My Life as Mom and Wife

Considering Moving States with Children?

2012-10-09T13:41:00.000-06:00

Guest Post

Relocation to another state is a mammoth step in anyone’s life, in particular for a family with children. There are a variety of reasons for choosing to take such a huge step, ranging from employment issues or financial constraints to health concerns and major changes in overall lifestyle. Staying focused on the factors and goals that motivate the move, while maintaining open communication with the entire family and involving them as much possible will ensure the move is smooth, positive and relatively stress-free.

Relocating out-of-state

Whether it is relocating for career improvement reasons or for an opportunity offered by a Florida land investment, moving with children is a big step and parents need to consider all the many aspects of relocating with an eye toward how these factors will affect the entire family, determining if the positives of moving outweigh the negatives.

Some families may choose to move after experiencing some type of major upheaval in their lives, such as divorce or death in the family. Military families may find themselves moving, at regular intervals, from state to state, as their children grow. Job transfers and contract employment are other reasons for moving to another state. Moving to a city or town in another state, which is less demanding on the family budget is yet another.

The decision on where to relocate to may already be defined by a job opportunity or military assignment, but other factors may also be considered when making the decision. Apart from employment numbers and the cost of living in a particular state or region, families may also consider the climate and weather of the state as a motivation for moving there, whether for health reasons or simply for comfort and outdoor life. Being close to better quality primary and secondary schools is also a motivator for many families to leave behind their current state and migrate to a new one.

Considerations when moving with children

Moving to a new home can be a stressful experience for children of any age. Leaving behind familiar places and friends may be difficult to cope with and depression and acting out can be the consequence. Being mindful of the feelings of children, talking openly and involving them in the process are great ways to help them cope with the upheaval of moving house.

Small children cope with moving the best, seeing the relocation as a kind of adventure. Simple explanations, such as daddy getting a new job, are satisfactory to them and so long as the contents of their room, such as toys, bed, clothes, etc., remain the same, adjustment to the new home should be relatively easy.

School-age kids, between 6 and 12 years of age, may find the idea of a new school, new teachers and new environment too much to handle. Encouraging them to get involved in favorite activities outside of school may help them to adjust more quickly, meeting new people and making friends along the way.

Teens often take the separation from friends the hardest of all. Friendship is identity during adolescence and being removed from the society of one’s friends can be devastating. Open, honest communication is the key to getting through this difficult period successfully.

Disclosure: This post is a sponsored, guest post. The author of this blog did receive compensation for this post.

How Important is College for Your Child's Education?

2012-08-31T13:00:00.000-06:00

Guest Post

Parents want the best for their children, and a quality education is a large part of giving a child the best start in life. Although this is true anywhere in the world, parents in Florida have the specific opportunity to consider the benefits that are provided by a degree program at CBT College in Miami, which is a fully accredited leader among colleges in the Miami Florida area.

The importance of a college education

While a qualification is clearly often the focus of a college education, there are many other factors in the college environment that contribute towards maximizing a young person’s potential and giving them the skills that are necessary for success. For many young people, a college program provides a wide range of rewarding experiences in secure surroundings, and builds a personal framework for greater achievements in later life. Sporting competition, social contacts, and the development of confidence are all part of the fabric of college life for large numbers of students. More than this, many employers look beyond qualifications on paper to life achievements when recruiting for the best positions. Through college, a young person can dramatically improve their chances of professional success by demonstrating their ability to compete and succeed in one of the many sports, arts, or social societies that can be found on a college campus.

How to choose the right college

Given the varied nature of college life, most parents will want to know that their child is at a college that both promotes academic achievement and provides support in personal and social growth. Strength in a chosen academic or professional discipline is important, but so is an appreciation of other aspects of the community experience that come through attending college. A choice such as CBT College in Miami can highlight a dual focus on qualifications-including a practical approach and career-oriented view- and on the social and moral development that will help to carry a graduate through to personal achievement in family and community life, as well as professional life. The right college offers top ranking courses, a lively social environment, and a supportive infrastructure that gives a helping hand every step of the way.

