Well whaddya know? I guess I'm an AP mom!

I was wondering through "bloggydom" (my term for the blogosphere) today and happened upon a post about attachment parenting (AP). I always thought that term had negative connotations. I imagined some weak, "softie" mom giving in to her spoiled brat of a kid so they would consider her their "friend". Well, in this post today there was a link to Dr. Sears' article on what AP is and guess what?? It turns out I am an AP! For a full explaination of Dr. Sears' 7 B's, go here: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T130300.asp#back

Let me explain my 7 B's ....

1. Birth bonding
Rooming in with my babies was always very important to me. It was very hard with Sam and
Sophie being in the NICU for the first 3 days. It was so special to have Austin and Maggie
rooming with me for the entire hospital stay.

2. Breastfeeding
I always knew I wanted to bf. Even when I had Austin and I was only 16 and knew no one
who breastfed their kids, I still gave it a try! I've been a big bf advocate to friends. I even
talked my best friend into doing it and she wasn;t even going to try! She ended up doing it for
about 9 months before her son weaned himself. I tried 3 times before finally getting it right
with #4. Now it seems like second nature! I love knowing I'm doing what's best for me and for
her.

3. Babywearing
With my boys, I only wore them in a front carrier and only if I absolutely had to. With Sophia,
I bought a maya wrap and she loved being in it. I wore her until I was too far along in my
pregnancy with Maggie to wear her anymore (she was about 18 months). With Maggie, she
will only tolerate the front carrier right now but I hope she warms up to the wrap as she gets
better control of her head and neck. I enjoy the wrap more and can get more done when using
it instead of the front carrier.

4. Bedding close to baby
I have co-slept with all of my children. I enjoy the closeness and the fact that we both sleep
better that way. I think it is harder to break myself of co-sleeping than it is my kids! They are
in their own beds most of the night by 18 months and all night by 2.

5. Belief in the language value of cries
I don't let my kids "cry it out". In fact, when they are small (under 9 months or so) I try not
to let them cry at all. This elicits a lot of complaints since she usually cries when any one but
me tries to hold her for longer than 10 minutes :) I don't like being ignored when I need
something so I give my kids the same respect.

6. Beware of baby trainers
I like reading magazines but when they have advice that doesn't fit my family's lifestyle
choices, I skip to the next article. I won't compromise my beliefs because Dr. so-and-so or
supermanny tell me it's the wrong thing.

7. Balance
Now, don't get me wrong, I have a life outside my kids. God comes first, so if I'm praying or
reading my Bible and they want something, they have to wait. Also, I do take advantage of
bassinette in the pack n play when I want to spend time with the hubby. We will let the boys
occasionally stay with grandma and papa overnight and Sophie can stay with them for a few
hours during the day if needed.

Are you an AP? I'd love to hear your story! Blog about it and leave the link here. Or just leave a comment on this post!

Any excuse to eat twinkies

3 things every parent should teach their child

1. Jesus died for you! This can erase so much fear, guilt, anger, even temptation. It also instills a sense of worth that nothing else can.

2. Jesus is coming again--for you! This point will transform (if properly grasped) how they live their lives. Everything else looks insignificant in comparison to eternity.

3. God wants a relationship with you! Builds self-esteem, confidence and love to know that the creator of the universe loves you!



Special thanks to Shoplet.com-Purell Hand Sanitizers for sponsoring this blog hop.

The Simple Woman's Daybook for September 28

Outside my window... windy, cold and drizzly. the perfect fall day!

I am thinking... about how quickly maggie is growing. it makes me sad.

I am thankful for... 6 uninterrupted hours of sleep last night!!

I am wearing... my nursing night gown.

I am remembering... the maxwell's words from the conference last week.

I am going... to the homeschool get together friday.

I am reading... nehemiah for mentoring, several magazines and "higher hope" by robert whitlow.

I am hoping... God gives us an unmistakable sign about where we should be.

On my mind... chris and austin starting youth group wednesday.

From the learning rooms... trying to get maggie on a schedule. getting sam and sophie away from the tv more. finishing up history lifepac with austin so we can start mystery of history in a few weeks. also, working on teaching austin to cook.

Noticing that... my moods change with the weather.

Pondering these words...if you don't have your children's hearts someone else will.

From the kitchen... apple cinnamon cake, pumpkin crisp, shrimp scampi

Around the house... enjoying that perfect time when we don't need fans or the furnace.

One of my favorite things~ having conversations with maggie.

