Stories and Advice for Moms

3rd Pregnancy at 30: What I Really Want to Say

2015-07-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't written on this blog in years. I'm embarrassed about some of my old posts, so I'll just stop looking at them. I don't even remember how to change the layout of this thing; the baby in the header background is now 5 years old and preparing for Kindergarten. My husband and I have another little girl now as well and are currently awaiting the arrival of our 3rd kiddo. -- In-laws, if you read this, my feelings toward interacting with other homosapians do not apply to you. I love you guys. :)

So...

I'm taking to this blog to express what I really want to say about my current state of affairs. I'm not one of those people to divulge negative feelings regarding my health, mental state, etc. via facebook. I'll be the first to express my disgust toward spiders, asinine current events/policies/people in general, and current waves in education, but I try to keep my personal complaints to myself (or to this blog, apparently).

Especially about being pregnant.

When I feel the urge to complain about being pregnant, I think about how desperately I wanted a baby for years before our first daughter came along. I think about how terrifying that pregnancy and delivery were. I think about how blessed I felt to have our first daughter and how convinced I was that she would be my only chance at having a child. I think about my many friends who have lost children, miscarried babies, haven't be able to (or can't) become pregnant, or have been anxiously and heart-breakingly awaiting positive news from adoption agencies.

And I guilt myself into being quiet... into acting as though everything is great when I have to make actual human contact (which I detest most days).

What I really want to say is this:

This pregnancy is hard. Sometimes, it just flat out sucks. I'm more than elated to have another baby, and I would experience all of this time and again if it would result in what I know will be the 4th major love of my life (husband, kiddo #1, kiddo #2, eventual kiddo #3), but it sucks. If you run into me at the store, and I have no make-up on and look like I just crawled out of a grave, please do us both a favor and keep your head down while passing. I don't want to be out in public anymore than you want to look at me.

What I really want to say is: No. I don't think I'll be functioning today. I think I'll just plant myself on the couch and not be a human for a while.

I'm 16 weeks in, and I've been nauseous and extraordinarily exhausted the entire time. The ENTIRE time. Some days, I literally can't even walk up the stairs. My legs and arms don't want to move; I lie on the couch trying to will myself to get up; imagine myself moving; but nothing happens. Some days, my body just shuts down, and I cannot keep my eyes open. And I hate it. I have 2 beautiful, energetic little girls who need their mommy to play with them, and 75% of the time, I just can't.

I'm nauseous and starving but rarely have an appetite. I know. Crazy. I'm ginormous and getting bigger every single day, and is it insane that I feel as though I should at least be able to eat delicious food if I have to look like this?

Today is Day 3 of my husband being out of town for 3 weeks worth of trainings. He is working so hard, and I genuinely appreciate all he does for our family. He's awesome, and I don't envy him right now. I can't do what he does. The reality of it though: the girls miss him terribly; the two year old is confused and doesn't understand; the 5 year old is angry; I'm wiped out and trying to hold it together; the house is a mess, but I have no energy to do anything about it; I've been trying to potty train my youngest (to no avail); my iron is low; my random cramps are debilitating and strike at the most inopportune times; I feel like death; and I woke up this morning with a rash from head to toe. A freaking rash. While it's most likely an allergic reaction to my antibiotic and will hopefully dissipate, I can't help but feel annoyed. It's dumb.

Oh, and not being able to get anyone at the doctor's office to answer the phone for 2 hours this morning? That was reassuring. And "take some Benadryl; see if it helps; and let us know"? Oh, OK. I'll get right on that. I'm sure it won't make me drowsy at all as I take care of the girls by myself since I already have so much energy.

I just want to feel better. I want to be a good mom for my kids.

What I really want to say is: Moms who feel great during pregnancy -- good for you. I'm genuinely happy for you. That's awesome. I don't know what it's like, but congrats. I'm pretty sure you're government-planted robots, but hey, kuddos to you.

I should conclude this with a cheesy, but-it's-all-worth-it-in-the-end type of statement. I'm not mentally prepared for that. It is worth it. Totally worth it. It's also completely fair to vent once in a while.

