I know many of my readers and customers have been waiting for this post. Here it is, finally! I have been busy with our new baby, but I am getting adjusted to our new schedule so I can get into blogging again.
I had a great pregnancy with much love and support from friends, family and all my customers. Thank you so much! We were blessed with our baby boy on October 26th. He arrived a few days late, but he was well worth the wait. I wasn't sure if I wanted to share such an intimate experience with the online world, but since I am a natural birth and home birth advocate, I wanted to let everyone know how beautiful and enjoyable the labor process can be. I experienced another wonderful, natural labor at home. It was my 3rd home birth with the same midwife. I didn't go into all the details, but here is my short version of my labor story with baby #4. During a mild contraction, my water broke with a "pop" at about 3:30 am on the 26th. I was half asleep, so at first didn't think anything of it. I thought it was just the baby kicking. (He was a crazy kicker while in my belly) When I finally woke up a bit more, I realized it was something more than that. I raced to the bathroom, while yelling to my hubby "my water just broke!" Kind of like what you see on the movies. He woke up, well half way, and thought I said something about a robber in the house or something. He has never been a good morning person so it took him a while to get going, while I was pumped up, telling him everything that had to be done. I called my midwife, she told me to lay down, relax and wait for the contractions to begin. I was so excited to meet my baby this was hard to do. I finally settled down and focused on my breath. All I could do was wait for the ctx to start. About 30 minutes later, they arrived. Before they got to intense, I was able to walk around and help John a bit with preparations. But that didn't last long. They became more intense so I got into a comfortable labor position and just breathed with them. After a bit, my 2 daughters came down from their room, on their own. My 6 year old had a bad cold and was crying about that. That bothered me, just like any little thing can during labor, if you let it. My mind shifted from calm and collected to "oh crap, I can't have the kids here" But I knew better. I had prepared for this day and knew that that mind set would do nothing for me but make the process longer and more painful. I quickly shifted back to peaceful thoughts and my breath. I must have sent peaceful vibes throughout the house because the girls calmed down and realized what was going on. We had prepared for this day a lot by watching labor videos, looking at pictures, and talking about the baby A LOT! They were so thrilled to meet this little guy, they were ready to help us out. And they did! They rubbed my back, got a cooler more comfortable outfit for me to wear, helped me keep a smile on my face, told me "I love you" and much more. Soon my my midwife (lives in Northfield) and her apprentice (lives in Mankato) arrived. I just kept focused while everyone else, including my 2 daughters age 4 and 6, were preparing for the new life to arrive. My hubby was filling the birth pool (this ended up being a bigger task then we thought) my girls were fetching supplies for the midwife and rubbing my back. I was ready to push so it was then time to move into the tub. The tub felt great and instantly relaxed my body. After changing positions and pushing, ( I don't remember how long) my baby boy was soon born @ 6:05am. A couple minutes later, my 2.5 year old son, came down from his room, on his own. It is like the kids sensed what was going on and wanted to be a part of it. He was thrilled to see that he had a little brother! About 10 minutes later, I delivered my placenta and was ready to get out of the tub and cuddle on the couch with my new bundle of joy. I felt great, he nursed right away, everything about him was perfect. After the midwives cleaned up, (you would never know a baby was just delivered in my living room) we weighed and measured him: 9 lbs 4 oz. Much bigger than we had expected! That proves that someone as small as me : 4ft 9in can deliver a big baby naturally! I would say this labor was close to perfect. I was surrounded by wonderful and caring people, my daughters were my little doulas, I was given lots of love and support, it was short (3:30-6am) and had no complications. Even though this was my 4th baby, each time I still read and prepare for labor. You never know what you will experience. I wanted to share with you the books I read and would definitely recommend: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth Mindful Birthing: Training the Mind, Body, and Heart for Childbirth and Beyond by Nancy Bardacke
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My husband and I wanted to add some adventure into our lives so we decided to start taking day trips with our family once a week. Once we started, we found out that there are tons of places to visit all within a 30min-2 hour long drive. This is definitely doable with 3 kids and a 32 week pregnant momma! It gives us something to look forward to and helps motivate us to get more work done during the week.
