19|52, 20|52 & 21|52

 Time to catch up on posting my 52 project, hope I can keep on track from here on. Man, life gets busy!

"A portrait of Greta once a week, every week in 2014"

19|52

 | first mother's day photo |

| moments with daddy are at a minimum these days, so we make the ones she gets most exciting |

| hello green grass & summer time! |

currently. {11}

Thinking about | how long it has been since I blogged! Man, life has got busy. With being on fieldwork, living at my parents, and Greta moving and grooving faster than I can keep up - I just haven't found the time. This household is busy, and quite hectic! Never thought being back at my parents would be this tough. But it is. With it being seeding time around here there is a high level of stress that seems to filter down to everyone here, Greta included. The transition has not gone as smoothly as I had hoped. We are entering week 4 of being here and she is still fighting going down for bed, and not sleeping through the night.  By now I figured things would have become more familiar and more routine but to my dismay that has not happened.  Greta originally began with sleeping in the room downstairs with my in a playpen but after 2 plus weeks of multiple night time wakings (leaving me extremely exhausted at a demanding placement) something HAD to change. I think that she heard me toss in bed (or potentially snore) leading to her waking and not going back down easily. Therefore we moved her upstairs to the room with a crib (where she naps in the daytime), brought my video monitor from home and hoped for some sleep! She is still waking once per night, but it is a whole lot better than multiple times so fingers crossed she finally gets comfortable, and maybe by the end of placement I'll have at least one full night sleep (seriously, working mama's how do we do it!? So much easier dealing with lack of sleep when I was just at home!), now just to get her to go to bed with out a scream fest of having to stand in the room for an hour....

Reading | this birth story post. Wow! The similarities to Greta's birth story is crazy. Cynthia reached out to me after my birth diaries post on Hand and the Heart and I am so glad she did! It was so nice to hear from someone else who experienced what we did and I also love following along on her Instagram to see how her little guy is growing. We are both (along with many others I'm sure) so lucky to have healthy little ones after their early start. Although she is many miles away, it's nice to feel connected by similar life experience - another reason this blogging community amazes me!

Listening to | silence. Well, there are birds chirping outside the window which makes it even better. In this house it is hard to come by as either the two way radios are bellowing out commands, the phone is ringing, or someone is moving about doing something. I'm enjoying this quiet until the guys get in from the field, my younger sister tramps about the kitchen, and Greta potentially wakes with a cry. Yes, lately any moment of silence is welcomed and makes we appreciate how quiet it is in my own house with just us three, can't wait for Fridays to get back there! LOL.

Watching | nothing. I haven't sat down to watch much TV as in the evenings I do some prep for fieldwork or reflect on my day. Most of the season finales are done and I enjoy TV-free evenings in the summers where I go for walks and mainly watch sunsets. We live in the country but I have to tell you the sunsets here on my parents farm are far better, one little perk!

Thankful for | passion. I am truly passionate about my chosen field in occupational therapy and if I didn't have that passion and it wasn't reignited on the first day of placement I don't think I'd be leaving Greta everyday. I love how I can help others and I really truly believe I was chosen for this field. It's amazing doing something that fires you up and makes you want to be better, I love being a mom, but I also know that I was born to help others too!

But seriously are the views around my parents farm not truly amazing??!?!?

Love this link-up! 

18|52

"A portrait of Greta once a week, ever week in 2014"

|rarely anytime to look at the camera these days, always too busy moving or finding something new|

17|52

"a portrait of Greta once a week, every week in 2014"

| peek-a-boo |

currently. {10}

Currently | I'm baking cookies, while it's raining during naptime. Also I am so happy that we have green grass is our backyard - it has been far too long since I could say that!

Thinking about | where blogging is going to fit into my schedule. As I gear up to head back to work/school, I have been thinking a lot about where to fit blogging in my schedule. I know I don't currently post often but I would like to continue with 1-2 post a week. I will for sure be continuing on the 52 project but as for if I will continue to post more frequently is yet to be determined. As I have stated before, I love this community, so I hope to still be able to connect with you guys but knowing less time will be available to spend with family as I study and write papers, I'm unsure how often it will be! Although, part of me thinks it will be a great outlet to write about things other than school which would be great!

