30 Days of Thankfulness- Day 17

By Cathy Smith

What I love most about this 30 days of thankfulness is how much it has made me take a step back, pause, and focus on all the blessings in my life.  The list below really made me think how lucky I am.  How many of these do we take for granted?

Top 10 Things Americans are Thankful For

1.  Good health
2.  Money in the bank
3.  Family
4.  Good friends
5.  Safety and security.
6.  Having a home.
7.  The ability to read.
8.  Plenty of food.
9.  Opportunity to get an education.
10.  A bed to sleep in.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 16

Today and everyday, I am thankful for my first born baby boy, CJ.
CJ was born on November 16th, 2002.  He was born sleeping.
I had a first trimester miscarriage with him.
His body was so tiny, and nowhere near full development,
so I wasn't able to actually determine the sex.
However, before he was born, and for years after his birth,
I always imagined him as a boy.
A miniature version of my then boyfriend.
A big head full of curls, big brown eyes, and black eyelashes a mile long.

Today marks CJ's 14th birthday.
Over the past few years, I've been able to imagine him growing up.
I'm honored to share my precious boy with you all.

30 Days of Thankfulness-Day 15

By Cathy Smith

Today I am thankful for my local MOPS group.  For those of you who don't know what MOPS is, it stands for Mothers of Preschoolers.  There are local groups all around the country.  Mine is at New Life Church in New Lenox, IL and meets Friday mornings.

I have been a part of MOPS for 4 years now and I know I'm a MOPS "lifer". MOPS is a place where moms connect, eat a nice breakfast, enjoy a craft or motivational speaker, and form a community.  There is childcare during the meeting so I actually get to enjoy a HOT breakfast.  Reason enough to join!

These are my people.  These ladies will pray for you, bring meals to you, and share in your struggles and triumphs as a mother.  These women have seen me and guided me through financial difficulties, family deaths, and bed rest in pregnancy.  They have encouraged me when I applied to midwifery school, laughed at my kids conundrums, pushed me to be patient, and made me feel like I truly have a safe place to be me.

To all the fabulous MOPS moms in my groups over the years, and especially to the Steering Committee, I want to say thank you.  Thank you for crying with me, coaching me, laughing with me, and continuing to guide me.  I love you all and consider myself to be beyond blessed to have you in my life!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 14

Today I am thankful for the ways that my church serves our community, and the opportunity to serve with my church.  I attend Crossroads Christian Church in Joliet.  In the past year, I have seen them continually support our community in a multitude of ways.

On February 10, 2017, Crossroads is hosting Night to Shine, which will provide an unforgettable prom night experience centered on God's love for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. This event is a worldwide movement changing Valentine's Day weekend from simply a celebration of love, to a celebration of God's love for people with special needs. I'm super excited to be volunteering at this event!

Warmly,
Andrea

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 13

Today I am thankful for new opportunities.  
Opportunities to rekindle old friendships.
Opportunities to start new friendships.
I definitely thrive when I am around people.
Although I have learned to appreciate time by myself, 
I also appreciate the unique relationships that I have with different people.

Warmly,
Andrea

30 Days of Thanfulness: Day 12

November 12th.  12 days of Thankfulness.

I got the heartbreaking news around 10:30 tonight, that our friend Sheryl's son Remy had passed away.  For two and a half weeks, I saw more people praying for this sweet boy than I've ever seen before.

All, I keep thinking is how are they supposed to go on living, while missing a child?  I know many families who've lost babies and somehow, over time find strength, peace, and even happiness in their lives.  However, right now, I'm filled with deep sorrow for Remy's family, and I know that the sorrow that they are feeling is 100 times greater than what I can imagine.  I pray that they are filled with so much peace and love and strength in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.  

I met Sheryl, John, Hazel and Remy when Sheryl was pregnant with their youngest child, Tru.  I pretty much instantly fell in love with the whole family.  I loved their awesome sense of humor and lightheartedness.  Remy was just so full of life.  After becoming friends with Sheryl on Facebook, I enjoyed seeing new pictures of Remy, his big sister Hazel, and little brother Tru, all causing mischief together.  I'm grateful to Sheryl and John, for sharing these special moments with us.

I'm thankful that although Remy's life was far too short, he's impacted so many lives in these four short years that he was here.

