It's time to get organized.
With my son in child care, working full time, and having limited time in the evenings.... It's time to get organized.
I was thrown off last week by an unexpected visitor. Dinner didn't get started in a timely manner which left my child eating eggs and toast for dinner. Not only did my son end up having a quick and easy dinner, I ended up eating a microwavable easy-mac. Not ideal dinner for me.
So, starting this week, I am going to start planning meals a week in advance!! I get so jealous with those orgainized people who can plan their whole month, but I'm going to take baby steps.
Hopefully by using a meal planner I can save some time, and some money while shopping! I know it's not a big deal but, I'm kind of excited to get started planning!!
Click on this link to see the meal planner that I intend on using.
http://www.theprojectgirl.com/2009/01/19/menu-planning-form-free-download/
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The intervention
Last week when I dropped A off to day care, his lead teacher stated that she wanted to talk to me. I'm running a little late to work so I'm a little rushed and thinking, "can't this wait?" Well, of course I didn't say anything so the teacher informs me that she has started a list of children in the classroom who use pacifiers. I look down at this piece of orange construction paper with my child and 3 other classmates names written in sharpie marker. As she is making her suggestions I am secretly happy that this is not an official agreement that I am about to sign. Thank goodness for the "contract" on construction paper! Miss J is discussing how using a pacifier during play time limits the children's ability to speak up, play, show their emotions. She also explained that the older kids who do not use a pacifier tend to tease the children with a pacifier by ripping the binky out the mouth and running away with it. The vision of a little boy named P ripping my baby A's binky out of his mouth instantly comes to my mind. As Miss J is sharing her view points and experiences, I'm looking at her nodding my head, agreeing with what she is saying. Yet, the entire time I hear words coming out of her mouth, but am completely distracted thinking to myself, "My baby is not going to be a happy camper if he can't have his binky when he wants it!"
The binky isn't just a comfort for babies, it is a comfort for the parents who know that their child is being soothed and are content. Why you think there are so many endearing and personal names for the pacifier?? My cousin had a "tay tay." A has a "binky." Some others have a "nuki" or a "paci." For some reason this is just such a personal and difficult "intervention" for me.
As personal as this transition is, it seems to be working out. A is doing just fine without his binky during the day. We even put it away at home until night time.
No let's see how long it takes to get rid of the night time bottle, and one day the blanki!! Oh my, the webs we weave when we are trying to make our children happy!!
The binky isn't just a comfort for babies, it is a comfort for the parents who know that their child is being soothed and are content. Why you think there are so many endearing and personal names for the pacifier?? My cousin had a "tay tay." A has a "binky." Some others have a "nuki" or a "paci." For some reason this is just such a personal and difficult "intervention" for me.
As personal as this transition is, it seems to be working out. A is doing just fine without his binky during the day. We even put it away at home until night time.
No let's see how long it takes to get rid of the night time bottle, and one day the blanki!! Oh my, the webs we weave when we are trying to make our children happy!!
Sick baby 1 Tired Mama 0
Well, parents were right... Once baby goes to day care, they will have a runny nose for the first couple of months.
We just fought one cold, and here we are again with another cold.
When we were out of town A's runny nose seemed to improve, was almost non exisitent. Now with just 5 days back to school, we are back to being sick.
This cold seemed to happen fast. Started with a few sneezes early yesterday morning. By the time I got A from day care it was a full blown runny nose! By the evening it was just disgusting. Thought we were ok until at 12 AM on the dot, A is crying in his crib wanting to be held and needing to be suctioned.
We spent the next 5 hours in and out of sleep. To my bed, to the crib, we tried to get as much rest as possible. Although it was a very rough night, the snuggle time was so refreshing. A wanted to be propped and knew it was making him feel better. Boy did I enjoy him lying on my chest with his head nuzzled under my chin... As tired as I was, and as sick as I was of singing "the ants go marching one by one" to have him fall asleep, I really enjoyed and needed that snuggle time.
It still amazes me that I carried my "little big boy" in my stomach!!!
