So you know about my kids, me and the hubby and the PhD (which I started collecting data on 2 subjects!). I thought I would fill you in on a few other things about our family and our choices. After reading this I am sure you will call me crazy.
So first of the random things. I use CLOTH DIAPERS! Yes I do! I love my cloth diapers and have used them since S was born, in fact baby B is wearing diapers that S wore. Now isn't that cool! I know it sounds like a lot of work, but it means about 2 extra loads on laundry a week, which since I have been doing it for 4 years it's just routine at this point. I have always had at least one in diapers and no more than 2. That means that S was potty trained before #3 (DJ) was born and that Al was before baby B was born. We are currently working on potty training DJ, which hasn't been going too well, but he so wants to use the potty that I refuse to put him in diapers. Anyways, back to the cloth diapers, we use basic prefolds, Bum Genius, Kissaluvs, and Tots Bots. I am currently loving the tots bots more than my bum genius which I have used for 3+ years, no sorting required, just stuffing! And in case you were wondering we use cloth wipes as well.
Another random thing and very important one at that: I am a breastfeeding mama. I support all forms of breastfeeding, whether it's the traditional mom & baby or the mom without enough milk getting milk from another mom, I really believe that breastmilk is the best thing for our babies. I have breastfed each of my children for as long as possible, which was usually until something with the next pregnancy made it too difficult. My worst moment was when I found out I was pregnant with baby B and had to stop nursing DJ because he was actually falling off the growth chart and literally starving. My milk was coming in, but it was not in sufficient enough calories to keep him healthy, so we had to switch him to formula. I felt like a failure, since I had been able to nurse Al longer and only supplement with goat's milk (yes, I said goat's milk) until after his 1st birthday, which was quite a feat seeing as that Al and DJ are 14 months apart. I have a wonderful friend who has chronicled her pregnancy & breastfeeding journey, if you are in need of some inspiration from someone who did not find it as easy as I have. Visit her blog here. If you want to know how I manage breastfeeding and school I use a pump when I don't have baby B with me, but for classes I have been blessed with understanding professors and have been able to bring all of my children at point when they were babies to class with me.
Last random fact: I had 1 hospital birth and 3 planned homebirths. S was born at the hospital and the rest at home with a midwife. I believe that women should have choices in birth, whether your choice is an epidural or birthing at home in a pool women need to be informed of all the choices and the consequences of their choices. Looking for an interesting read? Check out the book Pushed by Jennifer Block to find out more about the birthing and women's rights movement. Being a pediatric PT I was more than aware of what can happen to babies during and after a difficult birth and still made the choice to have my homebirths. While not everyone has supported hubby and I's choices to have homebirths I would not change things about them. How many of your husbands/fathers/partners have been able to "catch" their baby? Mine has!
If after reading this and previous posts you don't think I'm crazy, then YOU must be crazy!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The PhD
So it has been a while since I have posted anything, so I thought I would tell you a little about my PhD. As I said before I am pediatric physical therapist by profession and training and currently a PhD student. It has not been an easy journey, and while I know that no one has an easy journey to earn their PhD there are days I feel mine has been fraught with more complications than others. Complications aside it has been an interesting journey.
The current status on the PhD is thus: I am back in data collection mode. After spending 4 months away from my hubby last summer, with 3 kids in tow and baby B in the belly, I thought I would be done with data collection. The verdict with my committee late this spring was that my previously collected data would be considered pilot data and a chapter in my dissertation. Not what I wanted, but the bright side is that it is at least in the dissertation and not tossed aside. I won't get into the whys and major details of what happened, but the basic argument was that my data was not sound.
So moving on....... at this point you may be wondering what my dissertation is? Well I am investigating the use of the Nintendo WiiFit balance games for children with developmental disabilities. Basically I am trying to see if playing only the balance games will improve the balance, walking speed, hip strength and activities for children with developmental disabilities. I did a very similar project last summer with children with cerebral palsy and had generally good results. I took my pilot data and tweaked the project a bit to create the dissertation study. So the participants in this study get a really good deal: FREE IN-HOME physical therapy (no Wii required, I bring one if necessary), $80 if they complete the entire study and a chance to win their own Wii & WiiFit. Know of anyone who may be interested? Participants must live in Lexington, KY or the surrounding counties and be between 5 and 10 years old and have a diagnosed developmental disability.
Enough selling my study for now. When I'm not doing data collection I am writing. For anyone not involved with a PhD you may have no idea how much writing there is involved, I can honestly say I did not expect quite this much. I will say that sometimes I struggle with writing, but we all do at times. My current writing projects are to update my review of the literature chapter, which is going to be crazy since it was originally written for children with cerebral palsy alone, finish my pilot study chapter and update my current study chapter. WHEW! That's a lot. On the plus side I was invited to write an editorial and I finished that the other day. When I have a reference link I will post it.
