Hello.
How are you.
It's Friday. That's got to make you happy.
Right? Who doesn't love Fridays?
And because it's Friday, I have a list for you. Though one has nothing to do with the other, I still find it necessary to inform you of the following:
1. I miss the Friday nights I used to spend with up at my parents house (note: this photo wasn't taken at their house, it was taken at a brewery, over and out). What is it about someone cooking you a meal that is so special? I used to head up in the afternoons and spend hours chatting with my Mom and sipping kombucha before the rest of the family showed up for dinner. I miss that time spent in her kitchen – her kitchen was always filled with treasures that I not-so-secretly coveted, like artisan cheeses and yummy crackers and wine and pine nuts and pesto and fancy mustard. The best part was she used to open it up like a grocery store for my tasting pleasure, eagerly plating a tray of her goodness for my never-ceasing appetite. My Mom is like me in that way (or rather, I'm like her) – we so enjoy showering the people we love with food.
Her food and her fellowship were delicious. Every single Friday I desperately miss both.
In an effort to semi-revive the fun of Fridays, a new friend of mine and I decided to begin a small group of sorts to be held at our home on Fridays. Though we won't be eating dinner, we will be sharing munchies and drink on Friday nights (after the kiddos are down for the night) and will be beginning a casual bible study. I am hopeful this will grow our fellowship as young couples in the church and will keep us from falling asleep at 7:45.
What can I say? I get tired early. I'm like an old lady. It's a good thing we don't have a television or I'd be watching Wheel of Fortune.
Even still, I am eager to spend more structured time in the Lord's word and with new friends. So cheers for a fun-filled-Friday!
2. All I can think about at the present moment is Chex-Mix. My Mom, bless her soul, just sent me some in the mail. I'm going to lick every single crumb out of the bag. Then, I'm going to make her send me some more.
Whole-food, it is not.
Comfort-food, it is.
And I love it.
What's a favorite comfort food of yours?
3. Wouldn't you know, this baby has done a number on my back these last few days. Whether is comes from the extra weight I'm carrying around or the fact that I'm still lugging around my large toddler, it's painful. I've attempted to stretch it out with some yoga poses, but thus far, no relief. I simply want to remain in fetal position on the couch – it's the only position that relieves the pressure and pain.
Point being, if someone wants to come and cook and clean and do laundry for me for the next week, I'd be more than happy to have you. Because even sweeping is painful. And if girlfriend doesn't sweep, it's an ugly world in this sandy home. Plus, my tub really needs to be scrubbed.
Eek! Just the thought makes me ache.
And might I just dote on my wonderful husband for a moment? He has eagerly stepped up to rub my back and wash the dishes and help lift Georgia in and out of the tub. I love him. And am so thankful he is a man that is willing to serve his wife in this way.
Did I mention I love him? Because I do.
4. I'm going to use some of our very precious grocery budget money to purchase a pumpkin for our porch this weekend. This is totally frivolous and pointless, but I really want a pumpkin on our porch for the fall.
Maybe I can try and find one that we can eat afterwords. At least then it won't be a total waste.
5. My dear friend Kate blessed me with a box of her maternity clothes to see me through these last few ‘larger' months. What a blessing!
Because let's be honest, I am larger than I once was.
All parts. Hips. Toosh. Belly. Thighs. It's all larger.
And speaking of being larger, I found THIS POST from Lindsay at Passionate Homemaking to be a wonderful reminder of the beauty that comes to our bodies through pregnancy and beyond.
And speaking of being larger (still), do any of you have a brand or style of nursing bra that you would recommend? I cannot bare to think about wearing the $4 WalMart nursing bra that I wore with Georgia – it was awful.
I'm sure some of you can relate. The comfort of a nursing bra is important when you practically have to wear it 24 hours a day.
And speaking of comfort (see how the thought train of my mind works?), I'm going to figure out how to sew some homemade nursing pads this go-round. While the disposable pads were convenient and effective, their price tag will not be appreciated by Dang Dave. I think it'd be best to find a more economical alternative, though it may be more effective (since I don't sew) to just find some on Etsy.
I'm looking at something like this:
Though I like the idea of having a plastic (or wool?) lining on one side. Because, let's be honest, sometimes things get outta control quickly in the lactation department.
