We have a tooth!

Sweet Vivian got her first tooth last Friday.  We knew she was working on it.  Actually we have been blaming her behavior on teething for at least two months!  LOL  It's finally paid off. She's just getting so big so fast, it's bittersweet.

Now that I'm on my second child I feel like I am able to watch for symptoms better than I was with Lila.  I was kinda clueless whether she was getting sick or not and I had NO idea what to do even if she was getting sick.  I don't know if it's experience or confidence, but whatever it is, I feel like I can get the situation under control better this time around.

As many of you know, ear infections and teething go right together.  This is when the trouble started for Lila and the poor girl has had 2 sets.  I feel just awful for her.  I've been using doTERRA essential oils for several months now.  My friend who introduced them to me once wrote a blog post on how she cured her son's ear infection with essential oils.  Read about it here.  When I read this, I just thought, no freakin' way!  There's no way that that could happen.  I had the intention to start using them, but never thought I'd be using them for something like this, I would so just take my kid to the doctor.

Then, three months later we get thrown into teething hell.  Two weeks ago I could tell how fussy Vivian was and, again being a little more seasoned and maybe even more attentive to my children's needs, I noticed her grabbing her ears a little.  Not really pulling or anything, just had her hands up by them way more than usual.  My first thought was yep...we've got an ear infection coming.  She's teething and that's when Lila always got her's.  Then it occurred to me...I've got melaleuca.  I'm going to try and rub that behind her ears and just see where this goes.  I did it a couple times a day for a couple days.  Watched her behavior, constantly checked her for a fever, nothing....she was no longer grabbing her ears, she was still kinda fussy, but hey, she had a sharp object popping through her poor gums.  BUT SHE WASN'T GRABBING HER EARS ANYMORE.  I wowed myself.  I knew that there was fluid in there.  I had been through that before.  I knew that if the fluid didn't drain or dry up, it would more than likely turn to an ear infection.  I solved the problem before it even became the problem.

For the essential oils, for me, seeing is believing.  It wasn't that I didn't believe my friends blog, but I had to have that situation happen to me and solve it for myself.  I think a lot of people are like that.  If I was to freak out and take her to the doctor when I did, it would have been a $30 co-pay only for them to tell me that there was just fluid, it wasn't infected (YET) and there was nothing they could do.  Then in 5-7 days (I know the routine so well), the fluid would not only still be there, but would have turned into an infection and I'd find myself at the doctor again with another $30 copay and around $15 worth of antibiotics.  

Melaleuca is about 8 cents a drop.  So treating the fluid this time cost me around 64 cents, when it could've cost around $75 if it would have turned into the EI.  I like that a lot better and my husband the nurse likes it too.  He also likes the fact that an ear infection didn't cause us to appear in the ER.  LOL

If Vivian would've gotten sicker and the oils wouldn't have worked, I would not have hesitated to go to the doctor.  I don't know about you, but I don't like going to the doctor, especially during cold and flu season.

If you would like more information about essential oils and wellness, email me at ljatkins84@gmail.com.

Getting Crafty

Since Vivian has gotten a little older, I'm finding it easier to find a little more time for myself to work on some crafts and sewing projects.  I'm so happy that I've reconnected with my sewing machine again.  I've missed it so much.  For some time I've been wanting to sew something, anything with an elastic waist for my kids.  I didn't know if I could do it.  I asked several different people advice on how to do it, but after finding this blog, I knew not even I could mess this up.

I made a skirt for Lila and I took a stab at making some "Matilda Jane" style pants for Vivi, of course with an elastic waist. :)

Ok so the skirt was one of the easiest projects I've ever done.  Lila is going to have more skirts than she knows what to do with.  The pants were a little more work, but really only because of the ruffle cuff at the bottom.  I honestly think that ruffle cuffs are one of those things that once you do a few, it's get way easier.  I hope so at least.

I've got a couple other things that I'm going to try as time allows, but I'd like to perfect these two items before moving on to something else.  I'd love to hear what y'all think I should try next!

The Holidays

Here we are again.  The holidays are right around the corner!  I just love this time of the year.  I love to break out the Christmas music.  I love to look at Black Friday ads.  I love to get with family and eat until we want to puke on Thanksgiving.  :)  I just love everything about it.

This year is going to be even better than the last.  We now have two babies to spoil.  Lila is at the perfect age where she understands Christmas and all that goes with it.  I'm super excited to teach her about Christmas and how Jesus is the reason for all this crazy hoopla.  Of course, we'll still see Santa and I'm really wanting to do Elf on the Shelf this year with her.  Vivi is at this age where she "oooohs" and "ahhhs" everything, so the tree and the lights will be fantastic.  They have brought so much joy to our lives.  I never thought two little crazy girls could make us so happy.

