Bibs are for Nomming

 Nom nom nom!

Kitchenwork = Yawn

One of the rare moments that Delaney has actually fallen asleep in her bouncy seat. I can only recall this happening one other time when she fell asleep in one as I took a bath...the water was running and the soothing sound must have knocked her out.

This time I was in the kitchen putting away dishes, reorganizing the tupperware and dusting the cabinets. Every time I looked over at her - her eyes would droop and droop. I was chattering away about what piece of tupperware we should keep and what we should throw away etc and the next thing I know she was out! :)

Web Finds Wednesday

Cookies N Cream Cupcakes

Lasagna Pinwheel Bites

How to Make Lasagna

Milk Punch

Ranch Dressing

Great Great

Great Great Grand-Daughter and Great Great Grandma! :)

Breast Pad Review, Why Medela is the Best

Left to Right: Avent, Medela, Lansinoh

 Yup, this blog is officially going to the mom-blog end of the spectrum! :) One of the things that you seem to get a lot of throughout your pregnancy is samples. Samples from the hospital, samples from your doctor and just randomly in the mail. Samples of detergent, formula, nipple cream and breast pads. Being the frugalista that I am I, of course, hoarded each and every one of these samples.

They do come in handy and let you try different brands without emptying your wallet on the full size versions.

I am sure if you breastfeed that you've heard that Medela is the best brand of pump you can get your mitts on. They are the most expensive but also the most effective and when it comes to your milk supply no amount of money is too much.

Well, ladies and the random gent who may be reading along, Medela also has the best breast pads out there. I've tried Avent and Lansinoh and the reusable cotton kinds - but hands down it is Medela.

Lansinoh really shocked me with the obvious lack of quality. As a brand, I considered them near the same level as Medela. Their breast pads are almost the same size as Medelas and generally the same thickness but it is like comparing cheap toilet paper next to a roll of Cottonelle. The Lansinoh pads crinkle quite audibly when handled which is a tad embarrassing. I don't enjoy my chest crinkling when I move, thanks. And there's this weird powdery yet kinda sandy residue that comes out of them and into your shirt. Sounds fun huh? Oh it gets better...when you leak, like I tend to do ALL THE TIME, which is why I am wearing these darn things to begin with...the Lansinoh pads get this bizarre crunchy hardnes on the inside of the pad. I am assuming that the powdery, sandy stuff absorbs the moisture and then turns hard as a result. Yeah no, not for me thanks so much.

Then there are the Avent pads which are decent in the absorption department and no weird sandy stuff to speak of, but they are insanely small and a tad too thick. These puppies can probably be seen through your shirt which isn't fun.

So, yay, Medela and your perfectly sized and shaped breast pads with their smart little pleat and magical moisture control! You rock! A box of 50 (which only equals out to 25 pairs if you think about it) only costs $9.99 - not too bad. And the Medelas can really hold up - I have quite the let-down that can soak through both a tank top and a sweat shirt if I am not careful in the mornings - but the Medelas keep me dry and comfortable. 

The cotton reusable pads are okay if you're wearing a thick cupped bra that would hide their girth. They are thick but if you're a leaky lady like me they don't stay dry...wet cloth wedged up in your shirt for any length of time is not a blast.

New Tricks

I love watching my baby grow. It is so amazing to watch as she learns new things. Our newest tricks at almost 3 months are cooing in conversation, grabbing hair and sweater strings and standing (assisted of course!).

Boobtopia: Doorhangers for Breastfeeding

I am so need a set of these to keep in my pump bag and diaper bag! :)

$12.95 for a set of 4 at Egg2Cake

Children Live Here Poem

Children Live Here
by Heather of Musing Mommy

When we welcome you here today
We hope that you enjoy your stay
But one thing we ask you hold dear
Please remember: children live here

There are toys on the floor
Some marks on the door
Clothes scattered in the hall
And marker on the wall
We'll repaint it someday
But we have no time today

There are things in the sink
A Barbie skating rink
This stuff doesn't bother us
And real friends don't raise a fuss
They know the reason is clear
Yes, they know children live here

Instead of cleaning the wall
We went out and learned about Fall
In lieu of the porch being swept
I held the baby who slept
Those clothes were for dress up
While I cleaned a bigger mess up
And the noise tells everyone near
There's no doubt children live here

The happy laughter means more
Than seeing all of the floor
And please respect those kids
For this home is hers and his
We hold our family dear
And you knew children live here.

2 Months Old!

Getting so big so fast! :) Love her!!