Watching | American Blogger. I follow Casey's blog so I was very intrigued to see this movie as she covered so much of it as it unfolded. I have to say, I really enjoyed it! Especially as it focused on the "community" of blogging that so many of us talk about and cherish. It was also really cool to see some bloggers I follow and get introduced to new ones. Overall, I think it was a great project and so happy they embarked on the journey to tell the story. I know there has been a bit of controversy over who was filmed, and the fact it did not encompassing the whole blogging world. Maybe it wasn't the best title, maybe the trailer was a bit cheesy, but I got to say - the movie was good from my perspective. Have you seen it? What are your thoughts?

Thankful for | Skype & Facetime. They are so important in our lives to stay connect to Matt's family but now as Greta and I head to my parents for a couple months they are so important for keeping us connected, more Greta to be able to "see" daddy say good night, blow him kisses and for him to see milestones that may be reached while we are away. These are the times I am happy that technology is a big part of our lives and allows us to connect from anywhere, I can't imagine doing this without it!

Here are a few photos of Greta from over the weekend!

We lowered the crib mattress as someone is growing up fast!!

Linking up:

In the Kitchen: Coconut Chai Rice Pudding

What do you do with rice leftovers? I can never find the perfect way to reheat it to eat it again just plain, so I always like to turn it into rice pudding. Now regular cinnamon raisin rice pudding is great, but I think this recipe with a mixture of coconut and chai spices really kicks this comfort food up a notch, into a real treat!

So next time you are looking for a way to turn that leftover rice (that has been cooked in water not broth) into something delish try out this recipe.

Coconut Chai Rice Pudding

1 - 15oz can of coconut milk

1/2 cup milk 

1/4 cup sugar 

1 cinnamon stick

4-5 cardamom pods

1 star anise (or 1 tsp allspice)

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup of leftover rice (jasmine or basmati are great)

toasted coconut for garnish

Add milk, coconut milk, sugar and spices into a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, while stirring occasionally. Add rice and vanilla. Then reduce heat and allow to simmer, uncovered, and continue to stir. Cool until the mixture is creamy and rice is soft, about 15 minutes. Remove spices, top with toasted coconut. 

It is great served warm or cold. 

Could be serve with chopped pineapple, bananas, or mango for a tropical feel in the summer.

Note: I found it to be really sweet so feel free to cup back the sugar to 2 tbsp as I found the cocount milk had plenty of sweetness on it's own.

Enjoy!

Life Lately: Sleep Regression, Teething & Decreased Milk Supply

This morning was the third morning in a row of Greta waking at 4 am. Not fussy, hungry, or in too much pain from cutting teeth - just wide awake. Ready to explore it seems, crawling around our bed seems like it is cat's pajamas at this early hour. We bare it, laugh at her new found skills and I tell Matt he better put on a full pot of coffee so I can make it through the day. I walk to the kitchen red-eyed and groggy, pour a cup of coffee, then add my milk...only to have it curdle in the cup (gah! this mama cried over curdled milk), yes my friends this is my life lately, and that seems to be only the tip of the iceberg.

I get that I'm not the only mother dealing with sleep regression, probably thousands are right alongside me, and some mom's have yet to have a good sleep since babes arrival, but for me right now this is like the straw that breaks the camel's back. On top of the early morning wakings, she's cutting her first teeth, which really has not been too much of an issue, besides the biting and using my nipples like a teething ring. I don't know whether to attribute this wrath on my "girls" to the teething or to the sudden dip in milk supply. You see, a few months ago my period returned, and since then my milk supply has been low. Low but maintainable, whereas this last week, I swear my milk is nearly non-existent. The increase in solid food has decreased the amount of nursing sessions that Greta is demanding during the day and as I prepare to return to work/school in less than a week and a half we have been trying to supplement daytime feeding - with not much luck. As noted in previous posts, Greta does not take a bottle so we planned to transition her to formula in a sippy cup. Problem: she seems to detest formula. Problem 2: she's not a huge fan of the sippy cup either. Seriously I feel like I can't win. We have tried several cups, a few different formula, and still no success. Best form of getting fluid into her is water, from a regular cup. I bet all you mama's reading are thinking, if she hates formula, then pump mama pump! Well tried that - with only .5 oz per side to show for my efforts. A measly 1 oz of milk. I'm sure my body does not respond well to a pump, as even though I pumped consistently while she was in the NICU, the most I have every pumped in my pumping experience is 3 ozs a side. It seems my body wants the real thing to produce. Enter blessed thistle and fenugreek. These have been my friends in the past and I am hoping they will pull through for me again, but even with an slight increase in supply, I still am trying to figure how I'm going to supplement day time feedings while I'm at work.

