad, I was in labor with each boy.<br />I wish I had a time capsule to move ahead 3 weeks and have the baby and then move back to this time with baby being normal birth age. Keep dreaming.<br /><br /><br />Funny, my info on the pregnancy website says "You are 33 weeks and pregnant." It usually reads You are __ weeks and __ days pregnant.<br />What is happening in the womb this week: Your unborn baby's senses continue to develop. If you talk to your baby, she can hear you. In fact, her world is full of sounds. In addition to your voice, she can hear your stomach growling and your lungs taking in air, along with the reassuring vibrations of your heart beating. Also, your baby's skin has turned from red to pink and she has started preparing for life outside the womb by storing iron in her liver.<br />This week your baby stretches to around 12 inches (crown to rump) and weighs in at about four pounds, eight ounces. Thank you babyzone.com<br /><br />I read that 35 weeks is considered full term for all the organs development-wise.<br /><br />We are nearing that now. 2 more weeks! Can you believe the journey seems that quick? Funny, but looking forward, 7 months seems eons in the future!Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-35985122956705636982009-11-30T19:25:00.000-08:002009-11-30T19:40:20.219-08:00Contractions! AAAhhhhh...There are a few things I just can't stand. Preterm contractions are one of them. We experimented with magnesium and that only served to make them harder when I did have them, about half the time. We have tried bedrest... that works when I don't have to get out of bed. Who can keep from going to the bathroom for 24 hours? Pregnant or not. We have tried about every remedy short of shots and hanging upside down.<br />Then... I drank a cup of tea. I am not usually a black tea drinker since my ulcerative colitis flares badly when I have caffeine. But this time, I drank it and within half an hour I had no contractions. Great! Wonderful!<br />But, as you know, every "drug" has a side effect. The side effect for me is swelling. I have elephant ankles half the day. I still have to take it easy and rest often, but I am almost 33 weeks pregnant!<br /><br />This dear baby will be well-loved. I heard Taya telling Taleah today that she would be holding the baby and she could help mama feed the baby and change the baby, but that Taleah would be too sick to help. (Taleah has a slight fever and body aches today.) Hope that is not so in 3-7 weeks!!<br />Trinton wants to feel the baby kick all the time. Taya is constantly asking what the baby is saying. And we have not settled on a name yet.<br />We are taking suggestions but will not know for sure until the little one is born.<br />It must start with a T, girls' names need to go well with Elizabeth for a middle name, boys' names with Walter for a middle name, be pronouncable, and not be too mainstream. You can suggest anything of course, but these are the criteria we are using.<br />We will put it to a vote within our immediate family (Dad, Mom, 5 children) about the time the baby is due or after birth. That could be as soon as December 23rd (36 weeks) or as late as Jan 20th or later.<br /><br />All else is going well. Baby is active and bouncy. What an amazing thing to carry life.<br />I saw a post from a lady on a pregnancy board. Her picture says: I am so crafty, I make people.Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-31552967046396663652009-11-26T12:56:00.000-08:002009-11-26T15:38:52.887-08:0032 weeks already!Boy does time fly! I am currently on bedrest, looking forward to Decmber 23rd when I will be 36 weeks. I am not staying on bedrest then! I will be happily dancing a jig to help the baby come.<br /><div>Travis rented an oxygen tank a few days ago! He says that we can be prepared in case the baby decides to show his face before he is "due" to arrive. Meanwhile, contractions move on steadily and I hope are not doing much to induce a birth.</div><br /><div>What is going on with baby: Just like you, your unborn baby will establish a daily routine. You'll notice at times your baby is active and wiggly, while at other times you can't feel her movements. Once your baby's born, she'll most likely continue with her in-utero pattern. Along with a routine, your baby has favorite positions too. A favorite of many unborn babies is to have their heads down, rumps up towards the ribs (conveniently, the perfect position for labor). *Fortunately, that is exactly where Junior is!*</div><br /><div>Your unborn baby weighs around four pounds and stretches to over 11 and one-half inches in length (crown to rump). * Thank you babyzone.com</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Not my baby, but an ultrasound picture at 32 weeks:</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 272px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408560346476539490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpTWDYtOEAihmaRhW5pwgOTZkRCFwsluczGyzlItU2S6HcegycDVo18KhziwXb-Kf9CJVlOqxIYlLo51ZTSj-8Sn8AYoJyC0YNRC4tJB63TBSPgC34BjHkWkBZ6PpOchau6NsSHxPxYhQ/s320/32weeks.jpg" /></div>This comes from a really cool website Calgary Youth for Life <a href="http://www.c2g.ca/development.html">http://www.c2g.ca/development.html</a><br /><div></div>Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-38631902449536007652009-11-11T10:24:00.000-08:002009-11-11T11:27:42.646-08:00Ten weeks to go!Baby:<br />Your baby's face looks much like it will when he's born. He still needs to fill out more to get the characteristic chubby infant cheeks, but he's on his way. He can move his head, open his eyes, and make breathing movements through his open nostrils (although no air comes in).