Sorry. That's enough talk about breasts and bras and lactation.
Just thought I'd share.
I hope you have a wonderful Friday, my friends. What's going on in your world?
Mary Jane Plemons
I have had back problems for many years…retired R.N. and mother of four…anyway, to scrub your tub, try using your broom! Works well, and when you are finished, just sweep the water to the drain! It also washes your broom. I read that hint somewhere years ago, and have used it ever since.
Steph
Regarding a comfortable nursing bra, my favorite so far with my 1st 2 babies is a cami tank from Target-Gillian & O’Malley maybe?? I LOVE them–they cover up your tummy, which lets face it, after having a baby who wants their tummy showing?!;) and are super comfortable. I think it was around $16 or so, but they do go on sale when they have baby sales, so keep an eye out! I wore these throughout the 1st year+ —even to work when I was working;) #3 is due in a few months & I think I am going to try & treat myself to a few new ones as well! As far as something with more, shape (like a “real” bra) I don’t have much–I probably have the same $4 WalMart one you are talking about;) Hope that helps! π
PS–I am in the same boat with you regarding pumpkins NOT being in the budget this year π BUT, I really want a pumpkin too–I saw Aldi has them on sale this week for $2.29 if you have any of those stores down South. I think I can swing $2.29 π
Lanny
Don’t get Motherhood’s bras. I have a couple of Motherhood bras and a couple of Wal-Mart bras. Let’s just say that I only wear the Motherhood bras when the Wal-Mart bras are in the wash. My favorite is Wal-Marts sports nursing bra. So comfy for night time and also it was great when I was in the hospital.
Anonymous
I wish I lived closer to you. I would come and clean your house and entertain your daughter while you napped.
I also used a Wal-Mart bra. Mine was more than $4 though. It was boring beige, had straps so thick you could secure stuff to the roof of your car with them, and was covered in old lady lace. It was also underwire and the most comfortable thing in the whole world. Maybe you should check your Wal-Mart more thoroughly. Perhaps this magical bra exsists there as well. I agree w/Lanny, don’t get any from Motherhood. Expensive and not so great.
Anonymous
I LOVED my motherhood nursing bras!…..?? We all have different bodies, but I thought they worked really nice. I especially like the “sleep” bras, that are all stretchy, and have really no support, but are really nice if you want something on while around the house. I was uncomfortable in underwire for a few months, so I mostly wore the two sleep bras I bought. I even bought one of their sport bras, not the most scientific design, but it worked. I nursed for over 2 years, and these bras held up wonderfully. I also bought a couple random ones, I have no idea the brand, at Burlington Coat Factory Outlet, for $8 each. I would suggest, like all bras, to get multiple, so you have a variety. One or two will wear out fast, like all bras. And I never needed nursing pads. I had a whole box I got rid of. Should have sent them to you!
Hilary
I love my reusable nursing pads from Etsy. From the Wee Essentials store. My mom also made some for me – cotton jersey on the inside that touches you, a layer of flannel, a PUL layer then an outside layer of flannel (I think that was how it went!). Serged together. Love.
I really like the Motherhood nursing tanks. I got mine at Macy’s. They are a little more expensive than the Gillian O’Malley ones at Target, but they are so soft and stretchy. I would wear them everyday if I could! They stretch so much I wore them all through my third trimester. But for bra’s, I’m no help. I have yet to find one that is comfortable, easy to nurse in, and holds the girls up appropriately. I’ve just decided saggy boobs are part of nursing π
PS I really enjoy your blog! It’s encouraging and some days, just what I need to hear as a SAHM of a 2 yr old and 4 month old.
jessicatelian
I’ve worn nursing bras for almost three years straight (nursing my first, and then tandem-nursing, and now just nursing my second while pregnant with my third) and I LOVE Motherhood Maternity’s bras. They’re comfortable, work well and they even have some cute/sexy options (which is rare for nursing bras! :)).
As for nursing pads, I have six pairs of these (http://www.nickisdiapers.com/knickernappies-breast-pads.html) and they work really well. I always have a huge milk supply and these have saved me from any wet shirt episodes. π
Ellie's Pink Piano
Jessica Telian! This is hilarious! I was going to tell you about Shaye’s blog!
