Family Musings

You Know Your Baby Is Tired When...

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:50:00 +0000

She falls asleep in the changing table!

Mary's Tries Solid Food

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:52:00 +0000

Last Friday, one week before Mary turned 6 months old, she tried her first taste of rice cereal. Our speech therapist, Nikki, had the honors while I looked on with my camera. The whole time Mary seeemed unsure of it, but did get a couple of good swallows in. We've had it a few more times at home and she seems to enjoy it more. I even caught her anticipating the spoon's arrival in her mouth and opening wide for it!

I think she is kind of smiling at me in this one!

A New Babywearing Wrap

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:35:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I swapped my mei tai wrap for a maya wrap. To practice wearing my new maya wrap, I asked Charlotte to help. She snuggled right in and seemed really happy to be worn again. It has been a long time since I last wore Charlotte.

Once she was done being worn though, Charlotte wanted to try it out. I didn't go for anything fancy since I had 5 yards of fabric to deal with on her 25 pound body...

I swear I didn't ask her to pose for this picture... it is just a natural outpouring of her love for "Baby Doll."

Portraits of Love

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:31:00 +0000

Valentine's weekend I took the girls to Hollis Gardens for a mini photo session with local photographer Emily Magdics. She sent me a cd with all of the images she shot and after going through nearly 150 photos (for just a 15-minute session!), these are my favorites. Not all have been photoshopped, but I think you can see she did a great job. Which ones do you like best? I am thinking it is time to redo my blog design and was thinking of using some of these in my new header.

"Thanks A Million" Program from Banquet Meals

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:50:00 +0000

When my friends at MomCentral found out how many Banquet chicken nuggets my daughter consumes in a typical week (WAY TOO MANY!), they thought I wouldn't mind sharing a new promotion from Banquet Meals with you.

"As a way of saying "Thanks a Million" to their loyal customers over all these years, Banquet is giving away more than $1 million worth of redeemable cash prizes this February through April. Beginning February 8, look for Banquet frozen dinner meals with the "Thanks a Million" logo on the box. Each of these specially-marked packages will contain a special game piece, either one of over 16,000 redeemable cash prizes worth anywhere from $10 to $100,000, or a Banquet coupon. What's better than that? A quick dinner on the table in minutes and a chance to find the equivalent of the "Willy Wonka" golden ticket."

I priced these meals out at both Wal-Mart and Publix and both stores carried them for around $1. We don't eat too many frozen meals around here, but I do keep some on hand for lunches or crazy nights when there just isn't time for a big messy kitchen.

As my friends at MomCentral said, "For nights like these, it helps to have some great rescue meals on hand, like Banquet frozen entrées. Dinner that the whole family will enjoy is on the table in minutes. Banquet offers more than enough single-serve dinner varieties so each family member is covered – whether you have kids who are picky eaters and only like Macaroni & Cheese or Chicken Fingers, or adults who prefer more sophisticated options like Chicken Pasta Marinara, Sweet and Sour Chicken or Creamy Pasta Carbonara."

You can view details of the "Thanks a Million" promotion at http://www.BanquetThanksaMillion.com.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Banquet and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

The Things Mommas Do...

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 21:58:00 +0000

How We Celebrated Valentine's Day 2010

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:56:00 +0000

No, it wasn't texting status updates to Facebook. At least not for me.

But it did involve standing around and watching some random Kiwanis member make us 6 pancakes the size of our plate.

And then topping those pancakes with some huge sausages.

But it did involved us sitting together while we ate those pancakes and sausages, talking about whatever came to mind. Without having to remind a toddler to use her fork.

Then, we celebrated by spending a little time at a local shooting range. First Bruce.

Then, Jennifer. I find it disarms the target a little bit to see so much hostility from a girl with a flower in her hair.

Especially when she is this good. :)

Happy Valentine's Day Bruce!

How We Make Time For Our Marriage

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:50:00 +0000

I was talking to my mom this week about coming down to babysit the girls for us. She mentioned that Bruce and I probably don't get much alone time together these days and that she was happy to spend time with Charlotte and Mary while we went out.

