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Nope, not on Oprah's birthday

Today is Oprah's birthday and no baby.  Of course there's no baby because I had to get sick first.  Yup, I got the bug that the boys had.  I spent the entire night at L&D getting hydrated and making sure the baby is doing well.  However, I am trying to see the bright side of things.  I am glad I got this virus because my body will build antibodies that will get passed down to the baby via breast milk.  The thing that sucks is that my husband has been using all of his paternity leave, so by the time this baby makes her gala entrance I will probably be on my own.

I betcha...

...my daughter will decide to be born tonight.  "Why?" you ask, ha, because it's snowing, because our hamster just died, because my other son has broken his foot, and because my other son is sick with a stomach virus!  That's why!  

Why me?!$&%!+*%!!!

Pray for Life



On the anniversary of that stupid law, please don't forget to pray for the unborn and the sanctity of life.  Not sure how this is still a debate!  Life is a gift not a choice! 


Wouldn't it be great if my baby was born today!  Ha! 

"The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between." -Mother Teresa

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you live as you wish" -Mother Teresa

Waiting...




Nope, my bundle of joy is not here yet.  I really don 't mind waiting because I don't like to mess with God's plan.  I was asked if I wanted my membrane's strip or if I wanted to be messed with and my answer is and will always be "no."  She will come when the good Lord is ready to bless us with her presence.  However, the anticipation is building.  This labor is a bit different then my other three because I have to time my hospital arrival just right.  See, I tested positive for Strep B with this pregnancy and will have to be given two rounds of antibiotics prior to delivery.  Well, I can try and use Hibiclens, but I don't think that it will get here on time - either my pharmacist has to order it or I do from Amazon.com.  I just don't want to chance my baby's health, so antibiotics (with lots of acidophillus) is the answer.  With this in mind I have to plan on arriving at the hospital before I am ready to push.  With my other three I labored mostly at home and when I arrived at the hospital I was already about seven centimeters and go time was shortly after.  


Because of the antibiotics I am now a bit more cautious.  On Thursday night / Friday morning my husband was working when some pretty steady contractions kicked in.  Since he works an hour away I called him and asked him to come home.  By the time he came home they were about 6 minutes apart.  Pretty scary since I go from 4 centimeters to 7 in no time (according to history).  We got the kids up and we all went to the hospital.  At the hospital I had my bloody show, so they said that I was / am definitely in stage one.  The hooked me up to the TOCO and monitored my contractions.  They were pretty strong and coming about every five minutes.  However, when my nursed checked me I was only 3 centimeters!  Ugh.  I decided to walk for about an hour and then I got re-checked and although my cervix was more effased, I still hadn't dilated more.  They asked what I wanted to do and that was easy, "I want to go home!"  So, my hubby, me and the gang came home.  We've been bonding, playing games, and just waiting... 


The contractions are not as steady, but they are still coming.  We are planning to go "shopping" aka walking today to see if we can get this thing moving along.  


Yes, she will come when the good Lord is ready, but God also wants us to help ourselves, right?  Remember that joke with the guy drowning and the boat, helicopter, etc...

She's coming...

...sooner or later.



On Monday the kids were off from school, so we decided to take them to see Gulliver's Travel (save your money) and then go run some errands.  We had a big breakfast and then off we went.  After the movie we walked around the mall and picked up some needed baby items.  We walked and walked and walked.  It was a long day.  By seven my back was killing me.  Later that night I felt the first "real" contraction and thought "hmmm." By Tuesday contractions were about 30 minutes apart, but not very strong.  I knew it was the beginning...

So yesterday we had a lovely day, full of anticipation.  My husband and I were busy bees.  We washed all the baby's clothes and rewashed her bedding.  We cleaned the house, well, I started to, but he forced me to go rest and took over.  The kids were very excited.  

By four O'clock the contractions were 15 minutes apart, so I decided to call my midwife.  I spoke to her nurse who told me to go to the hospital and I insisted "absolutely not."  I know my body and knew that I still had (have) a long stretch in front of me.  I rather labor at home with no intervention except maybe some "ahem," (lol) with the comforts of my surrounding and my loved ones.  I ignored the order and ran a hot bath. I enjoyed my bath while my husband cooked.  Later on we ate dinner, I made cookie batter that my hubby baked, and after tucking the kids in we watched "It's Complicated," which was hilarious.  Oh my gosh, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin are so freaking funny.  And I love Meryl Streep, so the movie was a treat.  The contractions kept coming, but were becoming less predictable.  