Web Finds Wednesday: Opps-It's-Friday-Edition

Almond Biscotti

Thanksgiving Teepee Cupcakes 

Easy Crock Pot Pork Carnitas

Nutella Cheesecake Brownies

French Butter Cookies

Free Printable Bird Ornaments/Gift Tags

Checking In

Wow, has it really been a whole month since I last posted?! Good grief! I promise to work on getting better at this. Been a little preoccupied, of course, so I am sure you can all forgive me! :) We are doing great - loving the family life with the new little one.

Of course it is harder than we thought, but that was to be expected right? LOL. Always so many questions in my head all the time. Is she getting enough to eat, is she growing the way she should, is she holding her head up enough, do we do enough tummy time, is she bored, is she mad, is she happy? Oy! This motherhood thing is throwing me for a loop! :) But we are getting there!

3 Weeks

 

Two words for any new parents out there.

WHITE NOISE

Works wonders when rocking, eating, singing, swinging, reading, dancing, bouncing, bathing, clean diaper, not too cold or hot, walking, cuddling, burping, holding just won't quite work to calm the insanely intense out-of-nowhere screams. 

We set the radio to the static inbetween stations, turn it up so it is louder than a vaccuum and watch our screaming newborn melt into a calm peaceful babe. So nice! Especially during her fussy (aka scream for no reason time) at night (roughly 6PM-11PM give or take) and during car rides which our baby hates with a passion as well as her car seat. Oy! ;)

P.S. Thought this crying pic fit the topic perfect. :)

2 Weeks Old

Of course she will be three weeks tomorrow - but hey blogging plus caring for a newborns means a tad bit of lag time, right??

This Girl Is My World

 

Web Finds Wednesday

French Flan Tart

Slow Roasted Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter

Sew Easy Play Tent


Waffles of Insane Greatness

Life Explained By Scientific Graphs

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

Oatmeal Cookie Granola

A Little Announcement!

 We have a little news to share with everyone! :)

Let me introduce Delaney Ruth born October 5, 2010 at 12:46AM.

8.9 lbs 21 inches

She is amazing....can't take our eyes off her.

Web Finds Wednesday

Typography Lessons for Everyone

Easy Home-made Halloween Costumes

Pumpkin Bread in a Can

Hot Chocolate Recipe

Slow Cooker Black Bean Enchiladas


Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls


Chicken Pot Pie

Etsy Find Friday: Knit Cupcake Hat

$27 from Herbalnights on Etsy

Web Finds Wednesday

Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

Freezer Compost Bin


Cleaning Tip: Iron Set Stains Out of Carpet

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

How to Massage A Baby

Techy Tool: CleanHaven - Powerful Text Clean Up Tool

Make Your Own Toys

Made It Myself

Love me some LOL Cats...

More Apple Orchard Fun While Uncomfortably Pregnant

Lots more going on at the Apple Orchard here lately. Tons more varieties of apples are now ripe - though we still stick with our favorite Jonathon's. And a slew of other goodies are now available as well, including these fabulous Steuben grapes. Yum! Makes my mouth just water thinking about them.

Preggo at the Willard

Matt and I finally made it out a few weekends ago and dined out at the famed, historic Willard Inn in Franklin. This little dining spot is quite charming with it's history and breezy, cool patio space. Can definitely see why so many people love it! :)

Moby Wrap Test Run

When our Moby Wrap came in a week or two ago - we couldn't help but try it out! And obviously lacking the real object-that-needs-wrapping we had to improvise. Insert poor, unsuspecting chihuahua here. :) It was actually very easy to figure out - especially since we read up before hand and even watched a blog video or two about how to use it, etc. And look how well it holds a chihuahua! :)

Web Finds Wednesday

Grilled Chicken Quesadillas

Best Cheesecake Recipe

Making Candy Corn (I really, really want to do this!)

Dollar Store Crafts


Breastfeeding Resources for Rookies

Instant Business Jargon Translator - Unsuckit

Bite-Size Cherry PopTart Pops

Mod Podge Addiction

Pretty sure this is only the beginning folks. It is probably a good thing that I will soon be too tired with caring for a newborn to craft - because I am already halfway through the jumbo sized jar of mod podge I just bought. That stuff is addicting!

I got it with the idea that I would just mod podge on some of the left over fabric strips from the Heather Bailey bunting and quilt I made for the baby's room onto some clothes pins to make fun fridge clips. Especially since my mind has gone to mush and I've been told that it will only get worse from here...it helps to clip things to the fridge. Invites to events we should go to, our grocery list, bills, etc. I've even gotten in the habit of sitting down every Sunday afternoon and writing out a little "notes about this week" page full of different things going on both to remind myself and to keep my hubby in the loop.

