My Baby, My E

Me and The Husband at the birthplace of E's Grand Papou in Greece

I'm not too sappy of a homegirl.  But when it comes to E, I kinda 'em.  Wednesday was his 5th birthday.  My first, my baby boy, was born 5 years ago.  I look back and remember how stressed, scared, terrified, frantic, and ecstatic I was. So many opposing emotions were tearing at me.  So much uncertainty. 

He was born in stress...no joke.  I would like to think he was born in a soothing natural environment, I mean Dave Matthews was playin'.  I would like to say that this gorgeous picture from our honeymoon in paradise (Bristish Virgin Islands) was my visual focal point...

Not so.  For my first baby, I thought it would go down a little differently.  Looking back it wasn't too drastic at all but during, I was a nervous wreck.  

I went in for a prenatal check up and was diagnosed with preeclampsia.  The Husband was at work and I had to drive myself to the hospital. 

I checked myself in.  I waited for The Husband.  I was given scary news by my OB about how if we didn't get my blood pressure under control then I would need some scary drug that might make my baby
"unresponsive at birth". 

REALLY?!?!  Well, with that news of course my blood pressure would go down and I would relax...um no.  About that time, I opted for an epidural.  I am not one to advocate drugs and I wasn't happy about the decision, but I was happy that it made me relax and got my blood pressure under control... and that I didn't have an "unresponsive baby at birth".  So in between that scary news and my Dr. telling me she was going home to feed her dogs (she later almost missed my delivery!!) I was a little freaked out.    

Oh...did I mention he was sunny side up.  Yea, and the Dr. said she couldn't do anything about it but thank god, I had the best nurse in the world, who was able to turn the baby and make me at ease.  If it wasn't for her, I would have been a hopeless mess.

All this time, I was quietly frightened, but my baby was coming, and I would soon meet him.  When I did,  it was the most beautiful experience in my life.  My first born; born slightly blue, scrapped, screaming, and perfect.  Second he was in my arms, on my skin, I knew I would never let him go. 

This sweet baby is 5.  He is gorgeous and has the kindest heart.  My Casanova.  He is my love.  He is the one who gets sad when I get sad, or laughs when I laugh.  He is my heart.  My walking, laughing, spirited heart. 

He is one of the three main reasons why I am trying to live a healthier life.  He is the reason why I am making these changes to a greener, less-toxic lifestyle.  

I am a mother, a protector, and a survivor.  I will guard my little loves with everything I have.  Forever.  

 

 I couldn't be luckier.   

The Anti Antibacterial Rant

 

Disclaimer: I don't love bacteria and enjoy being clean but I am not at war with the nasty bugs.  I am not obsessive about it.  I have never been one to wash my hands a million times a day or before I eat.  I don't arm myself with Purell. 

I also don't get sick very often.  Coincidence? 

Lately, I find myself plagued by antibacterial products.  I can't help but notice them everywhere.  I see women reaching for their H2O free hand wash, wipes at grocery stores, cleaning products, surface cleaners, lotions, etc.  I see all of these products and I am perplexed.  Why?

Just the other day, I was in Target and saw a women wipe the cart down, then her child's hands, then the poor kids face.  Come on!  What/who are we trying to kill?  Yes germs, but what exactly are in those products that we are using? 

 

And I am still questioning  this even after I just saw a horrifying movie about a deadly virus plaguing the world.    

I know there is a lot of alcohol.  I clearly remember reading a story about how a dog...or was it a child, licked an antibacterial product and died...or got really sick.  Obviously, I pay close attention to detail :) I guess I'll leave that to my analytical and sexy hubby.  Bottom line, I have questions about these products.  Are they safe?  What is in them?  Are germs really that bad for our health?

I am especially curious now because when I drop E off at school, I am met with a huge pump dispenser of hand sanitizer.  Every time I see it I am slightly (no deeply) bothered by it.  What is in that clear gooey gel?  How often do they squirt him with it?  Do the kids have a choice?  Are teachers aware of what might be in them?  Is my son licking the product?!?!?!  Is he going to get horribly sick or worse?!?!?!? 

Truthfully, I don't know the brand so I can't go all hog wild over the ingredients.  But I do know what is in many other antibacterial name brand products; Dial, Colgate Total, Right Guard deodorant, Ajax dish soap, Softsoap Antibacterial, Old Spice Deodorant, Clearasil....  The common ingredient that stands out is Triclosan.

The FDA is only now reviewing the safety of this chemical...after it has been used for over 30 years. 

Triclosan is a chemical that is mostly used to kill bacteria on the skin and other surfaces.  It is used in antibacterial soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, cosmetics, fabrics, plastics, and other products. 

A marketplace study in 2000 by Eli Perencevich, M.D. and colleagues found that over 75% of liquid soaps and nearly 30% of bar soaps (45% of all soaps on the market) contained some type of antibacterial agent.  Triclosan was the most common agent. 

It is so prevalent that a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the chemical present in the urine of 75% of Americans over the age of 5. 

So what makes it so naughty?