We just fought one cold, and here we are again with another cold.
When we were out of town A's runny nose seemed to improve, was almost non exisitent. Now with just 5 days back to school, we are back to being sick.
This cold seemed to happen fast. Started with a few sneezes early yesterday morning. By the time I got A from day care it was a full blown runny nose! By the evening it was just disgusting. Thought we were ok until at 12 AM on the dot, A is crying in his crib wanting to be held and needing to be suctioned.
We spent the next 5 hours in and out of sleep. To my bed, to the crib, we tried to get as much rest as possible. Although it was a very rough night, the snuggle time was so refreshing. A wanted to be propped and knew it was making him feel better. Boy did I enjoy him lying on my chest with his head nuzzled under my chin... As tired as I was, and as sick as I was of singing "the ants go marching one by one" to have him fall asleep, I really enjoyed and needed that snuggle time.
It still amazes me that I carried my "little big boy" in my stomach!!!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Forgotten Chicken
This recipe was really easy, quick, and yummy!
I didn't have enough time to put it on a low setting so I cooked at 385 for an hour. Chicken was partially thawed.
INGREDIENTS:
* BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
* MINUTE RICE (IN RED BOX)
* 1 PACKAGE OF ONION SOUP MIX
* 1 CAN OF CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP
* 1 CAN OF CREAM OF CELERY SOUP
* WATER
DIRECTIONS:
Mix together “cream of” soups, 1 can of water, and 2 cups of minute rice (uncooked.) Pour into a buttered casserole dish. Lay chicken breasts on top of rice mixture and sprinkle onion soup mix on top. Cover with tin foil. Don’t forget that important step!
"Here is where the name Forgotten Chicken comes in. Once you have it in the casserole dish you can put it in the oven and forget it! My mom would always put it in on a low temp. (around 250-275) before we left for church and when we got home three hours later it would be ready. Or you can cook it at 350-375 (depending on your oven) for one to one and a half hours. It is hard to mess up so if you forget it is in there don’t worry, it is probably still okay! - Darling Doodles author Brianna"
I cooked it on 380-390 for an hour or so...
Please see the Darling Doodles blog post on this recipe to see step by step pictures of recipe!
http://www.darlingdoodlesdesign.com/2012/04/forgotten-chicken.html
I didn't have enough time to put it on a low setting so I cooked at 385 for an hour. Chicken was partially thawed.
INGREDIENTS:
* BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
* MINUTE RICE (IN RED BOX)
* 1 PACKAGE OF ONION SOUP MIX
* 1 CAN OF CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP
* 1 CAN OF CREAM OF CELERY SOUP
* WATER
DIRECTIONS:
Mix together “cream of” soups, 1 can of water, and 2 cups of minute rice (uncooked.) Pour into a buttered casserole dish. Lay chicken breasts on top of rice mixture and sprinkle onion soup mix on top. Cover with tin foil. Don’t forget that important step!
"Here is where the name Forgotten Chicken comes in. Once you have it in the casserole dish you can put it in the oven and forget it! My mom would always put it in on a low temp. (around 250-275) before we left for church and when we got home three hours later it would be ready. Or you can cook it at 350-375 (depending on your oven) for one to one and a half hours. It is hard to mess up so if you forget it is in there don’t worry, it is probably still okay! - Darling Doodles author Brianna"
I cooked it on 380-390 for an hour or so...
Please see the Darling Doodles blog post on this recipe to see step by step pictures of recipe!
http://www.darlingdoodlesdesign.com/2012/04/forgotten-chicken.html
Clean your bath toys!!
Like many moms, I am addicted to pinterest!
I am always pinning things knowing deep down that I will NEVER attempt to re-create it.
Well, as I was cleaning the bathroom yesterday I decided that it was time to clean the bath toys. I remembered that I pinned a link to a blog on how to clean those oh so funny bath toys.
I didn't follow the instructions very well -- I didn't feel like dirtying up measuring cups soooo... I just modified the instructions!
