What this vegan family ate today ...

For breakfast we mostly start with a light green smoothie, this is just so refreshing and gentle on our tummies first thing in the day.

Frozen banana, Mango,Water, Little bit soy milk, Spinach or seasonal greens out our garden ...Tip it taste best when you still in PJ's ;)



A bit later we love soaked oats, this is a raw breakfast and still very gentle on the intestines. The first part of the day is a time of cleansing for the body so eating raw till mid day is our aim.

Oh my soul ... this is sooooooooo yummy !!!!! 
Fill a glass container half way with rolled oats, add some nuts and seed. I just used pumping seeds and ground flax, but the shy is the limit and you can use any nuts, seeds, and small dried fruit like cranberries, even fresh berries work well.
Then fill to the top with Apple juice, non dairy milk OR combo like I did for a super sweet and creamy taste. Shake super well. Put in fridge and leave over night. In the morning just open the bottle and eat. You can top with fruit and cinnamon or cacao. My mornings are pretty chaotic so I love this breakfast for mornings that I need to go out early and dont have time to prepare breakfast. This also travels very well, and I often put in separate bottles for each girl to eat a bit later.  

Just before lunch we had  ice lollies while playing with water in the back yard. 

I blended 3 separate batches and layered on top of each other and freeze. First layer was Coconut cream with mango, second layer was Coconut cream wit banana and raw organic cacao and the third layer was coconut cream with raw beet juice and few drops stivia.

Lunch were very delicious sandwiches.

     
Soy and flax seed loaf with hummus, avo, lettuce, tomato and basil/rocket/parsley mix out my salad herb garden. Some sauerkraut on the side.

Late afternoon snack.

  
Just some cut up ripe mango.

Dinner was corn bread with a very traditional spicy South African dish "Chakalaka"  ... easy and nice for bulk cooking as it freezes beautifully. This is my absolute favorite dish at the moment.

I will share recipes of these both in separate posts.

 

Dropping paint on canvas

This art work was loads of fun !!!

I made some runny poster paint and gave each girl a canvas. They started by painting the tree base with a brush but from there the were only allowed to drop the paint on with a spoon and marvel at the magic of it mixing into the most amazing colors.

Then we let it dry for a day and all 3 on my wall looking amazing now!!!!

While Lily, Lexi and Ruby were painting Emma was having a nap 

Hallo again after 2 years of not one post .....

I actually cannot imagine how this happened .... But it's true, sorry to say ! I have not been on my blog for 2 years.
Soooooooooooo much as happened since my last post just after my second miscarriage. I fell pregnant again, had a smooth pregnancy and beautiful birth and little Emma is 16 months already.
A year ago we changed to a strict vegan lifestyle and that brought with it so much dietary changes and I have only now settled into a comfortable phase were preparing food has become pretty easy.
With 3 other little ones whom I unschool  ( and this does not mean you teach them nothing .... that's only what they think he he ) I had very , actually NONE spare time to blog, so sad I know !!!
But I have found a "new normal" and I do have a little bit of time so I will be blogging more regularly now.

The MAIN reason for me blogging is to keep a online journal  for my girls so they will be able to look back and enjoy all the activities we did and see what our daily life looked like. It is public because we enjoy sharing our daily life with friends and family and who ever enjoy my ramblings....

I will just carry on where we are now but I will be adding of the high-lights from the last two years. Their titles will have "looking back" in them so you know it not recent.

So happy to continue capturing our life for my girls to enjoy in the future as we a living such a blessed life !!!

An owl brought a message ...

Almost a week after I lost our second baby. Physically I'm doing real good. But as expected I am filled with uncertainty. So many things I just dont understand and wish I had answers for. But I dont, and probably wont till the day I am in the loving arms of God. I know all will make sense then. Till then I'm just staying safe in His love.

Four wonderful things happened today in which I feel God really spoke to me and gave me peace.

JP and I was chatting this morning and he just said that in God there is Grace for us. Even if I did something wrong God will not hold it against me but through Grace we will conceive again sometime. That made me change Emma second name to Grace ... Emma Grace ... She will be our baby out of grace.

