Category Archives: General

Happy (Belated) Mothers Day

May 14, 2013 9:44 pm , Leave a Comment ,

I just spent my second Mother’s Day with my husband and son this past weekend. It was relaxing and I really enjoyed just spending time with my son and being thankful for motherhood and for my own mom. I think motherhood has taught me to appreciate my mother more than ever since having my son. Each day since becoming a mom has brought it’s own challenges, ups and downs, and simply trying to make the best choices possible involving my son.

Each day I develop a new appreciation for my mom knowing she went through the very things I’m going through now with my own child. I don’t think anyone really understands how much their own parents love them until they have children of their own. With motherhood you deal with tantrums, wake-up calls all hours of the night, illness, explosive diapers (yes, explosive diapers, motherhood isn’t glamorous), insecurity, worry, and an overwhelming love for your little person. If all the duties of motherhood was put together in a job ad I doubt people would be lining up to apply. My mom went through it all and is now here to help me through it too. I have been so blessed to have her in my life. This post would not be complete without also mentioning my mother-in-law, another woman I am blessed to celebrate on mother’s day. Not only have I been welcomed into her life as her daughter but along with my mom and her, my son has two amazing grandmother’s that I am so happy to have in my life and his.

Mother’s day is special whether you are a mom of  biological or adopted children, maybe you have children in heaven, or plan on being a mother someday. I’m also aware that mother’s day can be difficult for some, either way I am sending you all lot’s of love and appreciation. Motherhood comes in many forms and it is one of the most important jobs one can have or choose to do, so thank you. You’re making our world a better place.

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Why are so many people going grain-free?

April 16, 2013 12:32 am , Leave a Comment ,

So many of my friends have been going gluten-free, grain-free, or wheat-free and I’m not really sure why. Some have a legitimate gluten intolerance, while others claim that the paleo diet is the most natural and healthy way to eat. I have had many people try and get me to switch to a paleo lifestyle. For me, being a vegetarian (aside from fish), this would not have worked any way, but even if I wasn’t a vegetarian would this still be the healthiest diet for me and my family?

The reason I haven’t switched to this diet plan isn’t due to any facts or research I have done, it’s really just a feeling I have telling me that no, this is not the healthiest plan for the majority of people. I am weary of any diet or lifestyle plan that eliminates an entire food group. Although as I said none of this is based on fact so I have been spending some time researching Paleo and other grain or wheat-free diets. Here is what I discovered:

To avoid any confusion the Paleo diet focuses on eating fresh meat, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, fruit, and veggies. All of this sounds great, except for the fact that they exclude dairy, grains, and legumes. To be fair they also eliminate refined sugar and processed food, which is obviously good. This diet may be healthy for those of us with gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or other food allergies, but what about the rest of us? Is it really the best option for optimal health to cut out all dairy, grains, starches, and legumes?  My guess is, no, it’s not, and here is why:

1. Our body needs carbohydrates to survive. Whole grains are a healthy form of carbs in moderation. Whole grains are not only a source of energy, they also provide your body with B vitamins, iron, fiber, and many other crucial nutrients. Keep in mind, whole grains don’t have to be in the form of wheat. There are many tasty alternatives that I encourage you to experiment with such as kamut, spelt, quinoa, and rice.

spelt flouravocado pasta

2. Legumes are a staple food in my diet. I don’t eat red meat due to a decision I made quite a few years ago. I chose to be vegetarian when I was only eleven, and though I don’t necessarily regret my decision I’m not sure I can eat red meat now without getting sick. Legumes are a healthy source of protein that I wouldn’t normally get due to not eating meat. Even if you are a meat eater, legumes can offer you a wide range of nutrients, calcium, fiber, magnesium, iron, zinc, and many more.

3. Unless you are allergic, or have an intolerance to dairy products you can benefit from adding dairy into your daily diet. We don’t drink milk in my house, only because we don’t really like it, but yogurt and cheese is eaten daily and we love it. Keep in mind it doesn’t have to be dairy product from cows, goat and sheep milk cheese, or yogurt is a great and tasty alternative as well. We love yogurt at my house, and we eat it every day. It’s a great source of protein, calcium, healthy fat, good bacteria, and it is a great addition to any breakfast or snack.  Cheese not only adds a nice flavor to numerous meals, it is a healthy protein filled snack, that contains calcium, B vitamins, and healthy fats. I’m talking about REAL cheese, not the stuff that comes in a jar or strings.

hemp hearts
I’m certainly not against the Paleo diet, or a grain-free diet, I just don’t think they’re meant for everybody. If you have allergies to certain food or a gluten or dairy intolerance, I’m sure these diets would be a healthy alternative for you, and could truly benefit your overall health. For the rest of us though, everything in moderation is key. Want to be healthy? Don’t restrict yourself, eat real food, and relax. We could also use a little less stress in our lives.

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Welcome to Spring!

April 3, 2013 9:52 am , Leave a Comment ,

cohen at the park

Happy Easter everyone! As I have said before I love the snow, but by this time in the season I am happy to see it all melt away into spring. My son is definitely excited for the change of weather. The playground is a welcome change to our small house.

jumping in puddles

To explain the lack of posts over the past two week, my husband came home for a visit from his work in Alberta, it was Cohen’s birthday, and Easter weekend, so we were all quite busy. The most I have are a few photo’s I took with my phone to share, as you can see in the post.

sara and cohen

I am working on some recipe’s to share, along with other blog posts coming up, I don’t have anything from my own home to share with you today. Instead I thought I would share some yummy recipes (and some I plan on trying) from other blogs I love.

First up, Spring-Is-Here Asparagus Egg Drop Soup, from the Nourishing Gourmet. If you are looking for healthy recipes made with real food this is the blog to go to. So far I love all the recipes I have tried on this website, and I can’t wait to try this soup.

Secondly I want to share this recipe for Spelt and Buckwheat pancakes from The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking. I love pancakes, and it is also one of Cohen’s favorite breakfasts. I haven’t made regular wheat pancakes in over two years and I have no desire to go back. I have only been using buckwheat, which is really tasty, but I really enjoyed the mix of spelt and buckwheat together. Add fresh berries and pure maple syrup and you have a delicious breakfast.

I haven’t tried these Zucchini Cupcakes with greek yogurt frosting from Eat Yourself Skinny yet, but I plan on making them soon. They look so tasty, and with the added quinoa it should make a well rounded protein snack. FYI, greek yogurt frosting is amazing!

What about you? Do you have any recipes to share?

 

 

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Mommyhood

March 12, 2013 4:28 pm , Leave a Comment ,

birth

The realization that you’re a mom seems to sink in over time. When you find out you’re pregnant you “know” you’re a mom, if not then, when you hold your baby for the first time. But feeling like a mom, or viewing yourself as a mom takes time, at least for me it does. My son is going to be two soon and this whole mom thing is still new to me. There have been little things along away that remind me of my mommy status. Fading stretch marks on my abdomen, bathing a poop covered baby at 2am, finally seeing the inside of a mommy/baby nursing room at the mall, yelling “stop putting raisins in your nose!” in the middle of a crowded room, etc. Although the most pleasant reminder is waking up to my happy little man calling “Mommmyyy” at 7am.

DSC00357

For myself, and many other moms I know, we can get caught up in the day to day duties of being mom (or a dad for you dad’s out there). Cooking, cleaning, play dates, running errands with kids in tow, and some days just praying to make it to bedtime. I faintly remember those first few months with Cohen, the sleepless nights, painful breastfeeding, attempting to a console an unconsolable baby…to be fair these memories are fading and replaced with memories of cuddling my tiny baby. I think we’re wired to forget the torture we underwent during the first six months, so that we become crazy enough to want another baby whenever we’re around newborns, strollers, or baby clothes. Despite what good or bad memories I have I still know it’s worth it.

I knew my life had changed forever, not when I held my son for the first time, but when I realized that my priorities had changed. Everything began to center around my son and what is best for him. As a mom I’ve been given an amazing gift but also, I believe the hardest job anyone can have (this goes for dad’s too!), and I only get one shot to do the best I can to prepare my little man for the real world. To be a man of a God, a man who contributes to society, a man who stands up for his rights and the rights of others, and a man who might one day become a father and raise kids of his own.

I know he’s only two, and right now our days consist of playing, eating, and sleeping. I know life will change as he gets older and begins different stages in his life, but here are eight points or promises that I want to make to myself and my son (when he can understand them) that I hope will not only get us through our day to day lives right now, but also prepare him for his future.

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1. I will always try to be quick to listen (really listen) and slow to speak when you’re telling me about a problem or expressing your opinion. Easier said than done, especially for me, but an important step to practice every single day.

2. I will never intentionally put you down or make light of your problems or interests. What matters to you, matters to me and I am your biggest fan no matter what your age.

3. I will attempt to always discern whether you need a listening ear, encouragement, a hug, some time alone, or advice (which could be in the form of parental guidance when needed).

