The RIGHT Bread?

We eat sandwiches, and I do not (and will not) make my own bread. We eat enough bread that I need to be able to find what we use reasonably priced at my neighborhood shopping centers (not my special places)...which for me are Target and Shoprite.

Several years ago we converted to all 100% whole grains, and that's great...but now that new ingredients are coming to my attention, I realize that alone wasn't good enough. I always knew many WW breads had High Fructose Corn Syrup in them and I hated it, I just couldn't' seem to find one that didn't, so we lived with it.

I think I found our new bread... The back label is why I am so pleased....
It may not be the absolute best bread for us but it is certainly better than the other WW breads we used, and I found it at Target!!!!

What brand of bread do any of you think is best, or what ingredients do you focus on when choosing bread items (bagels, tortillas, etc.). Anyone have a better WW bagel than Thomas' mini(that's what we eat regularly)? They also have HfCS in them...so we opt for bread more than bagels but my boys love the mini bagels!

Sack or Swaddle?

When we had Krash 3 years ago, we had to swaddle him for many months. He wasn't a horribly difficult baby, but he definitely did better when we did certain things, certain ways-like swaddling. We used swaddlers and regular blankets to swaddle, like the one below (that's Krash when he was 1 month old)...

In prep for Ladybug, I ordered a Miracle Blanket off of Ebay, so we would be prepared! Krash used to break out of his swaddles with his crazy arms, and I heard the Miracle Blanket was perfect for solving this problem with it's genius arm flaps! Well, I LOVE the Miracle Blanket, but as with all things....it's NOT about ME!

Ladybug is 2 weeks old now, and we swaddled her until a few nights ago. She was sleeping restlessly and seemed to have tummy pains. We guessed it was because she was bound tightly and possibly she was one of the few newborns who preferred to sleep with legs bent and arms out. We were right! We put her in her sleep sack instead of the swaddle and she went from sleeping 2-2 1/2 hours to 3-3 1/2 hours during the night! She also seemed to have much less pain, she slept more peacefully.

We got her wonderful sleep sack from TJ Maxx- but you can find them all over the place. I love that this one is lightweight cotton on the outside and a thin Minky (really soft) on the inside. Perfect and snugly but not too heavy and hot.

Finally I found it (them)...

I love water bottles but I am VERY picky when it comes to finding one I really love. Actually, I haven't had one I really love in years. I finally found my water bottle true love and am SO happy! I knew I wanted to be sure to get a *safe* one and I knew Nalgene had changed over and made everything BPA free now, so I began looking. I didn't really want to spend $10 bucks on a bottle, but now I am SO glad I did, here's my wonderful new water bottle...

What do I love about it? It is large enough to get ice in easily when the top is off, it seals perfectly when closed, when open-the drinking part is big enough that I don't feel like I am getting just drops, and it is the perfect size (24 oz) for my taste!!!

Not only did I find my dream bottle, I found one for Pac Man (age 7) too! I broke down and got him a nice one and it is perfect. We put it in his Easter basket and since then he has drank SO much more water, and hardly asks for anything else now. Getting him a special bottle was certainly worth it! Krash is next, he's getting his new BPA free Cars aluminum bottle(got it at Target) for his 3rd bday in about 2 weeks! I also got a new skinny Brita Water Pitcher, to replace one we used to have that didn't work anymore, so we are all enjoying nice, clean, COLD water, without the waste and worry of bottled water. AND guess what, the box had a coupon for another Nalgene water bottle for 99 cents! When I logged on to get it, they did charge shipping so I paid about $4, which is less than half of retail!!! I got my filter at Target last week, in case anyone needs one and wants to look for the coupon!

What I Love About You...2 weeks

You are 2 weeks old today, and oh how I have LOVED these *bonus weeks* with you!!! Today was your scheduled delivery date and I am so thankful God allowed you to come a bit early, these 2 extra weeks with you have been so precious to me!

I love...

