Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Inspired Tuesday - April 29th

Sorry it is up late! I had it scheduled... but it didn't post.

Happy Tuesday everyone!
You guys linked up some really awesome posts last week! It was very hard to choose a couple of you to feature. But, here are two featured posts from last week:

I really love the story shared on Framed by God.
I also really love the reflection that was shared on Special Moments in Time.

And here is this weeks free printable:
You can download it HERE.



What is Inspired Tuesday?

Each Tuesday Not So Ugly Ducklings hosts Inspired Tuesday along with two awesome co-hosts Dawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly, where we offer up a free printable with some encouraging words.
Me and my co-hosts believe that any post written can inspired someone else, whether it is a personal story, a photography, a recipe.. whatever, so I invite everyone to link up their posts no matter the topic.

The rules are simple:

1) Follow Not So Ugly DucklingsDawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly  in any way of your choosing.
2) Follow this weeks featured blog(s).
3) It would be nice if you added the Inspired Tuesday button to your post, or even just a link back to the link-up.
4) Try to visit others and be inspired!

That's it.

Here is the button if you would like it:

<div align="center"><a href="http://notsouglyducklings.blogspot.com/" title="Not So Ugly Ducklings"><img src="http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh540/sommerfugldesign/inspired-tuesday-button_zpsa22cc19f.png" width="150" alt="Inspired Tuesday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Monday, April 29, 2013

Little Olivia

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about my struggles with breastfeeding. I ended the post on a positive note, wish a plan in mind and the plan to continue to breastfeed.

Well I hate to say it but I am conflicted again. We took Olivia for her weight check at the doctors office. We left with a referral to see a specialist. Olivia just did not gain enough weight. I was very disappointed. It  wasn't all bad. The doctor was very nice, and she said she doesn't really think something is wrong, developmentally Olivia is ahead, she is very active, but we need to check it out to be safe.

Since about the same day we have been having a struggle with Olivia. We can not seem to get her to eat more than a few bites. Due to no allergies in the family we were given the green light to give her just about anything to find something she will eat. She doesn't seem to want to eat anything.

She is also nursing less due to me working during the day. While I am working my husband gives her some formula. But that too is a struggle.. she will drink some, but never more than a couple ounces. She is no longer nursing or eating at night. I don't think I am producing as much milk as before. She has become a bit fussy and is not as happy all the time as she used to be.

This stresses me out. A huge amount. The husband usually has more luck getting food into than I do. She will always take a boob from me, rarely food, and almost never a bottle.

We see the children's nurse again this week. We do not know yet when we will see a specialist. I hope we can get some tips this week. We need her to eat and gain weight. I need her to eat food that I give her. My husband goes back to work here in a couple of weeks and I will be taking the role of stay at home mom again for a couple of months.

Anyone have experience with a picky baby that won't eat? Got any tips?



Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Life lately...

I keep mentioning that life lately has been hectic. It has. There has also been a lot of stress. In all honesty I feel like we are in this really torrential stage right before everything just falls into place. I can see the silver lining  and it feels like we are just about there, but getting there is proving to be very tough..

So here is what's been happening lately that is causing a lot of stress (both good and bad).

1. Olivia.
Our little one. She is extremely active (crawling, sitting up on her own, exploring the entire house on her own). As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago in this post, we are having a bit of a problem getting her to gain weight. We went for a check up last week.. it was not great. She did not gain enough weight over the last month. We have been refereed to a pediatrician to have her looked at. Generally, the doctor doesn't think there is anything is wrong do to her being happy, and developmentally ahead. Still it needs to be looked into, as dropping down 3 curves on the growth chart is not good.

2. The Studio.
The photography studio kind of turned into this never ending project. Finding the time to get it down was difficult. We managed and it is just about finished. Yay!

3. Julius
Julius's reflex anoxic seizures started happening again. It has been months since he had any. It sucks to see them happen again.

4. Just setting up the house.
We have been spending so much time with the studio, that we really have not finished setting up the house. There are still boxes.. we are mountains behind in laundry...

5. Potty training.
Elisabeth decided to ditch diapers. She is good most of the time... but not all the time. Julius has decided that he likes to take off his diaper, but has yet to go pee in the toilet.

