Anyways…

Newt recently weighed in on IVF and the “problem” of excess embryos.  He said;

First off, I completely agree that life begins at conception.  I certainly think my IVF cycle created 17 lives – 13 of which arrested and died.  Three of which were frozen.  I think those frozen embryos are my children – unique individual souls.  Two of them are now my flesh and blood sons while I have one more snowflake baby in cryo.

That’s what I believe.  Yeah, me.

I certainly don’t think that *my* beliefs should be forced on every other person in this free society.  There are plenty of people who see an embryo as a potential life only and as human tissue not a human being.  Since I also believe in religious freedom and individual medical choice I would never dream of forcing my beliefs on others.

Because, don’t be fooled.  This is 100% an abortion issue.  The only reason Newt pretends to care about IVF embryos or stem cell research is it strengthens his argument to control womens’ choice to have an abortion.  I detest the attempt by the religious right to control my body.

I detest even more politicians bringing infertile couples into their political posturing.  We’ve been through enough, thanks.  Why don’t you go call a pro-lifer a baby killer and get out of the infertility discussion.  (not that doing so isn’t also douche-y).

What Newt is apparently ignorant of is the existing, heavy regulation that governs IVF and embryology labs.

Furthermore, I take offense at his remark that “if you do IVF, you are creating life.”  First off, DUH. We are infertile we know more about the quest to create life than he could ever hope.  Second, NO.  Mainly, when you are doing IVF, you are treating a medical disorder.  IVF isn’t some spa treatment like the latest chemical peel.  It is a medical treatment for a medical disease.

The flippant way that he discusses this sounds like he thinks we are randomly pumping out embryos for fun.  I’m sure he thinks women who have abortions are doing it for fun too. The general lack of understanding about the HUGE physical and emotional difficulty of an IVF cycle really does a disservice to infertile couples.  Even if you are of the belief that an embryo is just tissue it is some pretty damn important tissue after the weeks of shots, dildocams, and half your life savings.

It is absurd to assume that patients or doctors would treat that tissue with anything but the greatest care and reverence.

I don’t think that further government scrutiny or regulation is a positive thing.  Look at the countries that have created more stringent laws about embryo creation.  In Italy or Sweden, for example, my precious boys would not have been possible because embryo cryopreservation is illegal.  Women must transfer all created embryos – up to 3 – even if they are 28 years old and otherwise fertile.  The chances of multiple pregnancy increases exponentially while patients are forced to do repeated fresh cycles which are exponentially harder on the woman’s body.  Some studies even show that cryo-embryos have a higher success rate because the woman’s body isn’t near overstimulation during a FET cycle.

Countries like the UK, Australia, France, and Germany all regulate by federal law their IVF more that the US – HOWEVER, they also cover it with their glorious socialized medical coverage.  In the US IVF is considered “experimental” and “elective” like a nose job (see, there goes that repetitive use injury).  If you are going to force a woman to only create 3 embryos (because you can’t freeze) or only transfer 1 embryo (despite your doctor’s advice) then it should only be when that woman isn’t paying $20,000 for their one and only chance to conceive.

If Newt, or any other political candidate, wants to discuss IVF they need to learn about the Disease of Infertility and the Treatment of IVF and not just discuss it as an afterthought from some pro-life argument.  Otherwise, please shut up.

I have A LOT of pics this week because the boys took their first solo baths (I usually bathe with them).  Some of these pics were not taken by me!  Yes, my daughter took a bunch and I made a tiny collage of them.  (shhh, we got her a camera for her birthday next week!)

(click to view larger in lightbox:

Aellyn at the zoo today on a balmy January day (53 degrees!)    

Colorful toys at the WIC office    

This is a selection of pictures that my not-yet-three-year-old took today. Overall I was so impressed the photos were not random but quite deliberate.    

Butt in the air? Check. Hands between the legs? Check. Killing me with cute? Double check.    

Greige is the new black    

Asher ate blue play dough!    

Deep in imaginative play on my newly reupholstered dinning chair.    