Then a friend sent me this beautiful scripture John 16.33 "...in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world u have tribulation and trail and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer (take courage, be confident) for I have overcome the world (I have deprived it of power to harm you and I have conquered for you)." I just know God is still in control and all is still good. Thanks H xxx

Another extraordinary (very unusual and/or remarkable) friend phone just to check how I was doing. Not of the same faith as I (not that I care), but confirmed to me that God is light, God is pure and God is love. I am just so convinced that God is talking to me and loving me through those next to my side. Thanks C xxx

Then just to show off, as God often spoils me with His surprises and love ... a owl came to sit on my neighbors roof hooting and talking to me where I was in bed. I got up to see this majestic awesome creature outside my window ... OMW I was so overwhelmed. This is the second time it's happened. The previous time was in the month I conceived last. Emma's theme have been owls since I conceived the first time. Her room was painted and decorated with owls. We have been buying and collecting owls stuff since we planned her. So a owl is of significant meaning in regard to our Emma. Seeing this owl was like I messenger sent by Emma saying "Hallo mamma, how you doing ? I'm ok, just relax. I am safe"

I went out side to take a picture

Rest in peace Baby Olive

On the 3rd of September we lost our little baby. I decided to call him/her Baby Olive cause he/she was the size of an olive the time of  passing.
It was a relative easy miscarriage at home with no complications. I will bury Baby Olive's remains with Levi in our beautiful Olive (coincidence ? ) tree pot.
At this stage I'm doing fine. Still processing it. So surprised that it happened. So confused about the future.
I trust God for wisdom, and wait patiently while hiding under His wing, where I'm safe.

Rest in peace our precious Baby Olive

I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today
I asked "What makes a Mother?"
And I know I heard Him say.
"A Mother has a baby"
This we know is true
"But God can you be a Mother,
When your baby's not with you?"

"Yes, you can," He replied
With confidence in His voice
"I give many women babies,
When they leave is not their choice.

Some I send for a lifetime,
And others for the day.
And some I send to feel your womb,
But there's no need to stay."

"I just don't understand this God
I want my baby here."
He took a deep breath and cleared His throat,
And then I saw the tear.

"I wish that I could show you,
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child smile,
With all the other children and say...

'We go to Earth to learn our lessons,
Of love and life and fear.
My Mommy loved me oh so much,
I got to come straight here.

I feel so lucky to have a Mom,
Who had so much love for me.
I learned my lessons very quick,
My Mommy set me free.

I miss my Mommy oh so much,
But I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep,
On her pillow's where I lay

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,
And whisper in her ear.
Mommy don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I'm here.'

"So you see my dear sweet ones,
Your children are okay.
Your babies are born here in My home,
And this is where they'll stay.

They'll wait for you with Me,
Until your lesson's through.
And on the day that you come home
They'll be at the gates for you.

So now you see what makes a Mother,
It's the feeling in your heart
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.

Though some on earth may not realize,
Until their time is done.
They'll be up here with Me one day
And know that you're the best mom!"

9 weeks

Monday was Spring day. We met some special friends at Spur and had a lovely visit. Still a bit nippy but I was brave and wore my gorgeous new yellow top from Elmarie. My first new maternity blouse. So super comfy. I'm a bit low on maternity clothes as I didn't keep any after Ruby. We didn't think we were gonna have more babies back then. But I do have some over size clothes that will work for a while. Just so nice getting something brand new, you know ...

It's been a lovely week so far. Still no nausea. I know I'm going on and on about it. But for my last 5 pregnancies I was super sick till at lest 12 weeks. So this is just such a relief. I'm so chuffed to have found a "cure" for the horrible morning sickness that caused me soooooooo much discomfort before.

 Something I've been CRAVING is long hot baths. It is just so relaxing and soothing. Girls most of the time hop in and join me, not quit as relaxing then, but still nice. I add a cup of Epson salt to my water for added Magnesium and it soothes muscles. I also add 3g vit C to neutralize chlorine in water and 5ml Bentonite clay that attach to heavy metals in water and stay away from my skin. Just so awesome. 

