2/18/11 – Welcome Friday!

Oh Friday! Friday is even better when A) You had Thursday off and B) You have a 3-day weekend coming up! This is an extra amazing Friday indeed!

Work was very crazy (because of the above mentioned facts), so the day just flew by. My mom had another good day with the girls, so it looks like things really are going much better in that area. Once I got home, I cooked some dinner, did a little picking up and spent time with the girls. Christian had to work a couple hours of OT because some people called in, so it was just me and the girls for a few hours.

I finally searched for an instructional video on YouTube to try to figure out how to wear the baby sling I bought before Amelia was even born. Thank goodness because I finally know how to use it now! It came in very handy while trying to clean up and keep Amelia out of the danger that is Olivia’s way tonight. Love it! I think I’m going to order another one, the next size up, because this one is [unfortunately] a little snug.

Once Christian was home, we ate some yummy homemade quesadillas, watched a movie, played with the girls and had some family time. Just once, I wish I was actually able to stay awake after I get Amelia to sleep though…I, of course, basically pass out as soon as she does though. I’m lame.

Here are a couple bath pics from tonight. Olivia’s new thing is eating the bubbles (ack) and Amelia’s new thing is trying to stand up in the bathtub (double ack)…excuse the baby butt :)

2/17/11 – “Unplanned” Girls Day

I was able to spend the day with my girls today!! My mother in law had to work today, so I took the day off and spent it at home with my little lady’s. However, we have two people in my office with birthday’s this week, and I was in charge of planning a celebration for them…which is happening today. So, I packed the girls up and we stopped in to have a yummy lunch and spend some time with my co-workers. I just love showing my girls off, that’s for sure!! They both did so well during the visit. Olivia ate some lunch, colored and entertained the crew for a while. Amelia never made a peep, let people hold her and was a hit.

It was finally time to head home, and both girls passed out as soon as the car started moving!! We got home, I got Olivia in bed, and Amelia even continued to sleep for a few hours! I even had to pump Amelia slept so long…I couldn’t believe it…I think I need to bring them to work with me more often!

Christian was home from work shortly after the girls woke up. We had some lunch and just spent a relaxing night together. I was pleasantly surprised when I checked my bank accounts today and noticed that our state tax refund had been deposited …I filed a couple weeks ago, but everything through TurboTax was on hold until 2/14…my returns were accepted on 2/15, and I already got my state refund! Way to go Minnesota!!

The rest of the night was just the usual. Cleaning up, play, baths and bed. Nothing too exciting going on in our house! Here is a picture I snapped of Olivia, passed out on the way home this afternoon. I think it’s hilarious.

2/16/11 – Topic #4 – Driving for Dummies (Minnesota Style Anyway)

Today was a pretty boring day. Work is still crazy, for both of us. The girls keep us on our toes. We didn’t do much today, nothing outside of the ordinary…work, play, cook, eat, play, baths and bed. Yes, this is our life.

Today I am writing about driving. Quite frankly, people are idiots. I’m pretty sure everybody thinks they are a GREAT driver and thinks that every incident they encounter on the road is somebody else’s fault. Really though, people are dumb and do not know how to drive. This fact is only escalated in the winter. I think people should have to take mandatory “refresher” courses in driving every time they renew their driver’s license, because it amazes me what you see on the road. Here are a couple of my key pet peeves and instructions for those who do not remember how to drive on the highway and use their blinkers:

• First of all, let’s clear this up…On the highway, the lanes actually do have a purpose.
• Right Lane = “Merging Lane”. If you choose to drive in the right lane, realize that you have to deal with the merging traffic. The merging drivers do not have anywhere else go go…so you acting like a d-bag and not allowing them to merge into traffic makes you an idiot. If you can’t merge like an adult, then don’t drive in the merging lane. If there is no middle lane(s), then this can also be considered a driving lane, but on 3+ lane highways, this is a lane for merging traffic. At the same time, those merging into traffic need to realize they are doing so, and GET UP TO SPEED. Don’t merge onto a 70MPH highway at 35MPGH…I mean, seriously.
• Middle Lane(s) = “Driving Lane(s)”. This is the lane(s) you can and should drive in, and have the least amount of issue. If you aren’t passing anybody, and you don’t want to [properly] deal with the mergers, then stay in this lane(s).
• Left Lane = “Passing Lane”…NOT fast lane or driving lane, PASSING lane. There is no such thing as a fast lane, and you do not just sit in the left lane driving a long like you don’t have a care in the world. As you drive along, and come up to slower traffic, you move into the left lane, pass the slower traffic, then move back over. It’s a very simple concept, and not difficult at all. The left lane does not give you permission to drive as fast as humanly possible either. If I’m in the left lane, passing slower traffic (aka, using the lane for its purpose) and you come up behind me, you don’t get to get pissed off because I’m driving slower than you. I will move over once I pass the traffic moving slower than me, then you can be on your way.