The importance of a degree

For many parents and young people, however, the essence of college is working towards a qualification such as a degree. Beyond developing academic prowess, a degree program also provides vital preparation as a student gets ready for the working world. Many top employers look carefully at the college background of candidates during the recruitment process, and building the right professional and social contacts at college can be vital. More than the specific qualification, a college degree also demonstrates that a young person has the transferable skills that employers require. A degree represents a young person’s ability to learn, to work towards goals, and to maintain a focus on achievement and success. As such, a degree is a vital aid in making a winning start in the wider world.

Disclosure: This post is a sponsored, guest post. The author of this blog did receive compensation for this post.

How Umbilical Cord Blood Saves Lives

2012-08-30T22:39:00.000-06:00

Guest Post

For some years now medical scientists have been aware of the benefits that utilizing blood from a baby’s umbilical cord can realize. This unique and very pure substance can be used as an effective treatment in a wide variety of disorders with little chance of rejection by the patient’s body. To collect this valuable resource the umbilical cord is tied off immediately after birth; removing the cord blood takes only seconds and is painless for both baby and mother.

Umbilical cord blood contains stem cells. These are cells that can develop into a variety of different cell types in the body, depending on need: this is the true value of cord blood. Should the donor child later develop a disease, such as certain childhood cancers or autoimmune diseases, his/her cord blood can be used as part of the treatment regimen.

What’s involved in donation?

To “bank” cord blood the pregnant woman first needs to discuss the matter with their physician or health care provider. Cord blood needs to be collected and preserved rapidly after the birth: the collection kit must be available in the delivery room. Each cord blood bank uses specific equipment, so making the choice of bank as soon as possible is important. Another decision that moms have to make is whether the cord blood is reserved specifically for their child or family’s possible use, or is to be made available for public use as a donation.

Public or private?

Cord blood banks operate both as profit and non-profit entities and costs vary among those that charge. Non-profit public blood banks will allow moms to donate their baby’s cord blood, and it will be used as soon as there is a need for any patient. Most non-profit blood banks charge little or nothing for the collection. Private cord blood banks, on the other hand, typically charge for the collection kit, the transportation of the blood, and a yearly fee for storage costs. The blood that parents store in such a bank is theirs alone, to be used by their child or family members should the need ever arise.

Uses for cord blood

Because stem cells in cord blood can develop into a variety of other types of cells, stem cell treatment can be used to help treat everything from head trauma to several types of childhood cancers. There are estimates that nearly 1 in 16 children may be diagnosed with a disease that can already be treated with stem cells. While the risk of any child developing even one of these conditions or diseases is low, if a child should become ill, his or her own stem cells are definitely the best option for treatment. That is because there is no chance of rejection by an individual’s own cells, whereas cells, even from a sibling or a parent, may not be a close enough match.

Options to consider

Parents will have to weigh the risks and benefits of banking their baby’s cord blood, either as a philanthropic gesture or for their own potential future use. A conversation with a physician or pediatrician is a good first step. The doctor will discuss the family’s medical history and suitability for donation and will also outline the benefits and potential costs of banking cord blood. Cord blood banking is becoming an increasingly popular option with many new parents today, medical research suggests that umbilical cord blood saves lives.

Disclosure: This post is a sponsored, guest post. The author of this blog did receive compensation for this post.

Got Milk? Absolutely Not!

2012-06-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dairy products are on my dislike list. They give Baby Brother the worst stomach ache and cause a spit up fest that you would not believe.

That is the face of a dairy sensitive baby...

I do not like to see my kiddos in any discomfort, especially when I am the cause.

Turns out, when you have a breastfeeding baby who cannot handle dairy, it is not as simple as avoiding a bowl of ice cream or a glass of milk. I have become a label reader.

If it says "contains milk" I cannot eat it or Baby Brother will be miserable. I never realized how much stuff "contains milk." It's in everything!

But it isn't even that simple...

I learned at The Fussy Baby Site, that milk has a few aliases...

Like "casein" or "hydrolysates." Sneaky little bugger! How was I to know that those are just two of the Super Secret Ninja names for Dairy!?!

Learning all the codes names for dairy was not the depressing part...The depressing part was learning ALL the things that are Dairy carriers and all the things that I cannot eat...

Needless to say, this Mama is on a new adventure. I am learning about dairy free products and exploring dairy free recipes. It is going to be a long road but I will get it and hopefully be cleaning up a little less spit up and soothing fewer upset baby tummies.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

2012-06-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

Pizza is a huge hit and I love being able to make it homemade or semi-homemade.