How many weeks pregnant ? 9
Date ? 1 September
How many day till due date ? 217 days
How big is baby ? a green olive
Showing yet ? Nope
Milestones baby reached during this week ? Fingers are not webbed any more and baby's little heart fully developed by now 
Pregnancy sighs ? only tiredness at times and a new one ... constipation ! Ugh, not pleasant :( Been eating flax seeds and chia seeds for breakfast and lots more water, seems to help
Any cravings ? Milk
Any aversions ? Sugary things
Best moment this week ? Wearing my gorgeous new yellow top on spring day, fist maternity piece
Emotions this week ? Very moody ... sorry people :(
Clothes ? same, size 14
Baby movements ? no
What do I weigh ? 79 kg
Things I would love to buy for baby ?
Kids this week ? Good week, but Ruby still a terrible little 2 year old, being soooooo difficult
Boy name ? Remembered a name I loved when I was younger ... Elliot. I really like this one
Girl name ? Emma Rose
Sleep ? Struggle to fall a sleep, but once in dream land it's a smooth trip to morning. So awesome that all my girls sleep thru, didn't think that was ever gonna happen.
Dreams ? Dreamt I woke up 9 weeks pregnant but had a beautiful huge 30 weeks tummy. I loved it
How I'm feeling in general ? Really good. Not feeling pregnant yet
Special foods and supplements ? Magnesium oil, Nerobion Vit B's, Sportron multi vits, Stinning nettle tea. Convinced the Mag oil combined with B vits are keeping nausea away. OMW so awesome to not feel sick all the time. Never experienced that during this stage of pregnancy, as I was always super nauseous at this stage.

8 weeks

I must say I am so happy to not have heavy morning sickness. Except for feeling queasy now and then I'm feeling great. The tiredness still a issue at times ... one I cant do anything about so I just push through it.

I am so happy to be a 8 weeks. So happy to know my little baby is growing inside me. I feel so healthy and relaxed. This pregnancy surly is off to a great start !!!

We went for a ultra sound this week. Lexi was fascinated about what Heidi was doing and barely looked at the screen, cause all she was interested in was the devise Heidi was gliding over my tummy. She was nervous it would hurt and wanted to know why my tummy was wet (gel they use). Ruby was so snotty with flu and barley interested. Lily was so disappointed that she  couldn't see anything looking like a baby. We weren't able to see much unfortunately. BUT what we did see was a teeny tiny little flickering which was the heart beating. Oh man, soooooooo precious !!!!!!! Heidi said baby had a good strong implantation and luckily at the top of my uterus  far away from my cervix (the exit). Baby measured to just over 7mm, oh my gosh how sweet.

 
Even though you cant see much on these images I look at them and remember seeing that little heart beating. It really touched me so much. After my recent miscarriage I think I didn't really connect yet with my pregnancy and it hasn't felt real. I think I've been trying to protect myself from getting hurt again, by not getting attached. OMW but when I saw that little heart beat all protective barriers melted and I fell in love ... hopelessly !!!! Since that moment I've been very emotional and I feel so in touch with my little baby. It was love a first sight and no turning back or taking it slow my heart belongs to that little 7 mm baby.


At 8 weeks our baby is now a fetus, meaning "little one". Baby has a strong heart beat, and can you believe it baby's taste buds are developing this week.


How many weeks pregnant ? 8
Date ? 25 Aug
How many day till due date ? 224 days
How big is baby ? 7 mm, that a tiny little human :)
Showing yet ? Nope
Milestones baby reached during this week ? Baby's heart started beating
Pregnancy sighs ? only tiredness at times
Any cravings ? Coriander, Brinjals. In general I'm a lot more hungry and nibbling all day. 
Any aversions ? Sugary things
Best moment this week ? Seeing our little baba for the first time
Emotions this week ? Happy and content and anxious and emotional ... 
Clothes ? same, size 14
Baby movements ? no
What do I weigh ? 79.5 kg
Things I would love to buy for baby ? Need to look for a proper digital bottle warmer.
Kids this week ? Everybody had flu, ugh not fun !!! Lucky not me yay !!!!
Boy name ? Daddy did not like Cody. Other favorites Noel and Joel and Liam
Girl name ? Emma Rose
Sleep ? Struggle to fall a sleep, but once in dream land it's a smooth trip to morning. So awesome that all my girls sleep thru, didn't think that was ever gonna happen.
Dreams ? Dreamt I ran into a long lost friend and we had such a awesome visit
How I'm feeling in general ? So overwhelmed when I remember I'm preggies, Can't believe it true
Special foods and supplements ? Magnesium oil, Nerobion Vit B's, Sportron multi vits, Stinning nettle tea. Convinced the Mag oil combined with B vits are keeping nausea away. OMW so awesome to not feel sick all the time. Never experienced that during this stage of pregnancy, as I was always super nauseous at this stage. 

