Hello Fit & Firm Buddies!

So, I had another good week this week and saw another drop of 2 pounds.

I see a bit of a difference and in all honesty, the first thing you lose is water. Regardless, I’m glad that the number is going down!

While stepping on the scale, I noticed that I haven’t been measuring my progress with inch loss. This week, I’m going to take my first measurements and see how many inches I lose.

Measuring inches is so important to me because I am not really watching the number on the scale, more so I want to focus on how my clothes fit and how many inches I lose. I tend to gain muscle very quickly so that can play tricks on me on the scale.

I have a wedding gown to get into, that’s what I remind myself all the time!

Short term goal.

Long term goal is to continue to live a healthier life. 

But, to be quite honest, once you get the icky stuff out of your system, it’s much easier to get back to eating healthy. Cravings subside and you can stick to it. Sure, there are days when I crave something sweet but, there are plenty of healthy ways to satisfy that craving.

I also have to report that I’m slowly navigating my life with less to no Diet Pepsi. Today, I only had one and had water with 2 of my 3 meals and snacks!

*GASP*

This delicious recipe helped this week, I made in about half an hour. My Hanover’s Organic Trail Bars that had just the right amount of sweetness, tons of fiber, anti-oxidants and lots of potassium.

Check it out!

I hope you all have had a great week! If you had a rough week, just keep in mind that tomorrow is a new day and you can start fresh!

Don’t give up!

What better time then to start then now?

Grab Our Button!

Also, make sure to visit Sober Julie on Monday to report or share your progress or motivation for Motivated Mondays!

Til then, cheers m’deres!

The railways leading to Auschwitz via The Guardian.

The Holocaust is something that I am deeply moved by.

It’s something that has forever intrigued me and has drawn my attention since I was old enough to be aware of it.

As many of you may know, I love reading and I am always on the hunt for a new read. My favorite type of books are biographies or memoirs because they have a reality to them, a human sentiment of experiences that are either close to home or something that is completely foreign to the reader.

I also enjoy watching the History Channel and have watched many documentaries about the Holocaust and have been deeply move to tears for the absolute horrors that they faced.

On ALL sides.

To me, war never benefits anyone–at least not for long. To some it’s a necessary means to accomplish goals, people then become numbers–collateral damage.

Even until this day.

Due to my ancestry and heritage, I have no direct ties to the nightmare that thousands suffered many moons ago. At least none that I know of, though my own history holds ties to our own civil war. There are things that my own parents will never forget witnessing because of it either. That’s why I am forever grateful to them and I appreciate the tremendous sacrifice that they made to give us freedom and a better chance here in Canada.

Nevertheless, it never ceases to quench my insatiable thirst to KNOW more, to FEEL more and to be more sensitive to human emotions and to be sympathetic regardless of where I was born, what I believe or the color of my skin.

Just yesterday I downloaded a book about the Holocaust on my Kindle app, it was about a Russian girl who tells her horrific story through her survival of the Holocaust, the horrors she witnessed, the ailments she endured and the loss of her ENTIRE family. She also tells of the happy times that she shared with her family.

I couldn’t put the book down.

I finished it not less than an hour ago.

The story is vivid. Real and a must-read.

The book is named, “The Secret Holocaust Diaries” by Nonna Bannister. It is a collection of her diaries that she wrote in 5 different languages and translated herself. After World War II was over, she moved to the US and married and lived an entire life of freedom never to tell about her past until she felt she was ready to share her ancestry with her children and her husband of over 50 years.

In this book, Nonna shares the beautiful memories she shared with her Grandmother, parents, only sibling and her Aunts and Uncle. Hired hand and friend, Petrovich. She paints a picture of how terribly the war ravaged the Jewish people as well as all in the Soviet. Even the Germans themselves.

It paints a perfect picture of the inhumanity that Stalin and Hitler shared and imposed on the innocent and their own people. There are thousands effected by this tragedy and genocide. Jehovah Witnesses suffered greatly for not denouncing their faith. Russians, Ukrainians and Poles were killed for being sympathetic to the Jewish or for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Humanity at it’s worst.

Nonna in later years.

Nonna’s secret revelations that remained secret for decades are riveting.

I wanted to share this book with you guys because it’s truly a story that needs to be told. I’ve read many books and have seen so many stories and I am always touched.

But, this story has really strung a cord.

What the Jewish people and those who were pushed into this chaos and injustice suffered truly makes me appreciate my everyday blessings. The things and luxuries that we take for granted. It makes me grateful for the freedom we are gifted with and it gives me great sympathy for those who will do not know what freedom is present day.

I am thankful I can raise my children in freedom and I choose to not forget.

With my work, I have taken care of people from both sides, I take care of patients who were in the German army and I’ve seen a Jewish patient’s branded skin. I have heard them relive those horrific moments once there memories go and revert to a time’s past.

That’s why I choose to remember this and every horrible thing that mankind has done to another because these people shoud not have had to suffer in vain.

Anyway, I was always taught those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

Here is her husband speaking about Nonna, his wife:

What are your thoughts, friends?

I’m a December baby.