6. Another business venture.
I am working with my husbands cousin in starting another business... more details at another time.

7. Just the strain of it all.
My relationship with my husband is a bit rocky at the moment. We 3 kids under 3 we just don't get any quality time together. We feel it. We need more quality time. We are working on it.

8. Danish
Right now I can not take danish lessons due to a teacher lockout. This stresses me out. I really need to get a better hold of this language. Not being confident in the native language here gives me a lot of anxiety  I feel like I am being judged because I can  not speak much of the language. I feel like I should have mastered it by now. The reality is, I am struggling with it. But I plan on taking a new approach with it (taking classes in person instead online), but I have to wait to start...

So that is a little glimpse in my life right now. Honestly just writing it all out kind of takes a tiny weight off my shoulders.

But like I said... I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.. The photography business is coming together well. If this other business comes together, then financially we will be comfortable, which will also take a lot of stress of. Things are looking up, even if at the moment they feel pretty dark.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

5 Disney Characters I love

I think I missed my 5 post last week! Honestly life has been totally crazy around here. I plan to do a big update post on that maybe Thursday. But for now, how about some fun.

I have always loved Disney movies. Growing up a knew so many of them word for word. Yes, I watched that often. I was a lucky kid. I had a tv in my room and could watch movies all the time.

However, now that I have kids, I have started to watch Disney movies again. Does anyone else find them so different now? When you are kids you don't pick up on the more 'adult' jokes or even adult themes. Very interesting to say the least. Anyways... here is a list of some of my favorite Disney characters.

1. Mater
So my son is totally into cars. We watch the cars movie at least once a day. Have you ever just say and listened to the lines Mater says? Hilarious.. seriously best character in the movies! He is the only reason why I have not thrown this movie out the window out of annoyance! Each time I pick up on a new funny thing he says.

2. Princess Jasmine
I just thought she was cool and pretty when I was younger.

3. Belle
Okay this is a big one. I loved Belle. I wanted to be her. And really what is not to love about her. She was kind, she loved books (hello library in the movie that I want.....) and I think she had the best Disney dress. She also had brown hair and brown eyes... just like me.. Thinking about it, I should have named my first born child after her. She was just awesome and a good all around character..

4. The fish tank fish 
Okay so this is more than just one character. But this group is always good for a little chuckle!

5. Marry Poppins
Favorite Disney movie of all time. I really wanted Marry Poppins to come to my home. I still cry every time in this movie when she leaves.

What are some of your favorite Disney characters?

Monday, April 22, 2013

Inspired Tuesday - April 23rd

Welcome back to another Inspired Tuesday. I hope you are all having a good week.

This weeks featured blog is You'll Shoot Your Eye Out by Kathy. Last week she shared some really beautiful pictures with us. Be sure to stop by if you didn't last week and say hi to her.

As promised, this week I have two free printables for you:

You can download this one from HERE.


You can download this one from HERE.


What is Inspired Tuesday?

Each Tuesday Not So Ugly Ducklings hosts Inspired Tuesday along with two awesome co-hosts Dawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly, where we offer up a free printable with some encouraging words.
Me and my co-hosts believe that any post written can inspired someone else, whether it is a personal story, a photography, a recipe.. whatever, so I invite everyone to link up their posts no matter the topic.

The rules are simple:

1) Follow Not So Ugly DucklingsDawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly  in any way of your choosing.
2) Follow this weeks featured blog(s).
3) It would be nice if you added the Inspired Tuesday button to your post, or even just a link back to the link-up.
4) Try to visit others and be inspired!

That's it.

Here is the button if you would like it:

<div align="center"><a href="http://notsouglyducklings.blogspot.com/" title="Not So Ugly Ducklings"><img src="http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh540/sommerfugldesign/inspired-tuesday-button_zpsa22cc19f.png" width="150" alt="Inspired Tuesday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

We are all beautiful

Last night while stalking Facebook I came across Dove's newest video. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful message. You have not yet seen this, you should do it now.

Did you watch it? Did you cry like I did?

