So in my quest to be healthier and provide optimal milk for Sam I have noticed something about the food in the USA. Unrefined foods which would be healthier because they have been messed with less, cost more. Refined foods which have gone though countless processes cost way less. For example whole milk costs more then skim. Refined white sugar costs way less then "raw" sugar which costs more then cane juice. I find this frustrating. From what I read about sugar...in the 1800's when they started refining it, refined sugar was so expensive that only the "refined" or wealthy could afford it. Also there is documentation that the wealthy that were eating this refined sugar were getting sick, often. If sugar wasn't the only product with this problem I wouldn't be worried...but almost everything we eat has been terribly refined and this I find alarming...
Anyway, this all comes from me finding reasons to cut sugar out of our diet at the Shepard house. Mind you, we didn't just throw away the sugar/corn syrup containing products that we have but have decided to not buy anymore. If it has to be sweet we will be looking for honey or cane juice.
*stepping off my soap box, for now*
Friday, January 4, 2008
Friday, December 14, 2007
The latest ponderings...
Since last you tuned in I (Kate) have pondered a great many things. First, my belly button due to 2 little boy's pregnancies is no longer eligible for a belly piercing. I've always wanted to be "cute" or "cool" and have a little belly ring but it wouldn't be either to pierce the dimple that resides where the ring should go. Aww well. My husband will be glad to know I've given up on the idea as he was never in favor of it. I haven't given up on wanting a tattoo someday...maybe on the small of my back. I just haven't taken the time to research a Celtic symbol that I both like the look of and meaning. Also there would be the researching the actual studio to have the procedure done. If you have a favorite Celtic symbol or tattoo studio...please share. :)
On to another pondering...I was Gluten free for 5 days to see if that would help Sam feel a little better. It didn't, so I grabbed my tasty wheat products again in a hurry. Now we are considering going dairy-free to see if he feels better. Just a little fussy around feedings and quite gassy. Since he doesn't get to choose his foods yet it only seems fair that I do my best to choose things that agree with him. He will have plenty of years to make his own good or bad food choices. It has also been suggested to me that I cut refined sugars out of my diet. Apparently wheat, dairy and sugar are the reason why Americans are so unhealthy. At least wheat and dairy products have some nutrition attached to them where sugar has none. However trying to give up any of these during the holiday season is quite tricky. You have to either resist all tastyness all together or cook/bake with really weird stuff.
Still more pondering...how to be warm in a Victorian in Wisconsin in the winter. We have wraped many windows in plastic which has helped a lot. There are still some places, mostly in the entry area where you can feel the cold air blowing in. I have heard that Charlotte, NC is a nice place to live (warm). Far enough away from huricanes and tourists (known as terroists in RI) and close enough to the mountains to enjoy those as well. Perhaps we will move towards that direction someday.
That's all of the ponderings that I can think of for now. I'd better post at least pictures on the boys blog to satisfy those who crave them.
On to another pondering...I was Gluten free for 5 days to see if that would help Sam feel a little better. It didn't, so I grabbed my tasty wheat products again in a hurry. Now we are considering going dairy-free to see if he feels better. Just a little fussy around feedings and quite gassy. Since he doesn't get to choose his foods yet it only seems fair that I do my best to choose things that agree with him. He will have plenty of years to make his own good or bad food choices. It has also been suggested to me that I cut refined sugars out of my diet. Apparently wheat, dairy and sugar are the reason why Americans are so unhealthy. At least wheat and dairy products have some nutrition attached to them where sugar has none. However trying to give up any of these during the holiday season is quite tricky. You have to either resist all tastyness all together or cook/bake with really weird stuff.
Still more pondering...how to be warm in a Victorian in Wisconsin in the winter. We have wraped many windows in plastic which has helped a lot. There are still some places, mostly in the entry area where you can feel the cold air blowing in. I have heard that Charlotte, NC is a nice place to live (warm). Far enough away from huricanes and tourists (known as terroists in RI) and close enough to the mountains to enjoy those as well. Perhaps we will move towards that direction someday.
That's all of the ponderings that I can think of for now. I'd better post at least pictures on the boys blog to satisfy those who crave them.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Sam is Here!
So if you have not heard...Samuel Rodger Shepard arrived at 2:32 am on November 20th. He weighed 8lbs 6 ozs and was 20.25 in long. As of Nov 28th he was up to 9lbs and 22 in.
He reminds us a lot of Ben in looks. Black hair and dark eyes. He has his dad's skin color. He is a quieter baby compared to what we remember about Ben's early days...This may to due to a calmer, second time momma and a gentler birth. He seldom cries and has taken to nursing like a pro.
Anyhoo..here's a picture or two. Be sure to check out the Shepard Boys blog for more updates in the future! Also there are many more pictures on my Facebook!