Boston meets broccoli    

Here’s ash’s    

I got the boys these puffy vests. Not something I would normally buy but they were $4 and cute!    

Chocolate face    

Riding the train at bru    

Last one I promise! I love being mommy to these three angels!    

Boston doesn’t know how he feels about sister kisses    

Look at all those teeth!!    

My girl    

So close to crawling!    

So cute! My boys are 11 months old! Can you believe it!?!?    

Yes my daughter rarely has clothes on!    

However, *I* am being more intentional about my homeschooling philosophy.  This helps me solidify my ideas and makes it easy (err..easiER) to explain to people what the heck I’m doing.  As Aellyn gets older and I watch her learn (while I facilitate) I want to recognize her accomplishments toward a learning goal.  In school that would be learning a certain amount of math by x age or achieving a certain test score.  What about at home?

I don’t want my overthinking to scare anyone away from natural learning!  All of this isn’t required for your kids to learn.  Learning happens naturally.  I just like to overthink. <

I was thinking about “subjects”.  Since I have no intention of purchasing a curriculum I won’t really be teaching (well, I won’t really be “teaching” at all) the traditional subjects.  My kids will learn to read, write, and do math but that is NOT the end goal of their education.  They are only tools on the path to their self realization of their potential.

So, what do I want them to learn?  I created this presentation to describe the formation of my curriculum or philosophy of homeschooling.  This is a work in progress and I’ll be tweaking it as time goes on.  Your comments or questions are very welcome!

This is best viewed in full screen or click here to leave BBD and view on Prezi.  This does require flash – sorry I don’t have a static version to share (yet).

Since last week I was protesting SOPA this week there are two weeks worth of pictures!

Babies are so much cuter in a hat!    

Sleeping angel    

Crazy hair!    

I don’t know why I bother to paint my nails when they’re chipped within 8 hours    

Boston sleeps right next to me so this is what always greets me!    

Tootsies!    

Licking the brownie spoon in her “I’m the star of mommy’s blog” tshirt (available at http://www.cafepress.com/babydustdiariesshop )    

I just never get tired of this.    

Help! Asher has a rash help me identify it. He is not hot and maybe a little fussier but not too much.    

Butt in the air and striped baby legs accentuating thigh girth. Nom.    

Lion and zebra and butt!    

Making waves!    

Bath time!    

I don’t want no French toast mom!    

Boston’s first French toast!    

She had a big day! First time at Sunday school and then running around with her cousins at a baby shower    

Went to a baby shower today and Ash fell asleep in my cousins arms    

Mobi light dressed up with vacuum attachments    

Post-Christmas clearance Santa hat of awesomeness on Boston    

New fridge. Take good look as this is the cleanest it will ever be.    

Last one. My pink marshmallow.    

She’s playing by herself in the fenced back yard do I can stay inside with the boys. Such a big girl!    

Lots of snow today!    

Put your hands in the air and wave ‘em like ya just don’t care. #twins    

Aellyn says I have “boo” eyes like grandma    

Me with dark hair    

A bed time photo shoot is becoming a tradition. 3 yo don’t understand “1 more”    

My Phoenix tattoo    

Luckily we only had some overlap (finger paints and pipe cleaners are a must!) so I decided to change mine to make it a supplement to hers.  So you really don’t want to miss the first 10 must haves at her blog.

Crafting and Art is so important in allowing kids to use their imagination.  For mom, it breaks up the monotony of being trapped in doors during the winter.  Here are some must-haves for your craft survival kit!

1. Construction Paper

Multicolored paper is something kids love but construction paper is a gem because it tears easily.  Kids love to tear and if your kid is pre-scissors it really opens up craft ideas!  Plus it is routinely available in recycled varieties!

2. Glue sticks

A less messier version of liquid glue.  This obviously needs adult supervision especially if you think your kid might want to take a taste.  But even if junior eats the whole stick it is non-toxic.  I love Coccoina almond-based non-toxic, non-acid, non-solvent glue stick!

