America rural

https://observador.pt/opiniao/o-que-faz-a-america-great-e-a-america-rural/

Article in Portuguese

It has been a while since I've written an article... A year and a half to be precise! And only three in the three years of my recovery. But this one was important. ;)

https://observador.pt/opiniao/extrema-direita-afinal-quem-e-extremista/

Baby #7 halfway baked

@martaviegasfotografia is the best investment you can make for your family. Memories!!

Baby #7 is halfway cooked. Due in November.  

Do you have any questions? I will answer. 

Q: Don't you have any medical reasons you shouldn't be pregnant?

A: Nope! My obgyn and I thought my body was pretty messed up and wouldn't be fertile again, but it surprised us! I was taking high doses of pain medication when I found out I was pregnant (for neuropathic pain in my feet and legs, since I still lack feeling in some parts. It is slowly 🐌 coming back.), one of which was an opioid and bad for baby. 

I have been slowly reducing them and am almost off them completely. Turns out pregnancy is the best thing for relieving pain! The hormones kicked in about a month and a half ago and I haven't had pain since then. 

Q: Aren't you scared of childbirth? Since you were lucky not to have died last time....

A: Nope. I'm scared of hospitals, unnecessary medical interventions and THE EPIDURAL more than I was before. But not of childbirth! Obviously I won't be getting an epidural again, but my three boys were already born without epidural, so that doesn't scare me at all. 

Q: Aren't you tired? Why would you want another baby?

A: I am frequently tired, yes. Overwhelmed, etc. But my kids are not my problems! They are the source of MOST joy for me and for most of our friends. I was already on a food and lifestyle change/journey in my life, thanks to @holistichilda 's podcast interview on @cultureapothecary and thanks to the Wise Traditions cookbook and the @westonaprice foundation, but surprisingly pregnancy made me even more motivated to be healthier. I feel better and more energetic each day. 

1st grade haircut

Yesterday was Tommy's first day of 1st grade. He cut his own bangs for the occasion. 😂✂️

The third time around this "leaving at school business", it was easier. When Adelaide went to first grade (last picture), I would be anxious and praying for her the whole day. When Daniel dropped Davy off two years ago (second to last pic), I was checking into the hospital to have Lettie lightly induced at FORTY TWO weeks. (Some of you might be thinking: I didn't know you could wait so long! You "can't" in the sense that doctors don't like it, but you should be able to make your own (informed) medical decisions, freely.)

Anyway, Lettie was born and I couldn't wait to know about his day at school and support him during his first weeks. 

Little did I know that there was already a hospital bacteria (came in with the epidural needle), growing on my lower spine. I spent some very painful and scary-for-the-kids days. It was probably traumatizing for them seeing their mom writhing and crying with pain for days. Finally, I had my operation, spent 10 days at the hospital and came home, but with an entourage of nurses twice a day, physical therapy twice a day, personal higiene, etc. 

.....so, do you get the idea? There went the supporting Davy. 

This time around we were all relaxed, we took pictures and talked to the other families we love. A lot better!

Soaking up nature, soaking up rest

This past year was tough for me, and the summer wasn't going too much better, but God really gave us amazing rest and lots of beach time these past two weeks. 

The first pictures are Lettie and Rosie getting matching hair wraps. I just thought it was hilarious how much Lettie wanted one and how still she sat!

Drying and warming up together, having conversations. Beautiful sunsets, again having conversations. 

I'm trying to focus on all I am learning. 

Este ano passado foi difícil para mim, e o verão não corria melhor, mas Deus deu-nos um descanso incrível e muito tempo de praia estas duas semanas passadas. 

As primeiras fotos são a Leticia e a Rosinha a receber tererés a condizer. Achei engraçadíssimo quanto a Leticia queria um e o tão quietinha ela ficou!

A secar e aquecer juntos, a conversar. 

Pôr-de-sol lindo, também a conversar. 

Estou a tentar gravar na memória tudo o que estou a aprender.