Obsessed with Food

As a  teenager I became very aware of what I ate after taking foods classes in home economics.  My family always used whole milk, ate lots of fried foods, and cooked with bacon grease.  I quickly realized that this wasn't the way I wanted to eat.  I began buying skim milk for myself and requesting that my mom bake my food rather than fry it.  I used to be able to tell you nearly all of the nutrition information for any restaurant in town. 

As an adult and parent I have a love hate relationship with food.  I have dealt with irritable bowel syndrome for years.  After eating I often find myself rushing to the nearest restroom.  I came to love organic food after reading The Maker's Diet by Jordan Rubin about five years ago.  We initially moved to buying organic milk and any other organic items we felt we could include in our grocery budget.  We try to primarily focus on the dirty dozen items.  

Once Alexander began eating solid foods I ensured I provided him with all organic foods.  I cooked, pureed, and froze all of his baby vegetables and fruits.  We continue to purchase organic fruits and vegetables for him, but we often have the non organic version.  He eats plenty of non organic foods now as well.  I hope to be able to do the same for Audrey. 

Speaking of Audrey that brings me to another topic of food.  Prior to her arrival I cooked and froze ten meals to eat when I was too busy or too overwhelmed to cook.  Now that Audrey doesn't tolerate dairy products in my diet well they are all sitting in the freezer.  I guess Adam and Alexander can eat them, but what am I going to eat?  The majority of my recipes include some type of dairy product like cheese, milk, or cream of chicken soup.  I have found some good alternatives for myself like oat milk and almond cheese.  I don't think Adam would ever touch these foods.  I don't expect Audrey will always be intolerant of these foods, but for now I must accommodate her needs.  It is worth it. 

Now to get to my real point.  We recently eliminated cable from our budget and replaced it with Netflix.  Not that I have time to watch much television, but I do enjoy Martha Stewart.  Martha is not on Netflix so instead I have been watching a few movies that I have wanted to see for a long time.  Prepare yourself, they are not the chick flicks you might expect.  I have watched Super Size Me, Food Matters, and am currently watching Food Inc.  I can't get through Food Inc. because I am afraid I will never eat again once I get to the end of it.  So here's my dilemma.  I despise what is being done to our food.... the living conditions of the animals, the genetic alterations to fruits and vegetables, etc.  Don't get me wrong I am not an animal lover.  Yes, I used to be a vegetarian, but not because I cared about the animals, it just grossed me out to be eating meat.  I still hate to deal with raw meat while I am cooking and don't even like steak.  My concern is what this food is doing to our bodies.  In Food Matters they discussed how food should be able to keep us healthy and even heal our sicknesses and diseases.  The same point is made in The Maker's Diet.  When we learned that Daddy had cancer my first thought was putting him on the Maker's Diet.  I even gave my mom the book to read.  Because things progressed so quickly with him we never had the chance to pursue this.  Ever heard of the Gerson Clinic?  http://gerson.org/ Me neither.  If I get cancer I want to first pursue the type of nutritional cure used at the Gerson Clinic. 

So what do I eat?  Yes, I continue to eat many things I know aren't healthy.  I have grown to love chocolate the longer I have been married to Adam.  I sometimes crave a fountain Coca Cola.  I always drink water, but sometimes I get so tired of it and want something else.  I do love sugary cereals.  All of these have plenty of high fructose corn syrup.  Everything in moderation though.  But my bigger issue is with the meats, fruits, and vegetables.  I am currently reading The Botany of Desire, but it is a difficult read.  It is quite scientific and requires a lot of brain power to read, which I have little of by the time I lay down to read at night.  I go back and forth thinking that tons of people have lived healthy lives without stressing too much about what is in their food, but on the other hand maybe my dad wouldn't have gotten cancer if  he hadn't drank so much Diet Coke and eaten all that chocolate and lard.  I even think that Adam would feel a lot better, have fewer headaches, and more energy if he ate more fresh fruits and vegetables.  Alexander doesn't eat as many fruits and vegetables as I would like for him to, but I can still find ways to sneak these in on him.  I don't really have a conclusion, but this is what is swimming around in my head. 

