This Moment 4/19

A Friday ritual::

a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week:: a simple, special, extraordinary moment:: a moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

WIP and a bit

Crafting is a way that many moms and others maintain some balance in their lives, the act of creating something new or different is like therapy for the soul. I am no different, I paint-everything, and crochet like crazy. Since Cullen joined our family 11 weeks ago there has been a bit of a lull however as we got to know each other and he developed his eating and sleeping routines. I have only just got back to crochet and am working on completing his little luvy blanket. My two older children both have one and they like to spray in with a little perfume when they need a little extra comfort.

It's a warm heather grey and very soft. The pattern has v-stitches and little bobbles giving it some nice texture for the baby to experience when he gets a bit older.

Also over Easter weekend we felted Easter eggs and I just cannot put them away yet, they are too pretty, so on the coffee table they stay. We used the felting kit from Bella Luna toys, and the instructional video from you tube, also by Bella Luna. They can be found here http://www.bellalunatoys.com/felted-spring-easter-eggs-kit.html . I really recommend this craft my kids loved getting wet and playing with soap all while still making something very pretty. My youngest was 5 then (he turned 6 last week) and had no trouble at all, I think kids as young as 3 could probably accomplish this with just a little help. Finn and Iain were very proud, giving their hand made gifts to their Sunday School teachers.

77 days

It has been 11 weeks, 77 days since Cullen entered our lives. He is so sweet and loved it's hard to remember what we were before him.

Growing every day and getting so strong. I love the way he takes in a whole room, he seems to see and enjoy ever little thing.

 

He loves diaper changes, never thought I'd say that about one of my kids, but he does. He like to kick his free legs and squirm and coo. Bedtime is his very favourite though because he gets at lest ten minutes of naked time, and we all know naked is best.

 

 

I hope he keeps these big grey eyes they remind me of my grandpa and are just too perfect.

this moment 4/12

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

All about Iain

Yesterday was my middle child Iain's 6th birthday. I can't believe it's been 6 years since he was born, even with a new little one I still feel like it was yesterday.

He has grown and changed so much. He loves candy, major sweet tooth here.

For over a year every night at bed time he would ask to go the beach, the park, and the zoo the next day.

He never slows down for a minute until right before dropping. He goes to bed and "reads" at night until he comes into the bedroom where I'm usually nursing Cullen and asks if it's time to turn out the light.

His smile melt my heart.

He is creative and sensitive.

Pixie (who is twice this size now) is his best friend in the whole world.

I can't imagine life without him. He makes the days full, and the life I have chosen better and better every day. I love him more than I can say. Happy Birthday Iain.

Birthdays Galore!

In our little slice of the world April is birthday month...mine is the 7th, Iain's is the 10th, my dad is the 13th and my uncle the 29th...it makes for some busy-ness around here. I had planned this post for Sunday my birthday but blogger wasn't cooperating so I'm going to do it now...

So, these were my birthday presents, from my kids and husband the pretty soft pink and a purple scarf, and hammered silver earrings, and from my folks a set of country dish towels, and a strawberry colander.
I turned 34 (eek) and so 34 things about me...