Rest in Heaven Remy.

<3 So much love to the Kincinas family. <3

"What if the miracle was even getting one moment with you?"

Taylor Swift- Ronan

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 11

Today, I am thankful for my pets.
I have 3 chickens, a cat and a dog.
They each bring their own unique relationships with each member of my family.
I love watching my dog TipToe chasing my girls around the yard as they yell, "Run from TipToe!!!" (promise, it's a game).
I love how TipToe is such a herd dog and is a fierce protector of our home (even though the barking is super obnoxious when we actually have visitors).
I love seeing my cat Pepper snuggled up on my oldest daughters bed with her at night.
I love the excitement that the chickens bring (their names are Sky, Sophia & Birdie) when my 6 year old checks for eggs in the morning and finds one.
Also, chicken feathers are the softest things ever!

Warmly,
Andrea

Veterans Day-Day 10 of Giving Thanks

By Cathy Smith

I don't know about you, but I have barely been able to look on Facebook the last 2 days.  The hate that has been spewed everywhere is too much for my sensitive heart to take.  That is why I am so thankful today is Veterans Day.  It's time to switch the focus from the election, back to the people who have helped to keep our country whole and safe.  Yes the President no doubt does this.  But it's the grunts, the people at the bottom, the people willing to give their life for their country, that truly deserve my thanks.

 Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served in our military.  We have always offered our military families a 25% discount as a thank you.  We wish we could do more.  If there is something we can do to make your day a little better, please let us know! It is our honor to serve those families who have helped to serve us.  God bless you and keep you always.

Thank you from everyone at A Joyful Journey.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 9

I am thankful for quiet moments. 
Life can move way too fast sometimes. 
We run around from one activity to the next, barely getting the chance to sit down together for dinner some nights. 
Things turn into such a routine it feels like I blink and a year passes. 

I am so thankful for the moments between all the craziness, where I can stop and treasure things where they are, in the here and now. 
Some of my favorite quiet moments are sitting in bed snuggling with the whole family on Sunday mornings, middle of the night nursing sessions with the baby, doing art projects with my oldest and appreciating her creativity, and just sitting by myself curled up with a cup of coffee and a good book.

For all the moment where life slows down a bit I am SO grateful!

~Caley

Day 8 of Giving Thanks

By Cathy Smith

This is a tough day for many to give thanks.  In an election, there is always a winner and sometimes it's not who we would prefer.  I would like to give thanks that we as women have the right to vote. Without the 19th amendment, I would not have been able to vote.  I am thankful our foremothers worked so hard to give us that right.  I am working for my generation and future generations in Illinois to have the right to have a  CPM attend their home birth.  It is currently illegal in our state.

We may not have the final say in who leads our country, but we can always work hard to make changes in our world, large or small.  I am thankful for the strong women in my life, and thankful that we have a democracy in our country.  We can always do something.  We can instill in our daughters strength and dreams. We do this with the women we serve at births.  I choose to raise up my daughters to be strong.  After all, "little girls with dreams, become women with vision."-Unknown

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 7

Today, I'm grateful for the opportunity to start over, start new things, and face giants.  

It is pretty terrifying, doing things that are unfamiliar, things that you never thought you would be doing.  I'm thankful that God shows me in big ways that he's by my side.  This song from Francesca Battistelli has been popping into my head all day, and these particular lyrics just reach out and grab me.  Enjoy!

We could really live like this

Can't you imagine it

So bold, so brave

With childlike faith

Miracles could happen

Mountains would start moving

So whatever you may face

Don't you be afraid

Of giants in your way

With God you know that anything's possible

So step into the fight

He's right there by your side

The stones inside your hand might be small

But watch the giants fall

Warmly,

Andrea

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 7

Today, I'm grateful for the opportunity to start over, start new things, and face giants.  

It is pretty terrifying, doing things that are unfamiliar, things that you never thought you would be doing.  I'm thankful that God shows me in big ways that he's by my side.  This song from Francesca Battistelli has been popping into my head all day, and these particular lyrics just reach out and grab me.  Enjoy!