•          It may alter hormone regulation in laboratory animals and cause antibiotic resistance. 
•          It is classified as a pesticide by the EPA. 
•          It can easily be turned into chloroform and enter our water
•          It can disrupt hormones (now being examined closer in relation to breast cancer) is a reason to caution teens whose bodies are still developing.

Bath and Body Works have recently been under attack for their use of Triclosan in their hand soaps used primarily by teens. Their motto is to, "spread love, not germs".  How about spread good clean 100% Pure products?

Just today, I was talking  to my Dr. about Triclosan during a visit (yes, I am at the Dr. way more than any 30 year old should be, and yes, I consider him my friend).  He said that the body produces its own protective barrier through our hair follicles.  We produce two proteins that work together to protect us.  These antibacterial soaps strip the skin and the good bacteria that our bodies naturally make.  He is even specific with nurses about how they wash their hands and prep a patient before surgery as too not overly strip the skin.

Thankfully, many companies have removed it and substituted it with less controversial ingredients. 

Let's compare ingredients from a common antibacterial hand soap to that of 100% Pure.

Here are the ingredients for Dial Complete Foaming Antibacterial

 

Active Ingredient: Triclosan

Inactive Ingredient: Water, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Diproplyene Glycol, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidoproply Betaine, Fragrance, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Red 4, Yellow 5

Here are the ingredients for 100% Pure Forest Hydrating Hand Wash

 

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Juice, Organic Rose Hydrosol, Sake, Saponified Coconut Oil, Extracts of Organic Green Tea, Rosemary, Goldenseal, Oregano, Thyme, Lavender, Coffee Cherry, Pomegrantate, Calendula, Grapefruit Seed, Essential Oils of Clementine

With 100% Pure I can pronounce all the ingredients.  I know they are safe. They are natural, 100% vegetarian, and gluten free.  Instead of using antibacterial chemicals, 100% uses antibacterial herbsto kill germs.  There are no chemical preservative, no artificial fragrances, no sulfite or other stripping detergents and best of all, no Triclosan or any other toxins. 

I feel a hell of a lot safer having my kids use this than the leading formula. 

If you are interested in ordering 100% Pure Hydrating Hand Wash please click here.

or

click this link: http://www.alexandvon.com/products/371-hydrating-hand-wash.aspx?SellerID=466

There are a few different scents to choose from including: Forest, Key Lime Mint, Clementine, and Lemon and Verbena.

Wordless Wednesday- Holy Batman

Watch out!  Batman E is ready for some serious action...and a movie.  His sidekick Robin was busy doing some very important business, trying to find the Jelly Belly that disappeared on the ground.  I feel safer already.   

Pow! Wham! Ka-boom!  To the Batmobile!

Adore: Lake Tahoe aka Big Blue

Vacation- a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel also known as a recess or holiday.  My definition, sanity.  What my family and I needed was a weekend away from housework, yard work, and straight up chaos.  Enter last weekend.  Last minute, unexpected trip to the Big Blue, Lake Tahoe.  This little piece of lake paradise is located about 2.5 hours away, nestled in abundant trees and nature.  The lake color is a gorgeous royal blue and the air is a fresh as pine needles.

I have a new appreciation of Lake Tahoe now that I have kids.  I can' tell you how nice it is to get out into nature (without 100 degree  heat) and explore, play, relax,  eat, and drink with not-a-single-worry in-the-world.  Vacation-recharge. 

Yes, it is work to wake up, take the army to the children's superstore to switch car seats around, grocery shop, pack the minibus, listen to superhero chaos, kiss tears, and clean the casa before the trip.  But once we hit the open road, reggae music playing, kids sleeping, the sweetie driving, and me...well, sleeping is a vacation in its own. 

Not only did we do nothing but hang out at the lake, but also...we did nothing.  Exactly what a vacation means to me.  Honestly, I don't get the people who go on vacation seeking adventure.  No, not me.  Not with kids.  I go on vacation to eat, drink, read, relax, play games, and rekindle with The Husband.  And that is exactly what we did.

It was I who got into the lake when no one else dared.  

 

They enjoyed watching me freeze but I wasn't about to freeze alone.

X thought about getting in the water.

But liked the idea of going with me better.

We made sand castles and took turns burying each other at Meeks Bay.

Even baby M enjoyed the sand.

X discovered new ways of eating.

And on Sunday it was back to the Lake, but this time at Sunnyside.  The boys had a blast in the raft with Daddy.

Baby M decided to catch some zzzz's while I caught my D's from the sun.

King of the World.

We ended the trip with a delicious meal at Sunnyside.  Yum!

What I adore- feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed with family.

Eats: Strawberry Passion

I always considred myself pretty competent when it came to nutrition. Lately, I am feeling a little out of whack and confused.  I eat healthy, low on the protein, high in veggies and some fruits but I have been getting a bit dizzy lately.  Dr. Fantastic conducts regular blood test on me. Recently, the results have shown that I have low  blood sugar.  I have been feeling dizzy on occasion, but I have not straight up blacked out and hugged the floor since my Greek wedding (über embarrassing).

