Meli's little space for bits and things

Home sweet home

2011-05-28T22:05:00.002-05:00

It's weird reading the previous blog post. I wrote about the kid's dipe status. Well, now, he's daytime diaper free, and that was four months ago. What amazing progress for all of us. He's actually into day 4 of being nighttime diaper free. He's also turned 2. They aren't too "terrible" yet, but there have been some challenges, for us both. So really it should be called the "mom, I want to do it by myself until I ask for help" twos.

Anyway, the house is on the market. Still. And what a pain in the ass that has been. We've contacted a person who stages, so we'll see what happens. I want to say, that it is almost impossible to keep a house clean when you have a toddler.

One last thing I thing: The Texas Cottage Food bill just passed some houses, and just needs to be signed by the gov. and that's it! Leche Love will be legit!!

a little catch up

2011-01-14T22:04:00.002-06:00

So I just read my previous post and wow. Kid wasn't walking yet. Which he kind of was. Well, he's 20mo old now and runs. Which of course, is good and bad. He talks and signs a lot as well. He now is playing pretend games with us which is pretty cool. I'm just amazed about how he learns every day. Beware poop talk coming: very few poopy dipes a week now, maybe 3, maybe! He pees on the big toilet and the tub and of course, outside, but still does it in the diaper when playing. So cool though, hopefully out of dipes soon. Luckily we're cloth so we're not quite trashing the planet as most, but we still use water to wash, sooo, every little bit helps. I've converted some of dipes over to trainers to help the process.

Speaking(typing?) of cloth diapers, I made a couple for the boy. Out of prefolds no less. Pretty simple and work as trainers. MIL got me a sewing machine and I'm giving it a run for its money. We've gone paper toweless, so I plan on sewing some napkins soon. Been using the cloth wipes with no issues.

I've started my own business and it's keeping me pretty busy. I've been working on the site mostly, and today researched biz cards. Also working on some new flavors and recipes. Oh well, always a work in progress.

Some homemade projects coming soon: play dough(using natural food colors of course), toothpaste, shampoo, legwarmers, converting onesies to shirts(could be ambitious), and making more diapers.

With all that being said, my stress level is high-ish. Just think it's a lot of things going on and that I want to do. Still working out the balance. Kiddo is #1 no matter what, but just sometimes I want to complete one project the same day it was started. That's the life of a parent, isn't it?

Oh and that poor garden of mine. It's struggling. Doesn't get sun for shit in the new spot.

2010-04-17T10:28:00.002-05:00

I'm really behind on both of these. Computer meltdown. It's slowly getting put back together as we speak. In the meantime, I've been using this weird apparatus called a laptop. Too many parts, and not enough mouse I say. Ugh, technology.

Any way, quick updates: The kid took a few steps this week. He also has become more independent and curious. AND doing quite of bit of signs. The ones he does somewhat regularly are: eat, drink, and milk (of course). The other signs: mommy, daddy, help, potty, shoes, cat, more, ball, and all done. It's pretty awesome to be able to communicate with him so early and easily.

Lots of issues with the flooring again. Moving has been mentioned. My garden is kicking ass though, thanks to all this rain. Pictures will be posted on the food blog probably.

Ok, more later maybe.

zippity

2010-03-02T02:17:00.003-06:00

Just a quick one before I go to bed. Some updates: The kid crawls fast. The kid stands and walks with a walker. Seems to be going fast. I think I have to wean him off the boob. Saddens me actually. He has his top two teeth and bites close to breaking skin. And well, being bit on the nipple doesn't feel good.

The food blog is up and running.