7 weeks

Its been a good week. I just get so tired at time and just cant rest with girls. So that's a bit tough at times.

With all my pregnancies it so amazes me that a tiny little human, smaller than a Smartie can suck the life out a adult like myself.  How on earth can I get so tired to grow something so small, he-he !!! But yeah, it's actually the hormone relaxin that's the culprit behind it all. 

During pregnancy, the busy placenta produces a hormone called relaxin that helps your whole body physically become a bit looser. You need to seriously increase your flexibility down in your fetus's living quarters because, during pregnancy, your uterus grows from about the size of a tennis ball to the size of a beach ball. Relaxin relaxes the intrauterine ligaments, allowing the uterus and pelvis to expand. Relaxin also relaxes other parts of your body, like your arteries, which have to accommodate a much higher blood volume without sending your blood pressure through the roof. Your musculoskeletal system also loosens up, giving you more flexible joints and more curvature in the back to prepare for carrying and delivering a baby.

I do think it's an awesome hormone with a very important function I just wish it didn't make me feel like Dopy :)   

We had great fun doing this photo in freezing weather and August winds. Idea was for all 3 girls to throw Smarties up in the air, but Lily was the only one that did it on "three" :)

How many weeks pregnant ? 7
Date ? 18 Aug
How many day till due date ? 231 days
How big is baby ? size of a Smartie
Showing yet ? Nope
Milestones baby reached during this week ? Baby's hear started beating
Pregnancy sighs ? Flashes of slight nausea, tiredness and had some headaches :(
Any cravings ? Coriander, eating it on everything specially salads
Any aversions ? Sugary things
Best moment this week ? Took a long bath with all 3 girls tonight and they all spoke to baba through my tummy
Emotions this week ? Good and calm
Clothes ? same, size 14
Baby movements ? no
What do I weigh ? 79.5 kg
What's dad doing this week ? He surprised me with a beautiful Mexican Bola Ball
Things I would love to buy for baby ? a pram
Kids this week ? Ruby still very moody, other 2 fine. Ruby says hallo to through my tummy very often, so sweet
Boy name ? I so like Cody, but doubt daddy will, haven't even mentioned it
Girl name ? Emma Rose
Sleep ? Very good
Dreams ?  I dreamt I started bleeding, ugh was so upset when I woke. But so relieved it was just a nightmare
How I'm feeling in general ? Good
Special foods and supplements ? Magnesium oil, Nerobian Vit B's, Sportron multi vits, Stinning nettle tea

4 Weeks

It's been a while for me to write on my blog. Life was just very busy and I was just dealing with lots of stuff. But I have a super good reason to start bogging again ...

I'm preggies again ... whoo whoo !!!! So excited and happy

I have only told my close friends yet. Will announce it after my 12 week scan when I know if baby is a boy or girl ...

I plan to do a collage of weekly photos of me and baby growing (showing my bump). This is the first photo taken the day we found out.

I will also answer the following questions weekly just for fun

How many weeks pregnant ? 4
Date ? 27 July
How many day till due date ? 252 days
How big is baby ? size of a poppy seed 
Showing yet ? Nope
Milestones baby reached during this week ? Attached and staying !
Pregnancy sighs ? Flashes of slight nausea
Any cravings ? No
Any aversions ? No
Best moment this week ? Getting a positive test and my girls sharing it with me
Emotions this week ? Very high, very excited 
Clothes ? same, size 14
Baby movements ? no
What do I weigh ?79kg
What's dad doing this week ? same old same old
Things I would love to buy for baby ? Sophie teether
Kids this week ? Ruby very moody, other 2 fine
Sleep ? Good
Dreams ?  I dreamt had twins
How I'm feeling in general ? Nervous and happy and sooooo relieved
Special foods and supplements ? Magnesium oil

Waiting to hold my Levi again ...

This song describes how I feel about me going through this miscarriage. I say "going through this miscarriage" because I am still going trough it and I think I probably will for the rest of my life. I think I will long for him to be born forever ... to hold him and know him. I won't loose him even tho I've lost him for now. Everyday of my life I'll be waiting actively, as if it's an activity,  to hold and touch him and raise him. I want to wake up in heaven and find him 12 weeks old and raise him from that moment. I am not prepared to loose a moment of his life. To me this is just a "pause" that will continue !! Till then I long for him, but content and at peace that I will have my baby with me, and in my arm again.