Sunday, February 28, 2010
My birthday
I forgot to mention in my last post that Casey's birthday gift for me this year was a cookbook stand (I LOVE) and have wanted for ages, and a Le Crueset dutch oven which I used for the beef bourgignon. Good stuff! If only I didn't have to add that extra year to the tally.
Eating Right
In recent months, the Ratliff family has been making a valient effort to be more healthy - in particular, in the food we eat. Casey has spearheaded this effort and admittedly with much resistance on the part of his wife and teenage daughter who, let's face it, Really like spaghettios and toaster strudel! However, he did not throw up his hands and say forget it; he kept pushing and we have gradually gotten used to the idea.
The hardest part for me is not buying the cheapest brand at the grocery store, but choosing the organic version which is always WAY more expensive, and reading the labels for the least processed, nitrite free, high fructose corn syrup free versions of everything, the grass-fed meat, the fresh veggie and fruits, etc. You ever notice the cheap processed food is much more affordable. No wonder America struggles with weight gain! Anyway - we are working at it, and I am on board. (We do have occassional treats and hot chocolate in the mornings - made from the finest ingredients and sugar substitutes of course!)
Last night, I made beef bourgignon from scratch, and it was amazing. We have fresh bread several times a week, etc. The most exciting thing is, I haven't had a soft drink since Jan 31, and have almost completely eliminated the fast food stops!!! Here's to a healthier life!
The hardest part for me is not buying the cheapest brand at the grocery store, but choosing the organic version which is always WAY more expensive, and reading the labels for the least processed, nitrite free, high fructose corn syrup free versions of everything, the grass-fed meat, the fresh veggie and fruits, etc. You ever notice the cheap processed food is much more affordable. No wonder America struggles with weight gain! Anyway - we are working at it, and I am on board. (We do have occassional treats and hot chocolate in the mornings - made from the finest ingredients and sugar substitutes of course!)
Last night, I made beef bourgignon from scratch, and it was amazing. We have fresh bread several times a week, etc. The most exciting thing is, I haven't had a soft drink since Jan 31, and have almost completely eliminated the fast food stops!!! Here's to a healthier life!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Sophia Grace is here!
Our new bundle of joy arrived on Monday, February 1, 2010. She weighed in at 8 lbs, 1.2 ozs. and was 20 1/2 inches long.
Quick birth story - I was scheduled for induction on the 1st because we live almost 3 hours from the hospital and I was having my 4th. Didn't want a roadside delivery! Casey's mom Nancy was due on the 31st to help us with the other monkeys, so after 2 weeks of false labor we were happy to make it to that point! I was supposed to call at 0430 to confirm they had space, but got a call at midnight that a bed was available and to come on in. At 1:30, I was checked and already at 4 centimeters so she was on her way anyway. They monitored my contractions for about 2 hours, and then started pit to help me get into a pattern, which I immediately did. Another hour later, doc broke my water, still at 4. I got an epi at 6ish, which didn't start working till 6:30 or so. Sophia was born in one contraction (2 little pushes) at 7:39 am. They logged my active labor at 2:39. I'm thinking "thank goodness I didn't have to drive to San Antonio in labor!" She came into the world screaming, but has been an extremely quiet baby from that point on.
Her siblings all love her dearly. My biggest job so far is protecting Sophia from the "lovin" of her 2 year old big sister!
More to follow.
Quick birth story - I was scheduled for induction on the 1st because we live almost 3 hours from the hospital and I was having my 4th. Didn't want a roadside delivery! Casey's mom Nancy was due on the 31st to help us with the other monkeys, so after 2 weeks of false labor we were happy to make it to that point! I was supposed to call at 0430 to confirm they had space, but got a call at midnight that a bed was available and to come on in. At 1:30, I was checked and already at 4 centimeters so she was on her way anyway. They monitored my contractions for about 2 hours, and then started pit to help me get into a pattern, which I immediately did. Another hour later, doc broke my water, still at 4. I got an epi at 6ish, which didn't start working till 6:30 or so. Sophia was born in one contraction (2 little pushes) at 7:39 am. They logged my active labor at 2:39. I'm thinking "thank goodness I didn't have to drive to San Antonio in labor!" She came into the world screaming, but has been an extremely quiet baby from that point on.
Her siblings all love her dearly. My biggest job so far is protecting Sophia from the "lovin" of her 2 year old big sister!
More to follow.
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