Good stuff. Started a starter. Started my garden. The holes are patched, so now work can begin on the floors. Going on vacation this summer. Getting my hair cut this summer. Geesh, been over two years. Ok, that is all.

sometimes i fall asleep with my hat on

2010-02-16T00:26:00.003-06:00

Ugh, dragging my feet on this food blog thing. Part putting it off, and part busy. I was thinking of names though:

Gimme S'more
Eat/Read at your own whisk. (ha ha, get it?)
Suga Tits (nickname I had for a short time, and once considered as knuckle tat)
Cake Dealer (also imaginary bakery name)
Holy Cow (imaginary trailer name)

Any way, also thinking of format: pix, recipes, what I'm making, what I'm eating, what the kid's eating, where I'm eating, farm box details, etc..

And I'm guessing I'll be posting late at night(during pumping) and maybe once a week until I can prove myself disciplined, and after I get my farm box.

And really, I could post one now, but: A)I'm done pumping, B)I'm done eating, and C)I'm actually able to get to bed before 2 or 3am!

Maybe I should take a vote on names?

the things i wanted to say

2010-01-27T09:26:00.003-06:00

Because I'm passive aggressive, I'm going to rant here. Or maybe I don't want to lose it and say things I'll regret.

If you don't want to be in my kid's life, that's fine. Would have been nice to have some grandparent representation. I've kind of had a rough go of it in the parent/grandparent department, and would really like my kid to have it better. That's fine. He has one already. That cares about him, asks about him, etc. It may be a lot, but whatever, better than none. He's kicking ass without your influence any way. And really, your small-minded, borderline racist beliefs are things I DON'T want around my son, so maybe he's better off.

That is all. Apparently, I listen to Polyphonic Spree when I'm pissed. I put that on to type this. And I'm thinking of what I need to bake. Some thing that's involved like a brioche or 5-strain braided challah. Ugh.

is "squeeze box" about sex?

2010-01-22T12:31:00.003-06:00

Just a short one. The kid just fell asleep, and I have an hour window to cram in a lot of stuff.

The farm box looks awesome. Sad, we need to go to the store. No dairy, proteins or starch. Maybe a soup day.

The kid is freaking standing. Trying to crawl, but that's been in the works. He goes backwards. Holy shit, he moves fast.

I made some bread this week, and took just a few pix. Sadly, the computer has been a fucking nightmare so I can't upload (safely). And there's a ton of shit on the camera. Not just crap pix, but funny vids worth posting, ha ha.

I hate it when he falls asleep with a loaded diaper.(he's in my lap still, and it smells) Speaking of diapers, we switched to compostable/flushable, so now we generate a bag of trash a week for the entire family. Two every other if you count the cat's shitter box. Sweet.

When the computer gets fixed (hopefully, this wknd), I can start blogging my adventures in food and babies. Ok, one baby, multiple adventures.

farmer in the dell

2010-01-14T12:46:00.005-06:00

I'm debating on doing a food blog. I don't know. We'll see. Something about what's going with me and the family and what we're eating. And maybe a recipe or two. There's so many of those blogs out there(and I'm subscribe to a ton of them). I think I'm the only reader of my blog. Eh, oh well, it's for my own sanity anyways. It also seems that I don't keep up with it as nearly as much as I'd like to...

Some news: The kid will be 8 months in a few days. He never ceases to amaze me. He's pretty close to crawling, and already wants to start walking. He also seems pretty clever. He's acting more and more like a little boy instead of a baby every day! We signed up for a farm box. This first week, it's contents were delicious(at least, so far). It's fun trying to think of what to make next for everyone.

New foods/textures introduced this week: black beans w/rice, chicken and carrots, chunky carrots, whole peas, puffs, beef and rice, grapefruit juice.

Feeling a little sentimental I suppose

2009-12-16T11:14:00.004-06:00

After finally catching up on some blogs, I suppose I should catch up on my own. Seems it's been a couple of months. Things have been busy around the house lately... Thanksgiving came and went. Had a good time, ran the turkey trot that morning and cooked and ate the rest of the day. My good friend even came down to celebrate with us. Robby enjoyed his first Thanksgiving meal, including turkey!

So now it's almost Xmas time. The tree is up. The lights are up. All baking for friends is done and mailed. All Xmas cards, too. All gifts are purchased and wrapped, including mine and Brad's. For once, we're on top of our game! I'm glad for Robby this year; now I'll be able to actually enjoy Xmas.