Love, Jacquie
Ellie's Pink Piano
Dear Shaye, I think you are a spirit π After all you love Jesus so it must be true π I discovered your blog on Monday and have read it through almost entirely this week π I am up to 2012 π Anyway, I really adore your blog, it makes me want to start mine again. I had one but well, now i have a different vision and another baby on the way so I don’t think it is fair to have a blog named after only on child…anyway, this is a ridiculously long comment but i had to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I have been wanting to eat more nourishing and especially since I have such ridiculous allergies, and pregnancy and fat cells! Anyway, I wanted to tell you I ordered a Mother Scoby lol! This is crazy! But I have got to try it. Ever since I read that post I have been craving it, and I don’t even know what it is! Ha!
Anyway, thanks for posting about nursing bras. I didn’t even have one with Ellie, I had to use playtex because nothing fit right but it all worked out. I hope to find a nice one too!
And maternity clothes are wonderful! I am desperate need of some of them too, I don’t like looking frumpy.
I LOVE Your blog. I hope you are blessed.
Love, Jacquie
Ellie's Pink Piano
I meant to say “kindred spirit” blame the pregnant brain π My husband lets me do this often lol
Ellie's Pink Piano
Oh yes, and I am praying for your back. I pray the Lord gives you relief and heals you. In Jesus name, amen
Jess
Bella Materna! Definitely not $4, but it’s definitely one of those ‘you get what you pay for’ kind of things. I’ve worn mine straight for the entire 14 ish months I’ve nursed each of my babies (3 with #4 on the way) – they hold up so well and fit so well and are comfortable, flattering and dare I say sexy! They even come with loops that you can change out the nursing clip later so it’s no longer a nursing bra. Anyway, they often have them on sale for %50 off, such as this one:
http://www.bellamaterna.com/shop/Lace-Padded-Nursing-Bra-PID8225-1491.aspx
P.S. I found your blog a couple weeks ago looking for a soaked whole wheat bread recipe and have been so enjoying it ever since! It doesn’t hurt that my last name is also Elliott, our husbands look like they could be brothers and I love your style. Thanks!
Brooke
Ebay is a good spot to find nursing bras. Some are new and were the wrong size and some were worn maybe twice. I have started sewing my own since I am huge and huge bras are VERY expensive (and all are uncomfortable)- even on ebay. π *sigh* Bravado and Medela sell nice quality bras but may be out of your price range.
A sinner, saved by Grace through Jesus Christ!
Home Depot in Montgomery is running pumpkins for 4 for $12….I am sure it is regional, so you guys should have the same in your neck of the woods. Go in with a friend and split the cost! Thanks for the hilarious post!
[email protected]
Aimee L.
My favorite wear-in-public bra is an Anita brand. Nordstrom sells them, so you can imagine the regular price, but I found mine for around $20 on Amazon.com.
The most comfortable bra I’ve ever worn (nursing or not) is my Medela Comfort Nursing Bra. It has no underwire but gives incredible support. The only drawback is that it has a racerback, so the straps are really close to my neck and show through the neckline of shirts (thus, I usually just wear it around the house). I took the advice of other reviews and bought it one size larger than I regularly wear.
Nikki
I recommend getting some nursing tank tops, especially because it’ll be cooler out and you can layer easily with them. I got a few Target, Gillian & O’Malley ones (nice and long) and the splurged on one v-neck, Bravado tank for nicer tops. I also like the Target, v-neck “sleeping” bras, too, but the tanks were the best, especially in the beginning.
Anonymous
There is a tutorial someone sent me on how to make a nursing cami from a regular tank top. No sewing machine required. Maybe you could Google it if you are interested. It would be so much cheaper than buying them.
Anonymous
you might want to mention the back pain to your doctor. I had bad back pain in the last trimester of my second pregnancy and thought nothing of it. After I delivered I found out I had diastasis, that’s where your ab muscles separate during pregnancy causing your back to do all the work to compensate for your ab muscles.
Amanda
I have had luck with some of the nursing bras you can get at target. I don’t have luck with any nursing bras that have underwire, but have found some good ones that don’t there. Homemade nursing pads don’t work for me, I can soak through the heaviest of these in no time at all and since I work outside the home, it is the disposable ones for me. A pumpkin will make it feel more like fall for you and that is great!