And some more beauty for you:


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Inspired Tuesday - April 16th

I am sorry this post is running a bit late. We are in the final push of finishing up the photography studio, and honestly I kind of forgot to do this post last night! Oopps... I am sure my lovely co-hosts are more than ready for me to get settled and get them this post on time :) Love you girls.

This week we have 3 featured blogs, and I am sure you have seen them before, but all three of us hosts thought that they really stood out this past week.

First up we have Amanda from wildly simple. She shared some facts about herself and some lovely pictures for a blogging award she received.

Stacy from Stacy Uncorked shared something very cool. She recently gained a very awesome new follower on twitter! Head over to her post to see who!

Jill Wellington shared some really neat whimsical pictures on her blog. So much fun to look at!


What is Inspired Tuesday?

Each Tuesday Not So Ugly Ducklings hosts Inspired Tuesday along with two awesome co-hosts Dawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly, where we offer up a free printable with some encouraging words.
Me and my co-hosts believe that any post written can inspired someone else, whether it is a personal story, a photography, a recipe.. whatever, so I invite everyone to link up their posts no matter the topic.

The rules are simple:

1) Follow Not So Ugly DucklingsDawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly  in any way of your choosing.
2) Follow this weeks featured blog(s).
3) It would be nice if you added the Inspired Tuesday button to your post, or even just a link back to the link-up.
4) Try to visit others and be inspired!

That's it.

Here is the button if you would like it:

<div align="center"><a href="http://notsouglyducklings.blogspot.com/" title="Not So Ugly Ducklings"><img src="http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh540/sommerfugldesign/inspired-tuesday-button_zpsa22cc19f.png" width="150" alt="Inspired Tuesday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Okay.. and again no printable this week. I lost my bank card, had it cancelled, which caused my adobe cloud account to be locked, which means no photoshop for me today. Next week I will have 2 awesome freebies for you instead.

I wish you all a inspired week.

Monday, April 15, 2013

I am not a runner... but I want to be

Today I decide to start my c25k program. For those who do not know what this is, its full name is Couch to 5 kilometers in 8 weeks. Basically it is a running program designed to get you off the couch and running. It is supposed to be good for those non-runners like me.

I have been thinking about doing one of these for a while now. Mostly because it feels like everyone on my instagram feed is doing it, and I feel like I am missing out. I generally hate running, but I don't want to hate it. You knows those videos of that fit hot woman (or even better man) running down the beach, happy look on their face.. yeah I want to be that girl. Expect minus the beach.. running in sand sucks! And I don't have a beach to run on.

I need some sort of exercise routine. I want something that I can do on my own time, that is flexible and something I can do on my own. Running seems to fit that. So... I am going to become a runner.

I hope that it will help rid of the last bit of baby weight that I can not seem to ditch this time around. I hope that it will help me just feel better in general. I hope that I stick with it. I am bad with sticking with any sort of exercise plan.

But... I think I can do this one. I did my first run this morning. I am super proud, I did the whole thing. I did not cheat on it once. Go me! I was so proud that I even instagramed a picture of my red, post run face.

Here are a couple of things that I learned though..

1. I need a sports bra to contain my milk boobs. I am sure all the bouncing was distracting to anyone who drove by.

2. Um... I can feel my muffin top (especially in the hip area) bouncing... not cool!

3. I need somewhere to put my phone. I accidently grabbed the headphone cords and ripped the phone out of my other hand and my headphones off.

4. I will not die after running.

5. I need to focus more on my music and less on the actually running.

6. The second half is much easier. I can not explain how excited I was when my app told me I was halfway and I could turn around.

7. I really need to shave my legs more often if I am going to be wearing shorts. Seriously I am not sure when the last time was and it was a bit embarrassing to be out running with my massively hairy legs.

8. I kind of enjoyed it.

So to keep myself accountable I am going to do something unthinkable.. I am going to share some before pictures with you. Even the ones that show a bit of my butt. Here they are:




And I just thought about how I should have done a side picture.. next week. I am going to update each week with my progress. 

My starting weight: 61kg / 134.4lb
My goal weight:  55kg / 121lb

App I am using: C25K - 5K Trainer Free for android.  I will let you know how I like it once I am further in the program. First impression.. I like it and super easy to use.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Inspired Tuesday April 8th

Welcome to another week of Inspired Tuesday. How has your week been? Mine has been super busy (as usual..)