Gina's Zucchini Pizza Bites

2011-05-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

I know I wrote about Gina's Skinny Recipes a couple of weeks ago, but I just made her Zucchini Pizza Bites and oh my goodness....

My husband and I are having friends over for dinner tomorrow night, and I've planned a meal that won't ruin my WW week. I'm cooking options for regular eaters as well as those of us who are dieting. We're grilling, so the main course will be burgers and hot dogs. However, in addition to hamburgers, there will be turkey burgers. :-) I'm making a yummy (light but doesn't taste light) potato salad and I'm trying Gina's baked onion rings. I also wanted to try these zucchini pizza bites as appetizers. I'm not a huge fan of zucchini unless it's in my great grandma's oh-so-tasty bread, so I thought I should try them before feeding them to everyone. Well... I just made them, and they're fabulous.

I love them. They taste good and are a great snack but more importantly, they're SO EASY. I can totally see how it would be fun to make these with kids. Plus, it would be a great, healthy snack for picky kiddos because of the pizza disguise. :-)

If you have any zucchini sitting around, this is a great recipe. I did everything she advised except for the pizza sauce. I looked at the price of pre-made pizza sauce in comparison to the price of a tiny can of tomato sauce and decided to go with the tomato sauce. I just added some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. It tastes just fine.

Gina's Zucchini Pizza Bites

Soooo Stressed!

2011-05-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging lately because of everything that is going on. I am beyond stressed and overwhelmed with this move.

In June, our little family is packing up and moving across the country. Yes, we'll be close to family and friends... FINALLY, but we're teachers. Teachers do not get paid during the summer. Plus, I haven't even been working this year (SAHM), so we're already suffocating financially. I have a brilliant idea! Let's add a cross-country move to the mix!

We have been incredibly blessed this week as I have accepted a job offer. We have the security of knowing at least one of us will be bringing in an income and will have access to insurance in a few months. This is a huge relief. I just wish my husband would receive a call. He's an amazing teacher and cares more about his students than anyone could possibly know. He has accomplished incredible things here. His resume is awesome. The employment opportunities just aren't there. His content area is not in high demand, and the market is flooded. The one place where we felt slightly optimistic he would find a job has received over 80 applicants. Who wants to risk hiring someone on the opposite side of the country when they have 80 people ready to walk in the door?

It's stressful to say the least. My heart goes out to my husband. He's one of these guys who has to work hard and provide for his family in order to feel any sort of self-worth. I'm grateful for that; I just wish I could pull out a magic wand and create a teaching position for him. :-)

We also still have no place to live. Our family members are all willing to let us stay with them until we find a place. Again... awesome. I just hate all of this uncertainty. I am one who must have a plan and schedule. I have to know exactly what is happening each day, or I am an absolute mess. I need to know we have a house waiting on us somewhere.

Bleh. I'm so sick of looking for houses and job vacancies. If you hear a loud crunching sound, that's just me throwing my computer into the street.

Weight Loss Update: -2 lbs

2011-05-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I haven't been writing much lately. I've been super busy planning and preparing for our upcoming move across the country. There are countless job applications and interviews to be completed, obsessive searches for a place to live, moments of insanity brought upon by the financial stress of moving without a constant income, and an 11 month old daughter to care for.... It's difficult to find time to write.

HOWEVER, I'm still rocking this weight loss challenge I've set for myself. I'm down another 2 pounds (making my total -18)!! :-)

Weight Loss Challenge: Day 50 (-4 lbs!)

2011-05-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Week 7 is over, and I've lost another 4 pounds!!! This brings the total to 16 pounds so far, and I think I might be close to going down a pant size. All of the jeans I've been wearing are too big. I might try to dig out some of my pre-pregnancy jeans in a week or two. I only have 9 pounds to lose before I reach my pre-pregnancy weight. Hopefully, I'll be there soon! :-)

I ate a LOT of chocolate cake on Mother's Day, but I worked really hard the remainder of the week. I stayed within my daily points and exercised each day (elliptical and walks). I'm not perfect and constantly battle my addiction to food, but when I mess up, I just work 10 times harder the next day. It can be done! :-)

WW Week 1: -4 lbs
WW Week 2: -4 lbs
WW Week 3: Held
WW Week 4: -3 lbs
WW Week 5: Held
WW Week 6: -1 lb
WW Week 7: -4 lbs

Total = -16 lbs!!!

