I know...I am hugely inconsistent when it comes to blogging...which can't bode well for me or my readers. And I know I would be really annoyed when my favorite blogs went silent for months with no warnings...so I apologize to whomever is out there ready...
We are back...it's been a hectic 3 months. Ben is going to be 7 months next week and I am always amazed at how much he has grown.
In the last three months I was laid off, a blessing in disguise and if I hadn't been in the process of starting a part-time gig I would have just stayed home with my bean but I was so...so I work part-time 2 days a week and from home one evening. The work from home thing has gotten a lot trickier now that Ben is older and interacts so much more...
Anyway, I am going to try to be more on point with my blogging...for those of you who still check...I apologize for the silence...
More updates to come...tomorrow is my work day so I must head to bed but I will get back on before the week is out...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Pantry Challenge - week 2
In my second week of the challenge...I felt a little bit more prepared. I sat down with hubs last week and we worked out a menu
Sat - if you remember from the previous week was up in the air
Sun - Superbowl party
Mon - Gnocchi and salad
Tues - Stir-fry
Wed - Red beans and rice
Thurs - Black eyed peas - hubs request
Fri - we were traveling so some fruit and reception at the hotel
My menu ended as follows
Sat - Caribbean Rice mix and avocado
- I was hungry on Saturday and the hubs was taking the boys to his mother because she was having a dinner for something - I found this rice mix I had in the pantry that came with the rice and all the seasonings in a packet but not like a rice a roni it was bit more sophisticated...anyway I put it on and added a can of pigeon peas and in 30 mins I had a meal with some tomato and avocado...delish.
Sun - for lunch - more Caribbean rice
Monday - for lunch and dinner - the last of the Caribbean rice...it really lasted ...I was impressed and happy.
Tuesday - Gnocchi and a salad
Wed - We ordered pizza with some money I had left from my grocery shopping - $15
Thurs - the rest of the pizza
Fri - sandwiches until we get to the hotel.
Ok...so I didn't clear as many things out of my pantry as possible.
Originally I budgeted $50 a week for food, fresh fruits and veggies and complement for my cooked dishes. I have spent 82.05...not to bad and with the extra cash I had left over I put gas in my car today.
That being said since I didn't do all the things I anticipate this week...next week we should be ok the first few days so I may not even need to go to the grocery... we shall see.
I am think the menu will be as follows
Sun - taco salad
Mon - Black-eyed peas/ rice/ sauteed cabbage
Tues- Pasta salad ( I have some vegetable pasta I really want to try)
Wed - Stir -Fry ( brown rice or whole wheat couscous
Thurs - Mediterranean rice mix and some kind of veggie
Fri - either leftovers - some red beans.
Sat - lunch at church - I will probably take come rice and peas to share
As part of my shopping last week I picked up four boxes of cereal so that will be breakfast for a while. I just need to get some more almond milk. I purchased some hemp milk to try but it was ridiculously expensive so I may take it back. Also, for breakfast I have been using the fresh fruit some days and just some frozen fruit the other days and the hubs has been taking lunch and eating carrot sticks and celery as a snack...so we are one the right track.
Along with this pantry challenge I am doing a financial fast so I am only spending money on necessities and trying to only spend cash no debit or credit cards. I will have to fill you all in later...I know...I know I got too many things going on...but I figured they went well together so we shall see.
Sat - if you remember from the previous week was up in the air
Sun - Superbowl party
Mon - Gnocchi and salad
Tues - Stir-fry
Wed - Red beans and rice
Thurs - Black eyed peas - hubs request
Fri - we were traveling so some fruit and reception at the hotel
My menu ended as follows
Sat - Caribbean Rice mix and avocado
- I was hungry on Saturday and the hubs was taking the boys to his mother because she was having a dinner for something - I found this rice mix I had in the pantry that came with the rice and all the seasonings in a packet but not like a rice a roni it was bit more sophisticated...anyway I put it on and added a can of pigeon peas and in 30 mins I had a meal with some tomato and avocado...delish.
Sun - for lunch - more Caribbean rice
Monday - for lunch and dinner - the last of the Caribbean rice...it really lasted ...I was impressed and happy.
Tuesday - Gnocchi and a salad
Wed - We ordered pizza with some money I had left from my grocery shopping - $15
Thurs - the rest of the pizza
Fri - sandwiches until we get to the hotel.
Ok...so I didn't clear as many things out of my pantry as possible.
Originally I budgeted $50 a week for food, fresh fruits and veggies and complement for my cooked dishes. I have spent 82.05...not to bad and with the extra cash I had left over I put gas in my car today.
That being said since I didn't do all the things I anticipate this week...next week we should be ok the first few days so I may not even need to go to the grocery... we shall see.
I am think the menu will be as follows
Sun - taco salad
Mon - Black-eyed peas/ rice/ sauteed cabbage
Tues- Pasta salad ( I have some vegetable pasta I really want to try)
Wed - Stir -Fry ( brown rice or whole wheat couscous
Thurs - Mediterranean rice mix and some kind of veggie
Fri - either leftovers - some red beans.
Sat - lunch at church - I will probably take come rice and peas to share
As part of my shopping last week I picked up four boxes of cereal so that will be breakfast for a while. I just need to get some more almond milk. I purchased some hemp milk to try but it was ridiculously expensive so I may take it back. Also, for breakfast I have been using the fresh fruit some days and just some frozen fruit the other days and the hubs has been taking lunch and eating carrot sticks and celery as a snack...so we are one the right track.
Along with this pantry challenge I am doing a financial fast so I am only spending money on necessities and trying to only spend cash no debit or credit cards. I will have to fill you all in later...I know...I know I got too many things going on...but I figured they went well together so we shall see.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Mission: Mummy Tummy - 2
Oye vey!
I have made no progress this past week on my mummy tummy. What I did do was purchase a groupon for a month of boot camp. I just haven't called to sign up and get started. It's just so chilly outside the thought of getting out of my bed at 4:45a and getting dressed to head to boot camp is not thrilling. Hubs said I can get a treadmill but I haven't actually purchased one. I leaning towards a proform because that's what I am used to seeing in the gyms and I am pretty happy with it. Next month if I drive to my mother's house I can get my sister's elliptical but really these are all excuses!!!!!!!!!
I need to get my butt moving. I need to work out. My kettle ball work out set sits by my front door waiting to be taken to the gym area to be opened and used...I know I know...I need to stop slacking...we are now about a months from the slated event and 4 months from summer. And I have yet to get my butt in gear and as a result I have avoided the scale the last 2 weeks...sigh...my food is not so bad...although super bowl Sunday was a splurge but I came right back to set meals on Monday.
I just need to work out and stop making excuses. This weekend we are going away, just the hubby and I (it's going to be hard to leave the wee one - don't even want to think about it), and I am going to try to use the gym at the hotel to jump start my alter ego that loves to workout...will let you all know how it goes...sigh...I will get moving I will..
I have made no progress this past week on my mummy tummy. What I did do was purchase a groupon for a month of boot camp. I just haven't called to sign up and get started. It's just so chilly outside the thought of getting out of my bed at 4:45a and getting dressed to head to boot camp is not thrilling. Hubs said I can get a treadmill but I haven't actually purchased one. I leaning towards a proform because that's what I am used to seeing in the gyms and I am pretty happy with it. Next month if I drive to my mother's house I can get my sister's elliptical but really these are all excuses!!!!!!!!!
I need to get my butt moving. I need to work out. My kettle ball work out set sits by my front door waiting to be taken to the gym area to be opened and used...I know I know...I need to stop slacking...we are now about a months from the slated event and 4 months from summer. And I have yet to get my butt in gear and as a result I have avoided the scale the last 2 weeks...sigh...my food is not so bad...although super bowl Sunday was a splurge but I came right back to set meals on Monday.
I just need to work out and stop making excuses. This weekend we are going away, just the hubby and I (it's going to be hard to leave the wee one - don't even want to think about it), and I am going to try to use the gym at the hotel to jump start my alter ego that loves to workout...will let you all know how it goes...sigh...I will get moving I will..
Friday, February 11, 2011
4 month check-up
On Wednesday - the hubs stayed home with Ben since he was still a tad bit congested and fussy.
And I went off to work. Work was crazy as it always is and I heard back from the interview I went on last week more on that later.
Anyway, after getting home for work it was time to bundle up the baby and head to see Dr. DTP, Ben's pediatrician. We got in the office and for some reason I couldn't remember the doctor's name. It's a two women practice and I always remember the other doctor's name but not Ben's. After that mommy brain moment and a little waiting we were called back and we changed Ben's diaper so the doctor wouldn't be subject to any foul matter...then the little guy got weighed. Of course he was active and wiggling around so this took a little while. Finally we got the weight and other stats.
Weight - 18lbs 5 oz ( give an oz or two because he was holding on to the hubs hand in effort to keep him still).
Height - 26.26 in
Head circumference - 42
What...I have a toddler...lol..His weight is 97 percentile. I am not too worried because his weight gain as slowed down considerably since month 2. And he's really only gained 3.6lbs in 2 months...not to bad. He's still a butterball but that's ok... And at least this month he is on the chart at 2 months he was off the chart because he had put on so much weight.