We could really live like this

Can't you imagine it

So bold, so brave

With childlike faith

Miracles could happen

Mountains would start moving

So whatever you may face

Don't you be afraid

Of giants in your way

With God you know that anything's possible

So step into the fight

He's right there by your side

The stones inside your hand might be small

But watch the giants fall

Warmly,

Andrea

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 6

In a world where we are taught that "practice makes perfect" and we strive to always focus on being the best versions of ourselves, I am thankful for my mistakes and my flaws.

Sometimes we may feel that we have everything together, and then the world seems to think it's just about time to knock you down a few notches.

While it's so hard to see through the regret and disappointment, I'm thankful that my mistakes give me the opportunity to learn and grow. Without these experiences I would never evolve to be that best version of myself.

Life sure takes a lot of practice, and I guess this journey does get us as close to perfect as we can hope for. No one is perfect, but we are all perfectly flawed.

Keep on living and learning,
Marissa

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 5

Today I am thankful for unconditional love.  I'm not talking about romantic love.  Not that exciting, new love when you first fall in love.  Although, that love is pretty great... but that's not the kind of love I can really appreciate today.

I'm talking about the kind of love that a mother (or father) and child have for one another.  The kind of love that we have for our siblings.  The kind of love that very best friends have for each other, that they support one another, no matter their differences.  The love that Jesus Christ has for me, for us!

I'm continually overwhelmed with love when my daughters run to me and love on me when I feel like I've been neglecting to give them the attention that they deserve.
I'm overwhelmed with love when my brothers, sister, and their spouses reach out and ask me what I need, and are willing to carry my burdens, alongside me.
 I'm overwhelmed with love when I pray for a forgiving heart because I'm feeling bitter, and Jesus sends me love, healing, and new friendships to take away that bitterness.

I'm so very thankful for unconditional love!

Warmly,
Andrea

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 4

Tonight especially, after truly enjoying sharing some laughs with my girls I am thankful for the healing power it holds. It can jolt you out of a funk in no time. 


This week has been a difficult one filled with worry and stress, but in moments of laughter everything can freeze and we are able to experience only that moment of pure bliss. 

Whether it be tickling tiny bellies until they are squeaking and squealing with giggles, or the gut wrenching, tear trickling, 6-pack growing laughs with your best friends, there really isn't much better medicine for your soul than a good laugh, and that I am grateful for!

~Caley

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 3

This blog came from Marissa, on the night that The Cubs WON The World Series:


As I sit with my family, watching Game 7 of the World Series, I am struck by the overwhelming support Chicagoland is giving to the Cubs. 


 No matter if you are a Cubs fan or not, or even a baseball fan at all for that matter (like me), people everywhere can be seen wearing Cubbie blue and be heard singing, "Go, Cubs, go!" 


 This unbiased support reminds me of the amazing job we have at A Joyful Journey to support a laboring woman in her choices, no matter what. 


 Tonight I am thankful for the unconditional love and support we are blessed to give and receive. It is so very important, and it is something everyone can benefit from.  

With love and support to you all, 
Marissa

Day 2 of Giving Thanks-GO CUBS!

By Cathy Smith

Oh my goodness so much to be thankful for.  Where do I start?  I'll start with the current events for this week.  I was so thankful for yesterday's lovely weather.  It felt like a last chance opportunity for me to take a break from work and school work and just enjoy my kids.  We went to the park, went for a hike, and used up the last of summer's chalk on our driveway.

The other thing I am so thankful for is the Chicago Cubs winning their 3rd game last night in the World Series.  My husband, his family, and my whole family are die-hard Cubs fans.  Tonight's game should be a nail biter.  I am thankful to see another Chicago sports team on their way to victory.  Go Cubs Go!!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 1

Day 1:  Today I am thankful for my family and friends. 

I have recently become a single mom, and I knew that it was going to be a big leap of faith. 

These last few months, I've felt like I've been pulled and stretched in so many different directions. 

Yet, through it all, my family and friends have been there lifting me up and cheering me on.

From helping with my yardwork when I've been on the go for days, to watching my kids so that I can go to work, classes, consults, or do homework, to hugging me and telling me how happy they are for me, or telling me that I'm amazing.
I'm so very grateful for all of it, for all of you!

I know that I could do it on my own if I had to, but life would be a heck of a lot harder without the love and support of my family and friends.
So thank you all!

Warmly,
Andrea

Awareness Events & Other Upcoming Events

October is an important month for me.  Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, as well as Domestic Violence Awareness are very personal to me.  Yesterday, October 15th, there were 2 big events that happened in remembrance of many, many babies that have gone too soon. 

