The Pill

I have struggled for quite a while over whether or not to post about this. I don't want to ruffle feathers or start a big heated debate. I simply want to provide information that I have recently found about birth control pills.

It's no secret that Sean and I are Catholic now and hold to the Church's teaching of natural family planning. When we started thinking about becoming Catholic, this topic was one of the first that we researched because we were so interested to know why the Catholic Church was so out of the mainstream with its stance on BC. It didn't take long for both of us to realize that any unnatural form of birth control was the wrong path for our family.

We have had many debates with friends and family (some heated, some contained) about birth control. The most common argument that our loved ones give us is that NFP is no different than taking birth control. Well, simply stated, it is. First of all, it is the Church's teaching, and we must abide by it. I know this leaves out all non-Catholics because most other churches say it's okay.

But even more importantly is what I found when I did a little research on Google. All I did was type in "Does birth control cause abortion?" I got 1,870,000 hits. I didn't have the time to look through all of the sites obviously, but what I found left me feeling weak in the knees to say the least.

This is just some information from one of the many websites that say birth control can cause abortion (rated PG 13):

How does the Pill work?

The Pill has three mechanisms of action which can easily be looked up in the Physician's Desk Reference.

1) Sometimes, the Pill suppresses ovulation. When this happens, an egg is not released and conception cannot occur. (It's important to read on and find out about the high rates of breakthrough ovulation. When ovulation is not suppressed, pregnancy can occur.)

2) The Pill also works to thicken the woman's cervical mucus which can "restrict" sperm from moving up the reproductive tract toward the egg.

3) One way the Pill causes early abortions is that it interfers with the flexing motions and the cilia movement of the fallopian tubes. These changes slow the transportation of newly conceived child from the fallopian tubes to the womb. Unfortunately, many small babies starve to death in the fallopian tubes because chemicals caused changes that prevented them from reaching the womb in time to be nourished.

4) Another way the Pill causes early abortions: If your tiny baby survives the ride down the fallopian tube to your womb, the Pill will almost always cause the endometrium (the lining of your uterus) to reject your child. Chemical reactions often cause the lining of your womb to become thin, shriveled and unable to support implantation of your newly conceived child.This means that in almost every case, your new child will not be able to attach to the wall of your womb where he or she would normally live, grow and receive nourishment for 9 months. This means your tiny baby will starve to death and his or her remains will be passed along in your next bleeding cycle. (The "Study of Abortion Deaths Commission" estimates that this happens in women in America who use the Pill approximately 1 to 4 million times each year.)The chemicals that cause these early abortions are called abortifacients which is the medical term for any chemical agent that causes an abortion.

Breakthrough ovulation proved long ago . . .

Birth control advocates and manufacturers of the Pill have known these facts for years. Have they done a very good job of informing women about how the Pill really works? (Please email us and let us know if you were aware of how the Pill worked before you read this.)When chemists devised the Pill that debuted in 1960, they gave it a huge dose of a chemical that caused most women's ovaries to stop secreting eggs (i.e., to stop ovulation). The theory was "no egg, no pregnancy."However, some women continued to release eggs and get pregnant while on the original Pill. (Studies have shown that an even higher percentage of women release eggs while using today's newer, re-formulated Pills. More about today's Pills in a moment.)In her award winning study of women taking the earlier high dose Pills, Dutch gynecologist Dr. Nine Van der Vange showed "proof of ovulation based on ultrasound exams and hormonal indicators occurred in about 4.7% of the cycles studied." (Source: Sterns, Dr. David, "How the Pill and the IUD Work: Gambling with Life," American Life League, PO Box 1350, Stafford, VA 22555)And the "Textbook of Contraceptive Practice" states that, "Among women who have been followed over a considerable number of cycles, breakthrough ovulations occur in 2 to 10 percent of cycles." (Source: Dr. J. Peel & Dr. Malcolm Potts, Textbook of Contraceptive Practice, 1969, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press) Please note that these references are to the lower breakthrough ovulation rates of the Pills of the 1960's. The new Pills of the 1990's work differently and have much higher breakthrough ovulation rates. This will be explained as you read on.

Why the big secret?

Why aren't most women aware that the Pill causes early abortions? Let's look at the large pharmaceutical companies who advertise, market and sell the Pill. They make huge profits from the Pill -- and they'll continue to make mega-profits -- if women are convinced they're not getting pregnant and they keep buying and taking the Pill everyday. But are they being honest with you? Have they clearly explained that their products cause millions of early chemical abortions each year?