He reminds us a lot of Ben in looks. Black hair and dark eyes. He has his dad's skin color. He is a quieter baby compared to what we remember about Ben's early days...This may to due to a calmer, second time momma and a gentler birth. He seldom cries and has taken to nursing like a pro.
Anyhoo..here's a picture or two. Be sure to check out the Shepard Boys blog for more updates in the future! Also there are many more pictures on my Facebook!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Turned!
As of Tuesday, Baby Brother has turned into a good postion for birth, finally. Due to lack of space it isn't likely that he will be able to switch around again. He was hanging out a little left (left is better than right) at the appointment but now seems to be right in the center...which hopefully means he's about ready to be born.
Due date (recently adjusted) was Wednesday...and we wait. My parents will be here sometime today for 2 weeks so we are hoping he gets motivated. Benjamin tells my belly every morning "Come out baby brother!" Sometimes he adds "I want to play football." That should be interesting.
:)
Due date (recently adjusted) was Wednesday...and we wait. My parents will be here sometime today for 2 weeks so we are hoping he gets motivated. Benjamin tells my belly every morning "Come out baby brother!" Sometimes he adds "I want to play football." That should be interesting.
:)
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Blessingway
On Saturday night some good friends came over and had a "Blessingway" for me. Basically its a time for an expectant mother to be honored by her friends as she waits for labor to begin. There are books and websites out there if your interested. Here's how this one went...
Good friends brought over their idea of comfort food. The lights in the house were dimmed and many candles were lit for a soft light. We all talked a lot about our birth experiences. They washed and massaged my feet, curled my hair, and presented me with a wreath of flowers to wear. Also beads were strung on a single cord to represent each of their children which will be a necklace to wear during labor. Each guest also made a bracelet for themselves to remember me in prayer in the coming weeks. Candles were also lit to remember our "May Baby."
It was a lovely time that I will always remember.
Good friends brought over their idea of comfort food. The lights in the house were dimmed and many candles were lit for a soft light. We all talked a lot about our birth experiences. They washed and massaged my feet, curled my hair, and presented me with a wreath of flowers to wear. Also beads were strung on a single cord to represent each of their children which will be a necklace to wear during labor. Each guest also made a bracelet for themselves to remember me in prayer in the coming weeks. Candles were also lit to remember our "May Baby."
It was a lovely time that I will always remember.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
5 things
Five things your partner should never say (I borrowed this and also the earlier 5 things post)
• "Mooooo!"
• "Ouch — a paper cut. I wonder if this is what labor feels like."
• "Is that a watermelon under your shirt or are you just glad to see me?"
• "My father called again to ask about your cervix."
• "Is that your underwear or did a parachute land on your butt?"
Actual conversation between husband and and a pregnant wife on Halloween...
W: "I need candy."
H: "What kind?" (as he walks towards where the candy is)
W: "The bowl."
39 weeks today...im'a getting a little punchy. :)
• "Mooooo!"
• "Ouch — a paper cut. I wonder if this is what labor feels like."
• "Is that a watermelon under your shirt or are you just glad to see me?"
• "My father called again to ask about your cervix."
• "Is that your underwear or did a parachute land on your butt?"
Actual conversation between husband and and a pregnant wife on Halloween...
W: "I need candy."
H: "What kind?" (as he walks towards where the candy is)
W: "The bowl."
39 weeks today...im'a getting a little punchy. :)
Friday, November 2, 2007
Jury Duty?
So I got a notice in the mail that I'm in a pool for possible jury duty. Such timing! I can't wait to explain to them our postpartum plans! Somehow I think the on-demand nursing schedule is going to conflict with their jury schedule.
Pretty much the plan is for my to be in bed (or on the couch during the day) nursing baby brother for the first 2 weeks. That's it. Nurse, eat, sleep. After that pretty much just around the house and maybe short walks for the next 2 weeks. All in all it will be about a month before baby and I venture out. I hope the happy new momma feelings prevent cabin fever!
Well Halloween is over, I got my hair cut last night so I guess I'm ready to have a baby! I've heard tell that its going to get into the 20's early next week. Since I don't have a winter coat to cover the belly...Well maybe Morgan has something I can borrow.
Pretty much the plan is for my to be in bed (or on the couch during the day) nursing baby brother for the first 2 weeks. That's it. Nurse, eat, sleep. After that pretty much just around the house and maybe short walks for the next 2 weeks. All in all it will be about a month before baby and I venture out. I hope the happy new momma feelings prevent cabin fever!
Well Halloween is over, I got my hair cut last night so I guess I'm ready to have a baby! I've heard tell that its going to get into the 20's early next week. Since I don't have a winter coat to cover the belly...Well maybe Morgan has something I can borrow.
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