Compound all of these worries and issues with my feelings of returning to work, and moving to my parents (which sleep at Grandma's house is a whole other can of worms! Easter weekend = a no sleep disaster), my days are full of tearful bathroom breaks, that are far worse than any crying seshes I've had in a while, chugging liquids, popping herbs, and chasing after our now quite mobile and inquisitive (why does every floor fluff or dog hair need to enter her mouth?!) little girl.

Sorry to this post a full on rant., but this mama needed to rant. Plus, I'm open to any suggestions and opinions any of you have, as I begin to crumble as each day closer to my return to work and days away from Greta approach.

I'm off to sip black (ugh!) coffee and plan out what to tackle today, or maybe I'll skip that and catch a few winks as she naps - which I have not done in a a long time.

16|52

"A portrait of Greta once a week, every week in 2014"

| 1st Easter: full of smiles and loving shaking her eggs |

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs

Today, during Greta's unusually long afternoon nap, I decided to dye Easter eggs, but realized that I didn't have any food coloring. I didn't let that stop me! I hit Google and Pinterest where I found how to dye them naturally with items I had in my fridge and cupboard! I really love this idea, think it is a great project to do with kids than just food coloring as I'm sure they will be amazed at what else we can do with our food!

I also attempted to do lace-printed eggs. They didn't turn out with a crisp white lace print but still think they look ok.

So, here is what I did.

I used the color chart here to decide on what I needed for materials to create natural dyes.

1. I boiled my eggs, I use this method (perfect eggs every time, thanks Martha!). You can use white or brown but with brown you have to check what color the will turn with which dye as it's different, here you can find what color a few of the ones on the list will turn brown eggs.

2. As I wanted to try lace-printed eggs as well, I wrapped lace trim pieces around the center of the egg. You want it to be really tight, some places suggested using a rubber band, but I just tied it, with this method won't allow for a uniform circle around the egg, so if your need for perfection is deep, than a rubber band may be better!

3.  Prepare your dyes. Most of the material require to be boiled so let it boil for 15 minutes, or longer if you don't find the color is strong enough, then stain the material and add to a jar or glass. You will want to add a tablespoon of vinegar per cup of water to help in the dyeing process. Below (left to right), I used boiled red cabbage (as I have it on had like any good German wife, lol) which turns eggs blue. To do yellow/orange I boiled a mixture of cumin & turmeric, and lastly to do green eggs I boiled spinach. I was going for pastel eggs so I let my eggs sit for 15-20 minutes to let the color develop, but if you are wanting dark vibrant eggs you will want to use jars and then store eggs in the fridge overnight to let the colors develop fully. (Note: after doing some reading, you can actually just boil the eggs in the water with the dyeing product you choose if you just a plain colored egg and not lace printed a few of mine were - saves time!)

4. Let eggs dry, if you want to add a sheen to them after they dry you can always rub them with grapeseed oil or vegetable oil, if you prefer glossy to matte eggs.

A few notes:

• I found the spinach difficult to develop color, and I didn't add the vinegar as when I added it, the color green seemed to disappear, green eggs will definitely develop better with the overnight method
• I had difficulty with the brown eggs, and actually found the dye rubbed off, although it lighted the brown and with the lace added a interesting look.

(lighting really does not show the green & yellow very well)

Have you dyed eggs naturally? You have any tips or tricks I could try the next time? I'm happy as I wanted pastel colors but would be interested in hearing on developing more vibrant colors for future reference!

Have a great Easter weekend, it is suppose to feel more like spring here so I am getting excited!