Healthy, AMAZING Recipes... In LOVE With This Site

2011-05-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

My Weight Watchers journey is progressing well, and I think I've finally learned to cook. That helps. However, I've been repeating many of the same recipes, and they're starting to feel a bit monotonous. In an effort to find new recipe ideas, I stumbled upon Gina's Skinny Recipes at SkinnyTaste.com. I am so excited about this site and want to share.

Each recipe is presented with step-by-step instructions and pictures demonstrating what each step should look like. This is AWESOME as I am not a natural in the kitchen. Plus, all of the Points+ values are already calculated! Even if you're not doing Weight Watchers, you can still plan these healthy meals into your daily routine. All of the nutritional information is provided as well. =)

I couldn't have found this website at a better time. My husband's grandfather is visiting in a few days, and I've been racking my brain about dinner options. I want to continue to cook healthy food, but I also need really good recipes that everyone will like. I am definitely picking through these Skinny Recipes with a fine-tooth comb.

If you're looking to change up your recipe box and wanting to try some healthier options, check out this site. :-) You will not be disappointed.

Just a couple of examples:

Sweet Light Angel Food Cupcakes

Chicken Rollatini with Prosciutto and Cheese

Weight Loss Challenge: Day 43 (Lost another pound!)

2011-05-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

It is the 6th week of my weight loss journey, and I've lost another pound! I'm down 12 pounds total. :-)

For the past couple of weeks, I have been slipping a little bit. I stopped exercising for a while and had some bad days with my eating. I used most of my extra weekly Points at the beginning of this week but realized I was just going to have another bad week if I didn't do something about it. I've been working too hard to give up now, so I started exercising again and eating well. I managed to get that pound off, and it is definitely motivating me to get back into the swing of things. :) Plus, I met my first WW goal!

FATspiration Tip #5

2011-05-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't written a FATspiration tip in a while, so here goes...

FATspiration Tip #5: Eat every 3 hours and keep a daily food/drink journal.

I've seen this done on all of the FAT shows recently, but when it was recommended by my beautiful, skinny cousin, I knew it had to be true. :-) She's one of those people who makes a fat girl want to spit out the candy she just stuffed in her mouth. This woman has an amazing body, gorgeous hair, and a very pretty face. The worst part? She's so ridiculously nice that you can't hate her. :-) Seriously though, she works really hard to keep her body looking as awesome as it does, AND she's really into the fitness world. She knows her stuff.

According to this wonderful lady, eating every 3 hours keeps your metabolism going. Obviously, sitting on your couch with a box of Twinkies ready to fill your "every 3 hour" requirement is not what we're shooting for. Personally, I like to keep a bag of fresh almonds in my kitchen (no salt or sugar added). If it's been a few hours and I'm not ready for a meal, I just grab a few almonds. If I remember correctly, I can have about 23 for 4 Points. I don't even come close to eating 23, so it is a healthy, filling, super low-Point food.

I can also speak from experience regarding the food journal. Tracking your food is a component of WW, and it has really helped me. Those of us who are addicted to food go through bouts of denial. When I first started keeping a journal, I could not believe how much I had been eating before WW. It was disgusting and kind of scary. Even now, when I don't lose during a week, I know it's because I didn't keep detailed track of my food on a particular day. I think I'll remember it later, but it's really easy to forget.

In addition to keeping a journal, even if you're not doing WW, you should set goals for how many glasses of water you want to drink each day. I love having the little water tracker on my WW tool. During the weeks I lose the most, I meet my daily water goals. Tracking it keeps me aware and motivates me to make sure I'm drinking enough. On Saturday, I looked back through my previous WW weeks. The water is a huge factor.

If you're trying to shed some pounds, add the food journal to your plan and make sure you eat healthy snacks throughout the day. :-) Good luck!

Click here to visit my cousin's new blog! She has a lot of great ideas about saving money. :-)

Weight Loss Challenge: Day 36

2011-04-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ugh.... I didn't lose any weight this week. I have no excuses. I was terrible with my eating, and I didn't exercise at all. Bleh. Hopefully, this week will be better.