• the way you fold your top leg up and leave your bottom leg straight while nursing
• your many grunts, squeaks, and squeals...mostly while sleeping!
• your big beautiful eyes
• your long skinny feet and skinny legs
• the little curl in your hair right in the front
• the way you snuggle on my chest, with your legs all tightly folded up under you and your arms under your face and chest--you are a little ball of love
• the way you looked so tiny in Pop Pop's big hands...

Organic products at Shoprite!

I haven't been grocery shopping for months, my hubby picked up that duty full-time when I began hurting so badly during my pregnancy. I finally made it to Shoprite today (he was actually with me too), and I was pleasantly surprised to find a few new items in Shoprite's store brand that were ORGANIC!!!! In my effort to avoid GM ingredients, I was hoping to find some replacements for items that I KNOW contain GM ingredients. I was thrilled to find an organic Sesame Ginger salad dressing today!

After coming home, I searched and found this page, listing all organic products carried at Shoprite. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are great, but not at all convenient for weekly grocery shopping (theya re too far away from where we live), I am SO thrilled that Shoprite is jumping on board!

Currently we are able to get the following items organic AND reasonably priced from SR: milk, apples, celery, carrots, salad dressing, and yogurt. I will have to research prices on items from the rest of that list I linked to. Hopefully many of those things are nicely priced...we'll see!

How would I live without it?

I created a nursing basket when I had my 2nd baby (Krash) and with Ladybug I have updated to a new basket which I LOVE!!!! These are technically diaper baskets, but I use it as a nursing basket...keeping all of my regularly used supplies at hand for me while I am nursing her. I never know how long she will nurse so I try to have what I might need in the basket near me so I don't need to get up.

First, the basket itself is the: SaraBear Diaper Caddy (I got mine at Target)

What's in it?

• Avent Breast Pads
• All of my medications (and her vitamin drops)
• Telephone and tv remote
• Chapstick
• Pacifier
• Baby nail clippers (easy to do while she nurses)
• Itzbeen Timer
• Burp Cloth (made by my mom of course)
• Baby Organics Lotion (for her and me-I LOVE it...see link on sidebar)
• Baby Organics diaper cream
• Diapers, wipes
• My journal (where I record her feedings and such), pen
• Changing pad (also made by my mom)

This basket is much bigger than the one I used before, but I love it. Once I start being more active, it is something I can easily send Pac Man to get for me if I am nursing in a room other than where I keep it (currently my bedroom).

Ladybug's 1st Portraits

Our little princess turned 1 week old today! My how far she's come in just a week! And to think, she's not even supposed to be out of my belly yet...I am so thankful she is and SO enjoying every moment with her!

How would I live without it?

My list for these posts is already so long and my baby isn't even a week old yet!!! I am just so excited about some of the new things I have found for this baby!! With my boys, I never had a lullaby cd I really liked, but now it is different! I randomly ordered this cd before she came but I never opened it.


I knew I would probably like it, I had now idea how much I would LOVE IT!!! Sing Over Me is a beautiful collection of quiet worship songs and lullabies, sung by well known Christian female artists. Many are songs I know and love (How Great is Our God, Jesus Loves Me), some I haven't heard before and now love. It is just such a soothing cd, for both me and the baby.

All of the songs are great, but there is one that is really special, "Hold Onto Jesus" (which I have heard before but LOVE this version)

...You're a little piece of heaven, you're a golden ray of light.

And I wish that I could protect you from the worries of this life.

But if there's one thing I could tell you, it's no matter what you do,

Hold to Jesus, He's holding onto you...

I highly recommend this cd for any new Mom, baby, for any gift! it is absolutely beautiful!!!!

How would I live without it?

We all know there are GREAT baby products out there. There are also some that seem great, but end up being a waste of money. This is my first post sharing a product I love and wonder how I could live without. This first one, in fact, I wonder how I lived without it while raising my first 2 children!!!! It is THAT cool.

Now, I know I have only been using it for 5 days, but already it is a lifesaver. I used it in the hospital and of course now that we are home. It is the Itzbeen Baby Care Timer...