Vivian is just over 6 months right now.  She's so much crazier than Lila was at this age.  You all know how cray Lila is now!  I think Vivi knows she's already behind and she's trying to catch up quickly.  She yells at Lila.  She laughs at her.  If you want her to smile, just get Lila in the room, it gets her every time.  She "dances" with Lila in her jumper.  Oh she's a hoot.  I know we'll have our hands full here in just a few short months!

The Holidays also mean shopping!  I'm proud to say that I've already gotten several presents this year.  Of course it will be the week before Christmas and I'll have to still get several items, but for now, I'm impressing myself.  LOL Lila is obsessed with Doc McStuffins, so she wants everything to do with her.  I'm sure in 3 weeks it will be different, so I'm waiting to buy her stuff last!  Sweet Viv is probably gonna get some clothing items from Mom and Dad.  I know everyone else will spoil her with toys that she doesn't need.

For those people that you aren't really sure what to get them, can I recommend something?  This is an affordable gift that is natural and handy to anyone who receives it.

As I've mentioned before, peppermint oil is great for so many things!  Hot flashes, stomach problems, respiratory issues, the list goes on!  Wild Orange is a great disinfectant and purifying agent.  It can be used to clean counter tops and other objects, such as those that perhaps your kids are constantly putting in their mouths and you don't want them to be eating bleach or other cleaners.  Love this oil.  On Guard is a daily use oil at our house.  Put on the bottom of your feet to help ward off nasty germs that can get you sick with all the crap going around these days.  You can also diffuse it to purify the air around you.  Who doesn't want that?

If you're interested at all in ordering, please let me know or go to www.mydoterra.com/lindseyatkins . 

Several people have asked me about the oils since my last post.  If anyone is interested in getting more information on them, please let me know.  If you want to have an informational class, I'd be happy to do that for you as well.  Get all your friends together and have a great time learning a new way to solve the health issues that you have!

Email me for more information!  ljatkins84@gmail.com

Favorite EO Recipes

I have had several people ask me about EOs since my last post.  I just wanted to share some of my favorites with you.  If you have any questions, let me know!

My Essential Oils Experience

I'm writing this post to hopefully inform others about the use of essential oils and how they can help you and your family.  I'd like to preface this post by stating that I'm pro-vaccinations and pro-"modern" medicine.  Hey, my husband's a nurse, plus I've seen how medicine truly can work.  I'm all for going to the doctor, but I've found that there are some oils out there that can help you not have to drag your kids to the doctor, waste your whole afternoon, and also save that co-pay!

I was introduced to essential oils from a friend of mine that very often posted on her blog about them.  The more she posted, the more interested I became.  Finally, I asked her about them.  She hosted a "class" to teach some of the benefits of essential oils.  At that class, Vivian, who was at the time around 3 months old, all of a sudden got aggravated at the loud noise of people talking and I'm pretty sure she was completely overwhelmed.  The girls asked if they could try an oil on her.  A little apprehensive, since she was only 3 months, I said yes.  They rubbed an oil blend called Serenity on her little feet and within a couple minutes she was calm and had completely stopped freaking out.  I knew then that this was something I had to get my hands on.

I ordered the "Family Physicians Kit".  I was super excited about it and a few days later came down with an awful summer cold.  Aren't those the worst?  I was so congested I could barely function.  The next day, my kit came.  I couldn't wait to try them out for my first experience.  I immediately used a blend called Breathe, how appropriate, since that is what I wanted to do.  I rigged up my "Redneck NetiPot" as I like to call it and got started.  Basically, all I did was heat some water up on the stove hot enough where it would steam.  I took the pot over to the kitchen table (put it on an over mitt, of course) and dropped a few drops (yes that's all it takes) of Breathe in the pot.  I got my towel and held it over my head and breathed in the steam.  Within about 30 min, I could feel my congestion going away.  Within a couple hours, I started draining.  I was amazed.  I didn't know what to think.  I think at one time I even thought, "man I can't wait to be congested again so I can do that and get this amazing feeling back".  LOL

Anyone have stomach issues?  I get indigestion every once in a while, but when I do, I burp and it makes me want to throw up.  I have found that rubbing a few drops of DigestZen on my stomach area or even lower on my intestines, helps kick my indigestion in the butt in about 10 minutes or so.  Absolutely one of my faves.  I have even used this one on Neil before and it worked for him.  :)

What about hot flashes?  I know there are many of you out there who suffer from them.  I have a co-worker who has them terribly.  She told me she can barely get ready in the morning she gets them so bad and sweats.  I happened to have Peppermint in my "medicine cabinet" because it came in my Family Physician's Kit.  I brought it to her the next day.  She used it once and without question told me to order a bottle for her.  She had tried many things to help them stop, but Peppermint stopped it in its tracks.