Speaking of the kid. He has grown so much. He's really tall. And happy. So glad he's a happy baby. It's so strange how much our lives have changed. Well, they have and they haven't I should say. Not sure how to explain it. Basically every thing we do and feel we just add 1. I still remember what my life was like before, and I wouldn't change a thing. I know how my life is now and I wouldn't change a thing. It makes me look forward to what my life will be in the future. We're having a lot of fun with our son. He does something new every day. Every day I look forward to what he does, learns or discovers.

beep beep

2009-10-15T11:47:00.003-05:00

I had my first post-pregnancy nightmare last night. It scared the shit out of me. And of course, it was about my son. I can't imagine losing a child, well, apparently, I can dream it. It would be worse than losing a parent, which sucks, both times. I hate the fear part of being a parent. All I can hope is that he grows up to be happy and make good decisions.

On to more pleasant things. The kid is pushing 5 months now. And what a crazy 5 months it's been. Lots have happened all around. He's rolling over now and reaching for things and interested in the world around him. Does all of the typical baby things he's supposed to do. He's eating solid foods, and with the exception of his rice cereal, I've made it all. And 90% of his diet has been organic. Soon, I'll be growing his food as well. Right now, I've started pumpkins, basil, cucumbers and cantaloupe. I'm not holding my breath for the cantaloupe though.

Getting used to not having Yoshi around has been hard actually. It's weird going on walks and whatnot. Maybe I should change my route. The house had a really bad foundation leak, ruining our new floors (the same ones causing us to get rid of said dog). The leak itself has been repaired, so next have to find some one to repair the walls, and then have home depot come out for the 5th time and repair an entire room and hallway worth of flooring.

I'm working and that's been an adjustment. I hate working nights. For me, it leads to insomnia, drinking and poor eating. Fried egg quesadillas. Any way, the work is easy, but sometimes there is a little drama. It pays the bills and keeps bug out of daycare.

Looking forward to Halloween. I think we're going to be the "big candy bar" house.

pump and go

2009-09-17T12:59:00.002-05:00

We have lots of things going on. One big thing is that I started working again. Nights. I like that I get to spend all day with DS, but as I trade off, I see DH in passing. That's going to take some getting used to. Basically, I have about 10min to tell him when DS ate and slept last, then off to work.

DS is getting so big, about to be 4 months in a couple of days. Holy shit, I can't believe it's been 4 months already. It has gone by fast. He's really active and playful and chill. Which I'm glad for. Actually, in a few days marks a few things: 1 year ago I POAS and found out I was preg, the same day 15 years ago my dad passed away. Whom DS is name after. And marks exactly one month until my birthday.

We no longer have our dog, and that makes me sad. It's hard to go into the backyard and not get a little nostalgic when I see her toys. I guess I need to pick those up and donate them. Her chair was carted off the other day and that made me sad, too. She's so much better where she's at now(a farm, not dead), so that's good.

just some stuff

2009-08-19T16:23:00.001-05:00

I'm excited that we all made it 3 months! We seem to have a lot going on at all times. I'm looking for a job. Our a/c broke, but it's now fixed. It did, however, leak on our floors. So now, we need more floor work done. I have a job interview the day after tomorrow, but no babysitter. Brad has to work from home. Mental note: find reliable babysitter. One we trust. Wonder what the going rate is these days. Any way, the softball game tomorrow night. MIL visit this weekend... It goes on and on. I'm doing alright I think. I've been through worse right?

Things I'm looking forward to: Robby's official weight at next doc appt., a baking job, Halloween, house progress, new home for my doggy. Things I'm not looking forward to: Robby's weight(the boy can eat), working and being away from milestones, having to go costume shopping, paying for said house progress, and finding a home for my dog. Sigh.