First I filled up the sink with extremely hot water, then poured vinegar into it. I thought it was enough vinegar when the smell was strong! I let the toys soak for over an hour, every time I passed the sink I would empty and fill the toys through the sucker!
So, as I was finishing up, I didn't see anything come out but didn't have time to do the bleach portion of the cleaning. So I gathered the toys up and got ready for bath time!
As A was playing in the bathtub I grabbed some of the squeeze toys and sprayed the wall. To my disgust all of this black mold came squirting onto the recently cleaned shower wall!! I had to call for my husband because of course the black mold is dripping down the wall and into A bath water!! My husband comes in and is also disgusted, and just frustrated that we have so many bath toys to begin with!!
So, long story longer... Check out this link & clean your bath toys regularly!! When I get home from work I plan on doing the bleach portion of the cleaning!!!
http://welovebeingmoms.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-why-to-clean-bath-toys.html
I am always pinning things knowing deep down that I will NEVER attempt to re-create it.
Well, as I was cleaning the bathroom yesterday I decided that it was time to clean the bath toys. I remembered that I pinned a link to a blog on how to clean those oh so funny bath toys.
I didn't follow the instructions very well -- I didn't feel like dirtying up measuring cups soooo... I just modified the instructions!
First I filled up the sink with extremely hot water, then poured vinegar into it. I thought it was enough vinegar when the smell was strong! I let the toys soak for over an hour, every time I passed the sink I would empty and fill the toys through the sucker!
So, as I was finishing up, I didn't see anything come out but didn't have time to do the bleach portion of the cleaning. So I gathered the toys up and got ready for bath time!
As A was playing in the bathtub I grabbed some of the squeeze toys and sprayed the wall. To my disgust all of this black mold came squirting onto the recently cleaned shower wall!! I had to call for my husband because of course the black mold is dripping down the wall and into A bath water!! My husband comes in and is also disgusted, and just frustrated that we have so many bath toys to begin with!!
So, long story longer... Check out this link & clean your bath toys regularly!! When I get home from work I plan on doing the bleach portion of the cleaning!!!
http://welovebeingmoms.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-why-to-clean-bath-toys.html
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Starting to get better
Well, I think A is starting to get used to going to "school."
It has been a difficult 4 weeks but, today when I dropped him off, he didn't cry as much. Still had tears in his eyes and screamed, but the action was a little more delayed this morning.
Since we have been there a month, the lead teacher wanted to sit and discuss A progress over the past few weeks. It was a nice conference and A is doing well, and adjusting. He is having difficulty with outside time (which he loves at home) because it's just so busy and I think that since they mix the age groups it is intimidating (A is the youngest). Also, they do not have many toys outside and they have to fight over who gets a push toy or ball.
A is beginning to become more comfortable with his peers which of course is leading to more play time and laughing. Although it's mostly parallel play at his age, it is nice to know that he relates better to other kids now. I was in his class room a few days ago and a little boy handed me A blanket which was very nice. In the morning, before A realizes that I will be leaving soon, he greets some of his friends with a touch of the arm, or a pat on the back.
So, it's great to know that he is doing well. And then... We come to the serious business. It has been such a week of interventions. We are slowly but surely going to ween A off of some of his comfort behaviors. We have pretty much decided that he doesn't need a bottle during the day. He doesn't get one at home during the day, so we are going to stop at school also.
The big transition, which the lead teacher had me sign an unofficial agreement, is getting rid of the binky during the day except for nap time. GASP. The teacher feels that with redirection he doesn't need to rely on the binky anymore. That he is more comfortable in the classroom and that it's time to start weening! Well, if they are ready for it, I guess I am too. There are 3 other children besides A that will be transitioning. I hope it goes well!
All in all the first month went as expected. A was sick as of day # 4 at day care and he is just starting to recover -- minus the drippy nose and cough that still lingers! He still cries and drop off and runs to me at pick up time.
Just like with many things to come, we will get through this!
It has been a difficult 4 weeks but, today when I dropped him off, he didn't cry as much. Still had tears in his eyes and screamed, but the action was a little more delayed this morning.