This weeks featured blog post comes from Jill over at Jill Wellington Photography - Passing the knowledge forward. Last week she shared some beautiful pictures using only natural light. Be sure to stop by her post if you didn't last week and let her know which one was your favorite.


What is Inspired Tuesday?

Each Tuesday Not So Ugly Ducklings hosts Inspired Tuesday along with two awesome co-hosts Dawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly, where we offer up a free printable with some encouraging words.
Me and my co-hosts believe that any post written can inspired someone else, whether it is a personal story, a photography, a recipe.. whatever, so I invite everyone to link up their posts no matter the topic.

The rules are simple:

1) Follow Not So Ugly DucklingsDawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly  in any way of your choosing.
2) Follow this weeks featured blog(s).
3) It would be nice if you added the Inspired Tuesday button to your post, or even just a link back to the link-up.
4) Try to visit others and be inspired!

That's it.

Here is the button if you would like it:

<div align="center"><a href="http://notsouglyducklings.blogspot.com/" title="Not So Ugly Ducklings"><img src="http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh540/sommerfugldesign/inspired-tuesday-button_zpsa22cc19f.png" width="150" alt="Inspired Tuesday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 I ran out of time this week and was not able to create a printable for you. Sad Face :(
Instead I am going to share a pictures I took today with you:

I edited this picture with a couple of Kim Klassen's textures. If you love photography and textures, you should stop by her blog. She makes some of the best textures and if you sign up for her newsletter, you get them for free. She also does a weekly link up on Tuesday's called Texture Tuesday.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Tuesday!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Struggles with breastfeeding

I have been putting off writing this post. Breastfeeding is a bit of a touchy subject for me. Mostly because I feel like I have failed at it multiple times.

With Elisabeth I didn't make it past 6 weeks. It was painful, I was stressed, she stopped growing, I didn't feel good about it, so I stopped. It was a both good and bad. Suddenly we had a very happy, growing baby. I however experienced something I didn't expect. I missed it.

Past experience made me even more determined to breastfeed Julius. I know the benefits and I think it really is best for baby. I made it in total, 6 months. However, at around 4 months Julius stopped growing. We added food at 5 months to make up for the loss.. however the stubborn child decided it was boob or nothing. After a few days of him starving himself for over 8 hours just so he could have breast milk, we decided it was best if we cut him off. He needed the nutrition. I was emotionally heart broken. But.. he needed to grow.

I had/have a lot of guilt over this. I don't quite understand why I can't seem to make nutritional milk past a certain point. Why doesn't my body do what it is supposed to do. I figured perhaps it was the stress of moving from one city to another. I had a lot of stress the first time around as well.

I tossed around the idea of not breast feeding Olivia out of fear of having another child not grow. But I know breast feeding is so good for them. So, that is what I did.

It has been a struggle with Olivia from day one. She had a sever tongue tie, and although we got it clipped only days after she was born.. the damage was done. I pushed through the pain only to get thrush. Then a blocked duct, which turned into mastitis. But we pushed on. I was determined to make it to 6 months.

Around 5 months, her eating habits changed. She started eating every 1.5 hrs to 2 hrs around the clock. Warning bells starting going off. I talked to a couple of people. I was told it was normal and to not worry about it. Knowing my past experiences I should have known better. I should have found someone who would take my concern seriously. Someone who would have looked at my past, my health (because my body has never done things the way it is supposed to), and might have considered that I am a rare case of just not being able to produce healthy fatty milk.

In the beginning of March we moved to a new city, which meant new doctors. We took Olivia for her 5 month check up a month late. Since birth Olivia has dropped down to lines on the growth curve. She has grown very little over the last few months.

I.Felt.Horrible. The reason she is up and eating every 2 hours around the clock is because she is actually hungry because she isn't getting enough.

The doctor suggested we call the children's nurse (here in Denmark we have a health professional who is specialized in children under 5 and particularly the first year), and have her come and look at Olivia, talk about our food options for her, and to schedule a weight checkup in April.