3. Glitter

I know many of you are cringing at the mess and yes, there will be rouge pieces of glitter you will still be finding in 30 years. BUT…your kids will LOVE it!  Not only is it sparkly (oooo! sparkles!) but it is cool how it sticks where the glue is but falls off where the glue is not!  Awesome.

4. Paper Bags

Grocery bags or recycled lunch bags are available in most grocery stores and they have limitless possibilities from luminaria to puppets!  They take crayons, watercolor, or markers really well so they are great for customizing!  Check out these awesome paper bag puppets!  Not only fun to make but fun for months afterwards.

5. Googly Eyes

Along with pipe cleaners you can make anything with googly eyes!  Robots, monsters, Mr. Potato Head with an actual potato! There is even a book of 101 things to do with googly eyes!

6. Felt

Felt is construction paper’s sturdier cousin (in craft terms).  It is easy to cut, glue, and shape and it is very eco-friendly if you buy Eco-Fi.  This felt is made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles saved from the landfill!  It is available by the bolt at fabric stores or in 9×11 sheets at craft stores.  Felt is great because it loosely “sticks” to itself so it is great for “paper” dolls as in my Dress Up Dolls (available in my Etsy shop! Check out the other great felt imaginative play toys too).

7.Macaroni

Macaroni is a fun and cheap craft item.  You can dye it colors, glue it to things, or practice hand/eye coordination skills by stringing them on yarn!  Oh, be prepared to wear macaroni necklaces to work!

8. Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes

Upcycling and art go hand in hand. You can make creatures or pirate spyglasses.  they take markers and paint well (crayons are hard because you can’t push hard enough without mushing the roll).  I won’t make them each separate supplies but EVERYTHING can be upcycled art – egg cartons, milk cartons, every kind of box, etc.  There’s a book for that too! Earth-Friendly Crafts for Kids: 50 Awesome Things to Make with Recycled Stuff

9. Toothpicks

wait for it….

10. Food

Those toothpicks are the perfect connector for food art.  Personally I love mini-marshmallows and toothpicks.  Building structures (and learning how to make it stand tall) is a math and engineering skill for young kids and I’ve done this with middle schoolers as well.  It is fun and increasingly complex.  How about putting a face on an apple with carrot chunks and black olives?  Celery houses with peanut butter and toothpick nails and glue?  Smeared yogurt on a tray with a toothpick “pencil” for writing/drawing.  Fun with food provides a positive food-attitude and inspires creativity!

What are your favorite craft supplies for your kiddos?

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*If you are inclined to purchase any of the books mentioned here and you purchase through a link on this page I receive a modest referral fee from Amazon.com

• For MLK day Lauren at Hobomama addresses Talking about race with (white) kids.   It is an excellent post and I’m sure it was hard to write (as I’ve drafted my own a few times but was afraid to publish) because white people often feel they have no right to talk about race.  Lauren argues it is important to talk about it – especially with the kids!

• Since I recently did my own “shit people say” meme called “Sh*t Fat Phobic People Say” Racilicious has a great list of some of the videos and what they say about our culture in Exploring the Problematic and Subversive Shit People Say [Meme-ology]

• Another great MLK post was MontessoriNow’s list of Montessori-Inspired Peace Education Activities.  Great for homeschooling families as well.

• Good Googs talks about 10 Things People Say Before They Are Parents.  They are funny in that “oh, I said that” way but also important because they perpetuate discrimination against kids (“just leave them home, or at least keep them quiet!”.

• For My Friends with Weaning Regret via Dulce de leche couldn’t have come at a better time after my own post about Coping with Breastfeeding Loss.  If you are struggling with weaning read her post.

• My Current Thoughts on the Baby Carriers in My Stash is a great breakdown of one mother’s impressive baby carrier collection.  It is nice to see a side by side comparison for both infant, toddler, and tandem use.

Here is my submission!  Sh*t Fat Phobic People Say.  I was originally going to have a conversation between a fat girl and a skinny girl but the program I used had not a single fat body to choose from!  Notice the title is not what “skinny chicks” say because I’m not trying to stereotype; I’m trying to break down stereotypes.