Menu Plan Monday

sunday: broccoli soup and biscuits

monday: chicken fajitas and rice

tuesday: shrimp scampi, salad, rolls

wednesday: pizza, salad, chips and apple cinnamon cake (first night of youth group)

thursday: tortilla chip pie

friday: brinner (breakfast for dinner- eggs, waffles and hash browns)

saturday: homegroup (pizza. taking pretzels, chips and dip)

Sunday Stealing: A Fall Meme

It’s not really fall in until... i can pack up all the shorts and tank tops

What did you need to do in the waning days of summer for it to feel complete? get ice cream at cooper's one last time

If you could only attend one major sporting event what would it be? watching michael phelps swim

If you could manipulate the time space continuum and give as many as three pieces of advice to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give and to what age of you? 1: to 11 year old me- "don't start smoking" 2: to 12 year old me "don't start dating. you're wasting time! God already has the perfect man picked out for you." 3: to 16 year old me "enjoy austin's labor because it's the only traditional delivery you'll ever have."

Who among your friends do you really wish had a blog because their stories, or perspective on something ought to be shared? it would be cool if anyone i know blogged!

If you were to take an e-cation (vacation from the trappings of our electronic world,) and assuming that employment obligations would allow it, how long of a break could you take? What would you miss the most, the least? no way! two days tops! i have to check my email and fb. i'd miss my giveaways most.

On September 11th of this year, I attended a couple of parties and was somewhat conflicted by the fact that this ignoble anniversary shall pass with it being just another day in the eyes of many (and in some ways my own eyes as well.) Thoughts? i read nehemiah 4:14 for the first time that day.

enter to win!

Friday 5 ~ Books

1. What are the titles of the last three books you read all of? "runner" by thomas perry; "deeper water" by robert whitlow and "homeschooling with a meek and quiet spirit" by teri maxwell
2. What are the titles of between three and five magazines you subscribe to or used to subscribe to? parents, better homes and gardens, the old schoolhouse, teach magazine and tv guide
   
3. What’s on your night table? the air conditioner! it need put away! also, a baby monitor we don't use, a case of dried up wipes and a flashlight that needs batteries. yeah, we don't spend much time in the bedroom anymore.
   
4. What are the three best things that happened to you in the past seven days? got rid of a bunch of junk at the garage sale, learned a lot at the maxwell conference and God forgave me...again.
   
5. What was your senior yearbook quote, and what would your yearbook quote be this year if there were such a thing? i dropped out in 10th grade. it probably would have been carpe diem because i was always saying that back them. these days it would probably be a scripture reference of some sort. maybe jeremiah 29:11
   

friday fill-in's #143

1. One week ago __I was getting ready for the church garage sale___.

2. __I wish I had more godly teaching________ when I was young.

3. Mama told me ___there'd be days like these________.

4. ___Just between________ you and me.

5. Take your time ___to find the person God chooses for you________.

6. ____This too_______ will pass!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to __bedtime___, tomorrow my plans include __a birthday party and a vow renewal/reception___ and Sunday, I want to __rest up for the week___!

My giveaway wins as of 9/25/09

in the past (about) 5 months i've won:

an egg shaped bank
zosephine diaper bag
a prize pack from bellybar (twice!!)
protect a bub car seat shade
a box of cleaning supplies from sun and earth
a snack container for toddlers
a bowl and spoon set for babies
an apron from caroline's aprons
4 betty crocker gluten-free mixes and 2 free coupons
sand castle set from gift hero
snack samples from snikkidy
a dress for sophie from zutano
sahale nuts (see previous post from the day i got these)
star olive oil set
$25 gift card to delicae gourmet
"my husband rocks" t-shirt
$20 gift card to wendy's

I'm a winner...and you can be too!

Those of you who know me well know I'm am addicted to entering giveaways. I partly blame my sister-in-law for it (she introduced me to online-sweepstakes.com) and I partly blame Maggie for my obsession (I do it while I am nursing her).
In any case, the bottom line is: I'm a winner. Some things are impressive (a $98 zosephine diaper bag!) and some are more modest (car seat shade from protect a bub) but either way, the thrill of winning is wonderful!
Do you want to be a winner too? All of the blogs that I have buttons for on the left offer giveaways! That is how I found them. So, if you're feeling lucky, go ahead and click on a button (any blog button) and enter away! You may get a pleasant surprise.

p.s. If you win, come back and let me know!

13 reasons I love being at home

Thursday 13

1. I don't have to pump to feed my baby!

2. I never miss a "first" (smile, step, giggle)

3. I have the primary influence in my kids' lives.

4. When I'm feeling sad/angry/chaotic there's always someone to give me a hug and make me better.

5. My kids will remember me being with them all day, not a stranger.

6. I can homeschool.

7. It saves money (no daycare, gas, car upkeep, etc.)

8. I have time to make a real dinner for my family to sit down and be together every night.

9. I'm the one there answering the questions that come to my child's mind throughout the day.

10. I've learned more patience at home with my children than I ever did anywhere else!

11. I get to play and learn all day--and it's my job!

12. I'm having an opportunity to shape the future of the world (x4!)

13. It's right where God wants me.

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

Click on the post title to go the Thursday 13 site!

Simple Woman's Daybook~~FOR TODAY...September 24

Outside my window... hot and muggy. not what i'd want in an autumn day.

I am thinking...there are many changes that need to take place in my home and family. thank you to the maxwells who showed me some of those things.

I am thankful for...the family God has blessed me with. even in the rough patches.

I am wearing...black capris and a grey nursing tank

I am remembering...the love i had for each of my children the very first day they were born. sometimes it is hard to keep that first love---just like with our relationship with the Lord.

I am going...to a birthday party and vow renewal wedding this saturday.

I am reading..."keeping our children's hearts" by the maxwells.

I am hoping...to continue on in the path the Lord has set before me without wavering as often as i've been.

On my mind...finishing up the school week.

From the learning rooms...history test today. science tomorrow. i need to call and set up a field trip to the firehouse before the weather gets bad.

Noticing that...my children really do follow the example i set.

Pondering these words..."My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

From the kitchen...made meatloaf muffins last night and they turned out pretty good. even sam ate them! that recipe's a keeper! linguini romano is tonight.

Around the house...the livingroom and sam's room were spotless and organized when i got home from mentoring last night--thank you austin!! need to fold some laundry (as always) and do up the dishes (again).

One of my favorite things~maggie chuckling at sam

Sunday Stealing---part 2

27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat? oooo that's a hard one! i'll say sleep since i get so little of it!

28. Do you look like your mom or dad? a little of both

29. How long does it take you in the shower? 15 min., tops

30. Can you do the splits? never have been able to

31. What movie do you want to see right now? the new harry potter

32. What did you do for New Year’s? not much since i was pregnant :) my sister and nieces came over and we had our annual fondue party.

33. Do you think The Grudge was scary? i didn't see it. i don't watch scary movies.

34. Do you own a camera phone? no

35. Was your mom a cheerleader? i seriously doubt it.

36. What’s the last letter of your middle name? e

37. How many hours of sleep do you get a night? altogether?? 6 maybe.

38. Do you like Care Bears? sure

39. What do you buy at the movies? popcorn, cherry coke and some sort of chocolate

40. Do you know how to play poker? yes

41. Do you wear your seat belt? always

42. What do you wear to sleep? pajamas

43. Anything big ever happen in your hometown? not really

44. How many meals do you eat a day? 3 meals, 1 snack

45. Is your tongue pierced? not anymore. it closed up.

46. Do you always read MySpace bulletins? not anymore. i'm a fb addict now.

47. Do you like funny or serious people better? funny people who know when to be serious.

48. Ever been to L.A.? nope.

49. Did you eat a cookie today? yes

50. Do you use cuss words in other languages? no but i know a few

51. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? neither

52. Do you hate chocolate? WHAT?!

53. What do you and your parents fight about the most? nothing really. we don't talk much.

54. Are you a gullible person? i don't think so.

55. Do you need a girlfriend to be happy? ummmm.....no......

56. If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what what would it be? i'm doing my dream job already :)

57. Are you easy to get along with? i like to think so.

58. What is your favorite time of day? 8 pm

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: salmon patties, cheesy noodles, green beans

Monday: corn and wild rice soup with rolls

Tuesday: pizza, carrots with ranch, pretzels

Wednesday: linguini romano, green beans and rolls

Thursday: black beans and rice casserole, tortilla chips

Friday: meatloaf muffins, mashed potatoes and salad

Saturday: (eating at Paula's reception)

What's it take?

1. What does it take to get you to grab the mic and sing in a karaoke room? lots of alcohol
2. What does it take to get you to give up a whole Saturday to hang out with people you don’t like? someone i love asking me to go
   
3. What does it take to get you out of bed without your hitting the snooze button? a crying baby or a hungry child
   
4. What does it take to get you to take someone else’s turn at a really unpleasant task at work or home? it not getting done when i want it to be
   
5. What does it take to get you to eat something you really dislike? a new way of cooking it or a lot of spices
   

Friday Fill-ins

1. My car _makes strange noises_.

2. _Halloween__ is coming up next.