After the movie we went to bed and I was actually able to sleep through the contractions, so I knew that I was right in not going to the hospital.  At 5:30 this morning the mother of all contractions woke me up and so I thought maybe I should shower and groom, just in case.  Shaving your private with a big belly in front of you is not recommended!  Very dangerous and thank goodness I didn't have to go to the hospital for another reason (insert sheepish smile).  After my shower, I dressed, and went downstairs to make my son breakfast and see him off to school.  By the time the little ones woke up I was having really strong contractions, so we decided to keep them home from school, just in case.  By coincidence I had an appointment with my midwife, so I kept that appointment and we went in to check on my progress.  

My midwife checked me and said that my cervix had changed a lot since my last visit.  She also said that I was in early labor and was 2 centimeters dilated.  TWO?!  Are you kidding.  I don't mind laboring, but dang, that was a whole lot of pain for a measly two centimeters.  Ugh... I am so happy that I didn't go to the hospital and I am so happy to be home with my wonderful husband and children.  

So, here I am relaxing until I feel it's time to squat, drink tea, eat pineapple, and mess with some pressure points. My body and my baby will dictate when she is born.  She won't be eighteen and in my uterus, right?! I'm not stressing and as I see it, she will come sooner or later...


Outbidded :(

Ugh, I was winning an Ebay bid for an awesome lot of newborn baby girl clothes.  It was so awesome.  The previous owner only used organic detergent, and it came from a smoke and pet free home.  There were over 80 items that included: onesies, sleepers, pajamas, outfits, hats, socks, bibs, booties, etc.  All name brand items and so cute! I was so excited until someone came at the end and swept it away!  So bummed...

I don't like paying retail prices!  Call me cheap or frugal, I call myself a mother of four.

Soy Baby Formula - Very Dangerous


SOY INFANT FORMULA — BIRTH CONTROL PILLS FOR BABIES
  • Babies fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula.
  • Infants exclusively fed soy formula receive the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day.
  • Male infants undergo a “testosterone surge” during the first few months of life, when testosterone levels may be as high as those of an adult male. During this period, baby boys are programmed to express male characteristics after puberty, not only in the development of their sexual organs and other masculine physical traits, but also in setting patterns in the brain characteristic of male behavior.
  • Pediatricians are noticing greater numbers of boys whose physical maturation is delayed, or does not occur at all, including lack of development of the sexual organs. Learning disabilities, especially in male children, have reached epidemic proportions.
  • Soy infant feeding—which floods the bloodstream with female hormones that inhibit testosterone—cannot be ignored as a possible cause for these tragic developments. In animals, soy feeding indicates that phytoestrogens in soy are powerful endocrine disrupters.
  • Almost 15 percent of white girls and 50 percent of African-American girls show signs of puberty such as breast development and pubic hair, before the age of eight. Some girls are showing sexual development before the age of three. Premature development of girls has been linked to the use of soy formula and exposure to environmental estrogens such asPCBs and DDE.

Flowers

I just love flowers! Real flowers, I'm not into fake arrangements. I am so happy to walk into my kitchen and see the beautiful arrangements that my friend and my husband have recently showered me with.

I just had to post some pics. The only thing is that the pics are not from when the flowers were at their prime. I waited to long to take 'em, but they are still pretty!

These are the ones from my hubby.
He got them for me just because.  
Isn't that sweet?

These are from my girlfriend.  She got 
them for me when we got together last 
week for brunch at my house.  
So pretty! 

Homemade French Toast Sticks

My children love "store bought" French Toast Sticks. I stopped buying them about 4 years ago when I dramatically changed our eating habits. I remember how easy it was to just pop a few in the oven for breakfast and how yummy they were.  And I have been tempted to buy a box, but when I read the ingredients, I just can't do it. 


I have always made French Toast from scratch, but never French Toast Sticks.  You would think it's the same thing except that sticks are cut into strips, but my kids would argue that they taste differently.  I must say that I agree with them.  There's just something about them darn "store" bought sticks.  I've been on a quest to find the right recipe and the right bread and by gosh I think I've got it!


Okay, I use Rudi's Organic Sourdough Bread, until I find a good sourdough recipe, and do the following:


Cut each slice of bread into 4 pieces to make the sticks. 

In a shallow dish whisk together:
1 cup milk
2 T pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs,


Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Dip half of the bread slices into milk mixture, 
quickly turning to coat both sides.
Remove from the milk mixture 
and place the slices into the pan. 