This product was made for ME. I have always kept a journal with my kids, recording their nursing, diapers and such for at least the first few weeks. I am not an obsessive schedule momma, but I do forget easily and like to have a reference in case my brain goes scatter! This timer doesn't allow me to be scatterbrained!! It has 4 different timers, for whatever you need to time.

Right now I am timing her feedings, and my 2 pain medications. Each time I begin one, I just click the appropriate button and it begins counting up again it shows me how long it has been since the last time.

It also has a light up button, so I can see it in the dark, as well as a nightlight which I use while feeding her at night. It has a lock feature-so the buttons don't accidentally get reset, and a clip so I can wear it on my hip if I need to (when I begin moving around a lot again).

I am in love with this gadget, so glad I have it to be my brain while I am still looking for mine.

What I Love About You...

• Your adorable double chin
• Breastfeeding you, everything about it...the snuggling, the sweet looks, the way your hands move and lay, the way you cross your little feet
• Burying my face in yours
• Eye time with you
• Seeing you all snuggly in your blankees
• Your unhappy squeak/yell...which we rarely hear
• Your long skinny feet
• Your tiny little noises and squeaks when you are relaxed

Cleaning Products

Cleaning products have been a big concern of mine for many years now, even before we had our oldest child. We used Melaleuca for years, but I finally let my membership go. After we ran out of a few Melaleuca items we had used for years, I had to begin searching for other, even better, options. That's where I am now.

For all purpose/glass cleaner, we currently use Clorox Greenworks, and it is good, but not the best. It is easy to find, inexpensive, and better than traditional cleaning products. I would like to switch to a cleaner even better than this, but want to research what is out there and the cost before I make any decisions. Here's a review I found about Clorox Green Works.

I am considering:
Mrs. Meyers
Better Life

For laundry, we went back to All, or Tide when I got on my CVS kick. For years we had used the Melaleuca detergent. We only have 2 bottles of All left, so it's time to make a decision. I also know that dryer sheets are full of chemicals but I LOVE dryer sheets, so I have to find an alternative. We are on our last box of Bounce...

In the running:
Mrs. Meyers
Charlie's Soap
Crunchy Clean

For toilets, we still use Lysol, I hope to find something that actually works well, but isn't Lysol.

For hard floors, we got rid of all chemical cleaners and went straight for the steam method and have LOVED it!! We bought the Shark Steam Mop and LOVE IT!!!

For wood, we still have our Melaleuca stuff, but it is almost gone, so I need to find a good replacement to polish our wood furniture.

I am also looking into natural, home made ideas for cleaning, but am just not sure it is for us. We'll see!

My List of Personal Care Items...

I am going to SLOWLY make changes to the products we use everyday. I am allr eady to start Ladybug off completely natural/organic, but the rest of us are going to change gradually so we can find the most cost effective way to do this. For now here is my list (which will probably be added to as I think of things).

• Body Lotion
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Shaving Cream
• Face Products (cleaner, toner, lotion)
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray/Repellent

Current Status on these...

Body Lotion
We currently use Aveeno, but are about to run out. I got a sample of Burt's Bees and don't like it. My favorite item is Renew from Meleleuca but I let my membership go there, I can buy it on Ebay though. I plan to look into the cost of Aveeno vs. Renew and make a decision. Body lotion is a big deal for us since all of my guys have really dry skin.

Shampoo/Conditioner
We currently use whatever we have gotten for free from CVS (mostly highly *toxic* according to Skin Deep). Pac Man either uses this or Suave Kids. Krash still uses Huggies Natural Hair and Body wash. Krash will begin to share the new Baby Organic Hair/Body wash with Ladybug, but I know that won't work for long on him and certainly not for Pac Man. I want to give the Whole Foods 365 line a try as I have read good things about it, and the whole family can use it. The price is reasonable too.

Deodorant
I use Dove, Suave, or Secret, Daddy uses Sure. I am not overly concerned about changing these yet, as it's not the kids using them. This change will be further down my list.

Toothpaste
Daddy and I will continue to use our ENORMOUS stockpile of TP from CVS, but I did change the boys to Kiss My Face Kids Toothpaste. We haven't tried it yet. This switch was mainly for Krash because of the artificial dyes in most normal kids' toothpastes.