The New Pills: Much Higher Rates of Breakthrough Ovulation . . .The original Pill of the 1960's had to be modified due to harmful side effects that women were experiencing because of the powerful chemicals. All versions of today's "Combination Pill" have a reduced hormonal content. When compared to the Pills of the 1960's and 1970's, this reduces the chance of harmful side effects for women, but it also increases their chances of ovulating and conceiving a son or daughter.Dr. Ronald Chez, a scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), publicly stated that the new Pills of today, with their lower estrogen dose, allow ovulation up to 50% of the time! (Source: Sterns, David, M.D., Sterns, Gina, R.N., B.S.N., Yaksich, Pamela, "Gambling with Life, How the I.U.D. and 'The Pill' Work" (www.top.net/vitalsigns). With these newer Pills, simply missing one tablet, or failing to take the Pill at the same time each day increases the chances of breakthrough ovulation. Reactions with other drugs increases the chances of breakthrough ovulation, especially with caffeine and nicotine, or some prescription medicine (Source: "Abortifacient Contraception: The Pharmaceutical Holocaust" by Dr. Rudolf Ehmann, Human Life Intl., 1993, p.15).Makers of the new "mini-pill" claim it does not have the side effects of the combination pill. However, they don't tell you that scientific research shows the mini-pill does not stop ovulation at all in 67-81% of the women who use it, so the probability of conception is much higher. (Source: Tonti-Fillippini, Nicholas, Linacre Quarterly, 1995)

Isn't that scary?!?!

Of course I don't know if some of the websites claim that the pill can't cause abortions. I probably looked at the top 7-8 sites on the page, and they all claim the pill can and does cause abortions. I am sure there are some that say otherwise, though. BUT even if those articles are out there claiming "no harm" to a potential pregnancy, there is no denying the ones that say there is potential harm. The what if factor is way too huge in my book.

One of the most informative websites that I found about contraception in general can be found here. If you're gonna contracept, this is the best website because it'll let you know which forms of contraception can cause an abortion and which won't. The scary thing for me was seeing how quite possible the mini-pill can cause an abortion. I took the mini-pill after having Hattie for several months before we decided to do NFP. No doctor has ever told me about any of this either. It is so enraging!

My whole point in posting this blog is not to point my finger at anyone. I have been on the pill before, and I never thought twice about it. I just want the information to be known. That's all. I was SHOCKED with what I found, and the only thing that led me to my research is all of the conversations that Sean and I have had with friends and family. And my whole point in posting this is that I couldn't stay silent once I knew.

So now I've said it. And hopefully now you've read it. Go look for yourself if I have struck a chord at all.......and as I hit publish post (GULP!), I hope my conscious will grow a little quieter.

My Blessing

Yesterday at church we dropped Hattie off at the nursery before mass like we usually do. Like always, she got hysterical and obviously upset when she figured out where we were taking her. I HATE dropping her off in the nursery, but taking her into church with us is way worse. She constantly wants to get away from us and move around, and she gets bored really fast. Plus, I think it's good for her to be away from Mama and with other children for an hour or so (even though I am aware that this is probably why she has had 3 stomach viruses in the past 6 months, but what won't kill you can only make you stronger, right?!?! Right. She has to build up her immunities at some point.)

The women in the nursery don't seem to mind. They have never buzzed us to come get her, and they always claim that she stops crying within minutes after we leave her. So we drop her off and quickly head to mass. Afterwards, we go back to get Hattie. While I'm in line to sign her out and pick her up, I over-hear the conversation that goes on between the caregiver and another mom in front of me. This mom is picking up her son who looks to be about Hattie's age. The caregiver is all smiles as she opens the gate for the little boy to go with his mother. She goes on and on about what a precious little boy he is and jokes about how they'e gonna keep him in the nursery forever! They just enjoy him so much! The mom beams with pride, swoops up her angelic child, and happily walks away.

Then it's my turn. Visions of what will be told to me about my angel quickly run through my head. I'm already swelling with pride! Unfortunately, my interaction with the caregiver didn't quite go as I was assuming it would. The second she sees me, her smile drops to a frown. Her brow wrinkles, and she sighs, "Well, my goodness, Hattie finally stopped crying." Then she hands her to me. All the while I'm thinking, "That's it? That's all you have to say about my baby?" Ouch. Knife in the heart.

I know the woman didn't mean to hurt my feelings, and perhaps I'm overly sensitive, but I have never been criticized about my child by a stranger before (It's a rite of passage for mothers that I never even considered!), and I don't even think I could call it criticism, but it was along those lines. It did hurt, though. WAY worse than being criticized myself. Judge me all you want, but don't judge my baby! I know that my child has a bit of a difficult temperment. She's never been laid-back and easy-going, but she is still precious in MY eyes. She is still a blessing to me and her father.