<br />If your little one were born today, he'd have a good chance for survival at about three pounds and nearly 11 inches long (crown to rump).<br /><br />Me:<br />God has given me another chance to show compassion. I am dealing with the nastiest sciatic pain, lower back ache, sleeplessness, preterm contractions, nausea, kidney pain, UTI, and general fatigue and pain. Of course most of these are typical of pregnancy, but none of them are easy. I am being shown what other women go through gladly to have even one baby and I am blessed with this tiny number six in our family.<br />The baby is very active especially after a contraction, rolling and kicking, punching and hiccuping. The contractions are rhythmic and sometimes hard, but with no change to the cervix, baby is safe for right now. I am drinking loads of water, juice, red raspberry leaf tea, and more water.<br />The best position for lessening contractions is on my left side- bummer for my sore left shoulder.<br />Good news though, the kidney pain is almost all gone leaving me with one less problem to deal with. I am certainly being set up to have sympathy as a doula or birth helper.<br />I would truly love to have any children I have from now on at home. I would also love to help women in health, pregnancy, labor and birth, and postnatal time. I am not sure that I want to become a midwife since they tend to have difficulties in several areas. I recently had a bad experience with a rather unknowledgeable midwife who did not care to increase her knowledge at all. I know she is not the rule. I also talked with doctors and a midwife about having a home birth. I was told by all of them that a home VBAC was not an option since I had a great risk of rupturing or having other complications. I know this is bunk as I had a pretty uncomplicated hospital VBAC. I know my body is quite able to birth a baby, especially since I have birthed babies from this same man who is the dad of all my children. I am not going to be birthing an abominable snowman or a 6 foot Slavic. I am birthing my baby through the natural opening God created for that purpose. I am confident in God's creation and in my body's ability.<br />I am slowly moving in the direction of UC (unassisted childbirth) for myself. My husband is coming into knowledge that will help him in his attitude towards his future patients in childbirth and delivery. I am coming to trust God much more than I have in the past.<br /><br />Every week is one more that this baby's lungs are developed more fully to be able to sustain its own life without me. Pray for this baby to have fully developed lungs and all organs when God decides it is the time for him or her to make an appearance.<br /><br />I have been in a slight panic as we are now 10 weeks away from our due date and we have no baby clothing. I went looking on the internet and found a cool website on how to make simple baby clothing. We are not likely to need socks, so we can leave those out. I am going to sew shirts, pants and shorts, and knit a few vests and hats. Maybe I will make a few pairs of baby mitts so baby does not scratch his or her face. <a href="http://www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com/baby-clothes.html">http://www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com/baby-clothes.html</a>Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654095560680757758.post-24636821152319863512009-10-07T19:44:00.000-07:002009-10-07T20:28:42.410-07:0025 weeksThis past week I helped a friend in labor. I am so glad I am not trying a first birth in Dominica. I know what to expect from my labor- fast and hard. Trajun's labor was very hard and slow until the last when I went from 4cm to 10 cm in 3 hours.<br />No pain killers this time. Trinton was long and relatively easy compared to Trajun. We will see how long I stay in the shower for pain relief.<br />I wonder who will be there... If I go to 40 weeks, Travis will be in class and I will have the children here at home. My friend, who may be coming to help, will also be in class.<br />Trinton was born just after 5pm, Trajun about 12:48am. The girls don't count because they were scheduled.<br />If this is a girl, we get to break the flow of girls getting c-section, boys natural. This even applies to mom and dad! Taleah, Taya, and I were all c-section, the guys all natural (doesn't mean without drugs.)<br /><br />What's happening with baby:<br />Your baby-to-be's lungs are developing rapidly, although she'd probably need a little help breathing if she were born at this point. Her respiratory system continues to develop, her nostrils are open, and she can breathe—but she won't take her first breath of air until delivery day. Her reproductive organs are formed (in boys, the testes have descended). Her skin is translucent and wrinkled, and he can hear your stomach when it gurgles and your voice when you sing. Your baby is becoming more aware of how she can move—she's wiggling her fingers and toes!<br />Your baby has grown to about one pound, eight ounces and she's nearly nine inches long (crown to rump).<br /><br />Lately Junior has been having hiccups several times a day. He usually is head down making the thumping forward and below my belly button. One night I thought he was kicking but it was too rhythmic for kicking; baby had turned and had his shoulder against my belly button. The bumps were mid belly and I felt them stronger than usual.<br />We have been listening to baby's heartbeat again. Good to have the Doppler back. We have heard a steady little train engine. When active, baby's heartbeat tends toward 150, when still toward 130. I think that means girl, but I forget which way it goes. At this point, we have a 50/50 chance.Lots and Lots of Carlileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970514290518361437noreply@blogger.com1