Christmas is kind of a big deal around here.

I love everything that is Christmas, the music, the uplifting moods most people get this kind of year–the spirit, the time spent and definitely one of my favorites, decorating!

We normally start decorating after American Thanksgiving and it slowly trickles into early December. Though I must say, I start listening to the Christmas music as soon as November hits.

I am one of those crazies.

Ha!

Our tradition is always to decorate the tree as a family, no matter how long it takes, everyone has a part and a role and we take breaks in between for snacks! Listen to Christmas carols or music that gets us pumped. Gabs, my eldest, is the one who tops the tree with the star once we have finished adorning the tree.

Well, I had the chance to completely splurge on purchasing decorations for our yearly tree trimming at Sears. Thank-you #CBias for this wonderful #SearsRealCheers opportunity!

Let me tell you, ‘Sears Christmas Shop’ did not disappoint. There was plenty to choose from and I was on a mission!

A mission to find my perfect theme this year.

I brought my BFF, my sister, to do some Christmas retail shopping and for a second valued opinion on the things that I’d be choosing. We do practically everything together so, she was the perfect person to shop with. Well, I prepared a small list and hopped online for a little inspiration. You can find yours too, here. Or add your own pictures to the mosaic and inspire others!

I made my way through Sears and searched for the Seasonal section and when I got there, I was even more excited to get started. It was a Christmas utopia right before my eyes.

Aisles and aisles of decorations, trees, wreaths, lights and so much more!

One thing on my list was to seek out and check out Ty Pennington’s collection that Sears offers and I planned on going for an electric blue and silver theme but, Ty’s Style Collection is so popular that they didn’t have this color in particular. I could see why there were all gone, you can get 6 Ornaments for $12.99.

So, my sister and I slowly combed through the aisles of all the Christmas spirit inducing goodness and I searched for what will be my new theme for my tree this year.

It was kind of difficult to choose because they had such a large selection, the prices were amazing too. I snagged quite a few things and I am happy to report that I did get most of Ty Pennington’s Collection and chose a color that I am so happy with! I am happy to say that I will get many, many years of use from these.

A great observation, ALL OVER Sears and including their Christmas Shop, there were red ticket SALE signs everywhere you looked! Which can be a good thing for me but, a bad thing for Hubby! J/K!

But, there were lots of things that were definitely tempting.

What Did I Buy?

Lots of goodies! 

Overall, Sears has great deals to offer and definitely great quality Christmas decoration to suit anyone’s tree trimming needs. There are all types of decorations that can suit any budget as well.  So, it’s very well rounded. I am even going back this weekend to purchase a party dress for my Birthday dinner since they have great sales on pretty much EVERYTHING in the store. During my visit, my sister and I kind of splurged on buying clothes too. They have so many designer collections at great prices too.

So, if you didn’t consider Sears before, it’s definitely a place you want to revisit!

Well, do you guys want to see what they have to offer?

Visit me over at Google+ and check out my entire shopping trip in pictures! Visit ‘Nancy’s Sears Shopping Trip’ and let me know what you think!

In the meantime, STAY TUNED!  I will be posting my results when I put up the tree and we adorn it with all my Sears purchases!

Til then, cheers m’deres!

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own and have not in any way been influenced. #CBias

Living a greener life is something that I strive for.

Though I may not be where I want to be–I take baby steps whenever and wherever I can. With the holidays coming up, it’s ridiculously easy to become wasteful. It is one of the most excessive holidays of the year but, if you make some small changes, you can do your part and have a Green Christmas this year.

Did you know that according to Recycle Works, every year there is an estimated 2.65 million cards sold and if we all sent ONE less that we can reduce 50, 000 cubic yards of paper? And that if we all reused 2ft of ribbon each year that would amount to 38, 000 miles of ribbon, enough ribbon to tie a bow around Planet Earth?

Oh, Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree–all 50 million purchased each year, 30 million end up in a landfill. Knowing all this, how do you celebrate without feeling like you are losing out this holiday season?

Christmas can still be extravagant without the waste! After all the material things, it’s the time spent together that is remembered for always.

10 Tips on Having a Green Christmas:

1. Buy Less.

Now this is a hard one for a lot of people but, over the years I’ve definitely have bought less and less. If you see the picture above, you can see that a few years ago, I was definitely buying things that my daughter didn’t need and yes that can be wasteful and on top of that, so many other things. Like teaching appreciation. But, that’s for another time to discuss. Also, in sake of a little justification, at the time she was an only child and got spoiled rotten.

Doesn’t change anything, I know.

If you buy less, you definitely lessen your carbon footprint by less material, less emissions for travel and so much more. Buy what you need, not want. What I’ve done for the last two years was buy 1 or 2 bigger, useful things that I know my daughter wants and will use for a long time.Also, gifts that I know I can pass along once she outgrows it.

For my littlest, I only buy clothes and things she needs for everyday life, her sister has enough toys that she can share. So, I have dramatically reduced what I buy each year and I’m also teaching her to value the things she does get, which is something that is beyond rewarding.

This year, Hubby and I are going for more of an experience gift to each other and we are getting away for a couple days. Take someone out for dinner, tickets to a show–experiences don’t end up in the landfill.

2. Make Gifts.

Not only is this much more meaningful because of the time spent making it, you can also reuse materials to make beautiful gifts. If you are going to buy gifts, choose ones that are made out of recycled materials. Choose battery-free gifts if possible and even though rechargeable batteries often end up in the landfill too, I’d opt for using rechargeable if you must.

Bake them a gift. No one can resist a delicious baked good every so often and especially during the holiday season, just be mindful of allergies. I often bake fresh cookies and put them on a festive plate that I know will get plenty of use!

3. Play Secret Santa.

This goes back to Tip #1 in the rule of buying less. Instead of buying 20 different gifts for your family, instead, get together and put all your names in a hat. Pick a name and buy a environmentally friendly (if it’s within your means) or a gift you know they will get years of use from your Secret Santa. Or make a nice thoughtful gift for one person. This is a great time to give your Secret Santa an experience rather than a physical gift. That way everyone gets a great gift and essentially you’ve all bought less and not to mention, spent less.

Which is great for everyone!

4. Re-gift.

No, it’s not taboo. At least not to me, if you were given something and it’s something you will never use and have never opened–why not? Especially if you know that the person will use it and it’s a great gift. It’s the thought behind it after all. Often times, I let them know that I was given it previously but, thought of them and knew they’d LOVE it and get tons of use from it.

But, do re-gift responsibly!

5. Light It Up.

If you are using lights indoors as well as outdoors, make sure you opt for LED lights that use less energy. Make sure to turn your lights off when you go to sleep at night, no one is up to enjoy them anyways. In fact, they are less of a fire hazard, though always be mindful and don’t use the lights if you aren’t around. Mini-lights also use less energy and are a good option.

6. Oh, Tannenbaum!

When choosing your Christmas tree, opt for a natural tree, preferably a potted one. You can often keep them around for a few years when they are potted or choose to replant them in your yard at some point. If you are going to use an artificial tree, know that there were carbons emitted in making them but, you do get many years out of them. Once they lose their attraction, make sure you recycle them, since they are made of twisted wire mostly, they are recyclable.

Remember, as aforementioned–30 million artificial trees end up in the landfills.

7. Wrap Thoughtfully.

If you receive gifts, save the bows and ribbons, gift bags or wrap to reuse. If you can reuse them, do so. Choose environmentally friendly wrapping paper that is often made of bamboo or hemp. Foiled paper is something to be avoided as it is harder to break down or recycle. A great way to wrap a unique gift is to use newspaper. The Saturday cartoons make for an excellent and nostalgic wrap. Once they are done they can just throw them in the recycling bin! Every year about 4 TONS of wrapping paper and gift bags end up in the trash, so when wrapping–do it thoughtfully for the receiver and the world they live in.

8. To Snail Mail or To Not?

If you must send Christmas cards, I know that I always do. Choose ones printed on recycled paper or choose an environmentally-conscious printing company that is FSC certified, which signifies that the materials used are sourced using the chain of custody for responsible forest management. My friends at Elephoto (pictured above), do just that and have amazing cards. But, if you want to forego it altogether and reduce all waste, opt for electrical cards via the internet.

Though, in my opinion, I think snail mail is a thoughtful way to wish someone a Merry Christmas and definitely a great alternative to getting bills.

Don’t know what to do with all the Christmas cards you receive? Use crimped scissors and make gift tags for next year! You can also recycle all wrapping paper and cards that don’t contain all the glittery stuff or foil.

9. Recycle Those “OLD” Electronics.

Most people have the newest and most popular phones on their wish-lists as well as appliances. Make sure to purchase Energy Star appliances and to recycle your old phones. Did you know that about 10-15% of all phones are recycled? Most cities have electronics recycling programs and they will recycle all your electronics that you no longer use or have become obsolete to re-gift. I know that Best Buy actually has a place to drop off old phones to recycle.

10. Eat Less.

I know it’s the season to eat, drink and be merry! And by all means, do! But, it’s estimated that each person wastes about 100 pounds of edible food each year during the holidays. Don’t make more food than you actually need and if you don’t have a compost, it’s a great time to start! You can add all the scraps and come the new year you will have rich and nutritious compost to use in your garden.

Last but, not least!

Enjoy yourself and take advantage of the time you spend with loved ones. It’s easy to take so many things for granted but, one of the most rewarding gifts is time spent. It’s a wonderful time of the year to enjoy one another and to give meaningful gifts and you can do this all while still taking care of the planet we live in.

So, I’m dreaming of a Green and White Christmas! What do you do to lessen your waste during the holidays?

Share your tips, til then cheers m’deres!

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

That’s what hangs on the wall of the lab that I go to once or twice a week to get my blood tested. I have seen my fair share of labs, doctor’s offices and specialist’s rooms in the last few months than I have my entire life.

I chuckled and thought that saying was pretty amazing.

Confucius was a bright guy indeed.

If more people did this, the world would be a much better place.

Often times, people forget their humanity. They forget that they, too, are fragile beings that in an instant could have their lives changed forever.