3. Lately, things seem ___to be breaking often _.

4. _Online_ is one of my favorite 'hiding' places.

5. What happened ___to being able to leave things laying around and your door unlocked without being afraid of thieves?__

6. _Peace_ is not impossible!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _getting things packed up in the car for the garage sale__, tomorrow my plans include _selling lots of stuff at the garage sale__ and Sunday, I want to __have a true day of rest!__

~Thursday 13 ~ 13 things I never want to forget

1. My love for Jesus

2. What it feels like to have a person growing inside of me

3. Why I married Chris

4. The importance of family

5. The smell of a new baby's head

6. The view from the top of Cadillac mountain

7. The feeling I had the day I was baptized

8. To put love before law

9. To cherish every moment God has given me

10. It is better to give than to receive

11. How it feels to have a whole day to do NOTHING

12. The joys of being surrounded by family on the holidays

13. The feel of the crisp fall air

Click the post title to get the code and view more participants

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

I know, it's not Sunday

Sunday Stealing: One Long Meme (Part One)

1. The phone rings. Who will it to be? the library

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? i try to park by a cart corral so i can

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? in any setting i'm more of a talker

4. Do you take compliments well? not usually

5. Do you play Sudoku? no. i'm not math-brained

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? if it was God's will, he'd show me how

7. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? yes

8. What was your favorite game as a kid? i didn't really play many games

9. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew she /he was married, would you? i'm married. either way, no.

10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? no

11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued? either

12. Use three words to describe yourself? organized, nurturing, high-strung

13. Do any songs make you cry? lots do

14. Are you continuing your education? yes, by homeschooling :)

15. Do you know how to shoot a gun? not yet, but chris will be teaching me soon

16. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? yes

17. How often do you read books? not much time to anymore

18. Do you think more about the past, present or future? i'd have to say all pretty equally

19. What is your favorite children’s book? "i'll love you forever"

20.What color are your eyes? brown

21. How tall are you? 5'2 3/4"

22. Where is your dream house located? in heaven :)

23. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed? my kids!

24. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? oh geez. about a year ago!

25. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? the living room? lol!

26. Do you like mustard? only on hot dogs with ketchup

The Simple Woman's Daybook~Sept. 18, 2009

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...it's starting to look like fall!

I am thinking...how wonderful it is to have a baby who wants me by her side all the time.

I am thankful for... the cooler weather, shorter days and approaching holidays.

I am wearing... pajama pants and a nursing gown

I am remembering...when i was pregnant

I am creating...this week's grocery list and menu plan

I am going...to (hopefully) get rid of a lot of clutter tomorrow at the garage sale

I am reading...magazines (that's all i have time for!) and the book of nehemiah with my mentoring group.

I am hoping...the Lord reminds me each and every day how special my children are and to cherish each moment with them.

On my mind...getting things purged for the sale tomorrow

From the learning rooms...enjoying the new science curriculum. it's wonderful to learn science in a biblical way.

Noticing that...the little things are becoming more important to me.

From the kitchen...lasagna, garlic bread and salad for dinner

Around the house...the bathtub needs scrubbed, next weeks lessons need planned and set out, artwork on the walls needs taken down so there is room for new stuff and the whole house needs dusted.

One of my favorite things...the smell of my baby's neck.

A few plans for the rest of the week: garage sale, church, groceries

Sahale snacks

I won a great prize from sahale snacks thanks to one2try.com .

The big brown truck came today. I received: Soledad almonds which are almonds with apple, flax seed, dates, balsamic vinegar and red pepper; cashews with pomegranate and vanilla; and a brown shirt that says "who says indulgent can't be healthy?".

Of course, as with all of my freebies that come, the kids were just as excited as I was. When I get new products there are 4 testers that try it out!

First we tried the almonds. I was a little worried about Sophie with them because they have a tiny little bit of heat at the end. She liked them though. So did Austin and I. Sam licked it and gave it back to me.

Next we tried the cashews. Sweeter and very tasty. Everyone enjoyed them. Austin wanted more but I said no. I'm saving these for my secret stash ;)

My First Post

Wow! I've finally jumped on the band wagon (blog wagon?). I figured, "why always read everyone else's opinions and experiences? why not share some of my own too?" So here you have it. My little corner of cyberspace. Hopefully I can come up with something interesting enough to draw readers...