In my last order I finally decided to try out Vetiver.  I had heard people say that it is their "go to" sleep oil.  I had tried Lavender on my kids and it worked a little, but not good enough for me.  I have been putting Vetiver on my feet for the last few nights.  Vivi has just started sleeping on her own again, but even so, my body got so used to getting up multiiple times a night, I couldn't turn it off.  It helped me get a great night's sleep a few days last week.  Vivi will still wake herself up every once in a while in the night and fuss just enough to actually wake up.  Last night I put Vetiver and Serenity on her feet (see this post for my testimony on Serenity and Balance) and after it taking a couple different times to actually get her to sleep, I never heard her all night.  I actually overslept today b/c my phone alarm was in the kitchen and my two human alarms were getting some much needed sleep with the help from Vetiver.

I have used many other of the oils for different reasons, Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Roman Chamomile, just to name a few, but these that I have mentioned are by far my favorite.  If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email me at ljatkins84@gmail.com. I'll be happy to answer anything you ask.

You can also go to this website to view different oils and other products. http://mydoterra.com/lindseyatkins

Balance and Serenity

Don't these two words sound lovely together?  These are two blends of essential oils that I used on my husband last night to help him get a "good night's sleep".  He has called me crazy for the past couple months for the oils I have been using.  I have used lavender on my kids to help them sleep, I've used frankincense on "inflamed" body parts. (I won't go into detail on that)

So last night I rubbed Serenity on Neil's back and Balance on his neck.  When he woke up this morning he asked if I (and Vivi) had a good night.  He only woke up one time in the night.  This was a miracle for him (and me since he's usually all over the bed and wakes me up on accident).  So we're going to continue this for the nights that he is home and has to sleep at night.  He is a nurse and works midnights so he is constantly battling staying awake at night when he has to and sleeping at night when he needs to.  I hoping these oils will work for him on a regular basis.

Balance - Grounding Blend

spruce, rosewood, frankincense, and blue tansy with fractionated coconut oil

Serenity - Calming Blend

lavender, sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood and vanilla 

Another oil that Neil has been using is Melaleuca.  This oil is more commonly known as "tea tree" oil.  He gets bad razor burn on his neck after shaving.  He was complaining about this the other day and I told him to try putting melaleuca on his neck after shaving/showering.  He never mentioned anything else about it so I thought he had just ignored me, but this morning when we were getting ready, he went and grabbed it and I saw him using it.  I looked at his neck and it did look a little better.  I'll have to get a full report from him on how he's liking it.  I am so happy that I found these oils.  I will admit, I do like some better than others, but they are really working for me.  :)  

If you are interested in learning more, feel free to email me.  I'm still new to the oils, but I can get information for you.  

ljatkins84@gmail.com

Let Kids Be Themselves

I read a blog today about moms comparing themselves to other moms.  You should read it! Here it is.    It triggered me to write this post that I have had on my "blog list of things to post" for quite some time now!

I recently got an email from BabyCenter on my 2 Year Old's growth and development.  I opened it like I do all of "those" emails I get.  (You know I signed up for like every kind of email when I was pregnant with her.)  I started to read it and it went something like this:

"Too tall? Too short? Too chubby? Too thin? As your preschooler grows and changes, it's natural to wonder how she compares."

I just focused on those words for a minute.  How my child compares... To who?  Other 2 year olds?  Other 3 year olds? Other genius 1 year olds?  I've only been a mother for almost 3 years and I've learned A LOT!  If you are a new mother, or even if you're a seasoned mother, I think you'll relate to this post.  I feel that the most important thing that I've learned is that every child is different.  Lila is different than her friends.  She's different than her cousins.  And Vivian is going to be way different than Lila.  It's funny that these sites send out these emails, some daily, some weekly, and some monthly saying your child should be doing this or that, or walking or talking or being an angel or a brat...I could go on and on.

I understand that doctors, scientists, and other professionals have done tons of research on the development of babies and children, but I still don't see how "they" can tell me that my child should or shouldn't be doing something.  Do they know my child?  Are they around them everyday?

Lila does things that I think there's no way she should be doing this yet and other things, like trying to pedal a trike is so complicated for her to understand.  Does that mean she's ahead or behind?  No, that means she's Lila.  

She didn't start crawling until she was 9 months old (which I thought was SO late), but started walking before her first birthday.  She had basically no hair until she was about 15 months old.  She could count to 10 before she turned two.  Do you see where I'm going with this?  All kids are really good at some stuff and not so good at other stuff.  We, as parents, must accept that and stop "comparing" their every move to the other kids.

It took me a little bit (ok, like 18 months) to realize this, so if you're a new mom, it may take a bit to get off this track, but you can do.  I promise.

Then comes the second child.  Poor thing...everything they do gets compared to what the older sibling(s) has done, when they've done it, and how they did it.  It took me a few months, but I've told myself I'm not gonna push things for Vivian to be on the same track as Lila.  She may crawl at 6 months and then not walk until she's 14 months.  Whatever she does, she'll be Vivian.  

I want Lila, to be Lila and Vivi to be Vivi.  Most importantly I want them both to know how proud I am of them of being them!

I hope they are always best friends!