And while in some ways she is right, Bruce and I have managed to go on more "date nights" since Mary was born 5 months ago than I think we did in the entire 12 months prior. Part of that was because, before Mary was born, we had found ways to have dates at home, after Charlotte went to bed.

We made time during naps to sit and eat a quiet lunch together. Sometimes a shared sandwich and bag of chips is better for talking than the much-hyped candlelight steak dinner.

We rented movies that one or both of us wanted to see. And we kept it cheap by returning those Redbox DVDs before 9 pm the next day!

No matter how you and your spouse find ways to spend time together, I know we can all agree on how important it is. Now that we always have Mary downstairs with us in the evenings, seeking attention or food, we have to work harder to steal moments alone.

I received an email recently about a new Facebook group that has information about maintaining a healthy relationship and even has a contest to find "America's Top Couple."

I am not sure how they are defining "Top Couple," but I think we might have a shot at it so long as it is okay to have disagreements about parenting, finances, and who is the better driver. :)

What do you think makes someone a "Top Couple?"

“I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of K-Y Brand and received samples of the Yours + Mine and Intense products. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Valentine's Day Gift Idea

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:26:00 +0000

I have a gift idea for Valentine's Day that can be used for just about anyone in your life.

Young and old will appreciate it.

It is personal, handmade, and fairly inexpensive.

Plus, it doesn't take long to put together.

You don't need to buy any fancy craft supplies. Just some double-sided tape.

It is a Valentine's Day Candy Letter.

I made one for Bruce. It was a lot of fun to browse the candy aisle and think up funny ways to incorporate the names of the candy into a love letter for my husband.

Here is the result:

As you can see, you might need to take some artistic license with the candy names in order to make it work.

Here is the text in case you want to play around with it for your own version:

Extra! Extra! Extra!

There are Good & Plenty reasons for me to love Bruce to Pieces. You see, we are Sweetarts and I’m his Sugar Baby. No Mike or Ike could ever replace him. He might be a Nerd, but my heart lights up like a Starburst when he walks into the room. I go Crazy to the Core when he is around because Bruce is one Hot Tamale!

And don't forget the cute Valentine's Day Mice I made a couple of years ago.

Charlotte & The Alligator

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:59:00 +0000

It started slowly. Last Fall. There were the occasional references to an alligator. It didn't make sense to any of us, but Charlotte often blamed her owies on "the alligator."

Then, eventually, the alligator began chasing our car. Fortunately, my Ford Focus is faster than the alligator and we remained safe. Finally, one day, the alligator was in the house.

He chased us. He ate with us. But he was a nice alligator. So no one minded. Now, he lives with us on an almost daily basis.

But at least now, his mouth is taped shut.

20% off at Old Navy

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:25:00 +0000

This isn't a frugal blog, or even a deal blog, but I do love a good sale! Until February 14th, if you shop at Old Navy via Ebates, you will get 20% cash back! That is an awesome discount on Old Navy.

I looked around and found clothes that would make Charlotte the dancer happy. The pink ballet leotard is also adorable. And, it comes in sizes that both Charlotte and Mary can wear. I think I'll be using my Old Navy gift card to stock up on some matching outfits!

Maybe I'll get this rash guard swim suit for both of them. Wouldn't they look cute at the pool or on the beach together in their blue floral swimsuits? I always prefer the shirt style tops for my girls because it protects them from the sun better and is more modest.

To take advantage of this deal, all you have to do is sign up for Ebates and then do a search for Old Navy. Once you click on the Old Navy result, wait for the page to load and start shopping. Ebates puts a special tracking code on your visit when you link through their site and you will receive your money via either PayPal or a check once a quarter.

(FYI, the Ebates link is a referral link. If you click it, sign up, and then make a minimum purchase of $20 through Ebates within 90 days, then, and only then will I get a $5 account credit. No pressure, just wanted you to know I might benefit if you click.)