Sympathy is lost, empathy ceases to exist and everything is taken for granted.

Things we take for granted every single day.

The simple act of breathing.

For me, breathing hurt, I simply couldn’t.

I think of all those who are out there and who fight their bodies everyday to survive.

I think about all the people out there who don’t have what I have.

The holiday season is around the corner and this is often times when the majority of us feel “charitable” or remember to be. Which is fine because any help goes a long way. But, I think that if you extend your kindness every day of the year to those people you come across every single day, it can do wonders.

No monetary value needed–a smile, holding the door for someone, giving up your seat on the bus or subway for someone who needs it and most of all patience.

You never know what battle others are fighting in order to wake up every single day and face the day.

I think that what I have been through has changed my perspective on many things, this being one of them. Whenever I have a bad day, I thank God that I am still here to experience it.

Even if everything seems to go wrong, I’m still here.

Random acts of kindness can do so much for people who are fighting to be here.

So, for 365 days each year, wherever you go–go with all your heart.

Til then, cheers m’deres!

Ahh, my Michael…

It’s been two years since the passing of THE greatest artist to have ever lived.

He left this world, in fact– he was taken.

If you know me, you know that I am a HUGE fan of Michael Jackson. Ever since childhood, I had his posters and you could find me trying to do the moonwalk or dancing to Thriller or Beat It. Hubby is convinced that had I gone to his concerts, I’d be one of those crazies getting carried off after having passed out in a hysterical sobbing craze.

And…

He’s probably right.

So, though the world didn’t get to see what would have been the greatest show that would have set the bar, I am still truly, truly saddened that he is no longer here. It just doesn’t seem right, the world isn’t the same without MJ.

YUUP.

Not only because of his musical talent but, because though many people criticized and prosecuted him–he was a beautiful man who cared about this world and our common man.

He changed the world–he gave selflessly and he cared about or dying world. He inspired me to look at the person in the mirror, corny as it may be, and to make that change starting with myself.

In many ways.

In building a better future, down to doing my part to help replenish the planet.

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.”

“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.”

So today, I honor the King of Pop and the man–Michael Jackson.

He is always in my heart because he touched my life and he is forever immortal. My kids love him as much as I do, okay, maybe not that much. LOL. But, they know his music and I know that they will love him for many more years to come. Gabriella loves playing his game on the Wii, while Michaela loves to watch, “This Is It.”

His music has touched so many people in ways that are beyond the imaginable.

Are you an MJ fan or is he not your cup of tea? Don’t worry, I won’t be mad! I promise!

Maybe. :P

Do you remember where you were when the news of his passing inundated our tv screens, sound waves and time lines?

I was at work and a few of my friends texted me offering their condolences, yes, I know that’s sad! But, OMG! I went straight to Google and dishearteningly, the news was true.

Where were you?

Let me know!

Til then, cheers m’deres!

-NPC

I’ve always said that it takes a great and special kind of man to father a child. It is easy to make a child but, it’s a journey and hard work to raise them.

Today and everyday, I honor the love of my life. The man who has been there through the sleepless nights, who’s changed diapers, scared away the monsters, and cheered at the sidelines for ballet and soccer and who’s been the greatest pillar of support to his three ladies.

I can honestly say that I am a VERY blessed and lucky woman to call Darasak my partner. That is exactly what we are, partners. He’s been there to pick me up whenever I was down, to support me in every single journey I ventured on and he helps me on the daily to keep our household afloat. He is my inspiration to always do better, to push that much harder and the strength that I need to make it through rough days.

I could NOT do it without him.

If it’s making us dinner, helping me with laundry or just providing the right words at the right times–you name it…

He’s super dad.

A little girl needs her daddy to love her with manly charm,

To soothe her when she’s hurt and keep her safe from harm.

 

A girl needs her dad to show her a man who’s good.

To help her make the right choices, as only a father could.

 

I’m so proud of him, he’s a hard worker, a dutiful, affectionate father and husband.

So, Darasak– Happy Father’s Day my love, you deserve the world and know that every time you reach for the stars, I’m right there with you. I love you more and more each day and when I see you with our girls, I love you in so many more different ways.

You are amazing and the best man I’ve ever known besides my own dad!

Thank-you for being there for both our girls, to help them grow, to teach them new things and for all the patience that you have with all of us.

Most especially, thank-you for being my best friend and for allowing me to bear the best titles I could ever have, mother and wife.

We all love you so much!

To my own father, who has ALWAYS been there for me without fail, through the hard times and through the best times. I love him more than words can ever express. I’m sorry for causing him trouble because I know I have, I thank him for loving me despite it. I’m blessed to have him and my mom and my girls are blessed to have such doting and devoted grandparents. Though my mother doesn’t celebrate, today is her birthday as well, I’m blessed to have another year with her too!

To all the fathers out there, who take care of their children and stand behind the title, I wish you the happiest of all days. A day filled with love and happiness and hopefully a little relaxation and pampering too. You deserve it, not only today–but, everyday! For all the mothers out there who bear both titles and take care of their children alone, I commend you and I wish you a very happy day today too!

Make sure to appreciate every moment you have with your family, appreciate every single day.

Happy Father’s Day!

-NPC

Jenn is one of my best friends, she is a caring mother and a wonderful wife to Reginald. Most definitely a best friend that I can always count on. One of the things I can say for certain is that she adores her children and they are her top priority.

Here is her experience with breastfeeding…

“Even listening to a nursing mother talk about nursing makes me all emotional.”

I miss nursing my children so very much, it in fact bring tears to my eyes. Sometimes at the most randoms times of the day. More specifically, I miss nursing my youngest, seeing how I nursed him for 20 months. In comparision to my daughter whom I nursed for 5 months.  However, the duration of how long I nursed Vaeh was not by choice and I did have very intense emotions during my nursing period with her. I think the fact that I was pregnant and sick with hyperemesis detached me a little bit from the entire nursing experience.

If you’re not too familiar with what that is, according to a Wikipedia definition: hyperemesis is a severe form of morning sickness, with “unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids.”^[1] Hyperemesis is considered a rare complication of pregnancy but, because nausea and vomiting during pregnancy exist on a continuum, there is often not a good diagnosis between common morning sickness and hyperemesis. Estimates of the percentage of pregnant women afflicted range from 0.3% to 2.0%.

I am so grateful that I was blessed with just one more opportunity to experience the beauty of nursing through my own breast to nourish my beautiful bundle of joy and that the duration of our experience was able to be at such a great length. I know that it could have possibly went longer but we both decided to wean from one another. I did experience all of the pain associated with weaning, though it was NOT abrupt it was still painful. So the different tips mentioned in Whispered Inspirations’ post,  I actually had to use,  in fact I had different tricks I used in addition to those.

Nevaeh at 5 months old.

When I found out I was pregnant I had a wide array of emotions, mostly joy and fear all at the same time. I was newly married and simply did not feel I was ready to be a mom yet, but I had to be! Soon after I found out I was expecting I began what is commonly known as “morning sickness”. However, I simply couldn’t understand who invented that name because it was morning, noon, and night. Not too long after my “morning sickness” became very agressive, to the point of having to go from full-time to part-time at my job. It got so bad that my doctor completely took me off work all together for the remainder of the pregnancy, due to the hyperemesis. I was getting sick so often that I began losing weight at a rapid rate, causing great concern for my OBGYN. On a good day I got sick approximately 14-20 times in one day, on a bad day it was closer to 25-30 times in a day. My head was always hovered over a toilet or bucket. I could not eat ANYTHING or drink ANYTHING without getting sick. I would even get sick from the prenatals so I stopped taking them. After trying medication after medication to attempt controlling this nothing deemed effective.

At this point I was around 7 months pregnant and 65 lbs lighter than when I found out I was expecting. Then after an appointment with my OB and just one step away from a PIC line, I was prescribed with a dissoluble tablet called Zofran. After researching the medication (It is safe during pregnancy, and is usually prescribed to people going through chemo). Within minutes of taking this I had no nausea at all. Not that the hyperemisis had gone away, I was simply able to control it effectively. The moment I felt nausea I popped a pill on my tongue, it dissolved and I was good to go minutes later. The remainder of my pregnancy was now bearable and I was able to enjoy my last few weeks before I beautiful first born was delivered into this world. I knew I would NEVER go through this ever again. My body was just not digging the whole pregnancy thing. LOL. I was simply happy I was blessed to finish the pregnancy and that she was born healthy and happy. While enjoying our 2 month old infant, loving being parents and having our world turned upside down…

We found out we would be doing it ALL OVER AGAIN!

AHHHHHH, I like to have died when my pregnancy test read POSITIVE+ OMG!

No way was I pregnant again! I think I cried for a week, and then snapped into the reality of “its real so get used to it”. Of course the hyperemisis came back. However did not last the entire pregnancy this time because my OB and I already knew how to control it. It lasted until I was 6 months pregnant and then I enjoyed the remainder of the pregnancy and my infant daughter. Soon after our son came into the world and I was the happiest mother on the planet.

So, my greatest suggestion, if you are suffering with hyperemesis is consult your doctor and inquire about Zofran and also research it for yourself. For me it got to the point that I was popping them like candy, but it controlled it wonderfully. I was able to eat what I wanted and keep it down. In my second pregnancy I rarely was over the toilet because the moment I felt nauseated I took a Zofran pill and was good to go!

Nathaniel at 20 months.

With my first child I began breastfeeding moments after she was born. It did take a couple of days for my milk to come in, but I was determined to nurse. She was in NICU (for a mild case of Jaundice), so I had to pump my colostrum and the nurses gave it to her in a bottle. I was able to nurse her from time to time but she couldn’t come out from under the lights often. So I had to make it work. One thing I did request was to co-sleep with her in the hospital so that we could be together. Thankfully they agreed and put us in a “nesting room”. They wheeled in the portable lights and I continued to pump so that she could still be nourished by mommy’s milk. After 3 days under the lights the jaundice was gone and we were able to go home. Nursing was going great with some wonderful support by my lactation consultant (highly recommended for first time moms).