Well, what started with fridge clips soon spread into dresser drawer liners for the nursery. We bought the dresser on craigslist and yes, I cleaned out the drawers, but a nice drawer liner seemed just the thing to make it seem brand new, clean, fresh and ready for baby clothes, etc. So, in addition to the gigantic jar of mod podge - I also bought 18 sheets of 12 x 12 pink polka dotted scrap book paper.

Here's the before shot:

I was really hoping to find a nice roll of wrapping paper in the same sort of theme - but alas no. And plus, Hobby Lobby had a 50% sale on the scrapbook paper so for under 50 cents a sheet I couldn't go wrong.

And the after!

Quote to Ponder

“...Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person...If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously."

~ Luke 2: 27-30

Preggo at the Apple Orchard

Since preggo at the pool gets a little too many stares these days, and since it's been a tad cooler anyways, apple orchards have been my stomping grounds of choice here lately.

 

Our favorite place to visit is the Pleasant View Anderson Apple Orchard. No visit is complete without at least a 1/2 peck of Jonathon apples and one large apple cider slushie. Maybe add in a caramel apple or a handful of candy corn and you're golden!

P.S. Don't drink the slushie too fast. Ice cream headaches will ensue - delaying caramel apple consumption. :/

 P.P.S. It helps to have a hubby who isn't that into caramel apples. this means more caramel apple for you! :) I was able to get a decent shot of him actually trying it - but he was pretty much not having it. Something about the caramel being too thick and chewy - jeez that is the best part!!

38 Week Bump Update

How far along? 38 Weeks

Food cravings: Random craving for Yoohoo - though once we bought it didn't taste as good as I imagined. Think my taste buds are a little off kelter though because we went to the apple orchard and the slushie was just eh...and nothing really sounds that horribly good right now. Though my husband did made some killer chocolate chip pancakes yesterday morning - yum!! And milk - I am downing milk like crazy!

Milestones: Picked up sensitive wipes and newborn diapers to be ready and washed her going home outfit! 

Oh, and this: Delivery date predictions are starting to roll in - random stranger lady at TJ Maxx said Sept 27 - coworker says Sept 24. Due date is October 3rd - though my ORIGINAL due date according to the calendar/cycle was supposed to be Sept. 18! Dr. pushed it back since I was measuring small.

T-Minus 15 Days

Yup, we are gearing up here in the final weeks/days. Bags are packed, going home outfits picked out and washed and ready to go, maternity pics taken, camera charged, memory card cleaned off, ipod located, car seat installed, etc etc. Getting excited!!

Boppy Cover of Cuteness: Emily's Garden

Sorry for all the baby posts here lately. Some of you are probably pretty sick of looking at every little nook and cranny of our nursery...I am obsessed I admit. :)

Since I plan on breastfeeding I knew this little pillow was going to be a must! And what is a Boppy without an adorable cover?? I found this cover - called Emily's Garden - on Target.com but it said it was only available online not in stores and then it was sold out or out of stock. So I finally gave up on Target and just ordered one off Amazon. I washed and dried it and excitedly put it on my Boppy. Then two days later make it out to a local Target and WHAT DID I FIND?? 6, oh yeah, six - of these on the shelf. NOT AVAILABLE IN STORES, huh?! ONLINE ONLY, huh?!?! Yeah, well - way to tick off a hormonal preggo lady Target! :/ Seriously, I could have saved like $5 in shipping. Whatever. I will get over it - I still love you, Target.

Plus I may just use the opportunity to grab another cover in the same pattern - so when one gets dirty and has to be in the wash - I can still gaze happily at the birds, bunnies, bumble bee and turtles! :)

For more info about the Boppy Pillow - visit their website http://www.boppy.com/. It's great for feeding, lounging, play and sitting!

Meet Sophie!

So excited to have this little gal for our little gal! :) I used my 20% coupon at BuyBuy Baby and got her for $4 off the original price! Not too bad! Now, my only worry is that she squeaks - and as a result looks AND sounds like a dog toy. I accidentally squeaked her and our dog Showbiz went crazy - should stop staring and whining no matter how many "no's" I said. :/

There is a lot of hype around this little giraffe. Honestly I think it is just plain cute. But here's the whole back story on this 46 year old Parisian toy - Sophie the Giraffe.

Will definitely want to be sure to pick up a few of these toy clips to make sure we don't lose it though! It's like a pacifer clip that goes on the baby's shirt - but this straps one end around the toy and the other to the stroller!