My friend, mentor, and the founder of Stillbirthday, Heidi Faith, released hundreds of little floral seeded hearts (each had a beloved baby's name handwritten onto it), at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.  I am honored that my baby's name was included on one of those tiny hearts.  There was also the international Wave of light.  People around the world lit a candle in remembrance of their (or a friend's/loved one's) baby (or babies) that they lost too soon.  My Facebook newsfeed was filled with beautiful candles!

Today I was able to take my daughters to a 'Take Back The Night' event.  We heard an amazing speaker talk about sexual assault that she's personally experienced, and the lasting effects that it has had on her.  We made signs, marched, and raised awareness in our community. 

Tonight, I am so proud of my actual community, as well as my Facebook community.  I'm honored to know many caring, selfless people!  I'm looking forward to the upcoming months!

Additionally, A Joyful Journey will be hosting a number of classes from now through December in our community!  This is a great opportunity for anyone interested to get to know our doulas better!

Here's what we have scheduled so far!   Each class is $10/person.

In addition to this, I will be hosting a Breastfeeding Basics class, as well as a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support group soon.  Keep checking back in for updates! 

Warmly,

Andrea

Fundraisers

It's been a wild, crazy couple months at A Joyful Journey.  We have been busy with school, fundraisers, clients, and of course lots of beautiful babies.  Andrea and I have been super busy at Joliet Junior College and Midwives College of Utah.   Andrea is working tirelessly full time and making excellent grades.  I too have been enjoying immersing myself into school.  I'm proud to say that halfway through my first trimester and I've got straight A's! We are enjoying our studies and have been getting quite a few new, amazing clients.

We recently hosted our 2nd Annual Parenting Fair in New Lenox.  We were able to raise $1000 for Guardian Angels in Joliet!!  The money will go to Groundworks programs to help women and children who are victims of domestic violence.  This program is near and dear to our heart. Andrea herself, has benefited from these programs as a child.  Sadly, it was a rainy day on the day of our event but the limited amount of people who came out, really surprised us with their generosity.  We are so grateful to all the volunteers and participants who helped make this fundraiser a success!  A special shout out to my Mom, Donna who has volunteered many hours both years to help us.

In addition to our Guardian Angels fundraiser, I hosted an online fundraiser for the Coalition for Illinois Midwifery.  We had our "party" on Facebook and it was a HUGE success. I never realized how much fun an online party could be!  You can play hostess in your jammies, ooh and aah over fun clothes with friends, and raise a lot of money and awareness! We sold $2700 worth of LuLaRoe and our fun party was able to donate about $500.  I am so proud of this.  I could not have done it without all my wonderful friends and fellow birth professionals who shared the event, and bought some adorable leggings.  I even got my sister-in-law from Singapore to donate. (Love you Becky) In case you were wondering about how to donate or for more information:  The Coalition for Illinois Midwifery is an umbrella organization.  This includes the Illinois Friends of Midwives consumer group and the Illinois Council of Certified Professional Midwives. We are trying to raise funds/awareness for a Bill to be passed that would legalize Certified Professional Midwives in Illinois.

Check back on A Joyful Journey's blog in a couple days for more information about our Fall/Winter classes we will be offering!

New Seasons

There is a chill in the air, the newly fallen leaves crunch under my feet, and it smells like "fall" outside.  I used to hate fall.  The start of fall was always a reminder that a freezing cold Chicago winter was just a few shot months away (if the cold held out that long).  Shorter colder days, less sunshine... not a recipe for happiness in my eyes.


Fall was always my moms favorite season.  She loved the changing colors of the trees, the falling leaves, the chilly sweater weather, all of it.  After she passed away, fall always brought her back to me a little.  Her memory seems more alive during this season.  So as the years pass (this is the 6th fall without my momma) I look forward to and embrace the season that I once hated.

It seems so fitting that Domestic Violence Awareness month is in October.  I feel like it was made especially for her.  If only she were the only victim of domestic violence.  Unlike so many other women who have died at the hands of their abusers, my mom escaped my dads grasp, she survived.  At least physically, she survived.  The trauma that years of abuse caused my mom, stayed with her until she died of a drug and alcohol overdose in February 2010, just 2.5 years after my dad passed away.