Riding home I kept thinking about my interaction with this woman. Of course, Sean didn't think twice about it. He thought I was overeacting, but I taught before I had Hattie. I KNOW when teachers and caregivers really like a child and when they really don't. There is a definite doting that the disliked children never get a taste of. It's something that just goes on subconsiously.

So I have decided that next time I'm out and I hear a child throwing a fit or doing something less than perfect, I am going over to that mama, and I'm gonna compliment her child. Whether it be, "You have such a beautiful child." or "Your child is so smart. She really knows what she wants." or "I bet he'll be a singer. He has some great lungs!" Whatever it is, my mission is to just dote on a child that may not be the favorite and may not get a lot of compliments from strangers but is priceless to his or her parents none-the-less!

What's in a Name - part deux - Ruth!

Ruth. Even before I ever met Sean's grandmother, when I heard this name I thought of strength and wisdom. I loved that it was a biblical name. Then I met Ruth. And I saw what a strong, godly woman she was. Of course I don't have the stories and connections to tell like I did with my own grandmother, but I have had several experiences with this woman that have left me thinking, smiling, and wanting to know more about her.

I told Sean once, even before we had Hattie Ruth, that his grandmother reminded me of my own in so many ways - strong, religious, putting others before themselvles. This woman is one of ten children. She is a hard worker and has a heart for Christ that I only hope to have. She is always giving and trying to help others. I specifically remember how generous she was to Sean and me around our wedding planning. She helped us out so much because she knew we were in need.

I remember, after we were married, having a long conversation with Ruth in her living room. She talked about her childhood, her marriage, and children (babies to her) to me. I walked away feeling the weight of what she had been through in her life, but I also felt so much wisdom in what she told me! This woman is nearing 90, but she is as sharp as a whistle (did I get that saying right?). She has everything in perspective and even though our world is turning and changing around her, she is a rock and stands solid in her beliefs. I admire that so much!

Ruth is also so thoughtful. Just a week ago, I sent her a card with a picture of Hattie in it. Within days she sent me a thank you card for my card. Who does that? Sean always jokes, telling me that I should send her a thank-you card for her thank-you card, just to see if she'll send me a thank-you card for my thank-you card for her thank-you card! She probably would, too! She is so thoughtful and simply wanted me to know that my card was appreciated. She goes out of her way to make me feel good about something kind that I have done. I miss that "old-fashionness" that she still keeps to.

When Sean and I told her that we were naming Hattie after her, she was so surprised and humble about it. She teases me now saying that "Hattie Ruth may be 'Hattie Ruth,' but she'll be 'Ruth' to me!" I just love that. And I am so looking forward to moving closer to her so that her great-granddaughter will get to know her more. I know that as Hattie Ruth gets older and understands more, she'll be so proud to carry her great-grandmother's name! And I hope with that name she'll carry the wisdom, heart, and strength that her great-grandmother has as well.

This is FUN!

Okay, so what do you think? Is this accurate? I happen to think it is. I hold firm to my opinion that Hattie is a good mix of her mama and daddy......thanks, Look-Alike Meter, for backing me up! I will only be skeptical if everyone else gets similar results from their own pics and kiddos.


To try it out on your own family, go here: http://www.myheritage.com/FP/Company/look-alike-meter.php

Poor Boo-boo!

(We left our camera in H-town when we were house-hunting, so this is an old pic, a pic that Katie took with her amazing camera & skillz while we were at the Children's Museum about a month back. I'm having picture-taking withdrawal!!! I can't wait to get my camera back.)

This morning when I went into Hattie's room around 6:45 a.m. I found her and her crib covered in vomit - bleh! At first I thought she had blown out of a diaper, but then the smell hit me. The smell of vomit is so distinct. We did a quick bath of which she was not too happy about. Then we went downstairs. She seemed fine. More than fine, really. She was giggly, happy, playing so sweetly. So I decided to try and give her some breakfast. Well, she didn't stomach it very well. Actually, it never quite made it to her stomach. So the highchair got a bath, too.

She's had stomach viruses before. This will be #3 for her (she must have a weak stomach like her daddy, I guess.), but she's never been so perky and easy while sick with one like she is this time. It must be a mild one. She played so pretty all day and took AMAZING naps. She did eat a little and hasn't thrown-up since breakfast, so I guess she's on the mend. I pray she's on the mend! Sean's out of town so it would KILL if she got even sicker, and I got sick, too. I'm not even gonna think about that, though. Not a possibility.