Showbiz: How She Got Her Namesake

We didn't name our pup after a pizza place, oh no, she was a show off from the start. Just look at her hamming it up with my Grandma Wally who came to visit along with my Aunt Linda few weekends ago. What we call her: Showbiz, Showbuzz, Show, Biz-dog, Biz - and the occasional slip-up of Showla (a mix of Showbiz and Lola when we are tired and can't figure out who to yell at for being ornery. :) )

37 Week Bump Update

How far along? 37 Weeks

Food cravings: Famous Amos cookies, blueberry muffins, sweet tea, cold milk, apples.

Milestones: Finished up our classes and had our maternity shoot taken by the wonderful Jessica Limeberry from Lemongrass Photography - can't wait to see the pics! Had my first cervical check at the doc last week - oh fun. Not dilated yet, but cervix is softening. Woot.

Oh, and this: I feel like crap a lot of the time now. Tired and my feet, legs, knees and back hurt - plus Braxton Hicks - I think. Fun times! :) I still sleep really well, just wake up with sore hips and back. Somedays I feel like I am coming down with some awful cold - but then I don't. Stuffy nose, sneezing, etc.

Etsy Find Friday

There is something charming about vintage enamelware bowls that I just cannot resist! Would love to have some for the laundry room and maybe one for the kitchen...lovely!


From funkeyfinds on Etsy

Library Hold List

Do you think the library staff will catch on? These are all the holds I have right now - :) Some reading material to help keep me off my feet in the last few weeks here.

• The happiest baby on the block : the new way to calm crying and help your baby sleep longer 
• Secrets of the baby whisperer : how to calm, connect, and communicate with your baby
• The nursing mother's companion
• On becoming birth wise 
• On becoming babywise. Book one : learn how over 500,000 babies were trained to sleep through the night the natural way 
• Heading home with your newborn : from birth to reality 
• The baby book : everything you need to know about your baby--from birth to age two
• The no-cry sleep solution : gentle ways to help your baby sleep through the night
• The attachment parenting book : a commonsense guide to understanding and nurturing your baby 
• Father's first steps : 25 things every new dad should know
• Let the baby drive 
• Your amazing newborn

Web Finds Wednesday

PureClean Kitchen & Porcelain Cleaner Stones
On my shopping/wishlist. 

Craftzine.com blog : Crochet Broccoli and Cauliflower
Crafty goodness to make for our little one...

Craftzine.com blog : How-To: Roll-Up Nap Mat With Pillow And Blanket
Pretty sure my to-sew list is getting a little long now...

Gownies Delivery Gowns by Baby Be Mine Maternity

36 Week Bump Update

 How far along? 36 Weeks

Food cravings: Orange juice, cereal, sweets, jonathon apples, apple cider slushies, caramel apples, raspberry sherbet, salt water taffy - still!

Milestones: Carseat is installed in the car, first load of baby clothes and blankets have been washed, I am almost finished lining the dresser drawers with pretty pink polka dotted scrapbook paper. Our rocker came in the mail and it put together in the room! We have a hamper now...almost all complete! Might need a diaper pail of some sort to squeeze in the room yet - but we are almost ready!! Boppy cover came in the mail, so did our Moby wrap...things are looking ready! If only I felt as ready as everything looks!

Oh, and this: Energy levels really ebb and flow. One minute I am an insanely tired grouch monster who just needs to go to bed no matter if it is 3 in the gosh darn afternoon and the next day I am little miss sunshine with enough energy to organize my bathroom drawer, fold up the tissue paper sheets and make dinner. I get two insanely exhausted days to one good one - go figure.

Quote to Ponder

"Life is too short to spend your precious time trying to convince a person who wants to live in gloom and doom otherwise. Give lifting that person your best shot, but don't hang around long enough for his or her bad attitude to pull you down. Instead, surround yourself with optimistic people."

-- Zig Ziglar

Tiny Fashionista

My husband and I's nightly ritual has come to include a nightcap spent just sitting in the baby's room. We sit and gaze about at everything and try to imagine what life is going to be like in a few short weeks. So hard to believe.

P.S. Totally amazed at how wrapped around her finger this little girl has her daddy already. And he hasn't even met her in person yet. I've never seen him so interested in clothes in my life - made my heart melt watching him stand in her closet looking at each little onesie. I also recently found a mysterious pair of fashion tights with little purple hearts on them in one of her dresser drawers that I had never seen before. He later told me that he had seen them at the store and got them for her - swoon! My little girl is so lucky to have such a doting daddy.

Childbirth Prep Classes: Complete!