Going "Home"

Audrey took her first road trip this weekend. While Adam was in Nebraska visingti the McClellan's we headed to Frankfort. On Friday evening Jessica took Alexander home with her for the night. I took Audrey to the pediatrician for a check on her umbilical cord, it is still attached. We also discussed her reflux issues and the doctor prescribed Zantac. After going round and round at the pharmacy they realized Audrey has not yet been added to our health insurance. This can't occur until you have a social security number for a newborn. This process takes at least five weeks. Well the little girl was to be five weeks old on Saturday. After deciding to just pay for the prescription and deal with the insurance company later they informed me they were out of the Zantac. I asked them to fill it in Frankfort and I would get it on Saturday.

On Saturday I picked up Alexander at Jessica and Derek's. He had a great time. I had missed him, but had enjoyed spending some quiet time with Audrey. We arrived at my mom's house. Alexander was so excited to be there and to see her. He adores her. Nana and Cissy arrived soon after lunch. This was Nana's first visit with Audrey. Audrey's middle name, Harris, is Nana's father's name. We enjoyed a sweet time all together. Audrey had more visitors on Saturday including Judy, Paul, and Tammy. It is exciting to show off such a precious child.

On Sunday we had more visitors. Martha, Rob, Cindy, and Jaxson. Alexander loves playing with Jaxson. After dinner we packed up to head home. Alexander was so distraught that we were leaving Mimi. It breaks my heart to see him sad. I know it was difficult for my mom as well. I always feel a bit emotional when I leave Frankfort, after all it was home for more than twenty years. Now more than ever, having children, and especially with Daddy being gone it is difficult to leave. I feel I am leaving my mom so alone. It was awkward being there with the children and Daddy not being there. Mama even mentioned that she never got to hold the babies much when Daddy was around. He loved them so. I am thankful for Alexander's special relationship with my mom, but wish Daddy was here to enjoy Alexander and Audrey. 

It is nice to be home.  We were only gone for one night and the car was full and it took hours to pack and unpack all that it necessary for two children.  I am thankful Adam is home safely.  I can't imagine how much he missed the kids.  While it was nice to visit with friends and family I love not having to go anywhere.  I am such a homebody, although I do miss being at "home" where I grew up with my parents.  I guess you are never too old go home and feel like a child with your parents.  Mama and Daddy always spoiled me even when I visited as an adult.  My mom would cook me whatever I wanted and Daddy would let me sleep in his bed.  I pray I can always provide such a safe and happy environment for my children no matter how old they are. 

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Crazy Days

Just when I thought I was getting used to this having two baby thing, things get crazier.  Although we knew from the beginning that Audrey is nothing like Alexander we didn't know how true that was.  Audrey is very vocal and particular, but lately I can't do much to make her happy.  It is an awful thing for a mother to feel.  Since Monday night she hasn't wanted to sleep without being held and has fussed and cried after nearly every feeding.  This occurs during the daytime.  Typically, she does well through the night, except last night.  So my question is do I just have a fussy girl or does she have reflux or some other issue going on?

I have already eliminated dairy products from my diet to see if this eases her pain.  This was helpful with Alexander when he was spitting up a lot as a baby.  It has been difficult to find much to eat though.  Now I understand how hard it must be to feed my nephew Conner.  In addition to eliminating dairy products, even though Adam is fixing piping hot cups of hot chocolate with chocolate and vanilla marshmallows and whipped cream, I have been swaddling Audrey during the day as well.  This has certainly improved her daytime naps.  
So not only is Audrey not Alexander, but we are seeing new behavior from Alexander.  I am sure this is all too normal for this stage in his transition with a new baby.  He has been sleeping in his big bed alone for months.  The last two nights he has awoken and insisted on Adam sleeping with him.  Today he even got out of his bed at nap and opened his door.  He has never done this before.  He sat on the potty for more than thirty minutes with no progress.  Mommy is getting a little frustrated that Alexander's friends are making progress in this area and he is not.  I am anxious to buy only one size diapers.  Last night, while "helping" to vacuum, Alexander accidentally emptied the entire hand held vacuum on the floor requiring Mommy to vacuum up an even bigger mess.  After vacuuming the entire house, I get out of the shower to see that Alexander had used a piece of paper to shovel dirt from Adam's orange tree onto the alarm clock.  Most of the dirt was on the floor.  More vacuuming.  
While I feel like I am complaining I am just trying to preserve these moments.  I am praying for the peace to enjoy every moment no matter crying or laughing.  I am so thankful for our growing family and wouldn't change a thing about my children.  They are such precious gifts.  

