Book 4: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

This is a bit of a combo post; both personal and book review.  Personal because it's about my (desired) plans for my little one and book review because, well, I'll be reviewing a book.

4.
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

Ever since I went through school (I have a B.S. in Child Development) I've wanted to have as natural a birth as possible.  Unfortunately for me, I was born with a heart condition that makes everyone worry and, although I haven't had any problems with it, everyone wants me to give birth in a hospital to make sure I'm safe if something goes wrong.  If I had my way, I'd be giving birth in a birth center.

Despite the fact that for this birth I'm stuck with a hospital I'm hoping to have as natural of a birth as I can still be allowed.  I don't want an epidural, I don't want to be induced, I don't want an episiotomy, and I definitely don't want a cesarean section if at all possible.   To further this goal, I've been lurking forums that highlight natural, unmedicated childbirth.  In doing so, I found out about Ina May's book.

Jaded or Just Broke?

That's the question I've been asking myself this week about my friends, and people my age in general.  Are we not fond of direct sales businesses because we just don't have the extra money or is it because we grew up with our mom's going to direct sales parties and dragging us along.

I was really excited to become an Independent Scentsy Consultant, and I still am; but, over the course of this past week I've realized that I'm going to have to build a customer base without the help of my friends.  Not a single one of my friends has ordered anything through my Launch Party, not even the ones who said they would.  Am I disappointed?  Absolutely.  Am I surprised?  Not really.

Trying this Book thing Again

Last year I was adamant that I would do a whole bunch of amazing posts about the books I was reading.  Yeah, well, I kind of sucked at it didn't I now?  Yes, yes I did.  You don't even need to answer.  Let me recognize my failings ;)

This year (yes, I know it's already mid-February) I'm determined to make up for it.  Or at the very least, make more posts than I did last year. 

My goal is still to read 50 books this year.  I didn't meet that goal last year, what with moving, and then being super tired once I got pregnant.  This year, I'm sure it'll be even harder since I'll have an infant for most of the year, and yet, I'm stubborn as all get out and I'm determined to not fail. 

Without further ado, check out reviews for books 1-3

Launch Party!

So, like I said last post, I decided to become an Independent Scentsy Consultant.  Yay me!  I'll be honest, and I may have said it before, I'm mainly into it because I got all of the samples to check out; but, I figured I might as well tell my friends (and readers) about it since it's actually a lot safer than candles around kids and pets (no flames, not hot to the touch).

Well, as part of starting, I'm throwing a Launch Party!  It's actually the perfect time too because almost everything is 10% off.   Most people do their launch party at their house or a friend's house; but, unfortunately, my friends and family are just so scattered that I am doing my first party online.

The nice thing about that is that anyone can stop by the website and join the party.  Whether we're friends or your just lurk my blog, every order will just ship straight to you.  Pretty snazzy right?  You don't even ever need to talk to me, which I won't lie, would be a nice incentive if I was on the other end of this post.

So, if you have the time, check it out at SLOScents

More Life Changes :)

I'm still a slacker blogger aren't I?  Oh well, being pregnant and working is kind of a lot; but, as always, I'm going to try to be better.

It might be a little late in coming, but I do have updates about a couple things.  Including: sex of the baby, a new addition to the house, and my new hobby!

I Think I'm Building a Nest

So, I've always heard about nesting.  That instinct, or perhaps compulsion, pregnant women seem to get where they feel the need to clean, rearrange, or completely redecorate their house.  I always thought it was a silly idea and figured it didn't happen to most people.

Well, I can without a doubt say it has hit me.  When the new year started I decided that I wanted to get on top of keeping our house clean again.  Part of that means having to do chores.  I don't like chores.  They make my heart sad.  I'd much rather watch TV or read.  However, I figured getting the house organized now, and getting in the habit of keeping it that way, would make it easier to keep it that way once the baby come.

To help me accomplish this goal, I downloaded the Motivated Mom's app for my phone.  I had it last year and didn't really use it; but, I'm determined to make the most of it this year.  It's actually really nice.  It tells you what chores to do each day and even puts in chores you don't really think about like cleaning the baseboards or washing the walls.  Also, it spaces out the chores fairly evenly which makes it so that you don't have one day during the week where you just have a ton to do.  I also like it because you can assign chores to specific people and color code them to match to that person.  You can also add chores of your own creation and set them at regular intervals or delete the chores they include if you don't do them.

I've had the app since Monday and I have to say, our house is looking nice.  In fact, on Wednesday my MIL (mother-in-law) who lives with us wondered if we were having guests coming since we were doing so much cleaning.  Honestly, the house is probably in the best shape it's been in since we moved in last July.  I got so wrapped up in cleaning that last night I finished all my chores and then felt like I hadn't done enough.  I just wanted to keep cleaning.  I blame the baby.  It's easy to blame things on the baby. :)  Probably one of my favorite parts of being pregnant.

Plus, now that the house is all spiffy, I'll try to remember to take those pictures of our house that I promised ages ago and you can check them out.

Horrible Blogger...with a SECRET!!

Hi.  Yes, I know I've been an atrocious blogger.  Yes, I know, I totally suck. 

BUT, I have an excuse for most of the time I've been absent.  The beginning part, well that was just moving, so I don't have a good excuse; but....drum roll please.