This pizza recipe is meant to be quick and easy.

Ingredients:
1 or 2 Chicken Breasts
Pre-made Pizza Crust (or homemade if you have the time)
1/2 cup of Ranch Dressing
8 tbsp of Frank's Red Hot
Monterey Jack Cheese (or your favorite cheese)

Step 1:
Cook chicken breasts and shred.

Step 2: Mix dressing and red hot. Spread a layer of the sauce on the crust. Add the rest to the shredded chicken.

Step 3: Layer chicken on the pizza crust. Layer cheese on top. Bake according to pizza crust directions. Enjoy!

My Shopping Cart: A Week in Review

2012-06-11T15:31:00.000-06:00

Albertsons...Retail: $98.99 Paid: $21.67, 78% savings

This was my first shopping trip after welcoming Baby Brother.

I needed to pick up a few things we were out of and found some amazing deals.

The best deal that I found was chicken breasts for $1.49 a pound. That is an amazing deal for chicken and I ended up going back for another 20 lbs. A perfect supply of meat for the freezer!

Along with buy these few staples, I got vegetables and fruit through Bountiful Baskets.

Enfamil: A Gift for Breastfeeding Moms....Um?

2012-06-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

"Congratulation on your decision to breastfeed!"

...Here's a can of formula!

...Here's a bunch of coupons for formula!

...Here's all the information you will need for feeding formula!

...Here's is why formula is GREAT!

Now, I want to be very clear, I do not have anything against formula. It is a very useful invention that has saved the lives of many babies whose mother's could not breastfeed and is a necessity in infant adoption. What I do have a problem with is the way formula is shoved in your face.

This little group of goodies was in the bag labeled "A gift for breastfeeding Moms"that was given to me by the hospital after Baby Brother was born.

When I first saw that little phrase I thought, "yeah! there has to be something good in here!" Imagine my surprise when I opened a bag of formula feeding related stuff. The only thing breastfeeding related was a booklet on how important it was for breastfeeding mothers to take a whole slew of supplements to ensure that their milk measured up. Last time I checked, breast milk was perfect as long as Mom had good nutritional habits...

The other semi-breastfeeding related stuff in the bag was a rebate form for a breast pump and storage bottles. Now, we are getting somewhere but still far from promoting breastfeeding!

If I could tailor a gift for breastfeeding Moms, I would put things useful for a breastfeeding Mom.

How about some breast pads? Everyone knows new boobs leak when the milk comes! Even my experienced nursing breasts leaked enough for a short use of breast pads.

How about some lanolin? Teaching a newborn to latch is painful on the nipples!

How about a water bottle? Is that too much to ask for? A water bottle to keep the breastfeeding Mom hydrated.

The last thing that an tired, sore, learning to breastfeed, hormonal Mom needs is formula shoved in her face! You know what Enfamil said to me with that "gift for breastfeeding moms"?

The message was loud and clear...

"Yay! You're going to breastfeed! But because we know how vulnerable you are right now, how difficult it is to get started breastfeeding, and how extremely tired you are going to be in the beginning we are offering you a way out, a solution to all your discomforts. After all, formula is so easy and the last thing you need is to waste your time and energy try to do something that is a thing of the past."

Okay, so that may be a exaggeration. But I find shoving formula in the face of the new Mom insulting. And then to label it "a gift for breastfeeding Moms"!?! That is horrible! What a way to disrespect a decision to breastfeed.

I am disappointed in Enfamil's advertising and product promotion and I am disappointed in my hospital for going along.

Taco Casserole

2012-06-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

I love anything cheese-y or bean-y or taco-y. Combined all three and you have a yummy, yummy dish of excellent goodness!

Ingredients:1 lb Ground Beef
1 packet Taco seasoning
2 Cans of Beans (I used a mix of black beans and pinto beans)

1 Can Diced Tomatoes
1 Can of Corn
Diced Onions
Corn Tortillas
Shredded Cheese

Step 1:
Brown ground beef with onions.

Step 2:
Prepare taco seasoning according to instructions. Add to meat. Add tomatoes, beans and corn to meat.

Step 3:
Simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4:
Spoon a small amount of liquid into a 9in x 13in pan. Layer corn tortillas on the bottom. Spoon mixture on top of tortillas, spread shredded cheese on top. Repeat layers until the pan is full or the mixture runs out.