It is our honor to be hosting our 2nd annual Parenting Fair to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. All proceeds from the parenting fair will be donated to this program, to help families in Joliet and surrounding areas get out of abusive situations, overcome, and not just survive, but thrive!  I hope that many of you reading this can come out and help us support this amazing, life changing program!

Warmly,
Andrea

Cathy's Reality Check/ Counting My Blessings

I really can't believe it's that time of year again.  Truly...didn't summer just start?  I'm writing this blog not as your doula, or business acquintance, but as a busy Mom.  I had such great aspirations for this summer.  Tons of reading, family time, and relaxation. I was going to step back a bit from the business world and enjoy my last summer, not being a student.  Babies have another plan.  We had tremendous business growth this summer. (Yay!!)  I also had tons of playtime with my kiddos. We enjoyed crafting, forts, swimming pools, and potty trained my youngest.  Pretty fantastic summer if you ask me!

I took a lot of time to relect on what I want to accomplish this year.  I am both nervous and excited about my kids starting school, and daycare for the first time. A part of me is jumping up and down that they will be back in school.  The other part wants to squeeze them to my side, and never let them leave.  This year I will be starting my midwifery program, juggling after school activities,running our business, and of course my household.

I am a type A personality.  I want everything to run smoothly and stay organized.  I want homecooked meals, a clean house, our business to grow, and straight A's.  I know this will not happen.  But a girl can hope. ;-)

We as women and moms, continually fill up our plates.  We want to succeed at everything.  I am afraid of overloading my proverbial plate and failing from the weight of all I have taken on.  Does anyone else feel like this or is it just me?!

In order to combat this, I am stating the allowances I will make myself.

1. I will try to continue to put God first.  This means church once a week, daily devotions and prayers and  leading a table of fine women at my local MOPS.  It's amazing how spiritually refreshed I feel when I take time to serve and learn about God.

2. I will spend quality time with my kids, even if I can no longer spend the quantity of time I want. This will include reading, crafts, and my least favorite...playing pretend.  When taking quality time with my kiddos, I will not check my phone (although if I'm on call, I'll still answer).  I will give them my undivided attention and not think about all the tasks I need to accomplish for the day.

3. Homecooked meals may have to include: sandwiches, cereal, and gasp...the occasional fast food banquet. I love cooking.  It pleases me to no end to give my family nourishing food that is free of processing.  Cooking is an outlet for me and about as creative as I get. Maybe I can spruce up chicken nuggets. ha ha ( I'm really not a crafty person.)

4. The house will no longer be able to be as clean as I want it to be.  Who am I kidding; it's never as clean as I want it to be.  I have 3 kids, 2 cats, 1 Labrador retriever, 2 goldfish, 6 chickens, and 1 chameleon.  This maybe harder for me to let go than anything else.  Lord, bring me peace on this.

4. While straight A's may not be achievable, I will strive to do the best I can do.  More importantly than straight A's, I really want to enjoy my studies.  On the days my kids are in daycare or in bed, I want to revel in my textbooks, write papers without focusing on how fast I can get it done. MCU is going to be amazing!

5. Lastly but just as importantly,  I will not forget about my husband.  He is my greatest cheerleader.  Being a Mom, student, business woman takes a great deal of time.  But none of those will be achievable if I don't take time to be a partner/wife to my beloved. Sometimes it's hard to change back into that role.  At the end of the day, and in a few years when my kids are living their own life.  It goes back to Kiel and I.  Taking the time to nurture our relationship is beyond priceless.

So this blog isn't about business at all.  It doesn't mean I'm not focused on business or that our clients arent' important to us. I wanted all you fabulous, lovely ladies to know a bit more about me.  I am a mom. I am a wife.  I am a doula.  I will be a student again.  I am going to nail this.  Even if it's not perfect, I will do it to the best of my ability.  I am blessed.

Peace,

Cathy

Amazing Things!!!

I'm so excited to be in the line of work that I'm in!  Being a birth and postpartum doula is an amazing job.  I may be biased, but I think we get the best clients EVER!  As Cathy begins midwifery school this fall, I'll be taking classes at my junior college to get the credits that I need to add IBCLC to the end of my name.  All the while, our main focus is to provide the best support possible to our pregnant, birthing, and postpartum clients.  As a CLS, who is not working under an IBCLC or in a hospital setting, my assistance to our breastfeeding clients can only go so far.  So, it only makes sense for me to continue my education to better serve our amazing clients!

