Two under 1?!?!

We have had some serious surprises in our house lately and we are embarking on a new adventure that neither my husband nor I am sure we are ready for. We just found out that I am four months pregnant. *faint*

Disclaimer: Apparently, you are super fertile after you give birth and it is still possible to get pregnant if you are on the pill, breastfeeding and taking other precautions. O.M.G. I wish some one would have told me this and my other precautions would have included making my husband sleep in a different room!

For those of you keeping track, L-Monster was born November 1st. I am due with this baby October 24th. I was a little worried about having 2 babies under 2 years of age but instead I get to join a VERY elite group: 2 babies under 1 year of age.

After taking a week to process the information, we are trying to only look at the positives.
* they will hopefully be very close - just as much friends as they are siblings
* I only have to loose ALL the weight once. I couldn't figure out why the last of my belly was lingering on - now I know and only have to lose those "last 10" pounds one time
* We don't have to store anything away. By the time Lucas out grows it, the next baby will be ready for it.
* It is easier than twins. Only one will be on the boob/bottle at a time. whew!
* We don't have to re-enter the diaper stage. Once we are done, we are done!

Do you have babies close in age? If so, what are your tips for maintaining your sanity?

Trying to get pregnant?

The Sacred Heart Mission is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of pregnant mothers and their babies through charitable giving.

They are giving away 10 pregnancy tests and/or ovulation predictor kits completely free (not even a shipping charge)!! Just pick the combination you would like and they will mail them to you!

Their link is: http://www.freeopks.com/ Happy TTC!

Family Movie Night: Ponyo

I read lots of reviews before we watched this movie because it seemed a little weird. And it was. But it was clean and the kids liked it!

It is supposed to be a adaptation of the Little Mermaid story and got great reviews for the animation by Hayao Miyazaki. I, personally, thought the animation was pretty basic and the story was a little strange - especially how the Mom left the little boy (only 5 years old) at home during a hurricane because she needed to take care of the elderly at her work and how it almost seemed if the little boy and Ponyo were pledging themselves to get married... at 5 years old. There were a lot of good elements as well.

For treats, I started by turning red plastic cups in to "buckets".

Then, I filled the "buckets" with water (blueberry Jelly Belly jelly beans) and put a fish inside (a chocolate foil fish). I really have to thank our local Enstrom's Candy store which let me in at 6:10, even though they close at 6:00, to by the blue Jelly Belly jelly beans. They also pointed out the colorful fish chocolates (which were much cooler than the Swedish Fish I was planning on).

Breast is Best but most important is Love

Some people take to breast feeding like a duck to water. I didn't glide or swim quite that easy. At all. I have taken to it more like a cat to water. So has my son.

I think that the breast is best. Absolutely the best thing for Mom and baby. And before I gave birth I never thought there was any other way I would ever do it. When I heard other Moms talk about the bonding experience and the closeness it created I imagined me with my little monster as I gave him the liquid gold that my body just naturally created as I nourished and loved him. And truthfully, when I heard the stories of people that couldn't breastfeed or didn't do it for very long I thought they were lazy or just didn't try hard enough (baring any medical reasons of course).

All these thoughts were only solidified more for me when I read all my pregnancy books and went to the breastfeeding class. I was worried about breastfeeding (and being able to since I have had breast enhancement surgery) so I felt so much better when I learned that babies are naturally drawn to our nipples by sight and smell and they want to drink. And though I think that is a beautiful thing and am amazed by a woman's body, I wish they would have told me that it isn't all sunshine and roses.

Nobody told me, "breastfeeding is hard". Nobody said, "you may not enjoy it". And nobody said, "Your little one may struggle with it". But I wish they had.

After struggling with it for the first few weeks, things started to go smoother which made me very happy. And I was really relieved when he started eating quicker and not taking his standard 45-60 minutes. But it was never smooth. I actually looked forward to the times when I knew I would pump and bottle feed. It was so much easier for both of us.

When I took him in for his 2 month check-up (actually at 10 weeks) he had only gained 2 pounds in 8 weeks. Not good news. I explained that I thought he had acid reflux (which he did) and was prescribed some medicine and told not to change anything he would start gaining weight. Well a couple days after the appointment we started refusing my breast. Sometimes he would suck for a few minutes and then stop and cry. Other times he wouldn't latch on and would cry every time I would try. It was very disheartening and I felt rejected.