Cook until each side is lightly browned, 
about 2 to 4 minutes per side.
Remove from the skillet 
and repeat with process with remaining butter, bread and the milk mixture.

Serve immediately or allow to cool, then cover and chill (freezes really well) until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or toaster oven.


Enjoy! Sprinkle with powder sugar if you wish. 
So yummy with a cup of coffee.  
Uh-oh, getting a craving!  Not good - it's 10:30 PM! 


Oh!  One more thing.  
I use the little plastic medicine cups that come 
with children's medicine as dipping cups (see 2nd to last pic).  
They work great for this purpose!  
Just make sure you wash them really well before use :) 

Funny Side? Really???

Notice how the author is a MAN!

Kraft Recalled Genetically Modified Taco Shells

Wall Street on the Taco Bell Scandal

Even though this is from September 2000, bet you never saw or heard about it on mainstream media, glad Wall Street Journal did the story. We HARDLY EVER hear about the dangers of GM foods...

September 25, 2000

The Wall Street Journal
Kraft Taco Shell Puts Focus
On Biotechnology Oversight
By Scott Kilman and Sarah Lueck


Kraft Foods Inc., scrambling to recall taco shells made from a type of genetically modified corn unapproved for human consumption, is calling for tougher regulation of crop biotechnology.


The packaged-food giant's recommendations, while milder than anything pushed by the major anti-biotechnology groups, signals a widening breach between the food and biotechnology industries.


Kraft said Friday it is voluntarily recalling from U.S. supermarkets all taco shells in a line of Mexican food it sells under a license from Taco Bell, the fast-food chain.


The recall is the first in America of a genetically modified food. The taco shells in question are in products that generate about $50 million in annual sales for Kraft, which has total annual revenue of $27 billion. Kraft said consumers will get refunds for the products they return. A handful of American companies, fearful that the public might turn against the fledgling technology, already have banned certain genetically modified ingredients from their products. But the move by Kraft, a unit of Philip Morris Cos., New York, is the first time a major marketer has gone out of its way to call for stronger oversight of crop biotechnology.


Among other things, Kraft said it wants the government to stop approving the planting of genetically modified crops that aren't yet cleared for human consumption. Kraft said that laboratory tests done for it confirm a report by an anti-biotechnology coalition last week that the company's taco shells contain ingredients from a line of insect-resistant corn that is
supposed to be eaten only by livestock or processed into ethanol fuel.Aventis SA, the French pharmaceuticals giant, developed the corn, called StarLink. The plant uses a gene transplanted from a common soil microorganism, Bacillus thuringiensis, to make protein that is toxic to certain insects. Federal regulators have approved several lines of so-called Bt corn for use in food. But StarLink corn makes a unique toxin,called Cry9C, that the government has yet to confirm isn't a potential food allergen.


Federal authorities and Kraft said there isn't any evidence that consumers have harmed their health by eating the Kraft taco shells. Kraft is conducting the recall because under the law, the StarLink corn shouldn't be in food.


Some biotechnology executives are skeptical about Kraft's laboratory results, saying that the protein is hard to detect reliably. Indeed, one of Kraft's recommendations is that regulators begin to require that the inventor of a genetically modified crop have a rapid test available for detecting its presence in food.


The biotechnology industry, which is usually quick to refute calls for tougher oversight, is keeping a low profile this time. "Kraft's suggestions have merit and deserve to be taken seriously," said Val Giddings, a top official of trade group Biotechnology Industry Organization.


The Food and Drug Administration said it doesn't expect any more food recalls because of StarLink. But food-industry officials say the scope of the problem is far from clear because the reason for the mix-up isn't yet known.


The spotlight is on a corn-flour mill in Plainview, Texas. One of the biggest of its kind, the mill produced the main ingredient used to make Kraft's taco shells, and is a supplier to many Mexican-food brands. The mill is owned by Azteca Milling, a partnership between Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. of Decatur, Ill., and Gruma SA of Mexico.


Dan Lynn, president of Azteca Milling, said the Plainview facility has stopped shipping yellow corn flour so that it can screen its inventory forthe StarLink protein. "We're trying hard to figure this out," he said. None of the Plainview mill's flour should contain any genetically modified corn, let alone StarLink, according to Mr. Lynn. The corn hybrids that the mill contracts with neighboring farmers to grow are all conventional varieties.


Mr. Lynn wouldn't identify the companies that use corn flour produced by the mill to make everything from taco shells and tortillas to extruded snack foods.