Shaving Cream
Another not-so-concerned category, since it does not involve the kids. I have switched to Aveeno, and plan to stay with that, unless I can find something better and cheaper. Daddy uses whatever we have for free from CVS, normal guy stuff. Later I will look into this.

Face Products
This is a me thing and I have been concerned about this for awhile, I used Garnier for a long time since I had it stocked up for free. I then looked it up on Skin Deep and grew concerned! I just ordered cleaner and toner from Kiss My Face Organics, but haven't used them yet. I am trying to find a face lotion I like. Currently I am using up a sample of Burt's Bees Radiance, but I don't really care for it. Face Lotion is expensive so I am taking my time to decide.

Sunscreen
We have a stock of this (free from CVS), which Daddy and I will use up, but I do plan to get the kiddos safer stuff for this summer. It is high on my current research list, as summer approaches.

Bug Stuff
Also high on my list for obvious reasons. I have never felt good about any type of bug stuff applied to them. I am hoping to find something safe that really works for them, as the bugs can be bad in our backyard.

Water

Good gracious, when does it end? Now bottled water has been found to be contaminated! Not to mention the dangers now associated with the plastic bottles. Well, at least this is an easy fix, as we have always been water filter people until recently when Our filter went on the fritz. We already have a new one, looks like it's time to get it installed!

Sources I read:

From EWG (Environmental Working Group):
Bottled Water Quality Investigation
Guide to Safe Drinking Water

Here I found specifics about our city water and what is in it. I always thought our city water was OK, I was surprised to learn it isn't all that great (not the worst, but not entirely safe either).
Tap Water Quality Database

Organic Farming History

My husband asked me what I knew about the history of farming in America, specifically pesticide use and organic practices. I had no clue so I began to look into it today. Here's what I found:

From: History of Organic Farming on Wikipedia...

To me it looks like the big farming movement took place between 1900-1940 with the introduction of tractors, nitrogen fertilizer, and affortability.

"Consciously organic agriculture (as opposed to the agriculture of indigenous cultures, which always employs only organic means) began more or less simultaneously in Central Europe and India."

Pesticide use came about massively post-WW2...

"Technological advances during World War II accelerated post-war innovation in all aspects of agriculture, resulting in large advances in mechanization (including large-scale irrigation), fertilization, and pesticides. In particular, two chemicals that had been produced in quantity for warfare, were repurposed to peace-time agricultural uses. Ammonium nitrate, used in munitions, became an abundantly cheap source of nitrogen. And a range of new pesticides appeared: DDT, which had been used to control disease-carrying insects around troops, became a general insecticide, launching the era of widespread pesticide use."

DDT was banned in 1972...hmmm, that took awhile.

"In 1962, Rachel Carson, a prominent scientist and naturalist, published Silent Spring, chronicling the effects of DDT and other pesticides on the environment[2] . A bestseller in many countries, including the US, and widely read around the world, Silent Spring is widely considered as being a key factor in the US government's 1972 banning of DDT. The book and its author are often credited with launching the worldwide environmental movement."

Into the 21st century we see where the attention has been...

Throughout this history, the focus of agricultural research, and the majority of publicized scientific findings, has been on chemical, not organic farming. This emphasis has continued to biotechnologies like genetic engineering. One recent survey of the UK's leading government funding agency for bioscience research and training indicated 26 GM crop projects, and only one related to organic agriculture.[3] This imbalance is largely driven by agribusiness in general, which, through research funding and government lobbying, continues to have a predominating effect on agriculture-related science and policy.

...on making money, UGH.