Family Date Night

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:18:00 +0000

Bruce and I treated Charlotte out to a rare dinner out with us at Steak 'N Shake. Taking her out to eat hasn't been as fun in recent months since she is so darn wiggly and doesn't like to sit still long enough to wait for her food and actually eat the $6 meal! But tonight we wanted to do something special together so we ate some burgers and skinny fries then chased it all with strawberry milkshakes.

BJ's Wholesale Club Winner

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:45:00 +0000

Fortunately, I use Random.org to choose my winners because everyone who entered was a friend! Random.org picked commetn #10 to win the $25 BJ's Wholesale Club giftcard. Go Michelle! She also has a new blog so if you have a spare moment, head on over to say hello. Michelle blogs at Momma of Two Girlies.

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 10 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

To Anna the Commentor

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:34:00 +0000

There is someone named Anna who comments on this blog (mostly the giveaways), but never leaves a way to reach her. So... in case you win this or any other giveaway I host, you might want to update either your Blogger profile to make it public, or share your email address in the comments.

That's it.

What To Feed My Baby

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:49:00 +0000

When I first realized that Mary was not able to nurse properly I immediately called my favorite lactation consultant and followed her advice to begin pumping so Mary could receive the best nutrition possible. In the days that followed after visiting speech therapists and trying to nurse repeatedly, it became clear to me that I would become a full-time pumping momma.

Never in a million years would I claim those first weeks were easy. In order to establish my milk supply I had to pump 10-12 times a day in the beginning. Each time I thought I had reached my breaking point of feeding my "ugly baby" (the pump), I would consider how expensive quality formula is and decide that if I could just drop one pumping session I think I could make it another month.

Now, I've settled into a routine of pumping twice a day, which I feel I could maintain indefinitely. However, if my job as a "full time pumping momma" were to change (and at times I've seriously considered it), a recent court decision can give me a break on the cost of formula. And this is surely welcome news to those mommas that are already feeding their babies formula. It might be time for you to reconsider the store brands.

The US District Courtfound that store-brand infant formulas are nutritionally equivalent to, and confer the same developmental benefits as, the more expensive national brands like Enfamil. If you are interested in reading up on and learning more details about the landmark court case that confirmed this fact, check out the following links and articles to gain more information.

Official Press Release:

http://www.pbmproducts.com/press.aspx?ID=310

http://industry.bnet.com/advertising/10004868/a-desperate-mead-johnson-loses-135m-jury-verdict-over-false-claims/

http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/esearch/e3i6328aaffeb014c13fbcc5dbedc3d4fd7

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/baby/2009/07/save-money-on-baby-stuff-cheap-formula.html

Giveaway: Shopping at BJ's

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:02:00 +0000

Right before Christmas, I was given a $25 gift card to try out shopping at BJ's Wholesale Club. It took me a couple of weeks before I got to visit the nearest club, but I am glad I did. My only experience with this type of store is Sam's Club, and I find that I can often match or beat their prices by using coupons at my regular stores.

I was surprised to learn that BJ's Wholesale Club takes coupons. Not only that, but they give you coupons to use in store and you can stack store and manufacturer's coupons! I went back this week and bought Pull-ups at my target price, but in 2 large boxes instead of several small packages. They also have a nice selection of baked goods and carry some children's toys that I haven't seen other places.

The kind folks at My Blog Spark are providing an extra $25 BJ's Wholesale Club gift card for one of my lucky readers. But well, in the wind down after the holidays I forgot about it and the deadline to submit a winner is tonight! Yikes!

This is going to be a super fast giveaway!

How to Enter: There are four ways to enter and you can do any of them you like, for up to four entries:

Leave a comment telling me you want to win.
Subscribe to my RSS feed, and leave a 2nd comment telling me you did so, or already are subscribed,
Link to my giveaway on your own blog, leaving another comment with the permalink to you post, or
Share this giveaway on Twitter and leave a 4th comment letting me know you did (copy & paste this suggested text: Win a $25 BJ's Wholesale Club giftcard from @FamilyMusings http://bit.ly/b0exAJ)

That's it. 4 ways to win and 1 lucky winner. This giveaway will end tonight at midnight. Read all contest rules here.