I was pretty sure this was the end of breast feeding for us. Over the last week I have been having an internal battle with whether I should continue and be stressed about Olivia getting the nutrition she needs, or just going with formula. It has weighed very heavily on my mind.

Today we met with the nurse. She was wonderful. We discussed many things, including how to get Olivia to not eat at night. She pointed out things such as your child will be angry, but she never needs to cry alone. We are not to wean her at night until we can get her to eat 4 meals a day of table food for a week.

We also discussed how I should NOT stop breast feeding. She does not think formula is the answer, at least for now. Olivia does, however, need to gain weight. The nurse made this assessment  not by actually weighing her, but looking at her. He said she doesn't have enough 'chunk' on her. She showed us that Olivia is a bit too much skin and bones around the belly. Then she weighed her and looked at how tall she is. She is 71 cm and 6.6 kg. A bit too small.

So our plan of action is this: 4 meals of day, no matter what. Since Olivia isn't that fond of mushy food, just skip it. Give her the real stuff. Feed her what we are eating if we can (minus all the salt). Breast feed Olivia whenever she wants it during the day (and night for now). In a month, she will come back and we will re-evaluate.

She also explained to me that there is a breast feeding hump. All women reach a point where breast feeding alone is not enough, and food needs to be introduced. Some women reach this point sooner than others. Me, it seems, to be about the 4 month mark.

After today I feel considerable better. We have a plan, and we finally have found both a doctor and a children's nurse that takes us seriously. No more with the 'that is rarely the case' so that can't be the problem. Because lets face it.. we kind of do rare in this family. I labored 3 times in a extremely uncommon way (even more so since it happened 3 times!), Julius had a very rare time of seizures do to an iron deficiency (which could have been due to my crappy milk).

All that a side, I am happy that this doesn't need to be the end of breast feeding, because I am really not ready to stop. So wish us lucky in fattening the little one up!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

5 Songs I am loving right now

So, I missed my '5' post last week. We have just been super busy (have I said that enough yet...). This week I am going to share 5 songs I am enjoying right now.

So here they are in no particular order:

1. Gone Gone Gone by Phillips Phillips
Besides a really repeating name (both in the song title and his name), I am really in love with this song. Actually just with his music in general. And I am way behind on this.. because I don't watch American Idol. I am not even sure how I stumbled upon him.. either way.. Love this song right now.

2. Home by Phillips Phillips
Surprised you with this one didn't I.....

3. Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men
Strange band name.. but good song.

4. Some Nights by Fun.
I actually came across Fun. some months ago and I love their entire CD.

5. Ho Hey by The Lumineers
Another some and band in general that I have fallen in love with recently.

I am always looking for new music to listen to so tell me: What are you listening to these day?

Monday, April 1, 2013

Inspired Tuesday - April 1st

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend. We did. The end of it had some nice weather, and we have been working on the photography studio. Overall a good weekend!

This weeks featured blog post is from Gaye over at Calm.Healthy.Sexy. She wrote a great post about 6 free gifts to your husband.  If you didn't stop by it last week, I encourage you to stop by her blog this week and show her some love.


What is Inspired Tuesday?

Each Tuesday Not So Ugly Ducklings hosts Inspired Tuesday along with two awesome co-hosts Dawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly, where we offer up a free printable with some encouraging words.
Me and my co-hosts believe that any post written can inspired someone else, whether it is a personal story, a photography, a recipe.. whatever, so I invite everyone to link up their posts no matter the topic.

The rules are simple:

1) Follow Not So Ugly DucklingsDawn's Disaster and Peanut Butter and Jelly  in any way of your choosing.
2) Follow this weeks featured blog(s).
3) It would be nice if you added the Inspired Tuesday button to your post, or even just a link back to the link-up.
4) Try to visit others and be inspired!

That's it.

Here is the button if you would like it:

<div align="center"><a href="http://notsouglyducklings.blogspot.com/" title="Not So Ugly Ducklings"><img src="http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh540/sommerfugldesign/inspired-tuesday-button_zpsa22cc19f.png" width="150" alt="Inspired Tuesday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

And here is this weeks free printable:

You can download it from HERE

And this weeks link up: