Ugh...I fall behind!

But still, my husband rocks!

This week has been a tough one for our family. There have been stresses and a crying baby.

Yet, Mike supports me and helps take care of the baby when she cries and I am eating. I am truly blessed.

Mike Rocks!

Mike rocks completely.

Last night (well, really this morning...), when N decided that night time was a better time for screaming at the top of her lungs than sleeping, Mike sat up with me.

I was starting to become very frustrated. I was half asleep, with a screaming baby, and extremely tired.

Mike sat next to me, rubbing my back. While it wasn't much, it was enough to give me strength to make it through the night without loosing my head.

Thank you Love!

Life Simplified: The Joys of Lavender

I am a naturalist. If I can do something naturally before trying medications, I will. If I can make it on my own before buying it, I will. I enjoy trying things more naturally first. Obviously, the Good Lord gave us the items we need to live a healthy life, so we should use them before turning to man-made chemicals.

So, this week, I'll talk about lavender.

I tend to change my sheets weekly. But, sometimes the sheets need a little pick-me-up in between changes. So, I decided to make my own linen spray.

The recipe I use is found at Apartment Therapy.

It's:

• 1 tsp. lavender essential oil (I didn't have lavender, so I used a lavender mixture)
• 1/4 c. unflavored vodka (to keep the oil and water from separating)
• 3 1/2 c. distilled water (or else it will turn yellow...gross!)

Mix the ingredients together and voila! Put into a spray bottle. Gently shake before each use. You can leave out the vodka, just remember to shake REALLY WELL before each use.

Lavender is good for a whole host of things!
I like growing my own lavender. But it has to be grown outside. It doesn't do well inside.

But, some other things lavender is good for are:

1. Flea repellent-Place a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pet's collar. Adult fleas do not like the taste as it will spread to the pet's body and will not stick around.
   
2. Cooking and baking-Lavender can be used like mint, sage thyme. You can use it as an herb (duh!) in cooking or add it to jams, cookies, custards and salads. It adds color and a great flavor. NOTE: DO NOT DRINK LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL! ONLY CONSUME FRESH OR DRIED LAVENDER PLANTS. THE LEAVES, THE BUDS AND THE FLOWERS ARE ALL EDIBLE.
3. Relaxation-Place a few drops of lavender essential oil or a hand full of dried lavender buds into a hot bath to help relax the body. Or, make a bath salt using the oil and add to the tub.
   
4. Mood enhancer-Take a few deep breathes of crushed lavender to calm nerves and promote a sense of peace.
   
5. Soothing tea-Steep a hand full of lavender buds (fresh or dried) in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool before drinking. This helps calm an upset stomach, reduces gas, settles nerves, reduces depression, relieves tension headaches and can help induce sleep. NOTE: DO NOT DRINK LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL! ONLY CONSUME FRESH OR DRIED LAVENDER PLANTS. THE LEAVES, THE BUDS AND THE FLOWERS ARE ALL EDIBLE.
6. Sleep Aid-Make the tea above, or spray your sheets with the linen spray to help yourself unwind at the end of the day. Remember to take a few deep breathes to get the scent into your body.
   
7. Anti-septic-Lavender is a great germ-killer. Place a few drops of lavender essential oil onto bug bites, stings, cuts and scrapes to prevent infections.
   
8. Anti-dandruff hair rinse-Make the tea above, but let it cool, and rinse your hair with the tea to help reduce dandruff.
9. Sunburn soother-Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a spray bottle of water and mist onto sunburnt skin to soothe the burn.
10. Dryer sheet replacement-Put a hand full of dried lavender buds into a sachet made of cheesecloth and place in the dryer to freshen clothes. Each sachet can be used up to 25 times.

On a final note: Lavender has not been clinically tested, so claims that it helps with ailments are not backed by the FDA. While there have been no reported interactions between lavender and medications, if you are planning to use lavender as a supplement any medications you are on, please speak with your doctor first!

All images found on Google Images.

MHR Sunday...I guess...

I've not been on the ball. I'm too busy holding a precious little baby girl. And feeding her and changing her diaper.

But, Mike rocks nonetheless. He rocks because he's understanding and loving when I have accidents. Doesn't matter (usually) what it is...spilled milk, broken glass, whatever.

And I completely love him!

I guess time always marches on...

My little girl...she's 9 days old today. I need to do newborn pictures tomorrow. I need her daddy's help. It's hard to take photos of a newborn with now one there to help...

But, anyway...about time. It marches on endlessly. My baby should not be going through changes already. NO WAY! She's too little! Already these changes occur. Changes like:

1. She stays awake for about 2 hours at a shot!
   
2. She focuses on my face for the longest time!
3. She's more hungry!
   
4. She can pick her head up (it's usually followed by pushing it down on my shoulder, looking for a meal...)!
5. Her poop stinks!
6. She smiles...unintentionally...I think!
7. She's grown!
8. She doesn't cry during diaper changes!
9. Her cord is starting to fall off!
10. Her burps are getting more like her daddy's...ok, and sometimes her mommy's!

I know she's only 9 days old, but come on! Where's my little baby going?! Can't she stay a tiny baby forever?

Ok, maybe I don't want a tiny baby forever...but it makes me sad to know that in time, she won't be a tiny baby anymore.

I missed MHRF...

...but for a very wonderful reason.

On Tuesday (6/29), my little girl was born! Norah Rae was born via c section at 9:13 pm and weighed 5 lbs. 15 oz. She was 18 in. long.

But Mike truly rocks because he's been so super supportive. He changes Little Girl's diapers, helps wherever he can, makes meals, and helps me walk up and down steps. He even gets up in the middle of the night with me when N cries!

I hope Mike knows just how much I love him!