In other news, 2 weekends ago I spent 3 days in beautiful Kearney, MO., with some of the most amazing women (and a few men) that I had ever met.  I'll spare you all the details here, but you can read about my experience on my personal blog, here: Andrea's Short Stories 

Being a birth & bereavement doula, I get tagged in Facebook posts semi-regularly, about a mom in the area, looking for support after suffering a loss.  I have several friends who have had losses, and I myself lost my very first baby, almost 14 years ago. It's something that happens all too often, more often than people think, because we don't talk about it.  But we don't forget, and it never goes away.  I feel this strong calling to start a loss support group that's not in a hospital setting.  A safe place for mothers and fathers to come to, to grieve, to share, to hope.  I truly hope to get a group up and running within the next few months.

Cathy also was able to spend a weekend recently, with some amazing midwives, learning all about midwifery type things. ;)  You'll have to ask her about.  I have no clue.  All I know is that she loved it.

Now, for the event of the year.....
Cathy and I are working hard to create a fundraiser event that is BIGGER AND BETTER than last year!  Last year we hosted a vendor fair and the proceeds were donated to Groudwork Domestic Violence Program.  We raised almost $800.  It was a ton of fun.  We had face painting and a bouncy house for the kids!  We had shopping!  We had food!  We had guest speakers!  However, we didn't get a ton of traffic.

How awesome would it be if we could double... or maybe even triple the amount that we raised last year!  Think about it.  This program is providing shelter to women escaping abusive relationships.  It's providing counseling, advocacy, legal resources, even basic necessities like food and toiletries. How amazing would it be to be a part of changing helping victims of domestic violence to become survivors!  But we can't do it on our own.  We need help.  We need vendors!  We need attendants!  We need volunteers!  We would like our vendor event to be focused on parenting resources this year, but we're having trouble finding vendors to fulfill those rolls.  We're thinking car seat safety techs, swim safety, speech therapy, family counseling, children's clubs, children's toys or clothing, and the likes.  We would love to hear any ideas!  For further info please email me at myers.andrea79@yahoo.com  Thanks for your help!

Warmly,
Andrea

Legacy Week! SBD Homecoming & more!!!

(Monday) #PleaseRemoveYourShoes

It's Legacy Week for SBD Doulas and SBD supporters!  I'm so excited to be a part of such a wonderful doula organization!  So, what is legacy week?  It's sort of like spirit week in high school.... with a different theme each day!!

• Monday's theme was *Please Remove Your Shoes*, which represents the respect that we are showing to our clients when they are inviting us in to support them through their birthing day.  
• Tuesday's theme (today) was *Love-Bringers are heroes* We were prompted to wear our capes, but I thought the best cape for me was my children.  They give me strength and motivate me to strive for better.  So here's a pic of me with my "cape" Daphne, helping me to bring all the love!
• Wednesday: connections, reaching toward others. {Show your hands: rings, bracelets, gloves, etc.}
• Thursday: creativity, resourcefulness, networking. {Show your signature flair, your colorful mind (or hair, hat, etc.).}
• Friday: going deep, whatever that means to you {(deep water, color, place).}

(Tuesday) #LoveBringersAreHeroes

 Since it's legacy week, we will be ending it with SBD's Homecoming this weekend!!!

It will be unlike any homecoming I've ever been too!  I'm traveling from Joliet, IL. to Kearney, MO.... and the roadtrip is going to be with 2 other doulas who I've never met in person before.  I'm so excited to take this trip, connect with other love bringers, and share with one another.  Friday we're having a potluck and lock-in, then Saturday will be filled with workshops, connections and special speakers!  Can Not Wait!!!

The following weekend (Saturday, August 6th) we have an awesome event planned for all the breastfeeding mom's in our lives, and those who support them.  Be sure to come out to our BIG Latch On event!!

And last but not least, our annual fundraiser to benefit Groundwork Domestic Violence Program will take place on October 1st!!  We're so excited to do this event again this year and would love to hear any ideas on how to draw in a big crowd.