************************************
Some more info from My Blog Spark, the sponsor of this giveaway.

BJ´s Wholesale Club is a one-stop shop that offers great savings (more than 30% over supermarkets) on the highest quality items, carries family-friendly supermarket sizes and accepts all manufacturers´ coupons. Here's what you get when you sign up:

A Member Savings Book with more than $1,000 in coupons and instant rebates

"Sign up and Save" coupons worth $117 in savings

2 cards (one for you and someone else in your household)

A no risk 100% money back guarantee on the fee if you are not satisfied

Click here to locate your nearest club - http://www.bjs.com/general/locator/index.

Check out some of the newest items from General Mills to hit shelves and sure to be useful during the upcoming months:

Nature Valley Nut Clusters - 100% Natural, bite-sized clusters with granola, nuts and a touch of honey - and a resealable package which makes it great for sharing

Progresso High-Fiber Soups - This 6-pack of soup is a great way to get your fiber with the great taste you know and love from Progresso

Green Giant Complete Skillet Meal - A convenient and great tasting solution for a quick and delicious dinner for the family

Pillsbury "Big Deluxe" Chocolate Chip Tub - Perfect for entertaining or as an everyday treat.

The gift card, information, and giveaway have all been provided by General Mills and BJ's Wholesale Club through MyBlogSpark.

Adopting Haitian Orphans

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:38:00 +0000

One of my favorite mom bloggers is also an adoption blogger. As a follow-up to my recent post on adopting earthquake orphans, I wanted to point you to The Tongginator, where she blogs. Today she shared her thoughts on adopting Haiti's orphans and I think they are worth reading if you are interested in adoption.

Happy Potty Day!

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:29:00 +0000

Day 1 - 11 times successfully in the potty with only 5 wet pull-ups
Day 2 - 11 times successfully in the potty with only 2 wet pull-ups (on awakening from overnight and nap time)

I think this is a good start... I'd share what is working so far, but since I don't know if it is going to stick I don't want to get ahead of myself. (Though you can see one of my ideas in the picture - gel clings on the back of the bathroom door for her to play with. $1 from the Target Dollar Spot)

Potty Training Charlotte - Day 1

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:23:00 +0000

It is 11:15 am and Charlotte is in her high chair eating lunch. She seems to be dawdling, but that is only because she knows nap time comes after lunch. And maybe because I broke potty training protocol and am letting her watch some PBS Kids while she eats. I needed a break as she's been up since before 5 am this morning. Giving her constant attention for 5 hours is hard work folks. I think I'll be joining her for a nap today.

The good news is that as of right now, she has peed in the potty 4 times! Even though we've also had 4 wet pull ups, I am not bothered me at all, and I am sure she had them because I was not able to get her to the potty in time. Once while feeding Mary, once while pumping, once just after we'd sat on the potty for a few minutes with no results, and then just one random time. I think for our first morning of potty training those results are pretty good.

Thanks so much to all my friends who emailed, commented, or messaged me on Facebook with their advice. I am remarkably low key about the whole thing, except when I exhibit gobs of excitement for a dry pull up or success on the potty. My degree in Communications from the fine University of Miami is finally coming in handy. :)

I'm not sure entirely what Charlotte's "potty love language" is, but the chocolate chips and new flower stickers seem to be helping. Plus the idea that we are having a potty party with fun bendy straws to drink out of mommy's glass works for her too.

Haitian Orphans to Come to the US

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:50:00 +0000

At MOPs today we were discussing the new decision by the US State Department to bring Haitian orphans to the US. Immediately, I became concerned and had visions of children being brought here even though they were not truly orphans.

While I hope everyone involved will work hard to make sure children aren't separated from their parents or other family that might care for them, I hope you will join me in covering this situation in prayer.