Still can't give him cereal, doc says keep him on the breast milk until the next check up at 6 months, unless of course around month 5 he seems really unsatisfied then maybe add plain grain cereal. I told her my concern about him not rolling over yet..apparently heavier babies take a bit more time considering the extra poundage...go figure. Other than that he was talking away and grabbing her instruments so she says he seems to be developing fine. He got his month 4 shots...after the first one he was still babbling and smiling, I guess the pain hadn't caught up with him he was too distracted but that second shot sent him a wailing...but yesterday and today his fine...thanks God no fever or fussiness.
So there we have it ...I have a turkey ball that is 100% healthy with a mild case of eczema.
And I went off to work. Work was crazy as it always is and I heard back from the interview I went on last week more on that later.
Anyway, after getting home for work it was time to bundle up the baby and head to see Dr. DTP, Ben's pediatrician. We got in the office and for some reason I couldn't remember the doctor's name. It's a two women practice and I always remember the other doctor's name but not Ben's. After that mommy brain moment and a little waiting we were called back and we changed Ben's diaper so the doctor wouldn't be subject to any foul matter...then the little guy got weighed. Of course he was active and wiggling around so this took a little while. Finally we got the weight and other stats.
Weight - 18lbs 5 oz ( give an oz or two because he was holding on to the hubs hand in effort to keep him still).
Height - 26.26 in
Head circumference - 42
What...I have a toddler...lol..His weight is 97 percentile. I am not too worried because his weight gain as slowed down considerably since month 2. And he's really only gained 3.6lbs in 2 months...not to bad. He's still a butterball but that's ok... And at least this month he is on the chart at 2 months he was off the chart because he had put on so much weight.
Still can't give him cereal, doc says keep him on the breast milk until the next check up at 6 months, unless of course around month 5 he seems really unsatisfied then maybe add plain grain cereal. I told her my concern about him not rolling over yet..apparently heavier babies take a bit more time considering the extra poundage...go figure. Other than that he was talking away and grabbing her instruments so she says he seems to be developing fine. He got his month 4 shots...after the first one he was still babbling and smiling, I guess the pain hadn't caught up with him he was too distracted but that second shot sent him a wailing...but yesterday and today his fine...thanks God no fever or fussiness.
So there we have it ...I have a turkey ball that is 100% healthy with a mild case of eczema.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
4 months
My dearest son,
Four months of life outside the womb and you are coming along quite nicely.
You still wake up at 3 am for your 1st morning feeding. Most nights you go down like clock work at about 9:15pm. You are a joy to be around and wake up smiling and laughing even on your sick days.
During the last month you have survived daycare and a huge adjustment in your daily routine. And you did it for the most part uneventfully. You have started taking a nap at daycare which has allowed you and mommy more playtime in the afternoons. You had to be upgraded to a car seat. Although we still use your infant carrier, it's clear you are much more comfortable in a car seat. Today we will find out your weight and height development but just by looking at you I know you have grown quite a bit and put on some weight which is just fine by me.
This month you have gained much better control of those things called fingers and will pick up things dangled in front of your face no problem. Also anything at your side during changing time you also seem to be quick to pick up. You have started to lift your head up on your own when sitting so as to look at things or people and to reach things that are just a bit further than an arms reach. You adore story time and stay quiet the minute you see a book being opened to be read to you. Mommy is excited about taking you to the library for story-time.
You still haven't rolled over which is not ideal but you enjoy the rollover game when mommy plays with you. And you seem to be able to get from your back to your side but not from your belly to your side or from your back to belly. Of course, mommy who is an over-achiever is not pleased, but you are still developing and I am sure once you master the roll-over we will all be in big trouble.
This month has also marked an increase in noise and sounds and for the first time opening your mouth when I put something other than a bottle or a breast to it. Could it be that you are almost ready for cereal and some pureed food?...mommy will be sure to ask your pediatrician.
Aww...Ben, you are getting so big so fast. You love to watch other children play and seem almost mesmerized when ever other kids are around. Soon my son that will be you but not too soon. Mommy and daddy love you very much and are enjoying each and every one of your little milestones. You are deeply loved my son and we hope and pray that you always feel that way.
Your mommy.
Four months of life outside the womb and you are coming along quite nicely.
You still wake up at 3 am for your 1st morning feeding. Most nights you go down like clock work at about 9:15pm. You are a joy to be around and wake up smiling and laughing even on your sick days.
During the last month you have survived daycare and a huge adjustment in your daily routine. And you did it for the most part uneventfully. You have started taking a nap at daycare which has allowed you and mommy more playtime in the afternoons. You had to be upgraded to a car seat. Although we still use your infant carrier, it's clear you are much more comfortable in a car seat. Today we will find out your weight and height development but just by looking at you I know you have grown quite a bit and put on some weight which is just fine by me.