Step 5:
Bake at 350 degrees until the tortillas are soft and the cheese is melted.

Step 6:
Cut like lasagna and serve. Enjoy!

My Shopping Cart: A Week in Review

2012-06-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

Walmart...Retail: $71.50 Paid: $41.50, a 42% savings

Shortly after we brought Baby Brother home, we needed a few things from the store. Being that I had just given birth, I was in no shape to co gallivanting through the isles of a store. And being the frugal woman I am, I couldn't just let my husband run out and pay retail for things I knew we could get for a much cheaper price.

Thankfully, the Husband is supportive of couponing and was willing to do a shopping trip not only with coupons, but a price match, double coupon shopping trip.

I set him up with all the coupons, and told him how to do the doubles. He went into the store with his fifteen coupons and came out with everything on the list plus a bottle of wine. He did great with a 42% savings. It would have been closer to 50% if he had not bought the wine.

Now I know that if I am ever unable to go to the store, we will still pay less than retail price for our groceries because my husband is a couponer!

Baby: Liquid From Both Ends

2012-05-31T13:00:00.000-06:00

Spit up and pee fountains...liquid from both ends.

Baby Brother is keeping us all busy. Diaper changes, cuddles, nursing, cuddles, burping, cuddles. I can't seem to put him down! But I don't want to either!

Babies are known for sleeping, eating and pooping and Baby Brother is living up to the stereotype with a few extras...spit up and pee.

I seem to engage in Spit Up Battles regularly. It is like a game..."If I set you here, are you going to spit up?"

And he usually does. I burp him, he belches like a man and as soon as I think we are in the clear...here it comes...spit up.

Spit up happens to be one of those baby things that I don't like. Vomit in general grosses me out. Spit up is like a miniature torture device...enough vomit to smell vomit-y but not enough to totally send me over the grossed out ledge. I just kinda deal with it while thinking it is so totally gross.

All vomit aside, Baby Brother is so much fun and I have gotten a taste of what it is like raising a boy compared to a girl.

It all starts with the diaper change...and he has good aim.

When Big Sister decided to grace us with an insta-pee when the diaper was removed, it just soaked everything under her. Baby Brother on the other hand, soaks everything. Everything under him, everything to the sides, and everything in front of him.

The first time the Pee Fountain shot up my first reaction was to throw my hand up to block the stream...bad idea. A stream of liquid hitting a flat surface causes the liquid to go everywhere. Everywhere.

Not only was I soaked but Baby Brother was soaked, the couch was soaked, the blanket was soaked, the new diaper was soaked. Everything was soaked. Not a fun experience...

This commercial is a perfect depiction of what happened...

Hahaha, cracks me up! Even more now that I have experienced it! Well, maybe my experience wasn't exactly like that but in the moment it felt like it!

Other than Spit Up Battles and Pee Fountains, we have been enjoying every second of Baby Brother. Big Sister has been a wonderful help and is very fascinated by everything baby. She thinks "him so toot!"

BINGO! And win BIG!

2012-05-31T12:41:00.000-06:00

A running joke between the Husband and I is, "when we win the lottery..." The funny part is we do not even play the lottery. In fact, I have never even bought a lottery ticket and I think the Husband has only ever bought one or two scratch-off tickets. I guess you can't really win the lottery if you never play...

Speaking of play...I wonder if I were to play a little online bingo at FoxyBingo, could I win big? FoxyBingo is the UK's top online bingo site and people win regularly. Just check out the winner's page! Prizes up to £3000 and more!! Now that is like winning the lottery! Plus who doesn't like to play Bingo!

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by FoxyBingo.

In the Belly! Week 40 & He's Here!

2012-05-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

We have a new arrival!

This week we hit 40 weeks and welcomed Baby Brother!

At 6:30pm on May 16th my water broke suddenly. My husband was at the store and after weeks of waiting I was a little in shock. I called the husband, he dropped his items and left the store. We grabbed everything, packed up Big Sister and headed for the hospital.

Contractions started immediately after my water broke. After 9 hour, 45 minutes of labor, at 4:12am, May 17th, Baby Brother Grayson entered the world. I had the perfect, peaceful and natural labor and delivery that I wanted.

Baby Brother measured in at 7 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches long. He is perfect, beautiful and such a happy baby. He took instantly to breastfeeding and has been nursing around the clock.

