Buy Fresh Buy Local

I have been searching for a convenient CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) to join for a while, and I've finally found one during the Earth Fest in Shawnee Mission Park last week. For those who doesn't know how CSA works, here's how: You pay a membership fees to buy a share of the farm products, then every week you pay a fixed amount in exchange for produce from the farm. You'll get in-season, farm fresh product from you local farms. Some of them are organic produce, some not. Some only offers vegetables and some offers everything.

The CSA I joined is thru Hen House. Who would have thought? There are many out there in the KC area, but with 10 pick up locations and 3 pick up schedules, the convenience of the Hen House CSA is unbeatable. For those interested, here is the link.

Season starts May 17th. Can't wait!

Maverick Marvels!

Echoing Tze's post on his blog about the Candidate Matchmaker, the Maverick is my man too according to the Fox News Tool. I have always known that there is a bit of republican in me. Like a classmate once told me that I cannot be a true democrat since I believe firmly in free market and a fiscally conservative government. I'm definitely registering myself as 'Independent' when time comes - but as for the vote for McCain, hmmmm.... hopefully he will bring the party back to its root instead of succumbing to the Religious Rights. Click on image below for your own matchmaker.

Family Portrait

11-week old

Ian turned 3

Boys hanging out with mom

Cozying up to big brother during story time

5-Week Old Today!

Liam is 5-week old today. That's approximately 280 diapers and 35 sleepless nights. But it is also countless kisses, cuddles and admiration.

We went for our 1-month checkup yesterday. Everything looks great and he is gaining weight steadily. He also got his 2nd Hep B shot and I had never heard him screamed so loudly before.

Announcing........

After much anticipation, a week of torture with PUPPP, and one false alarm trip to the hospital, Liam was born on Friday, Sept 21. He is 20" long and weighs in at 7lb 11Oz. He has a full head of dark brown hair already, and is as perfect as a baby can be.

Delivery was much smoother than Ian's. It only took 30 minutes or so to push him out, less than 10 contractions. We are doing well so far, adjusting to having two kids at home. He is eating well and pooping well.

PUPPP Update

Made the mistake of applying Sarna all over my body last night. I was freezing after all the lotion. It feels like someone just dunk me into a pool of ice water. I actually had to crawl under the comforter for some relief.



Tuesday: Decided to stay home and not go to work. I am extremely tired and sleepy, and I cannot imagine how to be working 9 hours in my work clothes. Hubby got me in to see the dermatologist today. At first, they said they only had an appointment available with a physical assistant. I took it anyway. But upon examining me, I had two doctors in to 'ohhh' and 'ahhh' on my condition. One of them described it as 'profound rash'. Duh! Anyhow, they prescribed me a ramp up ramp down course of prednizone (oral steroid) all the way till delivery and handed me another tub of Sarna........ I am a little worried about taking the steroid, but according to the doctor (pregnant herself), it is not a problem in full term pregnancy. Pray.

Puritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP)

I still cannot remember the full name of this rash, but it is commonly just referred to as PUPPP or pregnancy rash. Up to 1% of pregnant women get this, and it is supposed to clear up as soon as you deliver. Of course, i'm that 'lucky' 1%.

I started having some rashes around the belly button area about a week ago. I didn't pay much attention to it initially since though itchy, it was confined to a small area and controllable with cortisone cream. Then, this friday, it started flaring up and spred to my whole torso, back, thigh, neck and arms. So, i went on the internet for help.

Sunday: So far, i have tried hydrocortisone, Triamcinolon 0.1%, and Myconozole. Nothing really works more than an hour. I have also taken an oat meal bath yesterday. Today, i went to the pharmacy and bought some calamine lotion and some flaxseed oil.

Monday: At 8am this morning, i decided to take a Benadryl. It normally makes me hyperactive, but there's nothing to lose now after staring at the ceiling for a good few hours last night. Miraculously, it made me drowsy this time and drifted to sleep for a couple hours. Oh, got some Sarna today. It feels good when you put it on since it is cooling. My belly looks like the picture on the left now.

If I don't get some relief by Wednesday, I am calling the doctor to get induced.....