After 2 months of nursing and bonding I found out I was pregnant again. Unfortunately due to my hyperemesis it was suggested by my OB at 3 months pregnant that I should consider weaning my daughter from the breast to formula because my new growing child inside of me would be taking most of the nutrients from within me and what was left would be needed for my own health. I was so very sad and disappointed in myself that I could no longer nurse. I knew and was familiar with women that nursed throughout an entire pregnancy, however I had to come to understand that they did not have hyperemesis. So the weaning began, after only 4 days of offering the bottle to my daughter she was fully weaned. She accepted the bottle fairly easily after maybe one day. I would say the first day was the worst, she cried, I cried. It was just great big crying fest. But it got easier and once she was happy–I was happy. Juggling an infant and a pregnancy at the same time was trying at times. But I loved every moment of it. I was so used to being able to sleep when I was tired or relax if I was drained. But I had a curious, beautiful, active baby that I had to give my attention to and forget about myself. Changing diapers on my belly, rocking her to sleep on my belly all while her brother was trying to push her off from the inside.

Surprisingly at 8 months pregnant, I began lactating and was able to hand express entire 8oz bottles. After consulting my OB, she said my body was just confused and wasn’t sure if I was pregnant or post-pregnant. So I just went with the flow, it came it went, it was what it was.

Once my son came out, again it was somewhat difficult to nurse him because he too was in the NICU after birth. However his duration was longer (10 days). I pumped, pumped, pumped with everything I had. Thanks to my heavy duty industrial strength Ameda Elite Dual Breast Pump, I was able to pump TWO 8-ounce bottles within 5 minutes. Anything other than this I may not have been able to handle, because I had a highly demanding 12 month old child that was desiring her mommy and didn’t care about my pumping needs for her brother at the hospital. Both of our children were born at U of M (I am Canadian/American or DUAL but married an American and moved to Michigan after marriage.) I love, love, LOVE the University of Michigan Mott’s hospital.

At one point our son came home, only to have them send us back to ER because his jaundice levels had gone dangerously high, and were threatening a blood transfusion. Due to the fact he had been discharged from NICU they admitted us into the Ped’s wing, where mommy, daddy and baby were able to stay for a few days until he got better. All the while I was still pumping and determined to nurse not matter what. Finally we were able to come home. Nursing was somewhat tricky at the beginning but soon after he got it. It was very painful for me because he had gotten use to a plastic nipple, however my nipple was not so durable. LOL.

But again I was determined. Gratefully, I can say my son just recently weaned and ended up nursing for around 20 months. Weaning for us was very easy once he was ready he just stopped wanting it on his own. He was a very picky eater and had a few allergies that limited him with what he could eat. I had tried weaning earlier but he did not like cow’s milk at all. Had he been a good eater and liked milk other than my own I may have weaned him earlier, but I just could not bring myself to force him to wean. Sure I got the rude comment, the stares, the opinions, but none of them mattered to me. I loved my nursing experience with both of my children, however very different between the both I enjoyed them nevertheless…

I do miss it, but I know the bonding never ends. Though I do love when my son climbs up to me and just rests his head on my chest like, “I miss our time mommy…”

I do shed a tear from time to time.

Hehe.

Ultimately, this experience has caused me to have a new outlook on the many experiences that us mothers enjoy with our little ones. I have also found a new sense of passion for lactation support. Due to the length and and multiple times of nursing, I have been able to be of support to countless family members and friends, simply thanks to my own experiences in life. I have acquired countless pieces of lactation supplies and equipment and have actually considered making a career out of it sometime in the future once I finish my degree in Education.

My passion for breastfeeding is beyond just the actual nipple in mouth, it is a sense of nourishing to the best of my ability far beyond the act of nursing. The bond that my son and I share is simply AMAZING! The way he climbs up on my chest just to fall asleep, the way he looks at me when he needs ANYTHING, I already know what it is.