Life With Two

Audrey is now two weeks old.  We enjoy each day with her.  Life is so different with two children.  There is no time to feel many of the emotions I felt with Alexander.  Today I struggled about which of the three S's to do while Audrey was sleeping: sleep, shower, or spend time with Alexander. I opted to spend time with Alexander.  I feel such guilt about abandoning him.  He is much more attached to Adam than usual.  He doesn't want me to do anything for him as long as Adam is home.  This is very difficult for me considering I have pretty much done everything for Alexander for the last two years.  I also feel guilty that I can't or don't hold Audrey and coddle her as often as I did with Alexander. 

I love when Daddy sings to me.

Tonight Alexander is spending the night with Jessica and Derek.  I was anxious to spend some quiet time with Audrey alone.  I found myself taking tons of pictures of her, journaling, and blogging.  It is so important to me to be able to remember these first special moments with her.  I was sad for Alexander to leave, but I know he will have so much fun with Derek and Jessica and get lots of special attention.   

Checking on baby sister

Audrey now weighs 7 pounds 8.5 ounces.  She is 20 1/2 inches long.  She continues to eat every two or three hours.  She sleeps well at night, waking at around 2 and 5 to eat.  She sometimes has difficulty going back to sleep, but overall does well.  She continues to be very vocal and lets you know when she wants to be held.  She will quickly fall asleep while in your arms, but will wake even more quickly once laid down.  Audrey gets  the hiccups frequently, hates having her clothes changed, and does not enjoy baths.  We are so in love with her.  We have enjoyed staying at home and having a few friends and family visit.  We are so proud of our baby girl, but reluctant to share he
with too many in fear of her getting sick.  We pray each day for her health and safety.  

Glad the bath is over

Our New Addition

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I was awoken to an unusual sensation.  This sensation occurred at the exact moment that Adam turned off his phone to go to sleep.  This was not unlike the moment when my water broke with Alexander.  After a few minutes of trying to determine if this is what just occurred, a call to the doctor, and Adam's sister, Madeline, we began packing our things.  Upon arriving at the hospital around 12:30 am they too had difficulty determining if my water had broken.  Two tests showed a negative result, but a ferning test and ultrasound showed my fluid level was low and it was amniotic fluid.  

With Alexander I walked for hours.  The doctor on call would only allow me to walk for twenty minutes at a time and then monitor contractions.  Contractions were still irregular, but by 5 am were about five minutes apart.  They were not very intense.  With little progress and still being only one centimeter dilated they insisted on beginning pitocin at 5 am Saturday morning.  I still continued to progress slowly although the contractions were more intense.  At 8:15 I was disappointed that I was only two centimeters although contractions were extremely intense.  As they continued to increase the level of pitocin I knew I could not stand it much longer.  I agreed to the staydol which had given me tremendous relief with Alexander.  Unfortunately, this time I did not have such relief.  From 8:15 to 9:45 contractions were horrid and I asked if they could turn the pitocin down instead of up.  I was nearly ready to go for the epidural until I learned I was 8 centimeters.  I was thrilled and knew I could make it two more centimeters.  This happened quickly and by 10:00 am I was ready to push.  The doctor was not there yet and I was dying to push.  I began pushing at 10:10 and at 10:24 baby Audrey arrived with only three pushes.  With Alexander I pushed for nearly an hour. 
January 15, 2011 10:24 am.  She was here and she was beautiful.  She weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 20 inches long.  She had lots of dark hair.  She was perfect.  

Unlike Alexander, she enjoyed her first bath.  She was a pro at nursing immediately.  She loved being close to Mommy and insisted on sleeping right next to me.  

On Monday, we were released to come home.  Alexander had visited the hospital, but bringing her into his environment would be the true test.  He was very excited to see and hold her.  He was very gentle and sweet.  He did struggle with Mommy and Daddy not being able to do everything he needed or wanted immediately.  

Adam is in love with Audrey.  She enjoys his guitar playing and singing.  Mommy enjoys the quiet feedings that are preceded with loud screaming during a diaper change.  Audrey is much more vocal than Alexander was at this point.  She hates to have her clothes or diaper changed.  She eats every two hours and can hardly stay awake long enough to make it through a feeding.  She is a perfect gift from the Lord.  "For this child I prayed, and the Lord granted my petition."  1 Samuel 1:27

The only thing that would make this new addition to our family complete and perfect is if Daddy Bob were here.  He wanted so badly to have another granddaughter.  She will never know the most wonderful grandfather in the world.  

I pray each day passes slowly so I may enjoy every minute with my precious children.  They grow so quickly.  If only they could stay little forever. 

Audrey Thank Yous

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