From: Organic Farming on Perma Wiki

"A 2001 study demonstrated that children fed organic diets experienced significantly lower organophosphorus pesticide exposure than children fed conventional diets. Additionally, in 2005 the EPA's "Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment" showed that children receive 50% of their lifetime risks of cancer during their first two years of life ([3]). These studies and others like it have helped spur a growing organic baby food trend in the United States. Mothers are more and more hesitant to feed their children potentially dangerous food, given that their small bodies are especially vulnerable to toxins"

From Sustainable Table: Pesticides

"The invention of DDT coupled with dramatic increases in crop yields in the 1950's kicked off what many call the "pesticide era." Today, more than 20,000 pesticides are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) resulting in a multibillion-dollar industry in the United States alone.4"

"Pesticides are a public health concern and have been linked to a range of diseases and disorders. Many chemical pesticides are known to cause poisoning, infertility and birth defects, as well as damage the nervous system and potentially cause cancer.10Although it is widely understood that exposure to pesticides is dangerous to humans, research has shown that many people in the US carry high levels of pesticides in their bodies.11 According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American child between the ages of six and eleven carries four times the acceptable level of pesticides called organophosphates (which are known to cause nerve damage).12 Scientists studying the effects of chemical pesticides have found that exposure to small doses of these toxins during the fetal stage and childhood can cause long-term damage.13"

"Pesticides are tested and approved for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which establishes "tolerances," or maximum residue levels, that limit the amount of a given pesticide that can safely remain in or on a food."14 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is then responsible for monitoring pesticide levels on fruits and vegetables, while the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is charged with the task of surveying pesticide residues in meat, eggs and dairy products."

"The FDA is also criticized for its inadequate monitoring of pesticide levels on fruits and vegetables. The Environmental Working Group reports that the FDA fails to test the majority of produce consumed in the US, and as a result Americans regularly consume food-bearing residues of illegal pesticides that are not approved for use in the US.16 "

From US EPA: Pesticides

Especially Dangerous to Children... "Pesticides may harm a developing child by blocking the absorption of important food nutrients necessary for normal healthy growth. Another way pesticides may cause harm is if a child's excretory system is not fully developed, the body may not fully remove pesticides. Also, there are "critical periods" in human development when exposure to a toxin can permanently alter the way an individual's biological system operates."

I will come back to this, for sure. I am VERY intrigued by what I have learned so far!

Breastfeeding Diet ~ My Goals

It is almost time...time for me to focus my body entirely on the health of her. I know pregnancy is that too, but for me personally breastfeeding takes it to a whole new level for many reasons.

1. HER health, as I know everything I put into my body enters hers through my breastmilk.
2. MY health, as I desire to get back into shape in the fastest and healthiest way possible. With K I just waited around and didn't kick myself into gear until he was around 7 months old. I can't do that this time. With 3 kids who need me this summer, I want to be back to *ME* as fast as possible and possibly be an even better, healthier me.

So, here come my lofty goals. Hopefully by writing them down and sharing them I might be more motivated to actually reach my goals!!! I am going to give myself a couple of weeks with out totally obsessing over health, although I have actually begun many of these things. With family here cooking for us, it is just to hard to be 100% committed.

Before I dive into this, I want to share my goals from January 2007, when I kicked things into gear to finally get in shape after Krash was born. Let me say...IT WORKED. I followed my plan entirely for 30 days and noticed a HUGE change in almost every aspect of my life.

This is copied directly form my personal blog, January 4, 2007...

• EAT breakfast (I am making myself a smoothie with fat-free plain yogurt, OJ, frozen berries, a banana, flax seed, and psyllium seed husks)
• Drink ALL of my water
• NO sugar in my coffee (I am a sugar-aholic so this is a huge change for me)
• Walk 30 minutes every day (I had been doing this at least 3 times a week)
• NO eating after 9:30pm (I am a evening snacker because I wasn't eating during my busy day)
• ALL 100% whole grain products (bread, tortillas, rice, pasta, etc)
• Eliminating almost everything that has high-fructose corn syrup or the equivalent (Bye Bye my favorite honey mustard dressing, I am now using balsamic vinegar and olive oil)
• Eating to stay full throughout the day by adding snacks in BEFORE I even get hungry (things like: avocado, clementines, pumpkin seeds, almonds, whole-grain crackers, apples, cheese, fruit leathers)
• Eating the SAME thing for lunch each day (I have chosen a turkey wrap on a whole grain tortilla with hummus, and spinach or Lean Cuisine if I am in too much of a hurry)
• NO candy or sweets (again a tough one since I am a candy freak!)
• Trying to get enough SLEEP (this is a tough one though)

And now, for my modified version, to begin within the first month...