However, the Taco Bell restaurant unit of Tricon Global Restaurants Inc. said it is testing its taco shells because some of them are made with corn flour from the Plainview mill. While the tests are under way, the restaurant chain has told the makers of its taco shells, such as ConAgra Inc. and the Sabritas unit of PepsiCo Inc., to get their corn flour from outside Texas. Taco Bell said it also is replacing all the taco shells in its restaurants.


The FDA and Environmental Protection Agency are continuing to investigate how the unapproved corn got into Kraft taco shells. One theory is that the wind might have blown pollen from a field of StarLink corn into fields of corn being grown for Azteca.


Garst Seed Co., a U.S. unit of European seed concern Advanta BV, confirmed that it has sold StarLink seed to a few farmers in the region that corn is grown for the Plainview mill. The EPA requires farmers to plant StarLink seed at least 660 feet from other cornfields in order to prevent crosspollination. Alan Hawkins, Garst director of research, said corn pollen is so heavy and sticky that it is unlikely any StarLink pollen made it into another field.

Platanos


I was at Cotsco the other day and was ecstatic to see that they had 3 lbs of green plantains (platanos) for $1.15! I repeat to all Boricuas reading this blog THREE POUNDS for a DOLLAR FIFTEEN!1!!

WOW!  In my area there aren't many Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, or Cubans, which makes platanos a rarity.  Buying ONE platano can run you anywhere from $.50 to even $1.00.  Sometimes it's annoying to pay that much for something I use to get in NYC for so cheap, eight for a dollar.  It's funny because most people over here don't even know what they are.  I was standing in front of the platanos with a huge smile on my face when this lady asked "What are those?  Are they bananas?"  I then went into a long explanation, which I don't think she wanted to here, but that I wanted to share all the same.  Ignorant Gringos (KIDDING).

So for all of you who don't know here is a platano or as non-hispanics might say plantains:

Platanos / plantains are a fruit, but considered a vegetable.  For argument's sake call it a vegetable unless you want to get into a heated argument with a Puerto Rican, Dominican, or Cuban.  Platanos are usually mistaken for a banana because they look and smell like bananas.  However, unlike a banana, a platano CANNOT be eaten raw and are hard to peel.  Platanos are used in many Hispanic dishes.

When the platano is green it acts like a starchy vegetable (like a Yucca Root or Potato).  When it's green it can be thinly cut and fried into a chip.  However, the most popular forms of the green platano is in mofongo (a yummy dish), pasteles (another yummy dish) and / or  tostones, a staple side dish in most Puerto Rican homes.

When the platano is ripen (yellow - black) it becomes more like a banana.  It is sweet and has a great aroma.  We, Hispanics, call ripe platanos Maduro or Amarillo.  You can use maduros / amarillos in desserts (like Pionoonos) or as a sweet side dish.

So, that is a crash course on Platano 101. I will introduce some recipes in later blogs.

The next time you want something delish to eat either as a snack, dessert, appetizer, or side dish consider using the versatile and yummy PLATANO.

Taco Seasoning

Taco Seasoning


Why buy that nasty stuff that contains MSG, modified corn starch,gum arabic, food coloring, and other ingredients that are not good, when you can just make your own?

1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Mix all together in a small bowl and store in an empty condiment / seasoning bottle.
I love to marinate chicken with a little vinegar, some sofrito, and this seasoning to make chicken enchiladas.

GM Foods are Very Dangerous....

This is EXACTLY why I pay the extra $ and purchase organic foods. Please educate yourselves on Genetically Modified Foods.

Delegate proposes Virginia mint its own money

What this Delegate is proposing is a wonderful idea! When the poop hits the fan everyone will finally see that the Federal Reserves is as governmental as Federal Express. 


 Many have no idea that the Federal Reserves is a monopoly that is PRIVATE and independently owned. Hmmm....

By Rosalind S. Helderman


The Commonwealth of Virginia would begin minting its own gold and silver coins as an alternative currency to the U.S. dollar under a bill that Virginia Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William) says he will file in coming days.


Marshall will ask the General Assembly to consider the idea when it convenes for its annual legislative session Jan. 12. It is a companion bill to a proposal he has already filed to establish a study committee to examine alternative currencies to that distributed by the Federal Reserve System "in the event of a major breakdown of the Federal Reserve System."