We are all living in a daze right now. A combination of sleep deprivation and bliss with the arrival of our new baby.

Big Sister is especially excited. She says, "we baby so toot!"

And cute he is...

We are so happy to have Baby Brother here! He is a quiet, calm baby and we all cannot stop staring at him. We are in love!

My Shopping Cart: A Week in Review

2012-05-23T00:37:00.001-06:00

Albertsons...Retail: $41.75 Paid: $10.47, 75% savings

This weeks shopping consisted of restocking my peanut butter supply.

Having a 3 year old peanut butter lover means PB & J is always on the menu not to mention all the other yummy things that can be paired with and made with peanut butter (peanut butter chicken nuggets anyone?).

BBQ Bacon Meatballs

2012-05-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a twist on meatballs to please any BBQ sauce lover!

Ingredients:
1.5 lbs ground Beef
1 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1/2 Cup milk
1 Egg
1/2 Onion, chopped
2 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Salt
Pepper
Garlic
1/2 Cup Crumbled Bacon

Sauce Ingredients:
BBQ sauce
water
Worcestershire Sauce
Butter

Step 1:
Mix all the ingredients together.

Step 2:
Roll mix into balls and place on a baking sheet. Bonus if you can get a toddler to help!

Step 3:
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 min.
Heat half a bottle of BBQ sauce in a sauce pan with a very small amount of water to thin sauce. Add a couple of drops of Worcestershire sauce and a dollop of butter. Stir constantly while sauce bubbles.

Step 4:
Place meatballs over rice and cover in BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

This recipe can be found at A Cook's Quest. I have altered it to fit my family and pantry.

Cheesy BBQ Sloppy Joe

2012-05-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

I like simple on days that are not so simple. Here is a simple sloppy joe recipe that is sure to please your taste buds and your tummy.

Ingredients:
Ground Beef
BBQ sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Canned corn
Canned tomatoes
Shredded Cheese

Step 1:
Cook ground beef.

Step 2:
Add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce, corn, tomatoes, and BBQ sauce. Simmer until sauce is thickened.

Step 3:
Serve on garlic toast (or plain bun), cover in cheese and serve. Enjoy!

My Shopping Cart: A Week in Review

2012-05-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Basket of Produce with 8lbs of Strawberries Paid: $27.50

Following my couponing, you might wonder if we eat any fresh produce in our house?

We absolutely do! Only I do not buy it from the store unless it is a good sale. What I like to do is order from a produce co-op called Bountiful Basket.

Boutiful Basket is completely ran by volunteers. Each week, starting Monday at Noon and ending Tuesday at 10pm, you make a contribution of $16.50 for a basket of produce. The items that will be in the basket are unknown until pickup time on Saturday morning. There are also options of additional items, like cases of fruit/vegetables, breads, and sometimes grains.

The baskets are usually a 50/50 split of fruits and vegetables.

This basket had...
2 artichokes
5 tomatoes
1 head of romaine lettuce
1 lb of green beans
1 jicama
10 red potatoes
1 pineapple
1 lb of strawberries
4 mangoes
5 green apples
2.5 lbs of bananas

This is the best way that I have found to keep my family in fresh fruits and vegetables. We are also exposed to things that we would never try and I get to be creative with dinner.

Bountiful Basket is available in many locations. If you are interested, visit bountifulbaskets.org and check to see if you have a location near you. Once you try it you will never want to go back again!

Winco...Retail: $40.99 Paid: $22.11, 46% Savings

This little shopping trip was done at Winco Foods, a great place with consistently low prices. The percentage of savings may not be high and flashy but the savings of out of pocket cash was amazing.

Twenty dollars and some tax got several side dishes and stocked us up for the wonderful BBQ season ahead!

Time Magazine & Extended Breastfeeding: My Reaction

2012-05-11T16:17:00.000-06:00

Image Source

By now the controverisal cover of Time magazine has made its way through the Internet and many people have seen it and voiced thier opinions on the topic of extended breastfeeding. Some opinions are neutral, others supportive but most are completely and utterally against extended breastfeeding.

As an extended breastfeeding mother, I am in support of any mother who makes the special commitment to nurse her child beyond the socially acceptable 12 months.