Blogs for each of these events are coming soon!

Much Love,

Andrea

Legacy Week! SBD Homecoming & more!!!

(Monday) #PleaseRemoveYourShoes

It's Legacy Week for SBD Doulas and SBD supporters!  I'm so excited to be a part of such a wonderful doula organization!  So, what is legacy week?  It's sort of like spirit week in high school.... with a different theme each day!!

• Monday's theme was *Please Remove Your Shoes*, which represents the respect that we are showing to our clients when they are inviting us in to support them through their birthing day.  
• Tuesday's theme (today) was *Love-Bringers are heroes* We were prompted to wear our capes, but I thought the best cape for me was my children.  They give me strength and motivate me to strive for better.  So here's a pic of me with my "cape" Daphne, helping me to bring all the love!
• Wednesday: connections, reaching toward others. {Show your hands: rings, bracelets, gloves, etc.}
• Thursday: creativity, resourcefulness, networking. {Show your signature flair, your colorful mind (or hair, hat, etc.).}
• Friday: going deep, whatever that means to you {(deep water, color, place).}

(Tuesday) #LoveBringersAreHeroes

 Since it's legacy week, we will be ending it with SBD's Homecoming this weekend!!!

It will be unlike any homecoming I've ever been too!  I'm traveling from Joliet, IL. to Kearney, MO.... and the roadtrip is going to be with 2 other doulas who I've never met in person before.  I'm so excited to take this trip, connect with other love bringers, and share with one another.  Friday we're having a potluck and lock-in, then Saturday will be filled with workshops, connections and special speakers!  Can Not Wait!!!

The following weekend (Saturday, August 6th) we have an awesome event planned for all the breastfeeding mom's in our lives, and those who support them.  Be sure to come out to our BIG Latch On event!!

And last but not least, our annual fundraiser to benefit Groundwork Domestic Violence Program will take place on October 1st!!  We're so excited to do this event again this year and would love to hear any ideas on how to draw in a big crowd.

Blogs for each of these events are coming soon!

Much Love,

Andrea

Perfect Postpartum Soup

Healing Chicken Ginger Soup

I know that during the summer, hot soup is probably the furthest food from most people's minds. Yet, following pregnancy, a mother's body changes from hot to cold.  In order for her body to heal well, she needs warming, easy to digest foods, like soups and stews.  I've recently started a new postpartum training program with Sacred Postpartum.  Along with the wealth of information on ways to honor and nurture new mothers, there are quite a few delicious recipes to feed and nourish the body.  I found this recipe online at nourishingmeals.com and thought it sounded like a perfect postpartum meal to bring to a new mother.  This recipe yeilds 6 servings, so I would likely double the recipe to make it count. 

To make the broth, place all ingredients for broth into a 6-quart pot. Cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat medium-low and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Strain broth into a large bowl or another pot using a colander. Place chicken breasts onto a plate to cool. Pour the broth back into the pot. Once chicken is cooled, remove the skin, pull the meat from the bone and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

For the Broth:

2 bone-in organic chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)

8 cups water

1 large onion, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

1 large carrot, chopped

1 whole head garlic, cut in half cross-wise

1/4 to 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh ginger (or more!)

2 to 3 thai chiles, chopped or 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes

2 cups chopped shiitake mushrooms

1 stalk fresh lemongrass, chopped

cilantro stems

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

3 teaspoons Herbamare or sea salt

For the Soup:

1 medium onion, cut into crescent moons

3 to 4 stalks celery, sliced into diagonals

3 carrots, cut into matchsticks

2 to 3 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms

cooked chicken pulled from the bone and chopped

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Additions/Toppings:

rice noodles

chopped fresh basil

chopped fresh napa cabbage

chopped fresh cilantro

chopped fresh thai green chiles

lime wedges

Place all of the veggies for the soup (onion, carrot, celery, and shiitake mushrooms) into the pot with the broth. Cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer a minute or two more or until vegetables are cooked to your liking. Ladle soup into bowls and serve with a handful of basil, cilantro, and cabbage on top. Sprinkle with thai chiles if desired. You can also add a handful of cooked thai rice noodles to each bowl if desired. Squeeze a little lime juice over each bowl. Make sure to have some tissues handy if you are using the thai chiles!

