Essential Oils

PLEASE NOTE THE HIGHLIGHTED EDIT BELOW!

I'm a bit of a skeptic when people try to sell me things or convince me that I need a certain product. Especially when it is labeled "all natural", "organic" or involves spending a pretty penny. One of the latest trends and current fascination in my circle of influence is essential oils. They are said to treat a large variety of symptoms and illnesses.

I tend to lean more towards natural remedies in general, especially for common sicknesses like a cold or the flu. Upon researching essential oils and their origins, I decided to get a few basic oils and give them a try. From our experience as a family with oils so far, we believe that they are a great alternative to over the counter drugs and medications. 


How I used essential oils this week:
This past Saturday Baby Girl started sneezing a lot and sounded a bit wheezy the next morning when she woke up. A friend who is an "oiler" suggested I mix lemon oil and tea tree oil (also known as melaleuca oil) with coconut or olive oil (some oils need to be mixed with a carrier oil before applying to the skin). I mixed the oils in a small container and have been applying to Baby Girl's feet and chest every time I change her diaper. We also got a humidifier for her room that has a tray to put medicine in. I put a few drops of eucalyptus and lemon oils in that medicine tray and run the unit at night and during her naps. We are on day 4 since the symptoms first appeared and she seems to be feeling much better. I accredit the oils and lots of prayers!

EDIT: Since first posting this, it has been brought to my attention that there is conflicting views on whether or not to use melaleuca oil on children under the age of 6. Though the concoction worked for us, I want to advise caution. Always research and do what you feel is safe and right for you and your family. Another reminder that just because something is natural does not always mean it is the right thing to use for every situation.



Recently I had what seemed like postpartum insomnia. I was unable to fall asleep at night or would wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to go back to sleep. Someone recommended I try lavender oil. I'm not a huge fan of the smell, but I applied it to the bottoms of my feet and across my shoulders before bed. (The feet are the second fastest area of the body to absorb oils because of the large pores. Other quick absorbing areas include behind the ears and on the wrists) I also put a few drops in a spray bottle with water and misted my pillow. The first night I tried this, I slept amazing! I thought it was a coincidence and tried it again the next 2 nights, both of which I slept great. Since doing this I have been sleeping soundly and through the night.

I love how God created things with a design and a purpose. It's always fun to me to discover new natural remedies using God made things. What an amazing Father.

Marriage and Parenting

My hubby and I have know each other now for 14 years. We met when we were 13. Stayed friends through our teenage years and "noticed" each other in 2008. He ran the marathon to pursue me and finally won me over. We got married in 2010. (Check out "Our LOVE Story"  under Stories on the right column of this page) He is very patient, a hard worker and kind. His laugh is infectious and his energy contagious. I love just being with him; He is my best friend.

 

 I have heard of couples having a tough adjustment the first year of marriage. I would say for us, other than the normal adapting and becoming familiar with each others routines and habits, we had a smooth transition into marriage. The "honeymoon stage" lingered well past our honeymoon. 

We found out in November of last year that we were pregnant. Babe was beyond excited! I was a little nervous. Being a mom seemed so big and scary. And I was pretty sure I wanted to be a stay at home mom if possible.

  

 

Fast forward to present day and the point of this post. We've have been married for 3.5 years and have a 9 week old baby girl. Becoming parents has been a bigger adjustment for our relationship than I had anticipated. Probably more for me than him. I feel so needy! Being home with the baby all day long and having him come home from work is a breath of fresh air. I look forward to him walking in the door, simply to see another face and to have adult conversation. I need time with him, even if it means him sitting in the nursery with me while I feed Baby Girl. I need his presence and companionship.

Being parents means that we have to invent new ways to enhance our relationship. I am realizing that things will change in how we do things, but it doesn't have to change the depth and intimacy of our relationship. We may not be able to go out on dates as often, but we can cuddle on the couch and watch a movie when Baby Girl goes to bed or go on walks together as a family in the evenings.

Babe and I talk about how we want our marriage to always come before our kids. We want to put each other first. That is hard at times, especially in this infant stage when we are constantly giving and fulfilling Baby Girl's needs. But ultimately, when I'm 50 and our kids are all grown and out of the house, I want to still be as madly in love with my hubby as I was when we were dating. I think it all begins with being intentional now.

And so we continue on the journey of learning, growing and loving in this new season of our lives.

Vegetable Bean Soup

As the weeks go by, Baby girl has begun enjoying being in her swing in the kitchen while I cook or bake. I am so thankful for this, because time in the kitchen for me is medicine for my soul. Here is a recipe my mother in law gave to me. I made it yesterday for dinner along with Tuna Melts.



Vegetable Bean Soup
6 ounces bacon, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 zucchini, diced
1 garlic clove, finely diced
1 (14oz) can chopped tomatoes, undrained
2 (15oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
coarsely ground black pepper
6 cups fresh spinach, chopped

- Place bacon in large saucepan over medium heat - cook 5 minutes until crisp.
- Add onion, celery and carrot - cook for 5 minutes
- Add zucchini and garlic - cook for 3 minutes
- Add tomatoes, beans, broth, salt and pepper
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
- Stir in spinach

Serve with grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Makes 10 cups and serves 6

Enjoy!

OK with the mess . . .

I am task oriented.
I like lists, I like organization and I like things clean. My house being dirty and out of order makes me feel stressed out.

Going into motherhood, I was aware of this part of my personality that I would have to consciously work on. I know that there will be moments when my house will not be clean. There will be dirty dishes in the sink and dust on the furniture. My floors will get dirty (they currently have not been mopped for weeks). The bathroom will have hair on the floor and in the tub (grosses me out!). The trash may get to overflowing before I can get around to emptying it and it may take me 2 days to get 1 load of laundry done.  And that's ok. 

I want to be a mom that is not so consumed with tasks that I neglect my baby. I have to coach myself through this . . . As I sit and nurse her or rock her to sleep, my head spins with my to do list. But I remind myself that my baby will only be little for a short period of time; that my time to cuddle with her is ticking away. I don't want taking care of her to be another task I check off my list. The dishes will always be there and there will always be laundry to fold. So I sit and snuggle her, and remind myself that one day soon, I'll be wishing for these days again.