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"A portrait of Greta once a week, every week in 2014"

| bathtime bum |

currently. {9}

currently loving these tulips! I needed something to make it feel like spring since over the weekend it seems as though mother nature forget (yet again!) - they did the trick!

thinking about | friendships. The other day I read an article (without being interrupted...as I was at the hairdresser) about how the number of friends a woman has decreases as she gets older.  It really got me thinking about my friendships. I have a variety of friend groups; from my core group of high school girls to friends I have met through out my career and education journey, and everyone of these friendships is different and I cherish and value them for different reasons. Then there are friendships that I wonder if I should give up on - I know we are all busy, especially when we become moms, but I really can't stand being ignored by someone I consider(ed) a friend.  This has happened a bit lately and although I understand this person is a new mom, it would be nice to have some acknowledgement that my messages have been received - and if getting together or contact with me is something this individual does not currently find of interest, I would simply rather be told that than simply ignored! How about you, have you have friendships fizzle from just being ignored? Maybe it's intentional, maybe it's not - but what would you do? Also on this topic, I had a very close friendship end in my early twenties during a late night drunken fight with where cruel word were slung and I decided that I did not need that in my life. So, just like that ties were cut - even though her friendship with my sister continued. I chalked it up to we were at different points in our lives and as the article stated, lots of friendships are formed from shared experiences and circumstance and when that changes so does the friendship. But now, we are at similar points in our lives, as we both have daughters the same age, are married etc and I often wonder if with some work this friendship could heal, and then I wonder if it is even worth it.  I no longer have hard feelings over the words slung that night - but I also know what I have other great friendships with people who understand me more, who have stood by me through life changes, so is it really something I need to pursue and wonder about? Have you ever healed a broken friendship from the past, or is the past best left in the past?

reading | occupational therapy notes/texts. Yep, the countdown to returning to school is down to weeks so I am preparing myself for getting back into it! It's a mix of emotions as I am reminded of the passion I have for this field, but also gives me anxiety about seeing my girl for 8 hour stretches when I rarely have left her for over 4. Cue the waterworks. 

watching | nothing new. I really, really have this urge to go to the movies - I can't remember the last time we went to a movie and I really would just love that experience (you know the popcorn & not potential crying baby that requires a pause). Have you seen anything really good lately that requires the "big screen" experience?

thankful for | the blogging community. I am so thankful for the other mom blogs I have discovered and connected with through this community. The web/social media has brought me so much comfort and connection during nearly a year (!), as a new mom. Andrea allowed me to share real emotions on my birth experience and that has connected me with other moms how have similar experiences.  I read posts on a daily basis that let me know other moms have the some thoughts, feeling, and struggles that I do and I am comforted by the fact that even though I don't know the individuals personally, I feel connected and inspired by them from my living room in central Canada.  Even though at times social media may feel like it consumes me in a bad way - I am thankful that so many moms open their lives, share their experiences, and build friendships through this medium as we may have a connection with individuals miles and miles away we may have never discovered without it! So thank-you readers, for your comments, encouragement, and understanding as it is you I am thankful for!

As usual, I am linking up with a mama collective (a blog I am thankul for!)! I'd love to hear what your up to or what is on your mind, so go link up your currently post.

14|52

"A portrait of Greta, once a week, every week in 2014"

| oh, those baby blues never get old |

Currently. {8}

Currently. Manitoba is thawing out and spring is here! I'm so happy that this winter has come to an end and the trees and grass will so be green! 

Thinking about | Greta's first birthday. She was 10 months this past weekend (yikes, gotta do my 10 month post!), meaning we are 2 months away from the 1 year. I'm not trying to rush it - but with starting my placement next month I figured I should use the last bit of free time to start some planning. I'm hoping that we will have some nice weather and can have an outdoor garden party, with a "grow" theme! I think it's fitting as I feel she was our tiny little seed we nurtured into a blossoming flower this past year and I want to celebrate how far she has come. Not going to go too "pinterest" crazy but I might tackle a few projects like this or this. I'm thinking blankets on the ground and some mason jars hanging in the trees. Then simple sandwiches or wraps with garden veggies and fruits.