My total weight loss for 5 weeks is still 11 pounds. We'll see what the scale says next Saturday.

Weight Loss Challenge: Day 29
Weight Loss Challenge: Day 22
Weight Loss Challenge: Day 15
Weight Loss Challenge: Day 8
Weight Loss Challenge: Day 2

Healthier (and Super Easy) Calzones

2011-04-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

I tried a new recipe/creation this evening, and my husband really liked it. It was super easy, quick, and would be a fun meal for kids so I thought I would share. I found a basic recipe on the WW site but changed it to be more flavorful and filling. You could change/add whatever you like to make it suitable for your family.

4 Servings

Ingredients:
10oz frozen pizza dough (I just used an 11oz thin crust refrigerated dough.)
-room temperature
4Tbsp Fat-free canned tomato sauce
1/4 cup (or more) Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
Pepperoni?
Ground Turkey?
1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
Onion (finely chopped, just enough for a sprinkle on each piece of dough)
Pinch of salt and pepper
Whatever else you want to add!

Instructions:
Roll out dough on baking sheet. Form it into a square and cut into 4 smaller squares. Add a Tbsp of sauce to each piece of dough. Spread. Sprinkle with garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and cheese. Add additional toppings. Fold dough in half diagonally or pull up each corner. pinch the corners or edges together. Bake at 375 for 11-15 minutes.

I only used one slice of pepperoni on mine but 5 on the others for my husband. I needed to keep my Points low. Next time, I'll plan for more points and add a little ground turkey. I think I'll also add some chopped green pepper. :) Again, this is a really easy recipe and quick to throw together. It would also be a fun meal for the kids to help prepare. :)

If you try it and have any suggestions, please comment below!

1st Shopping Trip With Coupons

2011-04-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

A while ago, I posted a response about TLC's Extreme Couponing show. Well... yesterday was my first shopping trip with a tiny bundle of organized coupons. Hah. I was so proud of myself. I only saved $11.00, but I look it as I SAVED $11.00!!!

I was really excited. My husband saw the packed cart and didn't think we were going to stay within our budget. It felt really good to see the final total on the screen at the register. He was surprised, and I was happy.

This is only the beginning....

OMG. Kloe is NOT fat!

2011-04-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

OK, so I try not to write about reality TV and the ridiculous obsession with "perfect" people in media today. HOWEVER, I have a confession to make. I absolutely LOVE the Kardashians, and Kloe is my favorite. She is gorgeous, intelligent, and has a great deal of substance to her personality.

Tonight, I watched the new episode of Kloe and Lamar. Kloe was feeling a lot of pressure because of her supposed weight issues. I know people criticize Kloe constantly because she doesn't look exactly like her petite sisters, but I don't get it. I do not understand how anyone can say she is "ugly" or "fat". People are petty and jealous. She is beautiful; she has money, and she is in love with her husband.

If you don't like her, get over it. Why are you even concerned about it in the first place? Don't you have your own life on which to focus? Seriously.

Why on earth do people intentionally say terrible things about others (and waste precious time)? WHAT IS THE POINT? Does it make their lives any better? I'm highly doubting it.

As for Kloe, I completely understand how she would be affected by the comments being made. That would be enough to pull anyone into a slump. Even her own mother made her feel insecure. WTF? How could a mother say something so insanely superficial and selfish to her daughter? It's absurd.

Now, if Kloe wants to lose weight because she is uncomfortable in her body, I'm not here to judge. We all have an ideal place where we like our bodies to be, and it differs among individuals. When I look at people bigger than me, I do not necessarily think they're fat. Yet, I am unhappy with where I am because it isn't comfortable for me. I don't judge my skinny friends for wanting to lose a pound or two because they know what is best for them (physically and mentally). WHATEVER. I just wish we could rise above the unattainable image of perfection that is constantly forced down our throats.

Canyon De Chelly: 10 Months Later

2011-04-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

The story behind the birth of my daughter is a long one. I won't go into details, but I was in labor for over 2 days and didn't realize it. My mother and grandmother were visiting us at the time, and since the baby hadn't come yet, we decided to take Grandma to see Canyon De Chelly. If you've never been, it's in Chinle, AZ and is absolutely amazing.

Well, it was probably a silly thing do, but it made for an interesting story. I was in labor while we were there and fighting contractions the entire time. This is a picture of my husband and me (17 hours before our daughter was born)...

... and THIS is a picture of me during a contraction.

We only have about 2 months left on the "rez" and I've been wanting to take our daughter back to Canyon De Chelly. I wanted to get some pictures of her to keep as she gets older. Today provided the perfect opportunity as we were meeting an old friend in Chinle.

10 Months and 2 Weeks Later:

Pretty cool. :-)

Weight Loss Challenge: Day 29 (Lost 3 Pounds!)

2011-04-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's week 4, and I've lost 3 more pounds! This brings my total to an 11 pound loss. I'm happy.

I didn't even do the best I could this week. I am PMS-ing. BAD. Plus, my birthday was this week. I think the thing that saved me was my husband being away for a few days. I didn't have to cook him dinner, so I did really well while he was gone. I didn't even use all of my Points during those days. You're not supposed to do that, but I handle my depression 2 ways. When my husband is gone, I can't eat very much. When he's here and I'm depressed, I binge. When he returned, I was still having a difficult week, so I made myself a birthday cake. I tried to be good and made a carrot cake instead of anything chocolate. It didn't taste nearly as delicious as my mom's homemade fudge cake, but it served the purpose.

The next day, we went to a friend's house for an Easter dinner party. I ate a hot dog and a LOT of the taco salad I had brought. Afterwards, I felt horrible. My stomach was in knots. I hadn't eaten such unhealthy food in a long time, and I think my stomach didn't know how to take it. Even though I felt like crap, I didn't do very well the following day either. Bad cramps, bloat, and irritability grabbed the car keys, drove to the store, and picked up a bag of Reese's eggs. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Obviously, I didn't do well with my eating at the end of the week, and I didn't exercise as much as usual. However, I did stay within my Points allowance. :-) I was so relieved to see the scale this morning.

I'll Take the Messy House

2011-04-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

My husband is finally back from his trip. My house has returned to normal, and our little girl is happy again. For 4 days, I had a CLEAN house. Within 11 hours upon his arrival, the floor was covered with clothes, socks, bags, ties, belts, shoes.... There were 7 empty glasses leaving trails from the kitchen, to his chair, to the bedroom, and back to the kitchen. Trash had piled up on the bar, and a heaping stack of unorganized papers rested next to my husband's computer.

I'm happy.

This sounds so lame, but I would rather have the messy house than an empty, boring, lonely, clean one.

Daddy's Trips Aren't Easy On Us

2011-04-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

My husband left yesterday to attend an educators' fair. He is recruiting teachers to come out to the rez. :-) It needs to be done, and I'm happy he is able to get away from the insane amount of stress he's under at work. It's just kind of hard on us. I'm used to him being gone for work or coaching sports, but the little one is just now able to realize he's missing. She says "da da da da" periodically throughout the day, and I tell her he had to go "bye bye" but will be back soon. She usually starts waving at the air. When Daddy leaves, we always watch at the door. During one of our little photo shoots this morning, I think she was looking for him.

She was waving with her right hand....

Weight Loss Challenge: Day 22 (Uggghhh...)

2011-04-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

Time for the Saturday update....

Yesterday, in my FATspiration tip, I discussed that I had gotten off to a rough start this past week. It showed on the scale this morning. I didn't lose any weight. I didn't gain any either, so I guess it's OK. I just DO NOT want a repeat this week.

Since I didn't lose any more weight, I'm stuck with my initial 8 pound loss. That's still awesome for only 3 weeks on Weight Watchers. Hopefully, I'll do better this week. :-) I'm already off to a waaaaay better start than last Saturday. I still have 1 Point left; I've been on the elliptical, and I went for a vigorous walk today.

When I tracked my weight this morning, a little box popped up on my screen. One of the links asked if I felt as though I had hit a plateau. I haven't been on the program long enough for this to happen, but I read the article anyway. It made me think about the food that helped me lose weight those first 2 weeks. If you're planning a diet or lifestyle change and looking for food ideas, I'm listing my must-haves below.