I did a lot of reading and asked for a lot of advice but he wouldn't eat and since he only weighed 8.5 lbs I didn't feel comfortable with letting him skip meals. So I started pumping and also supplementing with 2 ounces of formula (I just don't make enough - although I still eat oatmeal every morning and drink milk tea and lots of water). I still offer the breast at every feeding and there are times, like this morning, when he stays on 8-10 minutes. And there are other times he is completely uninterested.

Although I am coming to terms with it, I feel like a failure. Yes, I made it to 3 months *sort of* but I am 9 months short of my goal. I am still pumping but my supply seems to be slowly fading. I only get about 12 ounces out a day.

When opening up about all the issues I faced I have found a lot of other Moms that have similar stories and also had a hard time. Why don't we share that information before hand? Why don't we start with, "Breastfeeding is the very best thing for your baby. Although it comes easy to some, it is difficult for many others..."

There are things that I will probably do different with my next baby but really, there wasn't much I did *wrong* this time. Maybe this was the Lord's way of humbling me. Now when I hear women say they didn't breastfeed or only breastfed for a short time I wonder, "what is their story?".

I have learned that although breast is best, it isn't always possible. And more important than breast is love- which he gets no shortage of.

Follow Olympians on Twitter

Interested about what the athletes are thinking, seeing, feeling and doing? Now you can follow a list of verified Olympic athletes while they are at the games. How cool is that?

http://twitter.com/verified/olympians

Some of my favorites over the last little while:

First Order of Business

Before I do anything else, THIS must be done!

I would like to introduce you to our newest member of the family:

Lucas (L-Monster)
born November 1st
6 pounds, 7 ounces
18 inches long

My favorite picture from the hospital

Proud Parents

Yes world, I am still alive. I am still kickin'

So much has happened since I used to write regularly. Life got in the way and I had trouble finding my way to the keyboard for anything besides work and Facebook. I have had a lot people ask what was going on and when I would be back and although I would plan on it soon, it never happened.

I am actually quite ashamed by this. A year ago I had so many hopes on where I wanted this website to go and how I planned on doing that. Then in March 2008 I found out I was pregnant! Woo hoo! And I had so many plans on where I wanted this website to go and how I planned on doing that. But then I got behind and life got in the way and we had baseball and t-ball and softball and soccer and a big growing belly and... I just didn't know where to start again.

And then L-monster was born in November (2 weeks early which totally threw off my plan and messed this Type A girl all up) and I took 3 months maternity leave. From life. As so many of you have experienced yourself, my days and nights became consumed with feedings and diaper changes and comforting and soothing and trying to run a home that I never even came back. I didn't even try.

But my 3 month hiatus is over and I am back now! And I have SO much to write about. This Mom thing is a kick!

I want to get back to the basics and talk about natural products and trying to make green choices. And I am WAY behind on movie nights - although we have been doing them faithfully. But I also want to explore some new topics and I may even tread into the messy swamp of steplife - something I have never discussed too openly.

So hello world! It is good to see your bright eyes and beautiful face again! I hope you have missed me and will let me back in!

I may be pregnant but I can still party!

Since I have been pregnant I have been trying out a lot of non-alcoholic drinks. I want to have fun, party and be festive while still being smart and responsible.

My current favorite MOCKtail is Safe Sex on the Beach:
1 part orange juice
1 part cranberry juice
1 oz peach nectar
1 tbsp grenadine syrup

Mix equal parts of orange juice and cranberry juice, add nectar, and pour over ice. Sink the grenadine, garnish with a pineapple wedge, and serve.

Here are some other good recipes also:

FLYING FAIRBROTHER

2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
1 oz. Orange Juice
1 oz. Cranberry juice
1 tsp. Honey
3 oz. Ginger Ale

Drink Recipe Instruction In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the grapefruit juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, and honey. Shake well. Strain into a collins glass almost filled with ice cubes. Top with the ginger ale. Stir well.