When my daughter turned 18 months old and we still had a strong breastfeeding relationship, I celebrated and announced it to everyone that I could that I was still nursing my baby. As she approached two years old, I started to feel the pressure to keep our extended nursing on the down low but that pressure was not going to make me stop doing what my child still needed. Stopping was not on my agenda, in fact, my daughter nursed until 2 days before her third birthday.

You read that correctly. I was still nursing my toddler, while pregnant, up until her third birthday.

When I saw the cover of Time, I did not react because to me there is nothing shocking about a toddler nursing. It is normal and natural to me. What I did react to were the comments on the cover and the comments about the topic in general.

I was appalled by what some people think of breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding. But the most appalling and down right disgusting were comments calling the published breastfeeding pictures "child porn."

In fact, I am sick to my stomach that there people in this world who would call feeding a child, in the way nature intended, something as disgusting, repulsive, and nauseating as child pornography. For a mother to be compared to the predatory animals that take advantage of children in the worst, most inhumanly way possible is horrible. I am outraged at the people who have the gaul to place a nursing mother on the same level as a child predator and it sends me over the edge to know that opinion is expressed and widely supported.

I don't even know what to say to those negative people. I am open to opinions that differ from my own but I cannot understand how someone can feel comfortable openly expressing their opinion when it is not based on any sort of educated information.

Attachment parenting is about "forming and nurturing strong connections between parents and their children" not damaging them. If even one of those negative, judgmental, misinformed people took the time to look at what attachment parenting was really about they would not call a mother a pedophile and say that she is damaging her child by caring for them.

The eight principles of attachment parenting include...

To the people who believe that extended breastfeeding is damaging to child self esteem, psychological development, and future are severely misinformed, I would like to pull a few points from Attachment Parenting International.

"The newborn's rooting, sucking, and crying reflexes evolved to ensure the close proximity of a mother or other caregiver that the baby can depend on to meet her intense needs. The more parents learn to identify and meet their baby's needs, the more securely attached the parent-child bond becomes."

One thing I have taken from all the classes on child development that I have studied as a psychology major is the importance of a secure parental relationship for a child's future development and relationships. The first relationship a child develops is with the parents and it only makes sense that the first relationship shapes how future relationship are formed and maintained. Pressuring a child to wean or be away from the parent before they are truly ready can possibly be damaging to the secure attachment between a child and parent.

That is why "feeding a child involves more than providing nutrients; it is an act of love." Extended breastfeeding mothers are not pedophiles and it is not child abuse to nurse a child beyond what society deems appropriate.

Last time I checked, our society had a pretty skewed view of what was socially acceptable. The most extreme, but most accurate, example of what our society deems acceptable can be seen in media advertising. Children and women are portrayed as sex objects. Girls, at increasingly younger ages, are pressured to have the same level of sex appeal as grown women. I guess it is no surprise, with an oversexualized society, that a woman seen nursing an infant or toddler would instantly draw up images of sexual acts and be called "child porn."

I say, shame on anyone who thinks it is acceptable to publicly or privately refer to a mother as a sexual predator. Shame on a society full of people trying to make nurturing, loving mothers out to be no better than the scum of the earth that prey on children. Breastfeeding is a parenting choice, extended breastfeeding is a parenting choice. Guess who makes those choices? The parents! Shame on anyone with the audacity to think they know the best way to raise a child that is not their own and think that anything other than the way that they would do it is wrong.

Kuddos to any mother who can do what she knows is right for her children despite the negative, disgusting comments that are going to be slung from the misinformed, judgemental section of society.

In the Belly! Week 39

2012-05-10T12:41:00.000-06:00

Week 39 and still very pregnant. I am extremely impatient and ready to meet Baby Brother. According to babycenter.com, he is the size of a small watermelon (I feel like I swallowed a giant watermelon!) and could weigh around 7 lbs and stretch about 20 inches long.

My bags are packed, the car seat is in the car and we are ready to roll...just waiting on the star of the show to make his move.

At this point, I am so impatient that I am sure that he is never going to come and is just going to torture me with "false alarms."

I have to constantly remind myself that he will come when he is done cooking but it is hard to be this close to the finish line. I can see the end, yet, we are still not there!

I think even Big Sister is ready to have a baby in the house. She has been toting a doll around, it goes everywhere with her. She cares for the doll and announces "Elizabeth is a gooood Mama!" often. And she is a very good Mama and will be an awesome big sister.