Breakfast:

Cereal with a banana cut up and mixed in:

- My favorite cereal is Kellogg's® Special K® Multigrain Oats and Honey

Trop 50 orange juice

- It's only 1 point per serving, and it's delicious.

Snacks:

LOVE Reduced Fat Wheat Thins

Any of the WW frozen treats or snack cakes/brownies

Schwan's Trim Creations Chocolate Fudge Sticks

Gum! :-)

Water, water, water...

Lunch:

SmartOnes or a sandwich and Wheat Thins

Dinner:

My favorite dinners consist of chicken fajitas or chicken burritos. Usually, I chop up a garlic clove, a large onion, and a red bell pepper and cook those in a little bit of olive oil. Then, I add the chicken, a can of diced tomatoes with chiles, and a can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed). I use the shredded Mexican blend cheese and corn tortillas instead of flour. I can have 2 corn tortillas for 2 Points instead of 1 flour tortilla for 4-6 Points. :-) I also cook some rice and add a spoonful to each tortilla. These meals are so good, satisfying, and low in Points.

If anyone else out there has tips or ideas, please leave a comment!

Saturday Blog Hops

2011-04-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be doing LOTS of hopping this weekend. The husband will be away on a business trip; this is how I will be filling the void. :-) Feel free to join in!

FATspiration Tip #4

2011-04-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Another week is coming to a close for me, and I must face the scale tomorrow morning. This has been a rough week... which brings me to this post.

FATspiration Tip #4: There will be rough patches.

If you've read any of my earlier FAT related posts, you know this is my 3rd week on Weight Watchers. I really do love the program and think it's a great fit for me. If you're not familiar with the program, you have a daily Points allowance based on your height and weight. However, you also have a weekly allowance for days you inevitably splurge. AND... in addition to the weekly Points, you can even swap your activity Points if you still need that extra wiggle room.

Thank God.

For whatever reason, this week got off to a rough start. I have a lot going on right now, and I'm assuming I reverted back to my terrible habit of compulsive overeating. I literally wanted to eat everything in my house. I definitely needed those extra points this week. I didn't totally ruin my diet, but I did use about half of my extra (weekly) Points. The fact that I didn't completely throw the diet out the window because of a few bad days is a big deal for me. In the past, I would have given up. Now, I have to just face the fact that there are going to be days or even weeks when I'm going to struggle. The important thing is to keep pushing myself. In an effort to combat the extra eating this week, I did exercise more. I increased my elliptical workout to twice a day and continued with the vigorous walks when the weather was decent. Hopefully, the exercise has been enough to keep me from gaining any weight back. We'll see tomorrow morning.

Click the links below to read the first FATspiration Tips.
FATspiration Tips 1, 2, & 3

Allergic to Diapers

2011-04-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

My daughter seems to be allergic to pretty much everything. I found out within her first week home from the hospital that the Dreft laundry detergent we had bought would have to be given away. All of the clothes I had washed in preparation for her arrival had to be rewashed with detergent that was free of all perfumes and dyes. Heaven forbid an old dryer sheet get mixed in with her baby clothes. She'll break out in a rash from head to toe. We can only use sensitive skin wipes, and her cheeks must be coated with a petroleum jelly based ointment before going outside or the puffy, redness will ensue.

Because of all of this, I should have known better the first time I put that Huggies diaper on her little butt. Since she was born, we've used Pampers diapers. We received Pampers Swaddlers at baby showers and loved them, so we just stayed with that particular brand. Now, she's in the Cruisers. I usually buy the diapers when I go to town, but we ran out the other day. I sent my husband to the grocery store to buy more, and he came home with a package of Huggies. They're a few dollars cheaper, so I was hoping they would work.

Upon changing the first of the Huggies diapers, I noticed a deep red rash. It was different than a typical diaper rash. It covered the entire area, was dry, and wasn't broken up into separate bumps. I simply can't stand my daughter having diaper rashes. I don't want her to be uncomfortable or irritated, so I constantly change her diapers and keep the area clean and dry. When I saw the new rash, I cleaned it, let it dry, then covered her in Desitin. That usually does the trick, but it didn't work this time. I repeated this process each time I changed her diaper, and it was only getting worse. Her diet hadn't changed; she hadn't been exposed to anything unusual. After about two days of this, I decided it had to be the diapers. I found a few Pampers in a diaper bag and used those until we could get back to the store. After 3 of the Pampers diapers (and the cleaning, drying, and Desitin), the rash started to get better. It's been about 24 hours now, and the rash has improved significantly. It had to be the Huggies.