I'm struggling with the thought of her living somewhere else, whether it's a shelter or friend's house. I'm going to miss her even though she escapes, costs us a lot of money, and put me into labor. Heh, love that crazy dog.

hope and a hey

2009-08-05T10:01:00.001-05:00

I feel I must keep everyone up. Or maybe post for my own sanity. It is a diary of sorts, isn't it?

Things are trucking along here. I'm starting to look for work, so the daycare issue is on my mind again. I need to work, but the thought of day care still scares the shit out of me. Especially now that lil man is more alert.

Baby's doing well. Really well. We ghetto weighed him yesterday, and concluded he weighs over 14lbs. Which is big. He looks a lot like me now. Not sure if that's a good thing or not. He's becoming more and more interactive every day. I guess it's just something that some one would have to experience themselves to truly appreciate. I still think, overall, I got pretty lucky. Good pregnancy and good kid. Ha ha so far. Who knows, he could be a little shit later on. Which is highly likely, he is related to me.

sweet melodies

2009-07-15T14:40:00.000-05:00

Wow, just realized it's been over a month since my last post.

Not sure the best way to organize thoughts on what happened since then either. So maybe a pro/con telling...

Pros: Robby smiles. Not just when he's pooping or farting. He smiles a lot, and at me and his dad. He's usually smiles when he gets up in the morning and it just warms your heart. He even laughs when I sing him silly songs that make no sense. He sleeps when I sing to him 99 bottles of beer. Both soothing and educational. He also likes 3 Little Birds and Take Me Out to the Ball Game. He's now sleeping 4 to 5 hours at night, and shorter naps during the day. It's really fun interacting with him. So glad he's a happy baby. At least, so far.

Cons: He eats a lot. A lot. This is a pro as far as health goes. Con when it comes to being hungry when I need to make dinner. And boy, can he cry when he's hungry. It's sad to see tears. Also good and bad. Same thing with sweat, he sweats now. Cluster feeding. This happens during growth spurts, which are starting to get more spaced out. I'm tired but not exhausted. Years spent as an insomniac helped trained me for such a task. I have learned to survive on little sleep and still function.

Overall stress level: not too high. I thought things would be a lot worse. Don't get me wrong, some days are really, really frustrating. But so far, good days/times out-weigh the bad. We've moved him to the nursery. It's harder for me than it is for him I think. Separation issues. I've started looking for work, so I'm sure that will add some stress. I'll be sure to post updated blogs on that. I hate to put him in daycare, as I knew I would. Looking for that miracle job that lets me be with him and husband. Guessing it doesn't exist.

Holy crap, just did spell check and the only thing wrong was 'that'll' guessing not a proper contraction. Too bad it doesn't do grammar/word misuse.

lil tinkler

2009-06-08T10:35:00.000-05:00

That is his unofficial nickname. Alas, after months of waiting and 14 hours of labor, he's here. In the flesh, all 8 pounds, well 10 now, of him. I have never been through so many emotions in a 10 months stretch! So labor wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Actually, when it's said and done, the whole process isn't as bad as I thought it would be. My water broke while looking for my escape artist dog. Actually, while walking home from failed attempt at finding her. We went to the doc to check it out, and it was indeed amniotic fluid. "Well, you're having a baby today, so what you need to do is go the hospital next door." That was how it was put actually. Luckily, we had packed and brought our stuff just in case. Got to the hospital, labored for about 6 or 7 hours, painfully. Was glad to have my music and Brad there. The doc broke my water officially, and then I got my epidural. Another 7 hours later, we got to the pushing part. That kind of sucks. Some pain (forgot to push pain med button), but mostly pressure. Any way, an hour later, out came Robert. His cord was wrapped around his neck, so doc had to cut fast. Brad had the task of telling me the sex, so after a few seconds, he was in shock of all he'd just seen (!), he told me it was a boy! Our son, had finally arrived! I am so in love with this kid. Of course, while still in the hospital, he peed on me twice, and has many times since. And crapped, and spit up on me. On my face. But whatever, I still love him and would do anything for him.