This month you have gained much better control of those things called fingers and will pick up things dangled in front of your face no problem. Also anything at your side during changing time you also seem to be quick to pick up. You have started to lift your head up on your own when sitting so as to look at things or people and to reach things that are just a bit further than an arms reach. You adore story time and stay quiet the minute you see a book being opened to be read to you. Mommy is excited about taking you to the library for story-time.
You still haven't rolled over which is not ideal but you enjoy the rollover game when mommy plays with you. And you seem to be able to get from your back to your side but not from your belly to your side or from your back to belly. Of course, mommy who is an over-achiever is not pleased, but you are still developing and I am sure once you master the roll-over we will all be in big trouble.
This month has also marked an increase in noise and sounds and for the first time opening your mouth when I put something other than a bottle or a breast to it. Could it be that you are almost ready for cereal and some pureed food?...mommy will be sure to ask your pediatrician.
Aww...Ben, you are getting so big so fast. You love to watch other children play and seem almost mesmerized when ever other kids are around. Soon my son that will be you but not too soon. Mommy and daddy love you very much and are enjoying each and every one of your little milestones. You are deeply loved my son and we hope and pray that you always feel that way.
Your mommy.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sick day
Today I had to stay home with the wee one. Apparently the daycare that never has sick kids has one...and my son got the cold. I took his temp and it's a little below normal but he was very congested all night and has been eating and sleeping all day. This morning after being up off and on all night we finally decided to keep him home. My husband is home tomorrow so today is my day to stay home with Ben. I wasn't really upset about that, I was tired from being up all night and I want to be the one to stay home with our sick son or at least have that option. So I stayed home even though I know I have tons of things to do at work and a deadline for financial statements of Wednesday ( tomorrow).
Tomorrow we have a doctor's appointment so we will see what the doctor says to do which I a sure is nothing but keep him warm and his nasal passage clear. He hasn't been to fussy, just a bit clingy. All he's done all day is eat and sleep. In fact he is asleep as I type. I tried to put him on his tummy during one of his awake period and with in 5 mins he was back to sleep. I guess he has learned the easy way out of tummy time is to lay on his tummy and sleep or relax...
Hopefully he gets better soon, I am missing the awake periods because he has become so interactive but also when he's sick the naps are short and sporadic which don't give me much time to do little projects...oh well...anything to be home with my baby.
Tomorrow we have a doctor's appointment so we will see what the doctor says to do which I a sure is nothing but keep him warm and his nasal passage clear. He hasn't been to fussy, just a bit clingy. All he's done all day is eat and sleep. In fact he is asleep as I type. I tried to put him on his tummy during one of his awake period and with in 5 mins he was back to sleep. I guess he has learned the easy way out of tummy time is to lay on his tummy and sleep or relax...
Hopefully he gets better soon, I am missing the awake periods because he has become so interactive but also when he's sick the naps are short and sporadic which don't give me much time to do little projects...oh well...anything to be home with my baby.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thredup: Clothing swap
Happy Monday...
I think I found a great website...it's a children's clothing swap website called ThredUp.
Has anyone ever used it before? I can't wait, I love getting Ben cute clothes to wear and not having to pay an arm and a leg for it is even better.
Apparently, you build a box and they send you the mailing boxes, and when someone on the site picks your box you send it free of charge. Great way to get rid of some of those clothes your kids are not using. Then you can peruse the website looking for boxes and when you find one you want you pay $5 + shipping ( which is being sent in flat rate boxes so 10.95). The idea sounds pretty solid.
Join, let me know when, if you use it and what you think. I am going to make a box this week and post it... Ben is growing so fast I have a bunch of items we can send.
Here's my referral link - you get $5 to spend for joining and I get $5 when you ship a box.
Happy hunting!
I think I found a great website...it's a children's clothing swap website called ThredUp.
Has anyone ever used it before? I can't wait, I love getting Ben cute clothes to wear and not having to pay an arm and a leg for it is even better.
Apparently, you build a box and they send you the mailing boxes, and when someone on the site picks your box you send it free of charge. Great way to get rid of some of those clothes your kids are not using. Then you can peruse the website looking for boxes and when you find one you want you pay $5 + shipping ( which is being sent in flat rate boxes so 10.95). The idea sounds pretty solid.
Join, let me know when, if you use it and what you think. I am going to make a box this week and post it... Ben is growing so fast I have a bunch of items we can send.
Here's my referral link - you get $5 to spend for joining and I get $5 when you ship a box.
Happy hunting!
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