I don't know if it is something in the Huggies diapers or the fact that my daughter is just used to the Pampers and reacted poorly to the switch, but I won't be using Huggies again. I'm not saying Huggies diapers are bad or that you shouldn't use them. I'm sure there are babies out there who are allergic to Pampers as well. Just consider the diaper allergy as an option if your baby suddenly develops terrible diaper rash and you've explored all other causes and treatments.

To read more about diaper rash symptoms, causes, and treatment, click here.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Life is Hard for a Baby

2011-04-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

Starting with a little sun...

Taking a break to play the piano...

Eating shoe strings with Daddy...

*Sigh* ... Rough Day

Pier 1 Outdoor Furniture is Here!

2011-04-13T07:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Pier 1!!! It is my absolute favorite home furnishing store, and I'm so excited that spring is finally here. Spring weather means we can be outside enjoying time with friends and family, and Pier 1 has the best outdoor furniture and decor to make this possible. Whether you're entertaining or simply relaxing in the sun, you can find whatever you need to make your outdoor space comfortable and gorgeous at Pier 1 Imports.
Must Haves for this Summer:
These Outdoor Wicker Stacking Armchairs are my favorite "go to" item. They're practical, durable, and super cute. If you feel like jazzing up your space a bit, check out the more vibrant colors. Grab as many as you need to seat all of your guests and then stack them for easy clean-up! The best part about these chairs? They're affordable at only $79.95/chair!

This Taza Round Outdoor Table would be a great addition to these chairs as well. The beautiful colors in the table would coordinate with any of the outdoor furniture available at Pier 1, but it would be perfect with the colors of the chairs above.

I'm also in love with this Outdoor Crazy Chair! It's amazing. The design is totally unexpected, unique, and looks so cozy. I can totally see myself curled up in this chair for a nap in the shade. This one is definitely on my wish list. At $99.95, it's a great deal!

Simply Looking to Update Your Space??

If you are just looking for a way to update your outdoor space at an affordable price, check out Pier 1's Reversible Outdoor Cushions. The Scatter Daisy pattern is my favorite. You have a pop of color on either side of the cushion, but if you're not in the mood for a floral print, flip it over for colorful stripes instead.

You could also add an umbrella to your patio space as a focal point. There are many different umbrellas to choose from, but I like this Hot Stripe Umbrella. It's cute and only $99.95!

Indoor/Outdoor

Pull your entire seating area together with a beautiful rug! Many of these rugs are indoor AND outdoor. When summer is coming to a close, bring the rug inside for use year-round! This Brown Scroll Indoor/Outdoor Rug is gorgeous and could easily transition from a patio space to an indoor living area.

Papasans

Don't forget about the iconic Pier 1 Papasans! The newest addition and most comfortable looking outdoor seat around is the Outdoor Swingasan Chair. It is fun and would provide worlds of entertainment for all of the kids in the family.

If you're looking for a papasan chair to nap and/or cuddle with that special person, check out the Double Papasan!

Sales and Clearance!

Visit Pier 1 today to take advantage of great bargains and clearance items! You can always find great prices at Pier 1, and their sales are fantastic.

Up To 20% Off Easter Decor

Clearance!

Special Savings

Check out Pier 1 for your complete outdoor entertaining area today!

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I Hate Coupons?

2011-04-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

After reading all of the blog posts about TLC's Extreme Couponing, I was interested in seeing what all the fuss was about. People seem to either love or hate this show. I couldn't believe the uproar I had been seeing in the blogging community.

Anyway, I watched it last night. I must confess... I hate coupons. I can't stand them. I don't have the patience or organizational skills to deal with those little pieces of paper. Even when I intend to use them, I either or forget or lose them in the bottomless pit that is my purse. I have only used 1 coupon in my entire life. However... I think I may start using them on a regular basis.