Wow, those four weeks flew by. I was joking with Matt on our last day this week that I don't think I feel ready to be done with the class - I don't feel quite qualified after those four 2-hr long classes! The first class was about the birthing process, the second about different laboring positions and comfort measures, the third about the hospital experience and included a tour at the end and the fourth was caring for your newborn.

I am glad we did the classes, but really could go longer I think. Maybe an optional extended classes for those really have no clue. :)

No, in all seriousness I think they did help. If anything are we familiar with driving to the hospital from our house, parking, what floor to go to, which button to push to make the elevator go up (the new elevators are designed funny - the up button is kinda hidden), how to get in and out of the maternity wing without setting off the alarms. Where the snack machines are, that there are complimentary cookies by the front desk, how to use the valet parking service, etc. Not to mention that there was a lot of good information we went over. I think it helped both Matt and I to be just a little more prepared and to be more comfortable in the hospital - as much as we can be anyway. :)

Next class - Breastfeeding Basics! Then we are done with classes - only how many more weeks till the baby gets here?! It is a little overwhelming to think about! Time has gone by so fast!

35 Week Bump Update

Again a little late with the post! 


How far along? 35 Weeks

Food cravings: Concord grapes have really hit the spot, still loving my honey dew for breakfast, cold cereal is always fabulous (honey nut cheerios and frosted mini wheats). Pizza has always sounded good. I've pretty much shunned of anything really salty - like chips and salsa (a normal summer staple for me) and I practically gag on anything I consider too salty! Kinda crazy! Not as hungry as I have been in other months - definitely less room in the belly.

Milestones: Stroller is officially put together! And we have a carseat! For some reason this has been a big issue for me. I have been feeling a little panicky because we didn't have a carseat. And the hospital won't let you take her home without one - so something in my mind just kept saying, "we need a carseat, we need a carseat, we need a carseat." I am resting fairly easy now with that out of the way. Though I will be 100% better once it is completely installed in my car...

Oh, and this: Pretty sure I am having braxton hicks contractions. Very tight, very unpleasant and almost painful. Oy!

Web Finds Wednesday

How to Make an Awesome Orange Julius

Top 10 New Mom Must-Haves No One Tells You About

Homemade Mallobars - Yum! Marshmallow, chocolate and graham crackers - where could you go wrong with this recipe? Must try it!

5 Homemade DIY Natural Fabric Softeners | Apartment Therapy Re-Nest
Been noticing a significant improvement in the sensitive skin department (due to pregnancy hormones) after not only switching out my face-wash and body wash to sensitive only - but also switching our laundry detergent to a dye and fragrance free (so painful - I love my lavender scented stuff) version. Now looking to replace our fabric softener too. Either going the free and clear route from the store or these DIY ideas.

Free downloadable swing set plans :: Money Saving Mom℠
Can we say - hubby weekend project??

5 Reasons Why To Bake These Cupcakes « Slow Like Honey
More marshmallow and chocolate recipe loveliness. Sweet tooth, what??

Pulling At The Heart Strings

I have no idea what overcame me, but there was no-way, no-how I was leaving the store without this slightly smudgy, no tag, clearanced out teddy-bear. I couldn't put it down. I had this insane tug at the heart strings about it...like I was going to actually cry just looking at it.

Maybe it's the hormones, but pretty sure my husband now thinks I am crazy.

P.S. I sneak upstairs to the nursery just to touch it's soft ears...maybe it will be our little girl's favorite teddy, I don't know, but this little bear won't let go of my heart.

The cute little pink booties match it wonderfully - they are from Babies R Us.

Pouting Pups & Paparrazi

The dogs' latest favorite spot in the house has been the very top step going up to the second story. They can look down and see what is going on in the living room - which is normally just one of us sitting and typing away on the laptop but still be near enough the upstairs window to peek out and keep an eye on the neighborhood. Such pouty faces - but always the happy wagging tail! :)

Baby Preparations Are Underway!

My husband has been exhibiting signs of pregnancy sympathy symptoms. And I am not talking about a sympathy belly. Nope - he has to pee when I get up and go in the wee hours of the morning, he has insomnia and is even nesting! :)

Usually I have to bribe this man to help me put together anything. If he had it his way it would sit in the box for ages. I am always a much too excited let's put it together right this second kind of person. But he did this all on his own - and the stroller, carseat and bouncy seat too! I think he's getting excited - we're down to 37 days to go!

All the extra help with these things has taken so much worry off my shoulders - it is amazing how much just seeing the swing set up in the living room and the carseat installed in our car puts me at ease knowing things are ready!

Etsy Find Friday

Loving this Large Amy Butler Weekend Bag from Itsch's Etsy shop - definitely on my wish list! :) That and a weekend getaway of course!