UNFUZZY NAVEL
3 oz. Orange Juice
3 oz. Peach Nectar
1 tbs. Lemon Juice
2 dashes Grenadine
Orange Slice
Shake liquids with ice and strain into a collins glass. Garnish with orange slice.

BORA BORA
3.38 oz Pineapple juice
2 oz Passion fruit juice
0.33 oz Lemon juice
0.33 oz Grenadine syrup
Prepare in a blender or shaker, serve in a long drink glass on the
rocks. Garnish with 1 slice of pineapple and one cherry.

And I think they all taste better if they have an umbrella!

Like I needed another reason!

As many of you may know, I am a BIG Chris Daughtry fan. From his very first audition I just loved him. I loved his voice! And I loved his back story. Being a step parent myself, I appreciated his obvious love for his stepkids. I cheered for him from that night on and all through the season. I (and V-girl) cried when he was voted off.

As crazy as it sounds (and yes, I know it sounds crazy!!) I almost feel like I know him somehow. Not personally of course, but his voice resonates with me. It is familiar and comforting to me. And really, I just love it.

Although his first album wasn't as stellar as I had hoped (his second is much better in my opinion - I love the song Life After You), I remain a loyal fan.

And although I don't need any more reasons to like him, here is one more. Nothing against Lady Gaga but I like this version much better:

Here are a couple of my other favorites from when he was on American Idol:

Like I needed another reason!

As many of you may know, I am a BIG Chris Daughtry fan. From his very first audition I just loved him. I loved his voice! And I loved his back story. Being a step parent myself, I appreciated his obvious love for his stepkids. I cheered for him from that night on and all through the season. I (and V-girl) cried when he was voted off.

As crazy as it sounds (and yes, I know it sounds crazy!!) I almost feel like I know him somehow. Not personally of course, but his voice resonates with me. It is familiar and comforting to me. And really, I just love it.

Although his first album wasn't as stellar as I had hoped (his second is much better in my opinion - I love the song Life After You), I remain a loyal fan.

And although I don't need any more reasons to like him, here is one more. Nothing against Lady Gaga but I like this version much better:

Here are a couple of my other favorites from when he was on American Idol:

Easy-peasy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

I was just turned on to this recipe by my friend Staci (you can find her here: twitter, blog) and it looks really good AND really easy! My favorite combination!!

Only 3 ingredients and no eggs - so pregnant mamas like me can eat the dough, which honestly, is my favorite part!

1 pkg Spice Cake Mix
1 small can Pumpkin
1 bag Chocolate Chips

THAT'S IT! Just mix together and bake at 350 degrees for about 15-19 minutes.

When I was searching for a picture of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, I came across this picture:


Do they not look completely heavenly?! The picture led me to this blogCake... or Death! and this wonderful frosting recipe:

Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick (4 oz) butter, softened to room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup marshmallow cream or fluff
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp maple extract, or to taste
1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste
1 pound (4 cups) powdered sugar
1.5 tbsp cream

Cream the butter, cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff together in the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Mix until very light and creamy. Scrape down the bowl. Add the vanilla, maple extract, and cinnamon, and beat until combined.
On low speed, beat in half of the powdered sugar. Scrape the bowl and beat in the remaining sugar, added the cream (or more as needed) until the frosting is nice and fluffy. Add more maple extract or cinnamon to taste, if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The frosting is not as simple as the cookies but may be good for special occasions or when you really want to knock someone's socks off. They also list a a great recipe for Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies if you want to go the gourmet route.

I am SOOOO ready for fall and for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!

And remember, you can always substitute in organic ingredients to make the cookies a wee bit healthier for you!

Easy-peasy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

I was just turned on to this recipe by my friend Staci (you can find her here: twitter, blog) and it looks really good AND really easy! My favorite combination!!

Only 3 ingredients and no eggs - so pregnant mamas like me can eat the dough, which honestly, is my favorite part!

1 pkg Spice Cake Mix
1 small can Pumpkin
1 bag Chocolate Chips

THAT'S IT! Just mix together and bake at 350 degrees for about 15-19 minutes.

When I was searching for a picture of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, I came across this picture:


Do they not look completely heavenly?! The picture led me to this blogCake... or Death! and this wonderful frosting recipe:

Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick (4 oz) butter, softened to room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup marshmallow cream or fluff
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp maple extract, or to taste
1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste
1 pound (4 cups) powdered sugar
1.5 tbsp cream

Cream the butter, cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff together in the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Mix until very light and creamy. Scrape down the bowl. Add the vanilla, maple extract, and cinnamon, and beat until combined.
On low speed, beat in half of the powdered sugar. Scrape the bowl and beat in the remaining sugar, added the cream (or more as needed) until the frosting is nice and fluffy. Add more maple extract or cinnamon to taste, if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The frosting is not as simple as the cookies but may be good for special occasions or when you really want to knock someone's socks off. They also list a a great recipe for Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies if you want to go the gourmet route.

I am SOOOO ready for fall and for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!

And remember, you can always substitute in organic ingredients to make the cookies a wee bit healthier for you!

09.09.09

If you remember my odometer number post then you probably understand why I am excited about today...

It is 09/09/09!!!! This will only happen once in 1000 years! How cool is that? Well, it is VERY cool.

Happy 09/09/09 Everybody!

09.09.09

If you remember my odometer number post then you probably understand why I am excited about today...

It is 09/09/09!!!! This will only happen once in 1000 years! How cool is that? Well, it is VERY cool.

Happy 09/09/09 Everybody!

When you have an "I Hate my Job" day

I received this email and although I don't know if the information is accurate, it made me chuckle and helps to put things in perspective. I know we all have "I hate my job" days so I wanted to pass it on...

When you have an "I Hate My Job day", try this out:

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson.

Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed.

Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

"Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized".

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times, "I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control department at Johnson & Johnson".

HAVE A NICE DAY! AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE ASS THAN YOURS!

When you have an "I Hate my Job" day

I received this email and although I don't know if the information is accurate, it made me chuckle and helps to put things in perspective. I know we all have "I hate my job" days so I wanted to pass it on...

When you have an "I Hate My Job day", try this out:

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson.

Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed.

Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

"Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized".

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times, "I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control department at Johnson & Johnson".

HAVE A NICE DAY! AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE ASS THAN YOURS!

What are your MUST READ pregnancy books?

I have been engulfing information since I have been pregnant. Websites, books, magazines, etc - if it talks about being pregnant or babies, I am convinced I need to read it.

Some information has been much more useful to me then others. Here is my list of MUST READ books. Don't laugh, it is only 2... so far:

Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy - this book is so candid and real and talks about a lot of things you won't find anywhere else. I am so glad that I read the chapter called "Blue Twinkies" or I would be totally freaked out by the current looks of my va-jay-jay.

Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake, Abby Epstien and Jaques Moritz - This amazing and powerful book is all about letting you know the possible different scenarios that can play out with your birth. It helps to inform you of your choices and your options so you can pick what you feel is best for you. This book is geared towards natural birth (which I thought was great) but is an absolute must read for anybody who is pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant regardless of your plan for birth.

I know some people will be surprised that I didn't include What to Expect when you are Expecting. Although I think it is a great book full of a lot of information (and the first book I purchased), to me it isn't a must read. I get daily, weekly and monthly emails charting my pregnancy as it progresses. With the age of the internet, so much information is at our fingertips. With that said though, if you do use the internet as a source for information - from weekly updates to specific concerns - make sure you are getting it from a reputable website and not from Yahoo Answers or another website where anybody can just respond with their opinion.

What are your must read pregnancy books?

What are your MUST READ pregnancy books?

I have been engulfing information since I have been pregnant. Websites, books, magazines, etc - if it talks about being pregnant or babies, I am convinced I need to read it.

Some information has been much more useful to me then others. Here is my list of MUST READ books. Don't laugh, it is only 2... so far:

Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy - this book is so candid and real and talks about a lot of things you won't find anywhere else. I am so glad that I read the chapter called "Blue Twinkies" or I would be totally freaked out by the current looks of my va-jay-jay.

Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake, Abby Epstien and Jaques Moritz - This amazing and powerful book is all about letting you know the possible different scenarios that can play out with your birth. It helps to inform you of your choices and your options so you can pick what you feel is best for you. This book is geared towards natural birth (which I thought was great) but is an absolute must read for anybody who is pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant regardless of your plan for birth.