I could not believe how much money those ladies saved on that show! Don't get me wrong; I think those particular ladies are raising new generations of hoarders by forcing their children to live that lifestyle. There is a clear difference in using coupons to save money and using coupons to stock up on products you will NEVER open. Sixty-two bottles of mustard??? Did anyone else hear that woman's husband say he didn't even eat mustard? What's the point? Clearly, some of these people have voids that are being filled by hoarding.

I did learn something about shopping though. I could be a little more proactive with my shopping. I could plan and utilize coupons when applicable. I could pay more attention and shop smarter. I'm going to start using coupons. :-) BUT... if I ever store toilet paper under my baby's bed or fill my shower with paper towels, please hold an intervention!

At A Crossroads

2011-04-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

I'm struggling with what to do and where to go from here. I absolutely love staying home with my daughter, and I know all of the benefits of being able to give that to her. The bottom line is... I have to go back to work in August. We're moving across the country, and our bills are ridiculous. Student loans are eating us alive. I have to go back to work in order for us to keep our heads above water. I just wish more than anything that I could continue to stay home even after we move.

Don't get me wrong, I love teaching. I honestly enjoy working with students and making an impact on their lives. I'm good at it, and until I gave birth, I thought it was what I was supposed to be doing. Instantly after my daughter was born, I knew I was supposed to be a mom. For the first time in my life, I absolutely LOVE every aspect of my current job. Caring for my daughter. I feel it in every fiber of my being. This is what I'm supposed to do. This is my purpose. It makes sense. I love teaching, but the part I love the most is being a mom to the kids who need me.

In the area where I have been teaching, many of my kids don't have both or either parents in their lives. Many kids endure inexplicably horrific situations at home. Many feel abandoned and don't receive the nurturing they need. This is the reason I love this place so much. I've always felt needed by my kids. I truly see my students as my own children. I would adopt them in a heartbeat if I could convince my husband. :-) Believe me, I've tried.

Now, however, I have this beautiful little girl who needs her mother. When I teach, I immerse myself into it. I can't do that and give my daughter all of me at the same time. I can't give 200% of myself to both positions, and she has to come first.

None of this really matters because it can't change anything. I have to go back to work. It's inevitable. I have submitted applications and am praying for interviews. I need a job. I shouldn't think about these things because there isn't anyway to get around the fact that I'm going to have to spend more time working during the day than with my daughter. It just breaks my heart.

This morning, I saw something that made me question what I'm doing. I never watch Oprah or her OWN channel, but for whatever reason, I caught it today. As I exercised on my elliptical, I watched Oprah's Master Class. She said things I have always told other people and have tried to live by, but it hit me differently today. I believe every single thing in life happens for a reason. I believe we are the only people in the world with any control over what we do in our lives. I believe we are thrown hurdles but have the ability and knowledge to make the best of situations and use the hurdles to persevere. I know all of this, but I keep hoping some magical creature will pop up, wave a wand, and fix all of the issues we're facing. Oprah, however, reminded me that "luck" like that doesn't exist. In the Master Class episode, she says something that really hits home for me. "Luck is when preparation meets the moment of opportunity." If I want something, I'm the only one who can reach out and grab it.

The whole Oprah thing got me wondering what else I can do to prepare myself for the moment of opportunity I will have if I create it for myself. I know I want to write a series of children's books; I know I want to write books about life, teaching, and being a new mom. I know I want to turn this blog into something bigger. I know I have the knowledge base to accomplish all of these things. I just don't know where to go from here, but I have to figure it out.

Oprah also talks about how we must discover our purpose in life. If we don't know our purpose, we're "just wandering around." My purpose used to be teaching, but now, it's being a stay-at-home mom. That may seem silly to everyone else, and people will tell me it's a "waste of [my] education", but it's what makes me happy and what leaves me feeling accomplished. As long as it is what I feel is my purpose, I know it's what I should be doing. I just have to figure out how to make it a possibility.

Sunday Blog Hop - BBL

2011-04-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

Stop by the Baby Bottom Line and link up with the Sunday blog hop! If you're already "hopping" around, take a peak at some of my posts. :-) If you like what you see, feel free to follow. Leave a comment and I will follow you back. Thanks for visiting!