time keeps on tickin', into the future

2009-05-15T13:35:00.000-05:00

5 days to go until estimated due date. I hate that that date could be off by 2 weeks. This wait is driving me nuts. Not much really to blog about. Some hormonal ups and downs. The heat and wait is kind of making me bitchy towards the man, but I try to keep in check. Sort of slowing down on the baking and nesting as well. I'm packed, the nursery is done, my play list is finished, one car has a car seat. Just have to add kid and stir. Oh, I've decided to see how long I could go without an epidural. May bite me in the ass.

to those before me

2009-05-07T09:56:00.000-05:00

Two weeks to go now. Could be as much as four, but there's no way I'm waiting that long! Getting more and more anxious about the pain, about being some one's mother. Got my first Mother's day card in the mail yesterday. From my MIL, made me cry a little bit. Of course, most things do, comes with the territory. Reminded me of my mom. I miss her. I'm getting ready to make my sister's mother's day gift actually. I remember making my mom stuff when I was little to buying her stuff when I got older, to sending her special flowers from where ever it was that I was living. When she passed, I picked it up with my sister, flowers, unusual ones. To all those moms out there, rock on, no matter where you are.

21 days

2009-04-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

Until my estimated due date. I have my moments of panic and I have my moments of calm. Same with the husband. I know we'll get through it. We're going to be parents. I'm going to be in a lot of pain. Oh well, been through worse. Hmm, maybe not this time. I've already started dilating, so that's progress. The nursery is set up. The floors are almost done, finishing today, hopefully. Just got news, mid-post, no floors today due to installer medical emergency... Yeah, we have weird luck.

Had a good past weekend. MIL came down for a visit. Helped us finish out nursery. Went to brunch buffet which was badassly scrumptious. Making my last few baking ventures to ship and then I'm going on maternity leave. It's getting harder to stand for long periods of time in my hot kitchen. Oh and went to a pig roast. Things roasted on a pit are fantastic I must say. That is all.

sittin' here watching the wheels go 'round and round...

2009-04-22T13:12:00.000-05:00

Today marks the official 36 week mark. 37 weeks is considered full term, so yikes. A month to go until EDD, another yikes. The house is starting to come together. I'm happy with the nursery so far, and after this weekend, it should all be set up for Pokey. All we have to do is wait. Oh how long it is going to be... Strangely, most of my "nesting" involves food. I feel the need to bake everyone one last thing before I can't bake for a few months. And then of course, preparing lots of food to be frozen. Baby gets hiccups a lot, and sometimes during the night. Funny, I can see my belly move with every one.

Anniversary went well. We sort of celebrated twice since the actual day was during the week. The weekend we went out to eat and went to a fuckin' bad ass rock opera. During the week, we grilled some brats and had our traditional Red Stripe. Well, I had a couple of sips. Did the gift exchange, and both of us were surprised! Not too many big plans coming up. Some in-law visits, but that's it. Now to sit back and wait.

the hunt is on

2009-04-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

Oh, a small tidbit: I'm catching up on blogs, too. My bro-in-law and his Mrs. just celebrated their 1st anniversary. Kudos. Any way, that reminded me that ours is coming up, actually, a week from today. I should start by saying I get complete joy giving Brad gifts, the hunt for, the creativity, the surprise, whatever. So, anyway, we decided before our first WA that we would go with traditional gifts since we had an nontraditional wedding. But for fun, alternate it with modern gifts. So basically every other year we switch. Oh, and we're always saving money for some huge thing: wedding, house, baby... so we place budgets on the gift. I was trad. the first, he was modern. Anyway, both of ours this year are leather. With a $15 budget. Oh the fun I will have.

rollin', rollin', rollin', keep those doggies rollin'...

2009-04-13T14:04:00.000-05:00

My dog is being super whinny today, and it's annoying. I'm pretty sure we've spoiled her. We've officially made her an outside dog, so she's having trouble adjusting. Plus, she spent the weekend at a friend's house, inside, so now we have to start over with her being outside.