I know some people will be surprised that I didn't include What to Expect when you are Expecting. Although I think it is a great book full of a lot of information (and the first book I purchased), to me it isn't a must read. I get daily, weekly and monthly emails charting my pregnancy as it progresses. With the age of the internet, so much information is at our fingertips. With that said though, if you do use the internet as a source for information - from weekly updates to specific concerns - make sure you are getting it from a reputable website and not from Yahoo Answers or another website where anybody can just respond with their opinion.

What are your must read pregnancy books?

I missed the big milestone

I think it is really cool when number line up on a clock. Like when it is 1:11 or 10:10. It is kind of like my own little surprise when I see this and it puts a smile on my face. Don't get me wrong, I don't stare at the clock until these "special" times happen. Nor do I plan activities based on the these certain times. But if I happen to look at the clock as I am going about my busy day and it says "12:12" or "3:33" I think to myself, "That is kind of cool" and then keep moving.

I do it with dates - if I was to have a baby on October 10, 2010 (10/10/10) or November 11, 2011 (11/11/11) that would be pretty cool! - and with addresses too.

But one of the "lineups" that gives the most thrill is my odometer. Probably because unlike the time, it only happens once. I have a pretty old car - 10 years old - and I have owned it most of the at time. Over the time I have had it, I have put around 70,000 miles on it. So needless to say, although these "milestones" only happen once, I have had a lot of them. I have noticed MOST every time it turned a 10,000. And I have noticed the cool little lineups in between such as "50,505" and "81,521" (my zip code) and "77,777".

Over the last few months I have gotten closer and closer to the infamous "100,000" mile mark. The mark that makes my car go from old to older, the mark that the dealer keeps telling my husband and I when we look at cars that we should trade the car in by. That 6 number mark would probably be disappointing to most people but to me, I felt honored to be coming up on such a milestone with my car. It has been a very good car to me - yes, it does that weird transmission thing (but really I blame myself for that - it was fine before I blew the motor because I let it run out of oil). And yes, the back passenger door does not open from the inside and the passenger front door lock no longer works with the automatic locks. Yes, the trunk latch is broken (although it could probably be fixed if I knew how to do that) and the automatic one touch window roll down on the driver side door quit working two days ago. But all in all, it has been a good car.

I knew that today was the day. When I pulled into my garage last night, the odometer read "99,980". I knew it would probably turn on my way to work but if not, it would do it in the next drive after that. So, I had it planned. I had my phone turned on camera mode and I would take a picture at "99,999" and at "100,000"! How exciting! The monumental odometer milestone!!

As I pulled into my parking spot this morning, it read, "99,998". Only 2 miles to go. I just had to remember that the next time I went I had to be diligent and watch it closely so I didn't forget. I could do that. How exciting! The monumental odometer milestone!!

I left work to run an errand this morning and as I was part way there, the odometer caught my eye. It read, "100,001". I missed it! I missed the 999 and 000. My car, that has never left me stranded, had a monumental milestone and I missed it. I didn't celebrate with it. :( I was so upset, that I forgot to take a picture. So as lame as a picture at "100,001" is, I did even better...

The beginning of the harvest

One of my favorite things about our backyard (besides the waterfall and pond) is the garden than my husband built for me.  I only get to use it for about 5 months but it is SO worth it.  This year, I planted 4 types of tomatoes: Champion, Super Fantastic, Roma and Yellow Pear.  So far, I like all of them A LOT except for the Roma tomatoes.  The Roma's are good - way better than store bought Roma's but compared to the Champions and Super Fantastics they are very bland and dry.  I also planted two squash plants, which I unfortunately lost to evil squash bugs, a Sweet Banana Pepper and a green Bell Pepper.

Around the yard, we also have grapes, blackberries, strawberries, a red delicious apple tree, a golden delicious apple tree and blueberries. All are producing fruit this year, their second year, except the blueberries which we just planted this spring.

Most of the produce is not ready yet but we have been able to start enjoying the tomatoes and this weekend, grapes! We were all excited about the grapes.

I will post more pictures of the garden and the yard but to start, here are some pictures of my first big harvest this year!

All of produce is grown organically - no pesticides or toxins at our house!