• Next, that blinker thingy installed on your car is NOT just for decoration.
• For as long as I have been driving, I have never understood the difficulty in properly using your blinker. Where along the lines do people decide “you know, I’m not going to use this anymore”? It’s easy…pull it UP to turn right, push it DOWN to go left. It’s not heavy, it doesn’t take a lot of concentration, the concept never changes, and it really takes little effort at all. BUT, it goes a LONG way. Believe it or not, that little blinking light helps express your intentions to the drivers around you. Imagine that. Now, HOW to use your blinker…that is the questions.
• When you are turning at an intersection (whether in a turn lane or not)...you use your blinker. Just because you are in the “Left Turn Only” lane, turning left, does NOT mean you don’t need to use your blinker. Cross traffic may not know that you are in a turn only lane…they don’t know that YOU know you are in a turn only lane. The blinker is proof that you are indeed turning, and not going to drive head on into oncoming traffic.
• When you are switching lanes, on any type of road…you use your blinker. Not AS you switch lanes, not AFTER you switch lanes, BEFORE, to show intent. This way, people know you are intending on moving over, and can leave space instead of slamming on the brakes after you begin cutting them off. Along these lines…if somebody has their blinker on, and is trying to move over, don’t be a jerk and act like you are losing out on some kind of prize just because somebody gets in front of you. Trust me…it WILL be OK.
• When you are merging onto the highway…you use your blinker. Personally, I think this concept is ridiculous, but, you do it anyway.
• When pulling into a parking space, into your driveway, into your garage, out of a parking space on the street, etc…you use your blinker. Just because you know “that’s my house” or because you know you are pulling into or out of that parking space…those driving around you do NOT know that. When you signal your intentions, the drivers around you can adjust their driving to accommodate that (slow down, stop, go around you). Seriously people, a little courtesy goes a LONG way.
• Most importantly, use your blinker when you actually intend on turning/switching lanes. Not 2 blocks before you are going to do so, or as you are doing so…use common sense! And remember, it is actually ILLEGAL to not use your blinker, and it actually can come with a pretty hefty fine.

• Finally, just some miscellaneous pointers:
• Brush your CAR off when it snows. That means your windows AND your car itself – particularly the roof. I don’t need the 8 inches of snow on top of your SUV flying at me non-stop as I’m driving down the highway. Stop being lazy, and remove the snow from your vehicle before you drive.
• When you are turning onto a street and/or merging into traffic, you need to do so when it’s appropriate. If I’m driving on a 45MPH street, and you pull out right in front of me, there is no way you are going to get up to speed in time. People should not have to slow down so that you can merge into traffic. Get over yourself.
• Nobody wants to listen to your lame music, feel your annoying bass vibrating their car or watch your cigarettes go flying out the window. R-E-S-P-E-C-T (yes, in my driving career I have been guilty of all of these…but I have grown up and realized the err of my ways).

OK, after all that venting, here’s a cute picture of Amelia to cheer you up!

2/15/11 – Adventures in Baby Food – Bananas

It’s Tuesday! Last night was SLIGHTLY better on the sleep front. First, Amelia has “officially” weaned herself from the pacifier! HALLELUJAH! I hate that thing. I mean, I can totally see the necessity in it after having a child that truly needing it, but I still hate it. I really hope it sticks and she never goes back to it.

Work was good. I was finally able to make a dent in some of the bigger projects I have going on. I left a little early today to head to Target to do my weekly shopping. I have come to the realization that I have an obsession with buying things for the girls. Clothes, toys, toiletries…you name it, I can’t stay away from it. I never leave the store without something for them. It’s never necessarily NEEDED, but I can’t help myself!