• 100% Whole Grain products
• As 100% Organic as I can possibly eat, within options and budget
• Avoid GM foods, as MUCH as possible
• Drink tons of water
• Drink Organic Milk
• Veggies: Spinach, Carrot sticks, Celery Sticks...on a daily basis
• Fruits: banana, berries (organic frozen combo, and fresh), kiwi, apples, etc.
• Yogurt: 100% Organic, from the big tub
• Flax Seeds: ground up whole, or flaxseed meal (if I am feeling lazy)
• Protein: Eggs, Organic PB, meat at dinner
• Grains: WW bagel, WW bread, WW pasta
• NO: high fructose, candy, sweets, etc.
• Switch my coffee creamer to an organic kind (gotta find this), try to find a natural sweetener to replace the sugar I use, or learn to do without. Coffee is one thing I am not giving up though :). I gotta make it as healthy as possible and that's it!!
• Begin walking on my treadmill when I recover from the surgery. I will set a walking/exercising goal then.

Things I am still researching to make a decision on:

• Vitamins/Supplements
• Teas for health
• Cheese and other dairy products-how to make the best decision

What will be MOST difficult for me:

• No sweets: I am over candy for the most part, but I love brownies, cookies, etc. This aspect will be hard, but I need to do it.
• Remembering to actually eat. I often get going and forget to eat, then I am starving, and grab something quickly.
• Taking the time: I am often lazy when it comes to prepping healthier foods. I want something fast and if I don't cut up fruits and veggies the night before, I often won't do it the next day. I need to think in advance.
• When I am not home: I really struggle at restaurants, on vacations, etc. I am going to let myself off the hook a bit on these occasions, so I don't feel overwhelmed. I want these goals to carry on longer than a month this time, so I need to be realistic.

Here we go...praying for a healthy me and a healthy baby in the coming months ahead!!!!

Diapers & Wipes

I must begin by saying that cloth diapers are not for me. Not to mention my husband who would refuse! So, knowing that, I researched the safest, most economical option for our daughter.

With both boys I used mostly Huggies, Costco store brand, and the Especially for Babies (Babies R Us). I used fragrance free wipes, enjoying Huggies brand the most! Krash actually still wears size 5 Huggies :( and we still use the Huggies, or Costco wipes on him.

Back to Ladybug...I have a stock of diapers already for her, Huggies Natural Care, and Pampers Newborn Swaddlers. I am going to use these, as I can't afford not to, however I have decided to change over to Seventh Generation Diapers and Wipes for her.

Here's why...
SafBaby Diapers & Wipes Review
SafeMama Wipes Review
Seventh Generation Baby Wipes on Skin Deep (Here's our Huggies)

For me the wipes (due to the chemicals found in them) were a bigger concern than the diapers, but when I realized that I could get the safer diapers for only cents more than the Huggies we are using, I ordered them. Amazon is unbeatable for these products. I ordered the bulk set of both, and put them on their Subscribe and Save Program. They also had an Amazon coupon available, so I save tons, here is a copy of my saving on the wipes:

Item Subtotal: $43.99

Shipping and handling: $10.89

Shipping Discount: $-10.89

Subscription Discount: $-6.60

Promotion Applied: $-4.40

Total: $32.99

Plus they are delivered right to my door!!!! The diapers had the same discounts applied too!

edited to add 7/09...here's a new article about another brand of safer baby wipes.

Organic Produce

Organic fruits and veges are something we have been looking into for awhile, but there is still so much to learn. Since we don't have the financial resources to switch to entirely organic produce, I need to know what will make the most impact on our health.

A great website to start with is The Environmental Working Group (which is also a great resource for MANY of the issues I am learning about).

They have a specific part of their site dedicate to organic produce, and I learned a ton from their comprehensive list...The Full List. I printed this list and then highlighted the items we consume the most of and created my two lists...