If you try this recipe, let us know how you liked it!  If you have a great postpartum meal that you bring to new mothers, please share the recipe below!

Warmly,

Andrea

Tasty Tuesday-American Flag Fruit Dessert

America.  Home of the brave, land of the free, tastiest food anywhere!  With the 4th of July coming up, BBQ's will be a plenty.  We will be helping a lovely mother with some postpartum services so she can be relaxed and enjoy her festivities.

Here is one of my easy recipes to share at any 4th of July picnic/bbq/get together.

Ingredients:

1 pkg. washed strawberries
1 pkg. washed raspberries
1 pkg. washed cherries
1 pkg. washed blueberries
white chocolate covered pretzels

Supplies:
1 ceramic bowl
1 lg. platter

Directions:

Put blueberries in bowl.
Place bowl on upper lefthand corner of platter.
Alternate layers of red fruits with white pretzels to resemble flag.
Done. You've earned the right to devour the remaining packages of fruit/pretzels.

Here's the link from my pinterest if you want to read this woman's blog.

Happy 4th of July!!!

-Cathy

Popsicles for Breakfast are Life Changing!

Seriously, popsicles for breakfast are amazing and healthy.  Who would have thought?  During those summer months we are asked about easy breakfasts for hot, pregnant clients and their kids.  Moms want a break from slaving over the stove and kids want a break from eggs and cereal.  Enter....popsicles!

They take 5-10 minutes to prepare, have loads of protein, good fats, and fruit.  Kids think you are a Goddess for letting them eat treats in the morning, they cool you down, and can be grabbed quickly for an on-the-go meal. For an even easier way to prepare breakfast, simply hire A Joyful Journey and we can meal prep for you!

Here are a few of my favorite recipes and the ice pop maker I adore:


Berry Parfait Yogurt Popsicles 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen fruit, roughly chopped if large: strawberries (about 1 1/2 pints), cherries, whole blueberries, raspberries, peaches, blackberries, plums—pick your favorite!
• 2-4 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or agave, divided
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind dairy/non-dairy will do—I used skim. Omit if using regular vs. Greek yogurt)
• 2/3 cup prepared granola

Directions:

Mix fruit and honey together in a lg. bowl.

In another bowl, mix vanilla extract, yogurt, and milk.

In popsicle mold, alternate fruit/honey mixture with yogurt mixture.  Pour granola on top.

Place popsicle sticks in mold and let freeze for 6-7 hrs.

Enjoy.

Blueberry Oatmeal Popsicles

Ingredients  (makes about 10 large popsicles)

• 1/2 cup  quick oats
• 1 cup water or milk of choice
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (optional, use coconut cream for dairy free/Vegan)

Directions

1. Heat oatmeal and liquid in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until steaming hot.
2. Mix in frozen blueberries and maple syrup.
3. Pour into popsicle moulds.  If using yogurt, alternative oatmeal and yogurt to create a layer.  Insert popsicle sticks.
4. Place in freezer for 4-6 hours or until completely frozen.  Run under hot water to loosen popsicles.

Chia Coconut Pudding Popsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14-15 oz) coconut milk (I used full fat)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• fresh fruit of your choice
• 1 Tbsp sugar or honey (optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional)

Directions:

1. Pour the coconut milk into a small bowl. Make sure to get out all the thickened stuff inside the can. Give it a whisk or a stir to combine well.
2. Stir in the chia seeds and let sit, stirring once or twice, for about 30 minutes, to allow the seeds to expand.
3. Add a little bit of the coconut mixture to the bottom of each of 5 popsicle molds.
4. Drop some of the fruit in on top. If your fruit is too big to fit, chop it up.
5. Continue adding more coconut mixture, then more fruit until the molds are almost full. Rap the mold firmly against a hard surface to encourage the pudding to fill all the nooks and crannies in and around the fruit.
6. Insert popsicle sticks into the molds, they will stand up by themselves.
7. Top off the molds if there is any room in them.
8. Freeze for several hours until completely frozen.
9. To remove from the molds, fill a sink with hot water, just deep enough to immerse the mold up to, but not over, the rim, and hold the mold in the hot water for about 15 seconds to loosen the pops.
10. Pull the popsicles out of the mold and enjoy.
11. If you want to save the pops for later, wrap them in waxed paper and place in zip lock baggies.