I quickly ran home, put everything away, did a little kitchen organizing and started dinner before the rest of the crew got home. We all ate some dinner, watched some TV and got in lots of play time. We have pretty much banned Amelia from taking countertop baths anymore because she has become quite the splasher now. She gets water EVERYWHERE. So, the girls are taking baths together just about every night now. I feel bad because Amelia’s baby bath takes up so much room, but she’s too small to sit in there alone. Poor Olivia doesn’t get much tub space. After baths it was time for bed. It’s been more difficult to get Amelia to bed now (maybe because she won’t take the pacifier anymore). I have to sit in the room, in the dark, until she finally dozes off. I feel like a prisoner, trapped in my own room! I wish she was able to put herself to sleep!

Tonight I made bananas. Yes, we are finally to fruits (other than the Avocado and Prunes she has already had). She has had all of the approved veggies for her age…Sweet Potatoes, Squash, Green Beans, Peas and Carrots. YUM! Now, it’s time to start on the fruits. Bananas don’t NEED to be pureed, but I decided to go ahead and do that for this first batch, just to make sure she could handle it. So, I blended up 3 bananas and some water, and it was simple as that. I’m excited to see what she thinks about the fruits now.

Cost Savings:
- 3 Bananas = $.55 – Makes Roughly 9 Jars
- 9 Jars of Gerber Stage 2 Bananas = $5.36
- Cost Savings of $4.81

I didn’t snap a before picture of the bananas, but it was just 3 bananas, water and my Baby Bullet. Here is the after pic. And, a picture of Amelia, I just think it’s cute. This is what she tries to pull herself up on these days.

2/14/11 – Happy Valentine’s Day!

Oh, the day o’ love is upon us. Christian and I have never been big into celebrating Valentine’s Day. The first couple of years we were together we did the dinner and gift stuff, but that quickly faded away and we turned into those “Valentine’s Day is just a Hallmark Holiday…you don’t need a HOLIDAY to show someone you love them” kind of people. Really, we just don’t have the money to celebrate…and if we did, we probably would. I did give each of the girls a little gift bag, and Olivia just loved her presents. We usually get each other a card…Christian apparently decided not to do that this year. So, it was an even more lame Valentine’s Day than usual. He did say he looked at the flower delivery places, and “dang, they are expensive”…so, kudos for looking I guess. Secretly, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it if he would surprise me by sending flowers to my work or something. I would die, and everybody would be jealous, so maybe one day!

Overall, today was just a pretty normal day. Amelia, again, did not sleep a wink last night. I ended up being late to work…my alarm clock was going off for an HOUR before I finally heard it. Oops. So, Christian (who starts work later than I do) brought the girls to his mom’s for me so that I wouldn’t be even more late. Work was good…but for the first time in 4+ months I was not able to pump enough for Amelia’s 3 bottles for tomorrow. This has never happened, and I’m devastated. I will be able to use some of tomorrow morning’s milk to fill the bottle, but that just means I’m going to be off all week. I don’t know what could have happened…Amelia has been eating like a cow all weekend, so I thought that would help my supply if anything. Christian thinks maybe she’s going through her 6 month growth spurt (a little late), and that could be. I just hope I’m able to make up for this little drop over the week. My biggest fear is losing my supply…I want to make it the full year so badly.

After work we all just met up at home and hung out. The girls opened their gifts, we ate some random leftovers in the fridge and just took it easy. Praying for sleep tonight…that’s all I know!

Here are some pics of my favorite Valentine’s!

2/13/11 – Adventures in Baby Food – Carrots

Today was a pretty busy Sunday. Luckily, Christian’s work was able to finish up their project yesterday, so he didn’t have to work today. I’m pretty grateful that Olivia spent the night away, because we had SO much to do, and Amelia did not sleep a wink last night. Needless to say, we were really dragging. I’m finally starting to feel better. Still pretty stuffed up, and that dang headache is still hanging on, but I don’t feel as rundown as I have (aside from the lack-of-sleep tiredness). Amelia however, seems worse today. She’s having a hard time breathing (from her stuffed nose), so she’s having a hard time sleeping and eating. Poor thing…I sure hope this passes quickly!

I cleaned up the living room (which, of course, was repeated later in the evening, before bed, after Olivia got home and ripped it apart again), did a few loads of laundry throughout the day, made my latest batch of baby food and hung out with a VERY needy baby.