Have lots to write about, as I have not in maybe 2 weeks, but for some reason, don't feel like it. So a brief recap: floors are done! they look fantastic. Brad is a year older! Rebka's visit was super fun, and some debauchery managed to occur... Both baby showers went well. Started putting the nursery together, and it looks good. Good to see everyone before we're knee-deep in baby. Hoping for one last bbq/party or something. Ok, time for pizza and errands.

course by course, one by one...

2009-03-31T12:18:00.000-06:00

As the day draws nearer, I get a little more anxious. I'm worried about the pain, the cost, the upbringing, and well, all of it really. And then it kicks, rolls, hiccups. I just tell myself that I just have to take it one day at a time. There's a human in there, in my belly. I still can't believe it. I think it's finally real to Brad. He heard the baby's heart beat through my belly for the first time. He was amazed. I wish I had a picture of his facial expression. Everyday, we both say to each other, we're going to be parents soon. I'm still fascinated by the science of it. It's weird that this kid, or embryo, or fetus or whatever, fits in this tiny little place for so long. I'm hoping it has the best of us combined. Everything, mentally and biologically. I hope it's a better version of us, I really do. I think of my biological parents and what they looked like, what kind of personality they had. I hope, and going to assume that, I was the best of them as well, at least biologically. I'm pretty sure my personality is a result of my environment. And I think that I'm the best of my mom and dad. For all their strengths and weaknesses, I think I got the most out of them while I could, and I hope that they would be proud of that.

it's that time again

2009-03-24T12:06:00.000-06:00

I have to start with writing being sick sucks. Pregnant or not. I have had a fucking sinus infection now for two weeks. Friday, while at the dog park, my ears started clogging up. By the time I got home it they were in the worst pain. Of course, all the doctor's offices are closed leaving me with clinic on other side of town or... the dreaded emergency room. I opted for toughing it out. That was the longest night. Maybe 4 hours of sleep. Finally broke down and went to clinic on Saturday. Ear infection. In both ears. What adult gets an ear infection? And WHO gets it in both ears? I know who, me, 7 months pregnant and all. Now, 4 days later, I can't hear for shit. They hurt less, but I can still feel this throbbing. Anyway, enough bitching.

Baby news: Baby is doing good. Had a good sonogram today. Baby is head down and weighing in at almost 5lbs. Fluid around baby looked normal as well. 8 weeks to go. Starting to get more and more anxious. The floors should be installed soon, and then we can work on putting the nursery together. It would be nice to have some quiet time between then and when baby arrives. To squeeze in last chance to... stuff. I'm hoping for another outdoorsy venture at least. Which equates to trips to the stinkin' dog park.

playing with my legos

2009-03-19T09:47:00.000-06:00

So, a lot of stuff going on it seems. This week has been busy. Had a doctor's appt. that went ok. Got some strange news about needing another sonogram, not to be alarmed, but as a precaution. On the plus side, we get to see Pokey one more time before delivery. Got to see some family on a surprise visit. Picked a daycare that is both available and not scary! Baking today for a bake sale! Getting our floors delivered tomorrow (making today last day to roller skate, which will be done shortly), so that they can be installed in a couple of weeks. Saturday, I'm going to a SHOW!! Yay!! Sunday, I spy brunch. Again. Anyway, just a brief look.

Ok, thought for the week: I found out the other day that a friend of mine is embarking on a journey, it's not really my business to post their business on my blog, but I just want to give them props. I think it's truly amazing. I don't know, could be the hormones, could be the photo project, but it's been on my mind, and I think it's fucking awesome. I am a believer in what goes around comes around.

Claritin induced candy

2009-03-12T13:45:00.000-06:00

I'm bored and I'm sick, so I made these today. Supposed to be Almond Joys, but I tweaked it a lil' bit.

More like... Mounds with almond garnish? Coconut truffles? Either way, they taste good.