I just really love the age that Hattie is at right now, though. 14 months is the most fun! She GETS so much. There is definite brain activity going on at all times. Tonight I put her in some jammies that had cats all over them. I said, "Look, Hattie, you have kitty-cats all over your jammies!" Well, let me just tell you, I heard her saying "keee-cat" for about 15 minutes after I put her to bed. Then there was the beautiful sound of silence, so I can bet what she'll be dreaming about tonight!

I just love the age she's at! I love that she always offers her baby doll juice. She's so polite, ya know ;0)! I love how she "sips" out of an empty cup and follows it with "MMMMM!" I love how she toddles around from one thing to another as if she has so much to do. I love how she gives kisses and hugs so easily. I love the creativity that she's developing. I just love this age!

Good Finds

I found this recipe in one of my Kraft Food & Family mags and made it last night. It's a no frills recipe but pretty good!

"Unfried" Chicken Fried Rice

1 Tbsp. veggie oil

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1 (14.5 oz.) chicken broth

4 tsp. soy sauce

3 cups frozen stir-fry veggies (I used a little more)

2 cups Minute White Rice, uncooked

Heat oil in skillet on med-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 min. or until cooked through.

Add broth and soy sauce. Bring to Boil.

Stir in veggies and rice; cover. Reduce heat to low; cook for 5 min. (I had to cook it a little longer). Stir before serving. Sprinkle with 1 green onion, sliced, if desired.

Makes 4 servings (but more like 2.5 for us!). But I guess if you served egg rolls or something else with it, it would stretch it out more.

Yummy, Quick, Easy Clean-up, and Sean likes it - a recipe after my own heart!

Also, I found a new consignment kids clothing store. Kid to Kid. It's great. I like it because it was way more organized and not as cluttered as Once Upon a Child, and it was WAY cheaper. I got Hattie 3 fall outfits, 2 long sleeve shirts, a dress, and a pair of shoes for @ $25, and atleast half of my purchase was Gymboree. CHEAP! They also have maternity clothes. I didn't need to look at them, so I don't know how reasonable they are.

Finally, we had our inspection on Monday, and the house is in great shape, no major problems. Our option period is over now. I've started packing atleast 2 boxes a day. We have SO MUCH STUFF. I keep thinking about how I want to decorate. I don't have a vision yet of paint colors that I want to use in different rooms. I want to branch out and not use the same color schemes I had in our other house. I want a light blue room, but I don't know. None of my stuff goes with light blue really, but we looked at this one house that had light blue paint and dark concrete floors in the family room. Oh, I loved it. I want that room! The house had obvious foundation problems so it wasn't an option for us :0(.........Okay........I'm rambling.......... and naptime will probably be over shortly.......gotta go get a box or two packed!

Charlene

Sean's mother's best friend, who battled with brain cancer for nearly 3 years, went to be with the Lord this morning. Her suffering is over, but there lies a rough road ahead for her loved ones who will miss her. I only met Charlie a few times, but her warmth and sweet presence left a mark. She was like an aunt to Sean because she was like a sister to his mother.

She was young. In her 50s. It is tragic, but the comfort that we have is that she loved our Lord. And what a blessing it is that her youngest son made it home in time to say goodbye. She is basking in the glory of the Lord. Her pain and suffering are over. She is home with our Heavenly Father who let the world borrow her for a while.

Psalm 116:15: "Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints."

Moving Right Along

I am SO excited! Yesterday we had an offer on a house accepted. It was a great birthday present for Sean. We have had a hard time looking and not really finding "the one." We started out thinking that we wanted to live in the suburbs, but at the last minute, after much prayer and thought, we realized that Sean and the clunk-o-junk car that he drives would not be able to handle the long commute. Plus, Hattie and I both really enjoy seeing more of Sean than less of him. SO on our last day of house-hunting, we focused in on neighborhoods in the city that will allow Sean easy access to work.

We ended up finding a great house that is near our old house. It's not exactly in the same subdivision but pretty dern close. We are excited about it. It's a blank slate, needs lots of paint and fabic and *stuff* but is clean, has good bones, and has total potential. It was built in 1955 so has lots of the character that Sean and I love, like hardwoods (which are hidden by carpet right now) and beadboard and large trees. Let's just hope it doesn't come with the plumbing issues that our last house full of character had $$$$$!

SO providing the inspection goes well and there is no major change of heart by us or the sellers, we will be homeowners and near many of you again in mid-October, which hopefully means cool moving weather!

Happy Birthday, Sean!

Happy 27th Birthday to you, my sweet husband! You make 27 look GOOD ;0)!