1. my full name, Amber Lynn Hudson-O'Brien, Lynn is my father's 1st name, I'm named after him...
2. my favourite season-winter
3. I can't stand mess, it runs in my family, my grandmother and great grandmother were the same,   neat niks
4. my favourite veggie-asparagus
5. I don't play video games, haven't since my sister had a 1st generation Sega in 4th grade
6. TV series I can watch over and over-Golden Girls
7. breakfast is my favourite, I even had a way traditional morning wedding so we could have a brunch
8. I love rain
9. I have read Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen 4 times
10. I speak a moderate amount of German, I took years of it in school, languages come easy to me
11. I have been to more foreign countries than American states, 12 countries, I love to travel
12. rainbow sherbet is the best stuff ever
13. cloth diapers and woolies are one of my addictions
14. I have 7 full book shelves in my house and still have boxes of books in the garage, they are comfort
15. my grandma Marion was my favourite person in all the world, she passed away almost 3 years ago, but I still dream of her often
16. I experience deja'vu at least once a week
17. I have a crazy good memory
18. I loathe overhead lighting and prefer lamps
19. my last baby was born after only one push
20. I talk to myself-like a lot
21. I never use a flat sheet on beds, quilts and down comforters are our way
22. the best place I ever visited Tralee, Ireland
23. favourite colours, pink and brown
24. I'm a dog not a cat person
25. favourite flowers, sweet peas, and daisies
26. British television all the way
27. I love having pictures all over the house
28. I collect vinyl recordings of Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet
29. I love cast iron cook ware
30. hand made pottery is a passion
31. pointillism makes my head hurt and I love it
32. I can spend hours in a book store and leave without buying anything and still be happy
33. coffee-yummy
34. yarn-a way of life

sneaking in an Easter picture of the big kids, they look so sweet all scrubbed and dressed up. It was Iain's idea to pose this way.

soft outside, hard inside

Today has been a day. I forgot 1/2 day at school, baby boy had a melt-down because I had to stop feeding and bundle him into the car to go get the kids, did I mention he loathes his car seat? Pixie stole Iain's socks, not so bad all in all but he was wearing them at the time. I didn't vacuum and I didn't clean out the baby drawer, one daily and the one weekly thing I needed to do today. Yes I separate my chores into daily and weekly tasks in an effort to keep my head from exploding.

Before I had children I had such lofty views of what type of mother I would be. I would never be angry, I would never ever yell, and I would never get upset over the little things. I would be organized, the kids would be clean but not too clean and properly fed, I would listen to and consider every little request and would do everything I could to have a well run, clean, organized, and happy home...sigh...Well if today wasn't the day to make me feel like a big fat failure. I have done a lot of things wrong in my day, things in my life that afterwards I'd think yeah probably not the best decision, but none made me feel like an awful human being like a baby bawling in the back seat can.
Motherhood is rough, there are days I turn the dryer on 3 times just so I don't have to unload it. There are days we have cereal for dinner because I know everyone will eat it and the dish consumption  is minimal. There are days brushing my teeth before bed time is the only time I do that day. There I admit it.

It is amazing all the growing and learning kids do, the growth you see and the small trials overcome. I don't think many parents get the same notice, which I'm sure is the way it should be but parents do the same. We grow, we learn, we adapt and change we overcome challenges that to the un-kid world probably seem inane. To us, the day you get the laundry done, the dishes put away, pick the kids up on time, have a dinner with veggies in it, and get the story read and little ones in bed with hugs and kisses and smiles, those are the days we win. So someone didn't finish their peas, and the biggest fell asleep without brushing her hair, and the baby will probably want to eat again in about 20 minutes, as long as we do it all without tears, without yelling, without strife, I can say without a hint of remorse those are the best days.

Though in reality the days with the strife and the occasional tears, and the small breaks in the sereneness of home, they are the best too.

weekending

I love Saturday morning! I love that the children all sleep in, which in our house means 7:30am. We all take our time getting up and getting dressed is something that might happen by noon. We have a very lazy breakfast, this morning it was chocolate chip pancakes, well chocolate chips for the kids, I don't like chocolate chips in mine. I also forgot to take a picture but they were just gone too fast. The kids went outside in their pajamas, coats and boots too but clothes are optional and Cullen had a bath in the kitchen sink. I wish I could catch his grins on camera but I always seem to miss them. He doesn't splash and play yet but he never cries and seems fascinated when the water runs over his hands.

The first day of spring was a few days ago and the weather has only just begun to cooperate. We actually had snow this week! Today we have some sun and inside or out we will be in it.



We also did an Easter hair run through. I bought the kids their Easter clothes earlier this week but was trying to think of something to do with Finnley's hair, her dress has tulle rosettes on the bodice so it needs to be up because it will just stick to it otherwise. I follow a page on facebook called hair styles for girls http://www.facebook.com/princesshairstyles?fref=ts and they had this beautiful braided flower do up this week that I fell in love with and decided we'd try. It turned out lovely and I think with a few tweaks it will be perfect for Easter.

Also on a mini side note...I've changed the name of my blog to Earth Mama 3, I feel this name better represents my blog and my posts, thanks to everyone who reads.

Baby favourites the end...

 

The last 5 in my baby goodness list. I meant to do this post a few days ago but adding even one thing into my day right now seems to bump blogging to the side, I am looking for a remedy to this situation and may have discovered it today.

 

11. Amber, Amber is of course my name but it also a colour and a semi-precious stone. Amber contains succinic acid which is released by warming when worn next to the skin and has many healing qualities. I have always used amber necklaces on my babies and this is Cullen's waiting for when he is ready. I wore amber during my pregnancies to help with acid reflux and Finnley and Iain still wear amber necklaces or bracelets every day. I get mine here http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeahBeahShop?  they are always gorgeous and custom orders are welcome.

12. A new addiction of mine with this little one is the use of interlock wool as a diaper cover. I love it! It comes in lots of sizes and designs, is wonderfully breathable, and when properly lanonized is practically water-proof. I love it as a completely natural alternative to the plastics in diaper covers. I have bought a few second hand as well and they hold up wonderfully as long as they were properly taken care of. These pictured are from http://www.facebook.com/littlegreenhonu?fref=ts .

13. While I have always been keen on cloth diapers, cloth wipes were something I had to get used to but now love. I love the idea that I am not throwing away mountains of wipes over the course of diapering a little one. These were bought here http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlessingsbyLauren  the same shop from which I purchased my wipe solution. I don't keep my wipes in a wet state I stack them in the basket with Cullen's changing supplies with the spray bottle full of wipe solution and just spray one as needed, something I've become very used to doing single handedly. When I put the soiled diaper in the pail the wipe goes right along with it. They are wonderfully soft and get softer and softer with each wash.

14. This is the second diaper on my list, I have lots of different kinds of cloth diapers but decided to only add my most favourite. (Maybe I will have to do a full stash post in the future.) This is an Imagine bamboo aio (all in one). It is one sized and so soft, the doubler is squishy soft and the diaper holds a lot as well. I also love that the inside is the same colour as the outside, so the insides of this diaper are green. http://www.nickisdiapers.com/imagine.html This is where I bought them and they are very reasonably priced if you are in the market for cloth diapers.

15. This is my last product review. It really isn't a baby product per say but it is a lot of fun. Every week we change the number as Cullen grows. Which is sad and sweet all the same. (oh, and he's 7 weeks old now)

I hope everyone liked my baby product reviews, I have liked thinking of my favourite things, they do make you feel good just like Julie Andrews claims.

Baby favorites 6-10

Well today Cullen is 6 weeks old and it is going way too fast for this mama, some days his little fist curled around my fingers while he nurses is enough to bring me to tears with how fast it all goes. I know from experience, Finnley will be 8 soon and it seems like yesterday we brought her home.

 Today I am continuing my list of top favorite baby products. This is super hard I have so many things I love after so many years with kiddos. It takes a lot of trial and error with kid items to find what works for you, your husband and your kids.

6. This is my wet/dry bag that I carry in the diaper bag for wet diapers and clothes. We do try to avoid the wet clothes issue but it does happen, though not yet this time Cullen is only 6 weeks old after all. It is durable and lined so the wet stays inside, it folds nice and small, and when I take a diaper out to be washed the bag just goes in the wash with it and comes out clean and fresh and ready to go again. They come in many sizes and patterns so you can find just the right one for your needs. http://www.planetwiseinc.com/

7. This is my first diaper on the list and honestly I love all of my diapers but this one just a bit more because of the fabulous whale pattern. It is by Little Green Honu and super soft and squishy. I use it for night times, it is a fitted and requires wool of some kind or a cover. It has 2 snap in doublers and is a one size so it snaps down to super tiny and unsnaps to fit larger babies and toddlers. It is all so soft I feel great putting it next to my baby's bottom. http://www.facebook.com/littlegreenhonu?fref=ts

8. The number 8 slot goes to my wool lanolin, this isn't the lanolin you use on your nipples it's the lanolin you melt and add to your wool to make it waterproof. I have had a number of lanolin products and this is my favorite it melts nicely, no lanolin spots and has a nice scent. I chose baby bee which has a Burt's Bees like scent but it comes in tons of choices. http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyPoshNest?

9. Next up is my wool wash and matched lanolin spray. These are fabulous and smell amazing, I chose the calming and it really is calming. I love the spray for giving my wool that little boost of water repellent and the wash makes my wool smell fresh and look nice and clean. I also love that it takes only a very little of the product to have the perfect effect. http://www.etsy.com/shop/EweNeedIt

10. These pretty breast pads are so soft and perfect. For anyone who has breast fed you know how important nice soft absorbent breast pads are and these are the best. They come in super pretty prints and get softer and softer with each wash and if you buy the pack of them you get some of my favorite nipple salve to boost. http://www.etsy.com/shop/OwensAcres

A few more to come stay tuned...

Product reviews 1-5

Just had to share this picture, even in this state he is the cutest, sweetest warm bundle of baby ever, and I am hopelessly in love.

So as a mom of three I can tell you I have been given, gifted, bought and re-gifted tons of baby items over the years, some of which were amazing and some I could definitely make do without.

So here it is my list of favourite baby items.

1. This is number one on my list for an incredibly good reason-I LOVE it. I have had probably a dozen or so diaper bags over the life of my children and this is the best one ever. http://www.etsy.com/shop/saffronbags The outside is able to be wiped clean, the pockets are elasticized so things don't fly out, the strap stays put on your shoulder, and the key fob is so handy so you don't spend extra time digging about for your keys in the bottom of a deep, dark diaper bag. It comes in a ton of patterns designs and colours so everyone can find what they would like.

2. CJ's Butter for diaper rash is cloth diaper friendly and I have to say heavenly. The scent I chose, and there are many to choose from, is honeyed patchouli and smells so good even Finn and Iain like to smell the stick when I have it open. I also love that it comes in this stick form so it is easy to use with one hand and without getting your hands messy. http://www.momsmilkboutique.com

3. Zutano baby booties are number three and are fantastic. They actually stay on! Through a day of diaper changes, blankets, naps and older siblings holding him they stay put. They are soft and cozy which is best in the house and out and come in lots of marvelous colours. http://zutano.com/

 

4. This nursing salve has been a life saver, while I like Lansinoh's lanolin which everyone recommends I can't help but dislike the goopy feeling of it. This nursing salve is a harder product and I can put it on without touching the actual product itself. It smells nice and it is very soothing especially in those early learning to latch properly days. http://www.etsy.com/shop/OwensAcres

5. For anyone who has used disposable wipes in their time probably knows how rough they can feel, especially compared to that sweet softness that is a newborn's bottom. I prefer cloth wipes and use the softest possible but having a very nice wipe solution is also necessary. This is the best, it has little to no scent and just a touch of aloe which helps soothe the skin after even the messiest diaper. It comes in little cubes which you just melt in 2 cups of boiled water and then add to a spray bottle then spray a bit on your wipe and use. http://www.etsy.com/

Stay tuned more to come...

Birth and life

Life around our house has changed so much and yet still managed to remain so much the same. Days are filled with the things they were before Cullen but now with extra space for him in it. There are a few more cuddle times, a few more chances to practice patience, and a lot of laundry.Finnley and Iain love to have their chance to hold him and to give him hugs and kisses before school and bed, though they do sometimes grow short on patience when they have to wait for me. Cullen is a breast-feeding champ and we have settled into his eating pattern rather comfortably now. Life in general is quite sweet and slow right now which I am very happy to enjoy.

Cullen's birth story...

Pregnancy was very easy on a whole this time around. It is however amazing how much you can forget in 5 years, I still cannot believe it has been nearly 6 years since Iain was born. Health issues did make some change in pregnancy however. I suffered from DVT almost 2 years ago and had to take special precautions throughout pregnancy and continuing still. I was on a daily shot regimen to prevent blood clots which influenced birthing choices dramatically. During my 38 week appointment with the doctor I was officially 1 cm dilated and thrilled to be on my way, hoping everything would happen naturally during that week. The concern was after I had taken a shot I would be unable to get an epidural for any reason until 12 hours after, meaning if there was an emergency of any kind resulting in c-section I would have to be put under completely, something I was in dread of. The 39 week appointment came and the doctor scheduled me for induction in order to plan my shots accordingly. I was 3 cm dilated very uncomfortable and despite having to go for induction still excited to know my baby would be in my arms the next day.

The morning of the induction the hospital calls to confirm your place in case they have a lot of birthing going on at one time. I received my call at 6am and was confirmed for 8am. Calls were made and the kids were quickly readied for the day. Finnley had been very hard to get to sleep the night before she was so excited about being able to see her brother born. Though that is not how it worked out, I received another call at 6.30am to inform me that the maternity unit was being closed because of the flu epidemic, meaning I would be allowed 2 people in the maternity ward with me and only 2 people during my entire stay and no one under 12 was allowed at all, Robert and my mother would be the only 2 allowed in. Heartbreak followed, I was so excited for Finn and I knew she was so excited. She was so grown up and took the news so well, I was so proud of her even through my blubbering.

Everything at the hospital was just as expected i.v. given and pitocin started at 8am. I didn't begin to feel contractions until around 9 at which time I had my water broken. Labour progressed as planned, contractions were not unbearable but began to increase in strength and length, at 11.30am the nurse called for the anesthesiologist for an epidural which my doctor recommended. Everything from there went very quickly, the doctor came and did the epidural which did not even have a chance of working, the nurse checked me at 11.45 and I was 7-8cm she went from the room and came back again at noon and I told her I was having intense pressure she checked me again and I was 10cm. I went from 7 to 10 cm in less than 20 minutes and the nurse was able to see Cullen's hair he was so low. My doctor came in everything was prepared, and I pushed-once, and there was Cullen, so little and sweet and peeing on the doctor.

It is hard to explain but with every child there is a different connection, it is every bit as intense but different for each one. They laid him on my chest and he was too tiny and his little voice so quiet, I was hopelessly in love. Kisses from Robert and hugs and passing him to his father followed. I was in perfect condition no blood issues and because the epidural came so late and I was so much faster than they expected I wasn't even numb. All went as best as possible and in the end I had the most perfect 6lb 9oz baby boy in my arms. His weight was shocking to all of us, I had had an ultrasound a week before and he was estimated at 7lb 4oz, Finnley was 8lb 2oz, and Iain was 8lb, completely breaking with the tradition that each subsequent baby is heavier than the last.

All in all I cannot complain about any of it because no matter how it happened Cullen is here and I wouldn't change a thing.

new year

 

Cullen Sean O'Brien 6lbs.9oz. 191/2 inches

It's been a while and with good reason, on January 29th we welcomed Cullen Sean son number 2 and baby number 3 into our family. Cullen is 4 weeks old today and the apple of our eyes. Finnley and Iain have been very helpful and very forgiving of having a mommy who is stretched very thin now that dad has gone back to work. I am grateful for their help and patience and willingness to hold their brother so I can sneak into the bathroom or fold laundry or what ever else beckons.

I am planning on posting his birth story in the next few days and to pick up my blogging again, which even with only a few followers and hits per day I still revel in writing as a journal like element to my day and one I have greatly missed. Thanks to everyone who has wished us well in the expansion of our family.