The bond a mother has with her breastfed child goes far beyond words. However, if I was forced to put this into words it would simply be…

~~~~~~~~~~~BEAUTIFUL~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Jennifer Day

Disclaimer: Jennifer is not a medical expert, so any medical information mentioned in her article is simply Jennifer sharing her story. I highly recommend that you speak to your physician before changing anything involving your health.

I’m planning to do a lot of things this year and one that most people would never expect is to finish getting inked.

I know.

It’s a stigma. I’m tattooed but, I’m not a criminal, gang member, prostitute or a sailor (that one makes me laugh) and no, I didn’t get them done by my cell mate in jail. LOL!

On the other hand, I am a young mother, soccer mom and a working member of society with no criminal record and live in a quiet, small family neighborhood.

Hehe. ;)

Well, my tattoos are all in inconspicuous places and are only visible if I choose to show them.

For one, my family isn’t too fond of them, in fact, nobody in my family has any. Like, at all and have never considered getting one. My mother especially. I actually hid my first one from her up until she was helping me get ready to go to the hospital when I was in labor with Gabriella. I got my first one when I was 17, so I concealed it well for quite a few years. I’d say it was more out of respect and I didn’t want to disappoint her. She’s very religious and I understand the whole, “your body is a temple” scripture.

But, when it came down to it, it was my choice.

So why permanently mark my body?

I know the typical answer is expression.

And that is partially true.

For me, to be completely honest, it is an expression of what I’ve been through and more so closure. Each piece that I have means something to me.

I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.

Wanna see them?

This is placed below my collar-bone and over my heart.

Well, I’ll start off with the singles. I got this one in ’06. It’s a tribal heart with my eldest’s name, Gabriella, placed over my heart. At this point, I had no idea if I wanted to have more kids and I was graduating college to enter into the workforce. I thought it was just going to be my little Peanut. To be honest, this is the only one that I’m not happy with. I adore the name it is beautiful and especially in significance, but I don’t like how the heart turned out.

Hubby and I got our wrists forever etched with each other’s names in ’07 I believe. His on the left and mine on my right, so when we hold hands they’d face each other. Yes, if you haven’t noticed yet, I’m a die-hard romantic and a big sap and I am THAT certain and confident of our relationship.

Now my back is a work in progress, hence that is one of my goals this year. To finish my back.

This is where I carry my past, behind me. There are a few tattoos I had prior which have been worked into the back piece. My first tattoo was the cliché Japanese symbol, though typical, it meant a lot. My adolescence was a battle and only strength got me through. Hence the ‘strength’ kanji. I also heart the Japanese culture very much and you will notice that Hubby and I’s tats are Jap-inspired.

The koi fish represents perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. It is also a Japanese legend that if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls of a river it would be transformed into a dragon, which the dragon is a symbol of aspiration. It also stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.

Just as humans “swim” through the “ocean of suffering” without fear just like the koi swims through the water represents courage. In Japanese there is another word to describe love and that is koi, its is the love for the opposite sex or a specific person. A strong, passionate and romantic love. It also represents good fortune.

The pink cherry blossoms also have significance, if you know anything about them they are absolutely gorgeous (they are one of my favorite flowers) and smell otherworldly, however they do bloom for a short time before they fall to the ground. To me, it is a reminder that life is not forever–it is transitory and we are only here for a short time. As delicate as this flower is that’s how delicate life is and it should be lived to the fullest.

I decided to make my koi a female to represent me and wrap the whole piece around my strength kanji and best of all, Hubby drew it for me. The other writing is in Thai and I always leave people guessing as to what it means.

Now the big piece that I added to my back is a Phoenix which Hubby also drew out.

This was taken right after I had gotten home from getting it done. This was in '07.

It’s still a work in progress and I need to finish the tail, which is quite a piece itself. I also need to get it retouched and the lines fixed. If you look closely, you’ll know what I mean.

So, why the Phoenix?

A little background first, it’s a mythological creature that is said to live for 500 years. Once it grows tired, it builds a nest of aromatic twigs and sets itself on fire. Three days later it rises from its ashes anew. The flight of the Phoenix represents rebirth, grace and virtue.

In essence, it is a representation of what I experienced in my life and it’s a long story. Hurt, suffering and pain… Until I grew tired and decided it was time to be “born again” and now I am flying free.  With makeshift plumes and feathers of fiery orange and red, made anew to start a new life and navigate through it with grace and virtue and leaving everything that happened behind me and in the past.

Now a question that I get asked often is did it hurt?

My answer is kind of hard to understand. Yes and no. The Phoenix piece actually took about a 3.5 hour sitting with no breaks, I found that the outline is least painful and the shading over shading is what hurts (and bleeds) more. I also find the after care actually hurt me more than the tattoo itself.

Lotion stings!

So yes, it hurts, but I seem to have a high threshold for pain and I just sat there really. It’s also a lot of mind over matter too. Actually almost ALL of it is and how much you are willing to handle.

It was funny actually, a guy was in the shop waiting for his appointment and he’s like “Holy sh*t, I got my back done and I was screaming the whole time, how the hell are you just taking it?” I just smiled and said, “I don’t know.” Actually all my tattoos didn’t really hurt for some reason. Thick skin? Hahaha! I don’t know.

I scheduled my next appointment and summer got in the way and then time passed and I kept rescheduling and 2 years went by. Then we decided to have another baby. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and time really hasn’t allowed me to finish getting inked but it’s on the agenda for this year. That is if Mimi isn’t still breastfeeding. I started this piece in ’07 and I think it’s time to finish what I started.

This is also on Hubby’s agenda, he has a whole sleeve and is planning on finishing it. Also, adding a half a sleeve to his other arm which is also half-finished. I think he plans on doing his back and the girl’s names too. Not sure. He drew them out himself too.

Here’s his.

Buddha and my name... Awww.

Being tattooed comes with a huge stigma, but in the end–it comes down to personal choice and for whatever personal reason a person may get one is always different. No matter how silly, most times, it means a lot to a person.

I don’t show them off all the time, not because of how I’m viewed. I really don’t care,  but I know when it’s appropriate to do so. That often goes with the venue’s attire actually. A place that is formal requires appropriate clothing, not a tube top. Also, shawls are super awesome. I do get stares but, I also get more compliments and a lot of questions from people who I never expect. They tell me that they are thinking of getting tattooed and have a ton of questions and of course want to see my tattoos. I honestly don’t think it’s that much, some people are covered.

Most people at work don’t know I have tattoos (they do now if they see this and some already saw them peeking through my scrubs and have asked to see them all. LOL) and some days, I simply forget I have them to be honest. It’s something I carry with me and when I choose to share them– I do. To me it’s not a big deal and yes, there is a lifestyle association but thing is, if I hadn’t told you, you would never know.

Hehe.

Now I have a question for you guys, has your opinion changed of me because you know that I have all these tattoos? (I can take it!) Do you guys have any of your own? Willing to share what they are? Have you passed judgment on people because of them? Let me know!

Til then, cheers m’deres!

-NPC

With the holidays starting to wind down and life slowly getting back to normal, I can’t help but be grateful for such a blessed holiday with my children, husband and family.

Not just the holidays but another beautiful year full of memories, love and new experiences.

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Christmas though, ours was great. Best part of it all was the mere relaxation and the possibility to do so with the ones we love.

Gabs enjoyed her gifts and received a Nintendo DS, Zhu-Zhu pets to name a few things and Mimi got tons of clothes! Though Gabs was happier with a drawing pad my Dad got her and Mimi was happier with the bag her clothes came in. Can’t say I blame her, Rudolph on the bag had a fuzzy nose!

I guess I was on the nice list this year and I got more than I could have ever asked for. I was lucky enough to be given the gift to capture and immortalize our family memories with a brand new camera (the Canon Rebel T2i that I’ve wanted for a while) and the gift of never getting lost again with my TomTom. I’m bad for that and have a terrible sense of orientation.

Well, I’m still over the moon.

My birthday and Christmas were very memorable, I can’t help but gush over Hubby for always making it special. Though the material things do not matter, I’m grateful for everything and truly appreciate the thought behind everything that my Husband and Gabriella do for me. I can only wish that I make my family as happy as they make me. As well as all the Birthday wishes, sure makes a girl feel special. So, thank-you everyone for the Twitter/FB/texts!

It’s the smallest things that don’t cost a thing that make life worthwhile.

Like seeing my baby girl feel so proud of herself after her Christmas concert and while showing me her artwork hung on the hallway of her school.

Proud of her drawing in the hallway.

It’s seeing their smiles when we enjoy a meal and good conversations together. Sharing stories and experiences and taking time to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.

It’s making memories together.

Gabriella decorating cookies.

The finished product and masterpiece of Gabs & Daddy.

Most importantly, it’s about family. Loving each other no matter what and understanding one another and appreciating every single moment.

 Well, the year is almost at end. I’m a year older, a year wiser and forever appreciating the gift of life.

This year, again, I’ve learned what it takes to be a mother, a wife, a sister and a best friend. I’ve learned about marriage and friendship and what hard work really is.

I was blessed this year to once again be called Mommy, not to just one but now to two little angels. That is definitely a memory that is forever etched in my heart and mind.

The thing about getting older is the immense experiences that we gather along the way. The trials and tribulations that we suffer, the obstacles that we conquer and the successes we celebrate. The knowledge that we learn through ourselves or of that of others.

That every day is an opportunity.

This time of year, everyone gets to thinking of New Year’s resolutions and that is absolutely great if you do and even better if you keep them. Did I keep last year’s “resolution“?

In all reality, it wasn’t really a resolution but doggone it, I think I kept whatever it was! LOL. I managed to always stay positive (with help from Hubby of course) and to count my blessings and always be grateful for them.

Most importantly, I didn’t allow anyone or anything get me down.

I truly am thankful for every single day that I am blessed to wake up to my kids who brighten up my day no matter what, to have my parents healthy, siblings who are ALWAYS there for me and to have my own health. Also, to have a husband that loves me and respects me and makes me feel like I’m a queen.

As always, friends that I can always count on.

We did a lot of travelling like I anticipated and we welcomed our little girl into the world. Gabriella started Grade 1, ahhh–so many great memories– there were also a few obstacles but, we managed to conquer them with support– so yes, 2010 was very good to us.

Well…

My resolution this year is to make a list of short-term goals and to allow myself flexibility in achieving them. There are lots of things that I want to work on and realistically the best way to achieve them is to work at them one at a time.

To name a few:

• Fitness (not a ridiculous goal)
• Not dealing with ppl’s BS. (Too blessed to be stressed)
• Revamping my blog. (It SOO needs a face-lift)
• Modding Hubby & I’s project cars. (Yes, we’re slightly weird, but you love us anyway)
• Learn to crochet. (I’ve always wanted to.)

There are tons more and I’m sure it’ll grow as the year progresses.

What are you grateful for this year? Are you making a New Years Resolution? If so, care to share? Either way, best of luck in achieving it and accomplishing it, we are all capable at what we set our sights on.

Always.

So, while I say good-bye to 2010– I wish you all a very healthy and prosperous New Year.

Happy New Year & Best Wishes!

Cheers m’deres!