My Needs to Change Priority List, ones in bold we have already switched...

1. Apples


2. Celery


3. Strawberries


4. Carrots


5. Spinach


6. Potatoes


7. Cucumber


8. Grapes

My Thank-Goodness List (these are low in pesticides, and we eat them a lot)

1. Onion


2. Avocado


3. Kiwi


4. Broccoli


5. Tomato


6. Banana

I also signed up so I could download the Dirty Dozen, Clean 15 Guide in a smaller format, that I can carry in my wallet when I am shopping.

Another resource I used in determining which items to switch first I found here-5 Easy Ways to go Organic. On this list we have already switched milk, peanut butter, and ketchup.

I also learned a lot form this article from Dr. Greene's website-Organic ~ A Choice for Our Children.

Finally, from Totally Tots...I learned a lot from our writer Laura, who did a 2 part series on When to Choose Organic, Part One, Part Two.

I plan to extensively research my shopping options in my area to locate where to get the best organic produce at the best prices. Cost is a very important factor for our family, so I need to be responsible.

GMO...

I began researching GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) the other day and this has caught my attention BIG time.

Here are some websites I am reading right now...

• Institute for Responsible Technology
• From SafBaby...
  Part 1: The Truth About GMOs
  Part 2: Why Babies & Children are Most Vulnerable to GMO
• The True Food Network
• Seeds of Deception

What am I doing about it NOW...

• I downloaded the Non-GMO Shopping Guide from Institute for Responsible Technology
• I downloaded the Shopping Guide from The True Food Network
• I am reading through them and highlighting our key products

What I HOPE to do in the future...

• Educate myself about ingredient labels and learn to notice GM ingredients without the list :).
• Remove as many as possible without going overboard (and making my husband crazy)
• Focus mostly on my breastfeeding health and my baby girl, as these ingredients are one of the biggest culprits to the issues I am most concerned about.

Raising my bug...

Our newest little miracle is about to arrive any day now and I am just thrilled to be welcoming a little girl into our life! Along with my excitement, comes a desire for knowledge...to learn how to give her the best possible future as a woman.

Early puberty is on the rise, chemicals that were once thought safe are now being shown to adversely affect our little ones, and foods that we have always eaten are now thought to be detrimental to our health.

Let me say-I am not a 100% Health Nut-although, I am a momma who strives for health. I am not a 100% Green Momma-although I desire to live responsibly.

This blog is not about my expertise, it is about my journey. The purpose is for my little girl-our Lil' Ladybug-to learn all I can, do all I can, and give her all I can. Part of this journey is also about me. As her mom, I desire to learn all I can as a woman, to set a good example for her in the future. For now I desire to be as healthy as possible as I breastfeed her.

My journey is also about the men in my family; my husband, my oldest son-Pac Man, and my youngest son-Krash--the "brother bugs." The journey was inspired by my concerns over raising a little girl...my guys will reap health rewards because of her inspiration!

I have tried keeping a notebooks, tried lists, tried everything to organize my healthy-living thoughts and it hit me suddenly that the best way for ME was a blog. I am mainly blogging for myself, to record things I learn, to jot down topics I want to learn about, to educate myself. Posts may come all at once or may not show up for awhile! This is a place for me to record my research as I learn things!

I also plan to write about various other things, and will probably post loads of photos of my ladybug. Nothing is off limits-you never know what you might read here! This blog will be a journal of sorts about my thoughts and memories while raising my girl. I hope it will be a place I can record her milestones, her cute moments, as well as my research about giving her the best life possible.

I decided to make it a public blog, in case anyone desires to follow me on my journey. I also know that maybe someone out there may read and be able to offer me insight into a topic I am researching.

Above all, I desire to lead my daughter to a life filled with the love of Jesus. There is no topic more important than that. I can feed her the best foods, wash her with the best soaps, clean our house with the best cleaning products...BUT if I don't show her how much Jesus loves her none of it matters.

ps-Lil' Ladybug is the nickname my oldest son gave to his little sister.