4. I will encourage you to be silly, pretend, and have fun, without saying the words “grow up”.

5. When  I make a mistake or wrong you in any way I will acknowledge my mistake and say I’m sorry and ask for your forgiveness. Parents make mistakes too.

6. I will try and teach you certain values that your dad and I hold close, and show you how important they are by example. I have always hated the saying “Do as I say, not as I do.”

7. I will let you fall, be rough, get hurt, and make mistakes even though my instinct is to want to protect you from Everything. Experience is the best teacher.

8. At this time you’re only two, and your father and I are your whole world. Eventually that will change and you will need us less and less, and when that time comes I promise to let go.

Son, if you ever read this list you have complete permission to remind me of all of these promises when I need to hear it. Until then, Happy Birthday Cohen. Your dad and I love you more than you’ll ever know, although I think you’ll have a pretty good idea of how much we love you when you have a little one of your own someday.

piano

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To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate?

February 26, 2013 6:30 pm , Leave a Comment ,

cohen

Vaccinations are a hot topic right now. If you follow any parenting/mom/child forums there is no doubt that you have come across a heated debate about vaccinating your child. Some people say you’re a bad parents if you vaccinate, while others claim you’re a bad parent if you don’t. I have even heard some people claim choosing to not vaccinate your child abuse or neglect. I’m not going to tell you what’s right either way, I’m just going to try and explain the choice my husband and I made for our family.

We made the decision to not vaccinate Cohen after his 4 month check-up and vaccines. He suffered a serious reaction. Looking back I realize he also had an abnormal reaction to his first round of vaccines but it wasn’t as severe so I ignored it based on my doctors recommendations. The second round of vaccines caused severe swelling and convulsions that happened on and off for roughly two weeks.

I wish that I would have spent time researching vaccines before he received any, but unfortunately like many other new parents I relied on our doctors advice for everything. I lost my faith in my doctor when he told me that I should continue vaccinating on schedule, despite his reaction. He claimed there was a chance his reaction could be worse but we won’t know until we continue his vaccines. He told me they would watch his reaction carefully. I said no, I wasn’t willing to risk my sons health for vaccines. For every “well” visit after that he continued to try and guilt me into accepting the vaccines with stories of what could happen if I didn’t allow him to get the shots.

After further research we finally made our decision to not continue any vaccines for Cohen. We have no plans of ever starting the vaccines again, or accept them for any children we may have in the future for that matter. I never felt right about allowing Cohen to get so many vaccines at such a young age, but I trusted my doctor.

Cohen received the Hep. B vaccine soon after birth. I was pressured into getting this one for him but later during my research I discovered this was not a necessary vaccine. There is really no reason for a newborn to get any vaccines for that matter. At two months Cohen received three needles all in the same doctors visit! Three! Within those three needles there was seven different vaccines. This is the vaccine schedule Cohen would have been on, as with the majority of other babies his age:

Government of Canada Immunization Schedule

By the time Cohen is two years old he should have received thirty six vaccines, if I had followed this schedule. By the various articles and forums I have read I know I am not the only one that thinks that is an extremely high number for vaccines. Also the term “immunization” is very misleading. Even if I allow Cohen to receive those thirty six vaccines there is no guarantee he will be immune to any of the illnesses he is vaccinated for. The following article is extremely well researched and explains each vaccine in detail.

Why I Choose Not To Vaccinate My Child

I’m sure there are many other articles out there with the claim that vaccines are completely safe and a necessary part of childhood, but for me and my family we decided the risks outweighed any benefit Cohen could get from the vaccines. I breast fed to give him the best start for immunities and we continue to lead a healthy lifestyle that centers around diet and activity. We make sure Cohen eats a well rounded diet rich in whole grains, a variety of fruit and vegetables, fish, berries, while supplementing with probiotics, cod-liver oil, and vitamin  D to keep his immune system in check.

The most common argument I hear from people concerning my decision not to vaccinate is that it is irresponsible to not vaccinate my child because I could put other children at risk by my son being around them. Personally I don’t believe this is true, but even if it was I am responsible for the well-being of MY own child. I am not willing to put my child at risk for a reason such as this.

Every parent eventually has to make a choice based on what they feel is best for the child. The only advice I would give to parents is to do your own research. Doctors have their place and I am thankful for our modern medicine, but you are the parent and only you have your child’s best interest at heart, not your doctor. Don’t be afraid to question your doctor’s advice, or look for a second opinion. If you choose to vaccinate, research each vaccine in detail ahead of time so you can make the best possible decision for you and your family.

 

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