One of our first day trips was a visit to Blue Mounds State Park located in Luverne, MN. It was about a 2.5 hour long drive. Our day started off in the lake. Since we went on a weekday, we had the lake to ourselves most of the time! John caught some minnows and the kids made little swimming holes for them. We also saw some turtles on the shore of the lake. After swimming, we went on a short hike to some small cliffs. First thing the kids started doing was climb up them. Our youngest, 2.5 yrs old, just climbed up and never even looked back and did not want any help! The girls climbed up and believe it or not, I did to, even with my pregnant belly. Something about climbing and being out in the wide open makes you feel so free and is a great place to relax and slow down. We had to watch out for cactus, I was the only one who stepped on one. Probably because I was watching out for the kids! Birth, babies, breastfeeding! My favorite topics to talk about! That is my favorite part about my visits with my midwife, Nickie. We have a whole hour, usually more, to chat about my baby, birth, and pregnancy. This will be our 3rd home birth. My first daughter age 6, was born naturally in the hospital with a midwife. I had a great experience there, but wanted to be even more in charge of my birth and go through labor in the comfort of my own home. There is nothing better than welcoming a new little life into the world while in my own home. The cuddles, breastfeeding, first kiss from older siblings, all happen there. It is priceless! I think going through labor is the most memorable experience and I wanted to make sure I had a positive and empowering memory of it. We meet with our midwife just as often as you would with an OB. Instead of a hospital setting, it is a family friendly setting in her home office. Starting around the 36th week, she will travel to us for appointments until labor day arrives! She will also travel to our house for the post-partum visits. In the picture above, Nickie found the heart beat of my baby while using a fetoscope and I was able to hear it. My oldest daughter also got to hear it through the fetoscope. Her face just lit up! What else to expect at a visit with a midwife? She measures my belly. This is called Fundal Height. It is a measure of the size of the uterus to assess fetal growth and development. It is measured from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus in centimeters and it should match your baby's gestational age, within one to three centimeters. She also checks the position of the baby and the heart rate. She checks my vital signs, checks a urine sample for the presence of sugar and protein, preforms minor lower back adjustments, we go over any questions or concerns I might have and much more. Another great thing about working with a midwife is after delivery of your baby, your relationship doesn't end. It continues to grow and you can rely on them for advice on your health, baby's health and your older children's health. Childbirth has always been an interest of mine and when my oldest was about 6 months old, I completed a Doula training course. I was planning on finishing the certification process, but my life of being a mother took over. I still have plans on completing the certification process with the end result-- a long term goal of mine, of someday becoming a midwife. Check back for more news on my pregnancy! Only about 5 more weeks to go or 3! You never know! We had the whole family out picking raspberries on a farm outside of town. It got so dark we couldn't see the berries anymore so we had to leave. On our way back something flew up from the side of the road and it looked like we hit it. So we turned around and drove really slowly with our brights on to see if we could find it. Towards the end of our second pass when we were about to give up we spotted it. It was a nighthawk sitting on the side of the road facing us with it's wings held out. It was alive, but we couldn't tell if it was hurt at all. We all got out of the car to get a closer look. John walked up to it slowly and then picked it up. We all stood around the headlights and looked at it. It was an incredible looking bird. It's not actually a hawk at all. Most people have seen them. They are the birds that fly above the city in the evening with long pointed wings and a white stripe on each wing. They make a nasal sounding "bzzzeeert" when they fly above the houses catching insects in their mouths. And they have the mouths for the job. Seeing the bird up close gave us all a chance to see how huge it's mouth was. It makes sense for a bird that has to use it's mouth for scooping bugs out of the air in mid flight. One of the girls asked if it could fly so John opened up his hand and it just sat there with it's wings open for a few seconds then flopped onto the ground and laid there. We were all thinking that it was seriously injured and wondering what to do with it when all of a sudden it just took off and flew into the night. It was a magical little moment and we all applauded as it flew off.
Girl talk, laughter, snacks, drinks? This doesn't sound like work, but it is for me! We offer the opportunity for our customers to host a Naked Beauty Spa Party in the comfort of their own home. All they have to do is invite the guests, prepare snacks/drinks, and have a sink available to use for the treatments. We provide all the rest! A spa party with Naked Beauty usually consists of a hand scrub/soak, foot scrub/soak, and a facial. Since we only use Naked Beauty Products for the treatments, it is a great way to try the products before you buy them. The guests can buy the products and receive them the same night. The hostess also receives a gift certificate and a gift bag full of Naked Beauty Products.