Today, I had to go to the lab to take a glucose test.  Let me tell you...NOT FUN!  I had to fast, then was forced to drink a disgusting sugary concoction, and then sat in the lab for 3.5 lllooooonnnggg hours while they pricked my arm to take blood every hour.  Sounds awesome right?  To top it off, there was no wi-fi and no internet connection and my phone would not connect to the web.  Result - no email and gasp, no Facebook either! 

 During this time, I continued reading The China Study.  I can't get enough of this book, even though I think E could probably read it faster than me at this point!  To sum up what I have read so far, animal protein and casein(dairy) accelerate  cancer growth,  while plant-based protein slows it down.  T. Colin Campbell and Thomas Campbell believe that while we are exposed to small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals daily, cancer does not occur unless we consume foods that promote and nurture tumor development.  It is a radical idea but his analysis, research, and experiments really make sense.  His studies have found that plant protein does not promote cancer growth, even at the highest levels of intake.  He believes, "like flipping a light switch on and off, we could control cancer promotion merely by changing levels of protein, regardless of initial carcinogen exposure".  I would like to have a shortage in my light switch :).  Seriously, fascinating read.  Pick it up!

So, we will see what my results are.  Some Docs recommend more protein to control the spikes in my blood sugar. Now that I have read a slice of The China Study, I am not too sure I want to do that.  Obviously there is plenty of plant protein I can consume like: spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, swiss chard, collard greens, cauliflower, and lentils, but they're not always easy to grab on the run.  My Dr.  also recommended I start to follow a hypoglycemic diet and eat regularly every two hours.  Sounds easy right?  Not exactly.  It is HARD to do with kids, chores, playdates, and just plain running around.  I was also told to carry sweets around in case I got a bit dizzy.  Now, I don't really crush on sweets that much.  I'd much rather have salty foods.  If Dr. Fantastic said to carry around sea salted almonds, (or who am I kidding) Ruffles, I would be over the moon!  But I don't naturally reach for sweets, even fruits.  But, I gotta follow Dr.'s orders!  Good thing I am seriously phening for strawberries lately.  Yes, I know they are low on the glycemic index but they still count!

With the Fourth of July around the corner, I can't stop thinking red, white, and blue.  Yes, this includes foods too.  I am a dork.   Red-watermelon, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, red bell peppers, tomatoes.  Blue- blueberries and blackberries.  White- coconuts, yogurt, jicama, and mozzarella. 

Nothing says summer and the 4th like strawberries though.  This is one fruit I love.  There is nothing like a fresh, juicy, sweet, strawberry.  My boys feel me on this one.  Strawberries don't last more than a few hours in this house.  I have actually had to hide the strawberries in the back of the fridge so the boys wouldn't eat MY sweet little strawberries.  Selfish right!



Not only are strawberries the most adorably cute, luscious fruit ever, but they are also pure joy to chomp and even better for your health (and waist line)!

Strawberries are extremely high in vitamin C, manganese, calcium, and dietary fiber.  As I just typed this I had to do a double take on manganese.  Never heard of that?  Manganese, as luck would have it, helps you maintain normal blood sugar.  Score!  Also, it protects your cells from free-radicals, keeps your bones healthy and strong, and promotes optimal performance of your thyroid glands. 

Epic Befits of the Sweet Juicy Red Berry

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants. 

They also work as anti-inflammatory protection and reduces pain.  So for those with infections or huge beefcakes at the gym, chow down.  

They are extremely low in calories.  Whoo hoo!  1 cup of strawberries have only 49 calories.  Which means I can eat, and eat, and eat them without feeling a bit of guilt. 

According to The Wold's Healthiest Foods (WHF) book, "Strawberries topped a list of eight foods most linked to lower rates of cancer deaths among a group of elderly people.  Recent test tube research found that all eight cultivars of strawberries tested were able to significantly inhibit the proliferation of human liver cancer cells".   

More and more research is being done that shows the special nutrient in strawberries can actually stimulate your metabolism and shrink your appetite.  Do I need to even go on......

They control blood sugar

More benefits of strawberries can be found in this article.

It goes without saying, you must buy organic strawberries!  I know they are more expensive but DO IT!  They are listed in the Dirty Dozen and I read an article last December about how California approved of a toxic pesticide to use on strawberry crops. 

Eating strawberries plain is probably my favorite way.  But, with the Fourth around the corner, I wanted to be a little more creative.  So here is my adaptation of Strawberry Shortcake Popsicle. 

Vegan Strawberry Pops!

1 1/2 cup of pureed strawberries

1/2 cup of vanilla Oreos (they are vegan!)

2 cups of vanilla coconut yogurt

Instructions

Puree strawberries

throw the Oreos in your blender and blend baby blend

 vanilla coconut milk yogurt to the blender

Assembly

Layer a bit yogurt portion into a dixie cups and freeze 30 min

Then the strawberry puree and freeze 30 mins

Then back to the yogurt and freeze overnight

or

You can combine all of the ingredients and swirl it around for more of a popsicle look.

Serve slightly soft with some crushed graham cracker for a true strawberry shortcake treat!

I hope everyone has a happy 4th!

Enjoy!