Since we have been there a month, the lead teacher wanted to sit and discuss A progress over the past few weeks. It was a nice conference and A is doing well, and adjusting. He is having difficulty with outside time (which he loves at home) because it's just so busy and I think that since they mix the age groups it is intimidating (A is the youngest). Also, they do not have many toys outside and they have to fight over who gets a push toy or ball.
A is beginning to become more comfortable with his peers which of course is leading to more play time and laughing. Although it's mostly parallel play at his age, it is nice to know that he relates better to other kids now. I was in his class room a few days ago and a little boy handed me A blanket which was very nice. In the morning, before A realizes that I will be leaving soon, he greets some of his friends with a touch of the arm, or a pat on the back.
So, it's great to know that he is doing well. And then... We come to the serious business. It has been such a week of interventions. We are slowly but surely going to ween A off of some of his comfort behaviors. We have pretty much decided that he doesn't need a bottle during the day. He doesn't get one at home during the day, so we are going to stop at school also.
The big transition, which the lead teacher had me sign an unofficial agreement, is getting rid of the binky during the day except for nap time. GASP. The teacher feels that with redirection he doesn't need to rely on the binky anymore. That he is more comfortable in the classroom and that it's time to start weening! Well, if they are ready for it, I guess I am too. There are 3 other children besides A that will be transitioning. I hope it goes well!
All in all the first month went as expected. A was sick as of day # 4 at day care and he is just starting to recover -- minus the drippy nose and cough that still lingers! He still cries and drop off and runs to me at pick up time.
Just like with many things to come, we will get through this!
Trip to Delaware...
A and I had a wonderful time in Delaware last week!
We left on Wednesday and got there late in the evening. I didn't know how the plane ride would be considering the last time we flew, Alex was not able to walk. The ride started out just fine, we actually had the entire row to ourselves (3 seats). But as time went on, A became restless. I had plenty of snacks, drinks, and toys but... It was tough for him to sit still for so long. It became almost unbearable when he was trying to go to sleep and couldn't get comfortable. He was screaming at this point because he was trying to roll over on his stomach. He threw his pacifier down, and was just hollering. At that moment, I wished I followed other mother's advice and gave him a little benadryl!
A and I were pretty sick with colds when we arrived so the first 2 days we rested, a lot! Since I was on "vacation" and had no housework, laundry, or anything else to do, I decided to nap when Alex napped. I'm not sure if it was because he was sick but he slept so well in Delaware!
On Friday we had a nice play date with some friends from college and their kids. It's so crazy to think how fast their kids have grown! Then on Saturday we had my friends & family over for a little gathering. It was nice to catch up with everyone, although in those situations I never feel like I get that one on one time with anyone to really catch up! I feel like with entertaining you are always making your way around the room to talk to everyone. It didn't help that A didn't get a nap and ended up clinging to my leg the entire afternoon!
A was such a character when we were visiting! He had an audience, his grandmother, and he just ate up all of the attention! He was so funny that we couldn't help but laugh! He really enjoyed himself! He had plenty of toys and books to keep him entertained and got to try some different foods - mostly sweets :o(
Sunday was dreary so my plans to go onto UD campus didn't really work out. We went to the mall instead and I was so amazed and shocked at the upscale shopping!! I pretty much think I stared at the purses in the window of Michael Kors for 1 minute until I realized that I was holding up the traffic. The mall was ridiculously busy and it wasn't even Christmas yet. It kept Alex busy and probably over stimulated!
The trip back home was a little easier (thanks to Benadryl -- which I DO NOT recommend. It really does knock the poor baby out into a heavy sleep -- I did it after suffering from a lot of Mom's guilt before, during, and afterwards. It made for an easier trip home but, it was a little unnerving). A was so excited to see his Dad, after his sedation wore off of course.
Can't wait to get home sometime soon. Probably won't make it until after the winter - would hate to get stranded with a baby!