The last party I went to was hosted by an old friend of mine. It was great to catch up with her and show her what I have been up to for the last couple of years. I got to meet her friends while they all got pampered. Who doesn't enjoy a relaxing aromatherapy bath?! I know it is hard to think about in this heat, but my kiddos still enjoy them during the summer months. Especially if it softens their skin and leaves them smelling like Lavender! It is great right before bedtime because Lavender is very relaxing and soothing. This doesn't produce large bubbles like the bubble bath you can buy in the stores that are filled with nasty ingredients. It does produce small, gentle bubbles and leaves your skin oh so soft! Here is the recipe: 2 cups water 1/2 cup shredded Naked Beauty Soap, any scent (I used Peaceful Meadows) 1 TBSPN Naked Beauty Body Oil, any scent (I used Soothe) Boil the water and add the soap shavings, mix until dissloved Mix in the oil. Let cool and store in a glass jar. Shake or mix before each use. Because of the kind of soap I used, my end product is a beautiful lavender color. Makes a great and inexpensive gift!! I collaborated with my friend Mia, owner of Metanoia Couture and together we created this beautiful product! We used it for a baby shower favor and the ladies loved them! I now sell them at the Mankato Farmers' Market or on my website. They are great for gifts, wedding/shower favors, or for decorating. They look lovely and will also add a nice fragrance to any room! We all know that laundry detergent is full of nasty ingredients and can cause allergic reactions, rashes, and contact dermatitis. A few of these ingredients are: Chlorine, Quaternium-15, Artificial fragrances, Nonylphenol ethoxylate, and Petroleum distillate. The "natural" detergents found in the stores are close to $15 and those of us with kids who have to do loads of laundry every week, can't afford to pay those prices. Also, are those "natural" detergents even natural?
Here is a very quick, easy, and CHEAP way to make your own laundry soap. It consists of 4 ingredients including Naked Beauty Bar Soap, Borax, Washing Soda, and Water. Some people have a hard time finding washing soda, I get mine at Hy-Vee Grocery stores. Recipe: Laundry Soap Supplies: 1 quart Water (boiling), 2 cups or one bar Naked Beauty Bar soap (grated), 2 cups Borax, 2 cups Washing Soda -Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted. -Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved. -Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed. -Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel). Now go get dirty so you can some laundry!! You can also add essential oils to scent and to add antibacterial properties. You can use any Naked Beauty Bar Soap. You can grate up a lot of bar soap of once and store some in the freezer until you are ready to make another batch. After a week of hot weather in the 90's and over 100 it was a GREAT cool Saturday for a Farmers' Market. I feel lucky to be self-employed and sell our products at such a wonderful place. Surrounded by other self-employed folks selling their beautiful products and showing off their talents. You can find anything from hand sewn aprons, bird baths, wooden furniture, meat and of course FRESH and LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE! Mmmm! Every Friday evening we pack up our car with all of our market products and gear. We wake up in the morning at 6am and leave by 6:45 to get to the market to set up by 8am. I am glad I am a morning person! I love the atmosphere, fresh air (way better than a office setting!) and chatting with all my customers and being there for them when they have a question about a product or are looking for something to use for a skin condition. I also love when little kids have to stop and smell the soap. It is good to see that kids know what good and healthy soap is! The market is where my customers can find my full product line, new products, and request special orders. It feels great to be selling a product that is good for the people and environment. And even though I am "working" this is my vacation from watching 3, soon 4, little kiddos. I look forward to it every week. Hope to see you there! It's fun spending time with kids because it's a good reminder to always be on the lookout for exciting little adventures. We recently went to a little lake to go swimming and there were a lot of rocks around the shore. One of the girls found a crayfish claw, which meant they were living in the water. John's method of catching crayfish is to feel around the bottom edges of the rocks until one gets pinned in between his fingers and the rocks. Then when we have a few of them the girls can build little ponds and streams on the shore for their new little pet to live in. It's a great time to learn about exoskeletons and crustaceans, along with a nice little lesson on how to hold a crayfish without getting pinched! |
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Melissa Kruse
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