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.
4 comments:
Exciting to hear your in those final weeks towards being a mother of two !
As for the shower ideas i'd definitely do a casserole shower , We actually did one for stacy when she was pregnant for logan (Some people brought gifts and the some foodies brought casseroles)do mention you would like them to be vegetarian but I wouldn't tell them exactly what to make just through a few ideas out there so they know what your suggesting (vegetarian lasagna, quiche , etc)
And with the gifts i'd just try to remind them about the registree's a few times , and you'll et what you get ... If I get gifts ,I don't use ,that don't come with the receipts I just regift them ( i'm horrible for it actually i have a closet full of things i don't want , brand new ready for a new owner ) It saves you from buying and Reuses stuff you already have stashed away for the next baby shower/birthday party.
Thanks Candace! Those are great suggestions!
I don't think you really CAN say anything about the gifts. But that's just my opinion LOL! what I would do is to do your best to tell them where you are registered and possibly mentioning in converstation that you are making your own baby products! If you DO receive them you can always bring them back for store credit (walmart will take it back even if it's not their's) or donate it to the food bank.
Geez I thought I was good for making my own baby food LOL!
It's a tricky situation. If you do paper invites, you could write a small blerb about trying to have a "green" babyshower. Maybe mention you're trying to cut down your impact on the environment by using reuables(diapers, etc) intead of disposables. Or something like because of recent health and safety concerns, you are trying to limit your baby's contact with potentially dangerous substances, therefore using glass and organic products. I think if it was put in a friendly, not demanding way, it wouldn't be received badly.
I agree about the casserole party though! They're awesome!! I definatly want one my next time around. As for the vegetarian part, perhaps you could say something like for recipe ideas or suggestions....then put some websites or something that specialize in vege food. I'm sure if you googled it, you could find a few! Good luck! And congratz on baby #2 :D
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