How many inaccuracies can you spot?

Watch this video on YouTube.

SOPA

SOPA Infographic

SOPA Business Infographic

• My first link today is from a blog I follow simply because the owners, David and Elizabeth, were in our Bradley Birth class when we were pregnant with Aellyn.  David writes so eloquently about Marrying into Diabetes: A Husband’s Perspective.  His words apply to marriages in so many ways beyond just physical conditions.  A must read!

I am married to a beautiful woman with type 1 diabetes. On many days, diabetes has churned the waters in our relationship. I’ve argued with low blood sugars and lost. What woman can be responsible for being snippy when her blood sugar’s at 35 mg/dl (2 mmol/L)? I’ve watched date night…

• I LOVE this blog by a unschooled girl and I wanted to jump up and down clapping when I read 5 Ways to Help Someone HATE Reading.  She really hits for me why so many kids these days hate to read.  Notice too that she says she started reading at 8 or 9 years old which is completely normal and healthy unlike the forced reading at age 5.

I’ve often heard complaints and worries, from a wide variety of people, about how many people, especially youth, don’t like to read.  Blame is placed on a variety of things, from texting on cell phones to uninvolved parents to class sizes in school.  But rarely is the actual way reading…

• Positive parenting is hard because it is so different than what is being done all around us.  Need a pick me up? Read Keeping Your Faith in Positive Parenting

When things are going smoothly, it’s easy to say “Yes! Positive parenting really works!” You feel confident in your decision to raise your child this way and confident in your abilities as a parent. But what about when things aren’t going smoothly? What about when your child is acting…

It all really makes me sick to my stomach.  I was a Girl Scout, my mom was a Girl Scout leader.  My sister was one of those hardcore primitive camping type Girl Scout.  While I was a more sewing and cooking kinda Girl Scout. That was one of the things that was wonderful about it – it allowed for a very diverse definition of what it meant to be a girl.  There were no limits saying girls should like this or shouldn’t like that. The Girl Scout mission is;

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

It was a very empowering experience.  I loved the things I learned in Girl Scouts and would really like my children to be involved in scouting too.

Well the Boy Scouts are already completely out of the question for me and my kids because they have decided to exclude gay children and adults from participation (a stance that was upheld by the Supreme Court).  That’s not something I could support or allow my kids to be exposed to.  Kudos to Steven Spielberg for stepping down from the Boy Scout Advisory Council for, in his words,

“The last few years in scouting have deeply saddened me to see the Boy Scouts of America actively and publicly participating in discrimination. It’s a real shame.”

So the Boy Scouts want to know who you have sex with.

And now, some want the Girl Scouts to demand to see your genitalia prior to enrollment.  A girl in California is asking for a boycott of Girl Scout cookies because Colorado admitted a transgendered seven year old girl.

Fortunately, these people are in the minority.  The Girl Scouts USA have affirmed the right of anyone who self-identifies as a girl to participate.  This is really an amazing thing.  Transgendered children (e.g. those born with boy genitalia but who identify as a girl and vice versa) are horribly marginalized by society and this would be a youth organization (the first?) that would openly embrace them.  I’m very proud of the Girl Scouts for this.

I still have a conundrum though.  I have a girl and two boys (assuming they self-identify with their physical sex).  How do I allow one to participate but not another?  I want them all to learn those great skills like I did (I can whip up a camp fire faster than my husband) and the camaraderie that went with them.  It breaks my heart that so much of our society is so damn interested in the private life of others that they would ruin this wonderful thing for kids.

I mean – why do you even need to know this???  No one should have to hide who they are or be someone their not.  How could that possibly build courage, confidence, or character?  Or build, as Boy Scouts’ motto says “conscientious, responsible, and productive society”?

I have a few years before I have to worry about it.  Hopefully I can find an alternative or, maybe, just maybe, the world will change and realize that love begets love and hate only breeds more hate.