Marshall said his intention is to inject competition into the national economy and force the federal government to change monetary policy he believes is leading to hyperinflation. According to his bill, "many widely recognized experts predict the inevitable destruction of the Federal Reserve System's currency through hyperinflation in the foreseeable future." His critique mirrors that of the Tea Party movement, some of whose members have called for the end of the Federal Reserve system.


"State legislatures have to get a little more creative and savvy to counter the buffoonery that's been plaguing Washington," Marshall said in an interview.


Asked what he might say to people who believe the proposal is, well, a little wacky (after all, the last time Virginia used currency other than the U.S. dollar was during the Civil War), Marshall said he believes the Constitution allows for alternative currencies.


"The only people who would say that are people who don't understand or reject the clear language of the Constitution, of the law and of court decisions," he said. "We want to provide competition and some restraint on the profligates that have been running the Federal Reserve and the people in Congress who don't know the word 'no.' "


Marshall is one of the most conservative and controversial members of the Virginia legislature. He delights in proposing legislation that helps him advance his conservative philosophy and is considering running for the U.S. Senate in 2012.


But Marshall's bills aren't always embraced by the rest of the legislature, even his fellow Republicans. He is also sponsoring legislation this year to bar gays and lesbians from serving in the Virginia National Guard.

Cloth Diapering on CBS!

Let's Escape


 Innocence
A moment suspended in time
“Let’s escape,” one of says
Who? I cannot remember for it is a blur
Alone in the park
No one can touch us
We are invincible
Maybe even invisible, except to each other
Dark, except for street lights
Cold, frosty, Bronx night
We find an icy patch in Poe Park
Slipping
Sliding
Giggling
Laughing
No worries
No trouble
Nothing can stop us, for we are together
Best friends afraid of nothing, afraid of no one
Danger, non existent
Angry parents, who cares?
Fun
Fun
Fun
That’s all that matters...
-Yvette Negron-Torres

*Something to cheer you up!  It'll all be okay.  Don't you wish we could just escape. I miss you...

Cutest Craft!

Saw this cute piggie on FlickJr. submitted by 

By Pretty in Pink Crafts
I just had to post it here because she's sooooo adorable. 
Made me smile.  I want one.  Don't know where I
would put her, but isn't she cute? 


Birds Dying, Government Testing?

Things that make you go "hmmm?"

Love Alex Jones, but he rambles at times.  Good info if you are patient.  If not just watch first 5 minutes...

Minor Annoyance

Can't stand it when people use technology to hint, hide, or beat around the bush about their feelings.  What happen to picking up the telephone, writing a real letter, or a straight up "go screw yourself?"

Anxiously Awaiting

Within the past few days my husband and I have been preparing for our new arrival.

As my birthday / Christmas present he has indulged me in redecorating our bedroom and buying our baby's big ticket items.  On New Year's Eve we adorned our bed with the new bedding he got me, put together the baby cocoon (co-sleeper swing) and installed our new entertainment / dresser with the help of our wonderful neighbor, who helped carry the heavy piece upstairs and into our bedroom.  Along with that, I detailed the bathroom and did most of the laundry.  Tomorrow I will clean out the fridge, go food shopping, and cook some meals to freeze. Hmmm, nesting perhaps?

I now sit here and look around the beautiful room that was made possible by my husband, and I am grateful.  Along with gratefulness comes the realization that this is all in preparation for a new life.  Yes, I've had over nine months to digest this, but I really haven't.  Seeing all of the baby stuff now makes it "real." I know I have had many realizations throughout this pregnancy, but this one is a gut sinking one. I cannot believe that in a few weeks I will be a new mother again.  With this gut-sinking-realization has come this raw fear.  I am scared.  With my children now being more independent and us being at a different level as a family unit, I am scared of what a tiny person who will be completely dependent on me will TRULY mean.  Yes, I've done it three other times and I've done it selflessly and without a thought.  Those early days with my children were pure bliss - I was in love.  However, it was a lot of work and strenuous on my husband and I.  As much as we love each other, lack of sleep and time consumption made us bicker.  I am so afraid of change.  Especially now with three busy children who depend on us at a different level.  I ask myself, when did I become afraid of change?  Me, the spontaneous, crazy girl from the Bronx?  I guess motherhood, suburbia, religion, and growth has changed me.

I know that it'll all be okay for God never gives us more than we can handle, but for right now I will indulge this fear.  I will sit here, look around, and ponder "am I really about to have a baby in a few days?" 

Gardasil Vaccine Injuries & Deaths

Do NOT vaccinate your daughters with this lethal drug. Please watch!

Daisypath - Personal picture

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