We left on Wednesday and got there late in the evening. I didn't know how the plane ride would be considering the last time we flew, Alex was not able to walk. The ride started out just fine, we actually had the entire row to ourselves (3 seats). But as time went on, A became restless. I had plenty of snacks, drinks, and toys but... It was tough for him to sit still for so long. It became almost unbearable when he was trying to go to sleep and couldn't get comfortable. He was screaming at this point because he was trying to roll over on his stomach. He threw his pacifier down, and was just hollering. At that moment, I wished I followed other mother's advice and gave him a little benadryl!
A and I were pretty sick with colds when we arrived so the first 2 days we rested, a lot! Since I was on "vacation" and had no housework, laundry, or anything else to do, I decided to nap when Alex napped. I'm not sure if it was because he was sick but he slept so well in Delaware!
On Friday we had a nice play date with some friends from college and their kids. It's so crazy to think how fast their kids have grown! Then on Saturday we had my friends & family over for a little gathering. It was nice to catch up with everyone, although in those situations I never feel like I get that one on one time with anyone to really catch up! I feel like with entertaining you are always making your way around the room to talk to everyone. It didn't help that A didn't get a nap and ended up clinging to my leg the entire afternoon!
A was such a character when we were visiting! He had an audience, his grandmother, and he just ate up all of the attention! He was so funny that we couldn't help but laugh! He really enjoyed himself! He had plenty of toys and books to keep him entertained and got to try some different foods - mostly sweets :o(
Sunday was dreary so my plans to go onto UD campus didn't really work out. We went to the mall instead and I was so amazed and shocked at the upscale shopping!! I pretty much think I stared at the purses in the window of Michael Kors for 1 minute until I realized that I was holding up the traffic. The mall was ridiculously busy and it wasn't even Christmas yet. It kept Alex busy and probably over stimulated!
The trip back home was a little easier (thanks to Benadryl -- which I DO NOT recommend. It really does knock the poor baby out into a heavy sleep -- I did it after suffering from a lot of Mom's guilt before, during, and afterwards. It made for an easier trip home but, it was a little unnerving). A was so excited to see his Dad, after his sedation wore off of course.
Can't wait to get home sometime soon. Probably won't make it until after the winter - would hate to get stranded with a baby!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Packing for a toddler
A and I are leaving for a family vacation this week.
I have traveled by myself with him before but, this time he is walking!! I'm not sure how I am going to be able to keep him still - and on my lap for the hour and a half plane ride!
Hopefully I will be able to keep him busy with snacks, drinks, and toys/books. We will see.
The hardest thing about taking a trip with a toddler is packing his bag! It is such a sight to see me, his bulky travel system (i.e. stroller/car seat combo), and our over sized luggage. My left hand is pushing the stroller while my right hand is pulling the suitcase!! Talk about a work out and breaking out in a sweat!
Luckily the weather looks like it will be beautiful for our trip. A went to the doctor to make sure that he was all good to travel. Only took him because we have been struggling with a cold since he started day care. I didn't want him to have a chest or ear infection and then end up being admitted in an out of state hospital (even though the hospital is probably much better where we are going). Now, just to get myself checked out and get some meds so that I can actually enjoy myself.
Hoping the best for this trip!! Can't wait to see family and friends!
I have traveled by myself with him before but, this time he is walking!! I'm not sure how I am going to be able to keep him still - and on my lap for the hour and a half plane ride!
Hopefully I will be able to keep him busy with snacks, drinks, and toys/books. We will see.
The hardest thing about taking a trip with a toddler is packing his bag! It is such a sight to see me, his bulky travel system (i.e. stroller/car seat combo), and our over sized luggage. My left hand is pushing the stroller while my right hand is pulling the suitcase!! Talk about a work out and breaking out in a sweat!
Luckily the weather looks like it will be beautiful for our trip. A went to the doctor to make sure that he was all good to travel. Only took him because we have been struggling with a cold since he started day care. I didn't want him to have a chest or ear infection and then end up being admitted in an out of state hospital (even though the hospital is probably much better where we are going). Now, just to get myself checked out and get some meds so that I can actually enjoy myself.
Hoping the best for this trip!! Can't wait to see family and friends!
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