We often talk about all the things she is going to help me with when Baby Brother get here.

Until Baby Brother makes his move I am left to sit and impatiently admire the cute clothes I cannot wait to put him. Especially the little socks. Baby socks are so cute!

"I like Dinosaurs better."

2012-05-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

Elizabeth's favorite thing right now is Dinosaurs. She plays with dinosaur toys, watches dinosaur movies and plays dinosaur games. She is all about dinosaurs!

According to her, she likes dinosaurs "better."

While eating her favorite snack, yogurt...
              "Elizabeth, do you like yogurt?"
               "I like dinosaurs better."

While drinking her favorite drink, chocolate milk...
               "Elizabeth, do you like chocolate milk?"
               "I like dinosaurs better."

Elizabeth: "Balloons!"
Daddy: "Do you like balloons?"
Elizabeth: "I like dinosaurs better."

While reading stories...
               "Elizabeth, do you like reading stories?"
                "I like dinosaurs better."

While playing with Mama or Daddy....
               "Elizabeth, do you like playing with Mama (or Daddy)?"
              "I like dinosaurs better."

Elizabeth: "Can I have chocolate milk?"
Mama: "Yeah. Do you like chocolate milk?"
Elizabeth: "I like dinosaurs better."

On our way to the park...
                  "Elizabeth do you like playing at the park?"
                  "I like dinosaurs better."

While eating dinner...
                    "Elizabeth, do you like this dinner?"
                    "Yummmm. Um no, I like dinosaurs better."

Daddy: "Elizabeth, do you want ice cream?"
Elizabeth: "No. I like dinosaurs better."

Basically, she likes dinosaurs better than everything! But that makes excellent sense, dinosaurs are awesome! Only the cool kids like to play with dinosaurs and watch dinosaur movies for hours on end!

Buffalo Chicken Taco

2012-05-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hmm, buffalo chicken...Sometimes I crave something with a little heat and this recipe is so simple it can be repeated without any effort.

Ingredients:
1 Chicken breasts, cubed or shredded
4 tsp Frank's Red Hot
1/2 cup Ranch dressing
Tortillas
Lettuce

Step 1:
Cook chicken breast and cube or shred, whichever you prefer.

Step 2:
Mix Frank's Red Hot and Ranch dressing, adjusting the amount of red hot to your desired heat. The ratio of 4 tsp and 1/2 was mild enough for 3 year old Elizabeth. I added extra red hot to mine, I like the kick!

Step 3:
Add red and ranch sauce to chicken and heat until bubbly.

Step 4:
Serve in a tortilla with lettuce or other veggies. Enjoy!

My Shopping Cart: A Week in Review

2012-05-07T11:13:00.000-06:00

Albertsons...Retail: $213.75 Paid: $42.06, 80% savings

This was my last big trip before Baby Brother arrives (we are still waiting!).

I wanted to make sure to take advantage of the excellent sale on my favorite juice, Cranberry Naturals.

I also got us all set on milk for the next couple of weeks and was even able to splurge on a few things and still have a good percentage of savings.

Inaugural Flushing

2012-05-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

Recently, I went all Deep Clean Crazy on the bathrooms. No one likes to clean the bathroom but when I set my mind to the task and let go, I rather enjoy it, especially the end product.

After all my efforts are focused on making my bathrooms sparkle and shine and look like fancy, high end, never been used bathrooms of some celebrity with too many loos to choose from, I feel a sense of pride. I also feel a sense of protectiveness. Don't you dare mess up my spotless masterpiece!

With this protectiveness, it is no surprise that the Husband got a dirty look when, following my brag-fest of my so-clean-you-could-eat-off-of-it-toilet (umm...yeah, probably not recommend based on the gross factor!) he announced that it was time for an "Inaugural Flushing."

Seriously? I just spent what seemed like hours undoing all the "flushing" that occurred in the Throne Room and he was going to soil it! (pun intended!)

I have noticed a trend in being the primary cleaner of household rooms...they always get "broke in" or "tested out," resulting in more mess and an inevitable return to an untidy state. Spotless floors become toy strewn again, clean surfaces attract clutter, and shiny new toilets get inaugural flushings.

For once, I wish to be able to enjoy a spotless, design magazine, perfect room without having to watch it unravel before me.

