Hello all,
I am now in the final weeks of my pregnancy! Less than 9 more to go at the maximum... I've had that 'nesting' instinct somewhat for the whole pregnancy since I am a chronic preparer/organizer when it comes to certain things in my life (if only my home reflected this!). I think it is a good idea for me to make casseroles and meals to freeze ahead of time for after the baby is born. My husband will have to return to work only a week after delivery. Although my mother is planning to stay with us, I do not want her to have to make meals everyday while caring for me and my older son. Does anyone out there have any links or recipes for freezable vegetarian meals? Lunch, dinner, and even breakfast recipes would be great!
I'm also considering requesting that one of my baby showers be a 'casserole' shower where guests bring casseroles instead of gifts (or maybe some of them could--it could be a suggested option). It would be easy to tell my mother and grandmother that this is what I would prefer, but is this request etiquette-friendly if I must request vegetarian options only? Vegetarian meals are much cheaper (beans instead of meat, etc.) but sometimes people think that a different-than-norm diet means something extra fancy or unattainable. Should I leave recipe suggestions with the shower organizers? What do you guys think?
Secondly, I wanted to discuss something else that's been on my mind about showers and gift giving. I have chosen to breastfeed, but I will most likely need a few bottles for times when I go out and pump milk. I only want to use glass bottles due to the BPA/Phalates information that has been increasingly surfacing in the scientific communtity and the news. Also, I have made my own baby cream out of herbs, grapeseed oil and organic bees wax (see my recipe at the bottom of this blog) and plan to make my own baby shampoo and wash. I am also making my own baby wipes and using cloth diapers. My problem is this: how do I notify and request that my showers be "Baby Product/Disposable Diaper/Plastic Bottle & Toy" free? This is a tough one for me because my in-laws family is especially unaware and unconcerned with any of the health issues involved with these products. They are dollarstore and Wal-Mart shoppers to the core! I have done a registry at Wal-Mart requesting glass bottles, specific toys, organic cotton clothing, and other items as well as one at Sears with cloth diapers on it. I can dole out this Registry information, but not everyone will want to look at the registry I'm sure. How should I make my choices known? Should I just accept all of the gifts without any 'conditions' and then return them to Wal-Mart for store credit? What would YOU do?
Thanks for letting me vent and I hope to hear some feedback soon! ;)
My Natural HomeMade Healing Baby Cream
One of Grapeseed oil/organic cold pressed Olive Oil/Vitamin E oil
Glass sealable bottle, such as one with a cork and lid
Dried Chamomile
Dried Calendula
Organic beeswax (can be found at natural food stores, including 'Aura')
Step One: Make an herbal oil out of your preferred oil and herbs. Leave this oil in a sunny window for one month, shake daily.
Step Two: Boil a pot of water and place a glass bowl over top. Strain the herbs from the oil. Poor the herbal oil into the bowl.
Step Three: Shave in slabs of beeswax (amount depends on your amount of oil--use trial and error) and remove from heat once melted. Let Cool.
Step Four: Move the creamed mixture to an airtight container, let cool completely, and refridgerate. Will last up to a year, check often for mould and use sterile equipment only to remove the cream (not your fingers) to reduce bacteria that will mould the cream sooner.
If you have any questions, respond to this post.