So you must wonder how I have time to write, data collect and be a mom. Sometimes I wonder how I do it. I owe loads of credit to the hubby who has amazing patience for me when I say I have to write. We also have a great flexible sitter. We generally book her 3 days a week, sometimes more, sometimes less it all depends on what I need.
I will say this, never let anyone tell you that you can't have kids while pursuing your PhD. It can be done. It will make things more challenging and may take longer, but hopefully they give you the comedic relief that is sometimes absolutely necessary. And when someone from school says things like "oh you're pregnant again, not just fat?" keep your mouth quiet, smile and remember it is YOUR JOURNEY.
The current status on the PhD is thus: I am back in data collection mode. After spending 4 months away from my hubby last summer, with 3 kids in tow and baby B in the belly, I thought I would be done with data collection. The verdict with my committee late this spring was that my previously collected data would be considered pilot data and a chapter in my dissertation. Not what I wanted, but the bright side is that it is at least in the dissertation and not tossed aside. I won't get into the whys and major details of what happened, but the basic argument was that my data was not sound.
So moving on....... at this point you may be wondering what my dissertation is? Well I am investigating the use of the Nintendo WiiFit balance games for children with developmental disabilities. Basically I am trying to see if playing only the balance games will improve the balance, walking speed, hip strength and activities for children with developmental disabilities. I did a very similar project last summer with children with cerebral palsy and had generally good results. I took my pilot data and tweaked the project a bit to create the dissertation study. So the participants in this study get a really good deal: FREE IN-HOME physical therapy (no Wii required, I bring one if necessary), $80 if they complete the entire study and a chance to win their own Wii & WiiFit. Know of anyone who may be interested? Participants must live in Lexington, KY or the surrounding counties and be between 5 and 10 years old and have a diagnosed developmental disability.
Enough selling my study for now. When I'm not doing data collection I am writing. For anyone not involved with a PhD you may have no idea how much writing there is involved, I can honestly say I did not expect quite this much. I will say that sometimes I struggle with writing, but we all do at times. My current writing projects are to update my review of the literature chapter, which is going to be crazy since it was originally written for children with cerebral palsy alone, finish my pilot study chapter and update my current study chapter. WHEW! That's a lot. On the plus side I was invited to write an editorial and I finished that the other day. When I have a reference link I will post it.
So you must wonder how I have time to write, data collect and be a mom. Sometimes I wonder how I do it. I owe loads of credit to the hubby who has amazing patience for me when I say I have to write. We also have a great flexible sitter. We generally book her 3 days a week, sometimes more, sometimes less it all depends on what I need.
I will say this, never let anyone tell you that you can't have kids while pursuing your PhD. It can be done. It will make things more challenging and may take longer, but hopefully they give you the comedic relief that is sometimes absolutely necessary. And when someone from school says things like "oh you're pregnant again, not just fat?" keep your mouth quiet, smile and remember it is YOUR JOURNEY.
Friday, June 10, 2011
How I do it........ the POOL
So how do you go to the pool with 4 kids and 1 adult?
I think most people would say no way, can't be done, you're nuts, crazy, etc. Seeing as how we have already established that I am not your typical crazy, but a special kind, I decided to take the adventure of taking my 4 to the Y pool.
First off we went after nap so they were all well rested and full of energy, which may sound like it makes it more difficult for me, but sometimes the higher the energy level the easier they can be to control. Secondly our local Y pool has a nice zero-entry (wade-in) area and then this area I knew at least S could walk across and probably AL as well, so that just left me with baby B and DJ. Worst case I figured I could bring baby B to the playroom and best case hubby would make it in time to join us. Luck was with us and I didn't need to bring baby B to the playroom, but hubby was stuck at work.
So how did I do it..... well we all started in the super shallows and for the first 45 minutes I just sat with B in my lap and DJ splashed right near me. Miss S and her brother played all over the shallow area. I was able to see them, and I while I was uncomfortable not being within arms reach of them, I had to realize that this is just the first of many times I will have to be out of my comfort zone when it comes to certain situations. S has had swimming lessons for the past year so she has a halfway decent doggy paddle if necessary, but the shallows don't require swimming though she did for fun. I was trying my best not to laugh at her attempting to backstroke on her own! She was so cute!
I should mention that prior to leaving the car I reviewed the rules of the pool with the older two:
Our second voyage into the pool little DJ suddenly became adventurous. He was chasing a beach ball all over the shallows and headed towards the water over his head. Once he discovered the deeper water that was where he wanted to stay and play. S found a friend from her preschool and played with her while AL tagged along.
Overall it was a great trip and I may be repeating it again on Monday and throughout the summer. Questions?
I think most people would say no way, can't be done, you're nuts, crazy, etc. Seeing as how we have already established that I am not your typical crazy, but a special kind, I decided to take the adventure of taking my 4 to the Y pool.