Elizabeth's favorite thing to do after I clean a room is to announce, "Room all clean! Play with toys now?" How can I possible say no?

Maybe, the instant messing up of my newly cleaned rooms is a way of showing appreciation? I try to look at it that way so that I do not go completely crazy. My family is happy I have given them a clean area to do their business, because everyone enjoys a clean space.

What room do you take pride in after a good cleaning and despise when it is messed up again?

BBQ Pork Chops with BBQ sauce

2012-05-01T19:40:00.000-06:00

Nothing beats a BBQed pork chop, unless you put it over rice and drizzle it in a special, ah-mah-zing, BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:
Pork Chops
BBQ Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce
Butter
Seasoning of Choice for Pork
water

Step 1:
Season and sear pork chop on high heat in a pan that can be placed in the over.

Step 2:
Pour about half a bottle of thinned (water) BBQ sauce over the seared chops. Add a couple drops of worcestershire sauce. Make sure the chops are covered and finish in the over on 350 degrees. Sauce with thicken while they cook but the water keeps it from burning.

Step 3:
Once the chops are finished, remove them from the pan and set aside to rest. Place the pan back on the stove over medium heat. Add a dollop of butter and continue heating to a bubbling state, stirring constantly.

Step 4:
Slice pork chop, place over rice and drizzle with the BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

My Shopping Cart: A Week in Review

2012-04-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Albertsons...Retail: $42.66 Paid: $7.48, 82% savings

This week I bought a lot of good, real food! It was a "Coupon Round Up" at Albertsons, which meant all coupons from $0.25 to $0.99 were rounded up to a $1 and any thing less than $0.25 was worth 4 times as much.

This meant, that a lot of the very low value coupons that are hardly ever used or when used, barely make a dent in the total cost of the item.

My first trip, featured to the right, was mainly to get bread and lunch meat for our picnic in the park. I decided to grab a few other things and do some "scouting" for my larger trip.

My larger trip was much more involved and took a lot longer. However, I was able to get a good variety of dairy, meat and other foods.

Albertsons...Retail $211.40 Paid: $46.49, 78% savings

During the coupon round up, I like to visit Walmart and ad match. I am able to get Walmart's low prices with a rounded up coupon.

Walmart...Retail: $60.31 Paid: $22.73, 62% savings

Walmart...Retail: $33.34 Paid: $21.28, 36% savings

The difference in percentage of savings between the two stores has to do with the non-sale price. Albertsons is a considerably more expensive store than Walmart but I often get better deals at Albertsons because they have excellent sales.

I was really pleased with last weeks purchases! I got a wide variety of food for very little money and that always feels good.

In the Belly! Week 37

2012-04-27T11:52:00.000-06:00

Yay! We are now considered full term! Babycenter.com never fails and has informed me that my baby is as long as a piece of swish chard. My little veggie is capable of joining us but would benefit from staying put as long as possible.

I wouldn't mind if he joined us and by the looks of my belly he may be gearing up to make his grand entrance soon.

Last Saturday, I was enjoying a day out and about, hitting the yard sales pretty hard, when all of a sudden...BAM! Baby dropped.

I had no idea that it worked like that, I never dropped with the first. So there I was, sitting in the car, driving along, when all of a sudden I felt extremely uncomfortable, like on the verge of painful uncomfortable. I told the Husband that we needed to stop, like, NOW! He had no idea I was serious until I told him to stop jabbering at me a pull over.

We stopped and I got out of the car, did a little jig, Elvis style, wiggling my hips in all directions. Instant relief. Baby Brother dropped and had no place to go with the position I was sitting.

After that, I had the feeling that a bowling ball was trying to escape...someplace a bowling ball should never be...

Now, I look really funny. I am not happy about it. I loved my giant pregnant belly. I resemble something like an olive on a stick (only I wish my stick were a little more stick like!) with butt and belly on the same level. My shirts are not long enough and I visit the bathroom about one million times a day, a problem I never had before.

Nights are long, with multiple wake ups and I waddle around afraid that if I spread my legs too far, Baby Brother is going to drop out.

Needless to say, I will welcome the end of this phase! I am patiently (or not!) counting down the days, hoping every little discomfort results in a baby.

*Eviction Notice Posted. Time to pack your bags and join us in the real world, Baby Brother.*