Listening to | Serena Ryder. I've always loved her voice, but my girl crush was re-awakened after last weeks Juno Awards. If I could sing, I would wish to a range like her and that raspy-ness is a tone I'm always drawn too. Bonus points that she is a good Canadian girl. Haven't heard her go listen, this was my first fave!  

Watching | ACM's. Yes, I have a diverse music taste - love the country music awards. There was so many great performances last night, and I was so happy to see The King, George Strait, take home Entertainer of the Year.

Reading | I've been on a role with books lately, next I plan to pick up Atonement. I have seen the movie (multiple times) but never read the book so I think I'll see if it's as good -- or better.

Thankful for | this post! It was nice to read this post along with the comments to know that I am not the only mother who struggles with a social media obsession, and it also made me aware that I really need change some things - and put my phone away! If you follow me over on Instagram you know I post a few times a day and I check it even more, yesterday I put away the phone, posted nothing and plan to make sure I do more on a regular basis! I got one more month at home with my sweet girl so I want to savor the moments! Time to put down the phone, stop scrolling aimlessly, and be present. Don't worry I'll still post - just at naptime! Thank-you Jenna for this reminder and push to be present! 

What are up currently with you? Go link up at a mama collective, so I can hear all about it!

Dear Greta: 10 months

Dear Greta,

Your really starting to grow up now! Every day you seem more and more like your a little toddler than a little baby - I think if you were walking it would really feel like it! When you stand at your play table and bop your head to the music it make me think how quick you have grown! I cherish the moments I cuddle you in my arms and think back of the days you were soooo tiny- then I put you down and you keep me too busy to think!

Your Stats:

• Weight: 15lbs 6oz
• Length: 26 inches

We went to the dietitian and she says we are feeding all the right things and you are definitely starting to gain weight. The other night when we were bathing you we were laughing about your little potbelly -- we are not worried about you getting enough food! You love your food, especially bread!

About You:

Your creeping! Not quite crawling yet but you get around by pulling yourself with your arms. You get up on all fours but drop to your tummy when you have somewhere you want/need to be.  Standing is you most favourite thing. You will pull yourself up on anything to get to your feet, which at times can be a little scary. Like when I sat you in the laundry basket to change a load of clothes only to turn around and find you standing! Good thing your pretty sturdy because you were not on carpet if you were to fall. Your are constantly jabbering away, lots of dadada, bababa, ahhahah sounds are coming out - no mama yet although I encourage it daily ( or hourly!). 

You Love:

• Bread! If you won't eat anything else we know you'll eat a slice of bread.
• mandarin oranges
• mommy making silly faces
• music

This is my last month at home with you full time, and it makes me sad. I have loved every minute of the last 10 months spent with you and I wish that it could continues.

Love you baby girl,

Mama

13|52

"a portrait of Greta once a week, every week in 2014"

| lunch with dad, means bread & butter; she shows more and more German qualities everyday! haha |

12|52

"a portrait of Greta once a week, every week in 2014"

| now that she is creeping, she is exploring her world every minute |

Currently. |7|

thinking about | Summer! Oh, wait - I guess spring has to come before I can really get excited about summer, but I will anyways.  With me going back to "school" (it's really a fieldwork placement - so more work than school) for May and June and being away from Matt a lot during that time, I'm looking forward to some good quality family time in July and August.  I think Greta will be at a great age developmentally at this time and I look forward to playing outside, taking to go ride in the combine with Daddy, and just soaking up our great summer! As much as have complained about our winter, we are lucky that we get GREAT summers here -- that almost make up for the winters, almost! We also have a wedding in Alberta in July so we will be taking a little road trip too! Whether or not we will make it a summer holiday or just a long 15 hour drive back and forth is yet to be determined, but either way I'm looking forward to my cousins wedding and getting close to the mountains.

reading | The Witness by Nora Roberts. My mom said it was great so I thought I'd give it a go - I'll keep you posted as I get further into it!

watching | The Color Purple. It was on tv yesterday, and I'm not sure I had ever watched it before or if I had it was awhile ago. After watching it, I think I may put the book on my reading list, as I like to see how well movies are interpreted. Have your read and/or seen the movie? What do you think?

thankful for | my parents.  I'm so thankful that they are going to be letting Greta and I stay with them and that my mom is going to watch Greta for me during the day for 2 months.  I really don't know what I would do without them. They are busy with the farm, helping with my sisters two kids, hosting an international trainee, and they still agreed to it! I'm happy I have such great family, and that included my in-laws - as even though they are far away I know if they were here they would help us out too. It is going to take a lot of love, support, and hard work to get through this last year of school with Greta, and I am so grateful for my family who will see me through it. (I think I have said how much I am thankful for them in previous currently. posts but I don't think I can say it enough to express how thankful I really am!). My mom also babysat for us this weekend and Matt and I headed out to a social with my OT peeps - it was great to see everyone from my class but also reminded me how much I'm going to miss them all when I go back and they are graduated.

...in other news, Greta is creeping! Not quite crawling but I think it will come soon enough, this mom is starting baby-proofing!

Lastly, are you guys interested in seeing more recipes on the blog? I post quite a few food pics on Instagram and am asked for the recipes quite often. Sometime I feel like recipe post are too much work because I worry too much about my photo, but let me know if you'd like to see recipes!

Linking up with a mama collective. Go link up so I can see what your up to to!

Those Rough Mom Days

Yesterday was a rough mom day over here. It seems like the last week we have been having more rough days than bad days and I start feeling like I'm horrible at this mom thing! The week after our trip went great, Greta was sleeping through the night, napping like a champ, eating well. Then bam!We seemed to have hit a rough patch, where we had rough nights, not naps, and she really is not eating well. 

It really got to me, and then finally I just sat and thought about all the good days we had and how great she was on our trip! I'm pretty sure every mom has hit these rough patches and if you put it into perspective, the good days, far out number the bad days. Last night, I went to bed just hoping for a good day and told my self if it was another rough day I would get through it, just like I have and it will get better.

And guess what..

I woke up today, and it has been a good okay day. The last few days I felt like it was the biggest task to just get my self changed and the bed made - but today, lil' miss took a morning nap without much struggle, so  I got some laundry done, the kitchen cleaned, the bed made, and I got to enjoy my coffee. We went for a walk, I vacuumed the living room, and I'm finding time to blog! The afternoon nap was a challenge, but 75% of the day went great so I'm counting it as a success.  

What I'm trying to say with this post, is when your having a rough day, when your in the "trenches" it seems tough, but take the time to look back and gain some perspective, cause even though in some moments it seems it may not end, the good days will come, they far out number the bad, and really these precious days and nearly a year has seemed to just slip through my fingers, so I have to even cherish the bad days - because she won't be this small forever, and the days and struggles may only get harder.

Greta Goes to Germany {Part 2: Dresden}

We decided to take a few days away from being with Matt's family and head to the city of Dresden, in southeastern part of Germany. When planning the trip we had thought that we would take the ICE train as we thought it would be easier with Greta, but after checking out the cost of train tickets and finding out they were more expensive than we had anticipated, we hit the discount site and found a great price on a rental car. So instead of the train we drove. It was a five hour drive from his parents and Greta did ok for the first 3 and a half but the last bit she was quite fussy - so we know for future car rides we need to break every 3 hours.

Dresden was an absolutely beautiful city! It was completely destroyed in WWII, so the city has been completely reconstructed from the rubble, but they did an incredible job. I'm going to let the photos speak for themselves.

We were lucky to get a great deal on an apartment hotel in the centre of the old town, Neumarkt. We were walking distance to all the sites, restaurants, pubs, and markets.  We found this really convenient for our needs while travelling with a baby, as we had a place that was close to take her back for a nap, or diaper change, and also the addition of a stove was great for preparing her baby food. We had lots of room, great views, and a deep bathtub! 

Another great purchase for our trip was the BobaAir, we had our stroller as well, but we found that we used the carrier a lot, and it was easily tucked into our diaper bag and used once Greta grew tired of the stroller on our long walks through museums and cathedrals. 

We extended our original stay by once extra night & day in order to be able to go to the Bastei Sandstone Mountains that were about a half hour south of Dresden, and we are so glad we did! What a remarkable view - it was quite fogging that morning but it was still stunning! 

 

Overall, this city stole my heart and I will have so many memories of our first family adventure that were made in this city, that I think it will hold a special place in my heart for years to come!