First off we went after nap so they were all well rested and full of energy, which may sound like it makes it more difficult for me, but sometimes the higher the energy level the easier they can be to control. Secondly our local Y pool has a nice zero-entry (wade-in) area and then this area I knew at least S could walk across and probably AL as well, so that just left me with baby B and DJ. Worst case I figured I could bring baby B to the playroom and best case hubby would make it in time to join us. Luck was with us and I didn't need to bring baby B to the playroom, but hubby was stuck at work.
So how did I do it..... well we all started in the super shallows and for the first 45 minutes I just sat with B in my lap and DJ splashed right near me. Miss S and her brother played all over the shallow area. I was able to see them, and I while I was uncomfortable not being within arms reach of them, I had to realize that this is just the first of many times I will have to be out of my comfort zone when it comes to certain situations. S has had swimming lessons for the past year so she has a halfway decent doggy paddle if necessary, but the shallows don't require swimming though she did for fun. I was trying my best not to laugh at her attempting to backstroke on her own! She was so cute!
I should mention that prior to leaving the car I reviewed the rules of the pool with the older two:
- NO RUNNING
- The LIFEGUARDS are in charge of EVERYONE, including the adults.
- No splashing
Our second voyage into the pool little DJ suddenly became adventurous. He was chasing a beach ball all over the shallows and headed towards the water over his head. Once he discovered the deeper water that was where he wanted to stay and play. S found a friend from her preschool and played with her while AL tagged along.
Overall it was a great trip and I may be repeating it again on Monday and throughout the summer. Questions?
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Camping, part 2
Ok my friends, due to numerous comments from all of you I am expanding the camping/relaxation post.
So my crazy family camps in a tent. A one room, 12' X 10' tent. How do we all fit you may ask? Well it's pretty easy while the kids are little. Three in their sleeping bags, hubby and I together with baby B between us. The only other stuff in the tent are our clothes, shoes, towels, diapers and a potty. Everything else is stored in the car. When we were a smaller family I used to keep our dry goods in the tent, but there is no room now.
I love my tent I have to say. It's fun all sleeping together and it makes tending to the kids much easier. The biggest hassle is bedtime & naptime keeping little hands to themselves and staying in one spot. I really want a pop-up for the conveince of storing things and not having to pack the car as we do, but I love my tent.
The great thing about camping the way we do currently is that we camp with our church group. It's great to arrive and assistance setting up the tent, managing the children, etc. I have a difficult time picturing us doing it without them. In fact since we have had our children we have not camped on our own. I know we can do it, but somedays I'm leary. I love my camping group, we share meals (breakfast & dinner) which can be challenge at times when you have little kids who want to eat sooner, but it really makes it much easier. I also love that my kids usually have someone to play with, whether it's an older child or teenager or another adult. We all look out for one another's kids and camping in a group means the kids have a larger area to run and play.
Our group I have to say is one of those groups that I used to envy as a kid. Did you ever go camping and see a group that was laughing, having a great time and lots of kids playing? Well that's us! We'd love for you guys to join us camping sometime. While it is a church group, we are not in your face about religion or bible thumpers. I have to say that most of the extent of our religiouness (is that a word?) is praying before meals and those who attend mass while we are away on the weekends. We're a laid back group and would love for you to join us!
So my crazy family camps in a tent. A one room, 12' X 10' tent. How do we all fit you may ask? Well it's pretty easy while the kids are little. Three in their sleeping bags, hubby and I together with baby B between us. The only other stuff in the tent are our clothes, shoes, towels, diapers and a potty. Everything else is stored in the car. When we were a smaller family I used to keep our dry goods in the tent, but there is no room now.
I love my tent I have to say. It's fun all sleeping together and it makes tending to the kids much easier. The biggest hassle is bedtime & naptime keeping little hands to themselves and staying in one spot. I really want a pop-up for the conveince of storing things and not having to pack the car as we do, but I love my tent.
The great thing about camping the way we do currently is that we camp with our church group. It's great to arrive and assistance setting up the tent, managing the children, etc. I have a difficult time picturing us doing it without them. In fact since we have had our children we have not camped on our own. I know we can do it, but somedays I'm leary. I love my camping group, we share meals (breakfast & dinner) which can be challenge at times when you have little kids who want to eat sooner, but it really makes it much easier. I also love that my kids usually have someone to play with, whether it's an older child or teenager or another adult. We all look out for one another's kids and camping in a group means the kids have a larger area to run and play.
Our group I have to say is one of those groups that I used to envy as a kid. Did you ever go camping and see a group that was laughing, having a great time and lots of kids playing? Well that's us! We'd love for you guys to join us camping sometime. While it is a church group, we are not in your face about religion or bible thumpers. I have to say that most of the extent of our religiouness (is that a word?) is praying before meals and those who attend mass while we are away on the weekends. We're a laid back group and would love for you to join us!
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