We realized that the garbage disposal was leaking pretty bad, and we couldn’t let it keep leaking, so we had a surprise home repair to take care off. Christian was off to Menards and purchased a new disposal. Thankfully we had a Visa gift card left from Christmas, so it wasn’t TOO much out of pocket, and we get an 11% rebate on it, so that’s nice. Meanwhile, my mom brought Olivia back home. Amelia was napping at the time (FINALLY), but as soon as she woke up, Olivia took right to harassing her, like usual. Grrr.

It took Christian a few hours to get the disposal replaced and get everything in order, but he did it, and it’s all good now! Finally, it was time for baths and bed. PLEASE let Amelia sleep…we all need it!

As I mentioned, I tackled my latest batch of baby food today, carrots. Carrots are very high in beta carotene. Beta carotene is a Carotenoid. Carotenoid are a set of darkly colored pigments called pro vitamin A carotenoids that can be converted to Vitamin A. Vitamin A is very important in a developing infant's diet. Carrots are often one of baby's first foods. They are easy to digest and are packed full of nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Calcium. Due to the issue of Nitrates, recommendations for the introduction of carrots varies.

When preparing Carrots, steaming is the very best method for cooking and preparing them. Steaming Carrots allows the beta carotene to be more bio-available and readily used by the body. Carrots should be peeled when making baby food purées as many infants will not be able to digest the skins. Unless you are purchasing Organic carrots, you should always peel carrots as chemicals do concentrate in the skin of the carrot. If you do not buy Organic carrots, please cleanse the carrots by using a vegetable brush and lightly scrubbing the carrots under cool running water.

To make your carrot puree, select any amount of fresh carrots you desire (I used a fresh, 1lb bag of carrots for mine), then, follow this simple, 3-step process:

1. Peel carrots and cut into small chunks.
2. Place chunks into a steamer pan with just enough water visible through the steamer basket and steam until tender. Do not reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the carrots if baby is under 8 months old as Nitrates may seep into the cooking water.
3. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing and add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency (I used about 1 cup for this first batch).

Simple as that. I just LOVE the bright, fresh colors you get when you make your own food. It just looks healthy!

Cost Savings:
- 1 1lbs Bag of Fresh Carrots = $0.99 – Makes Roughly 10 Jars
- 10 Jars of Gerber Stage 2 Carrots = $5.95
- Cost Savings of $4.96

Here are some before and after pictures of the carrots. Along with one of Olivia "helping" dad fix the disposal.

2/12/11 – Girls Night Out

Well, I woke up feeling absolutely miserable. I couldn’t breathe, I just felt like death! It didn’t help that Amelia didn’t sleep well, but man, oh man am I sick still! And of course, Christian is working all day today. YAY for the OT, but I wish I wasn’t feeling so crappy.

Thankfully the girls were great for me today. Olivia was actually playing with Amelia, and being nice! Amelia, while seemingly sick herself, was pretty happy and chipper. I was able to get the kitchen cleaned up and most of the dishes washed and put away while Amelia played in her jumper and Olivia danced around. Olivia went down for her nap without a fight…but of course I couldn’t get them to nap at the same time! I hate when that happens. I managed to shower and get ready while Olivia napped, then packed got her packed up and ready to go once she woke up. I had dinner plans with my girl friends, so Olivia was off to spend the night with Grandma! Much needed break for mom tomorrow, dad will only have to be responsible for one lady tonight, and grandma gets some alone time with the terrible two year old. Once Christian was home from work, I was off to drop Olivia off. By the time I got home, my BFF was there to pick me up, and we were off.

It was SO nice to get out and have some girly conversation with my friends. It was very needed and sick or not, I was NOT going to miss it. Life is so crazy for all of us; it’s nice to be able to put everything on hold and get together to catch up. So, we all met up at Applebee’s, had a drink, chatted and laughed the evening away. I was home rather early and Christian and I both passed out on the couch during the evening news. Such party animals we are!

Here’s a messy picture of Amelia, enjoying her Green Beans!

2/11/11 – Death Continued…

Today, I am no better. I’ve never been so stuffed up in my entire life. Another day of a pounding headache, a stuffy nose, a sore throat and misery. Today was my Friday home with the girls, so it was a pretty long, rough day for me. Amelia slept well last night, but I was not able to capitalize on that whatsoever. The girls were pretty well behaved though, so I was very grateful for that. Oh, I just wish I could take something for this cold…but pretty much everything either has a risk of passing on to Amelia, or drying up my milk supply. Once my Tylenol kicked in, and I had a nice warm meal, I started feeling a little better. I managed to get the kitchen cleaned up and the dishes done while Olivia had a dance party and Amelia played in her jumper. By the way…she has finally realized it is a JUMPER, and started actually jumping in it, which is pretty entertaining.

I managed to get a little break in during nap time, and hung out with the animals. I think Rico is really longing for a friend because he’s been coming around Chuy more and more. He still gets really mad if Chuy actually comes by him, but he’s getting more risky.

Once Christian arrived home, he pretty much took over and I tried to relax a little bit. Here are a few pictures of the animals today…one of my puppy love, and one of him and Rico battling for a spot on my lap.

2/10/11 – WOW

OK, I’ve seriously never been this sick in my life. I definitely have the cold to beat all colds going on right now, and it is really kicking my butt. I woke up this morning and could barely get ready my. You name it, I had it going on…headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, swollen and watery eyes, my body ached. HORRIBLE. I managed to get myself to work because I have a TON of stuff to do, and I don’t work tomorrow, but I only made it halfway through the day. I ended up getting home around 1:00 – and I NEVER leave work from being sick, so you know right there it’s serious business! I had a hard time sleeping because of my headache, but I slept on and off until Christian got home with the girls around 5:30. So, it was some much needed rest. I managed to make dinner and hang out with the rest of the family for the evening, but it was rough. Christian is supposed to work all weekend too, so I really hope I get better, otherwise I’m in for three LONG days with the kids!

Amelia is crawling better and better every day. We’re still doing a cross between the army crawl and the inch worm, but she’s getting there. If we set her in front of a box or something solid, she tries to pull herself up. She’s very unsuccessful at this point, but very interested in it, so we’ll see what happens. If we stand her up and have her hold onto something (like in today’s picture), she can hold herself up for a decent amount of time. She’s getting so big, and so strong!

As mentioned, here is a picture of Amelia standing up!

2/9/11 – Adventures in Baby Food – Green Beans

Today was a pretty low key day. I’ve been feeling myself getting a little stuffy, and I think it’s starting to take a turn for the worse. Hopefully it passes quickly. Work is still pretty crazy, so my days still fly by. After work, I ran home right away, whipped up my latest batch of baby food, made some dinner for us, and we all just hung out, playing and watching some TV all night. It was a good day to just take a break. It’s still bitterly cold outside, but the weather is finally supposed to start looking better this weekend…FINGERS CROSSED! I can’t wait for no snow, warmer weather, more sunlight and the ability to get out of the house! I think once you have kids, you have to get over your hatred for summer, and realize that summer weather really is better for everyone. I will always be a winter gal at heart though!

Today’s baby food was green beans! Need a calcium boost? Eat a cup of green beans for 66 mg of calcium. Low on vitamin K or vitamin C; turn to that cup of green beans and get a infusion of these vitamins. Vitamin A and manganese are also found in abundance in just one cup of green beans. The many nutrients in green beans can help you prevent a number of different conditions, including Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis, diabetic heart disease, colon cancer, asthma, arthritis, acne, ear infections, and maybe even colds and flu’s. Green Beans are typically recommended for introduction into a baby's diet anytime between 6-8 months of age. The green bean ranks very low on the list of foods that prompt allergic reactions. This fact mainly accounts for why the vegetable may be introduced so early.

Green beans are best when steamed or boiled gently in a scant amount of water; no more than 1 inch of water. Let the water come to a boil and then add the green beans. Cook the green beans uncovered for a few minutes then cover for the remainder of the cooking time. One pound of fresh green beans should be cooked for no longer than 15 minutes to retain the color and avoid a mushy green bean. Overcooking green beans for your baby's food is fine; just keep in mind the color will change.

I used a bag of frozen green beans for my batch, and followed this simple 2-step process.

1. If using frozen green beans, cook according to the package (I boiled them on the stovetop).
2. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing, adding water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency.

Easiest batch to make so far! And very yummy.

Cost Savings:
- 1 Bag of Frozen Green Beans = $.89 – Makes Roughly 12 Jars
- 12 Jars of Gerber Stage 2 Green Beans = $7.14
- Cost Savings of $6.25

Here are some before and after pictures of the green beans. And, a picture I just love of the girlies holding hands