Dear God, we ask that you guide the feet of your Haitian orphans to the places where they can get food, clean water, and a safe place to sleep. For those that are without children or other family to care for them, we ask that you place them in the watch care of people who will love them into safety, whether that is in Haiti, or means they come to a temporary camp or home in the US. Lord, please keep the process full of integrity and honesty while these children mourn the loss of their parents and life as they knew it.

Tomorrow Is The Big Day

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:14:00 +0000

There is a day in every first time mom's life that looms large on the horizon. It is a day that we take an incredible step towards pushing our children into their independence. It is the day we begin to tackle the task of potty training.

Ugh!

Now honestly, we've been working slowly towards this goal for several months. Dropping hints here and there. Putting a pretty pink potty in the downstairs bathroom.

But like most moms, I dread the process after hearing so many horror stories. Now though, after some serious procrastination the last 2 months, it is time.

How do I know that? How can I be certain that Charlotte is ready for potty training?

Today when I picked her up at MOPs, she was sitting on a potty. It caused me to burst out laughing as I ran from her line of sight. But there she was anyway. She had asked to go potty and the teachers, not knowing any better, put her on it.

So I canceled a play date for tomorrow. Bought cute flower stickers and chocolate chips as a reward. Stocked the pantry with pretzels and lemonade. And am going to spend the rest of my evening reading the book "Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day," by Teri Crane.

Feel free to leave comments with any advice or horror stories. I'll need a good laugh by the end of the day!

TWLOHA

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Funny Charlotte Tidbits

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:50:00 +0000

Over the last couple of months, Bruce and I have shared cute litte stories about Charlotte on our Facebook pages. Then recently, my friend Minda pointed out that not everyone who reads our blogs are on Facebook. So, like her, I decided to share some of our Charlotte stories here. It will also be easier to find them some day as well.

These are a mix from Bruce and I and only edited enough for them to make sense apart from the status update format of Facebook.

After a day full of painting with feet, riding her power wheel with Daddy, and baking a cake for Grumpy, I asked Charlotte what her favorite part of the day was. She replied, 'picking my nose." How is it that she is my daughter? I let her lick cake batter off the beaters! And I even turned them off for her!
I just bought Charlotte a $0.50 angel bell @ Michael's and she declared it her favorite toy ever. Guess I should return her other gifts!
Charlotte just told me, after making a bubble Jesus in the tub, complete with bubble stable, that Jesus is her favorite boy. :)
As we were getting in the car, Charlotte yelled, "I left my coupon at home!" A girl after my own heart.
Charlotte said her first naughty word today - doodoo. And she wasn't referring to her diaper.
Charlotte was very proud of herself when I went to get her out of her crib today. She had stripped down to her birthday suit and was ready for a dry diaper!
I just had an interesting parent/toddler conversation. Charlotte farted and announced, "It was gas, Daddy." "Yes, I heard it," I told her. "It was heard all over the world," she said. Surprised, I asked her to clarify, "All over the world?" "Yes, it was heard all over the place," she assured me.
Bruce had a funny interaction with his 2-year old. Charlotte: "Daddy, more animal crackers please." Bruce: "Can you wait a minute?" Charlotte: (in a sincere tone) "No!" Bruce: "Yes, you can." Charlotte: "OK, Daddy."
Jennifer has a modern daughter. Charlotte, and her mother, Jennifer, were building with Legos and Charlotte said she built a house. Jennifer asked who lives in the house. Charlotte replied, "Charlotte, Mommy, Mary and 'puter." She said this while pointing to Mommy, her little sister Mary and a laptop. Sadly, I might need to be ...worried because the laptop was in my lap, but Charlotte didn't mention I lived in the house.

Guess that last one explains the recent doll house story too. :)

Sisters

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:50:00 +0000

Mary is 4 months old and Charlotte is 29 months old.

Southern Girls Cooking Club - Lesson 1

junk@brucesabin.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:50:00 +0000

In the spirit of Titus 2, my new friend Belinda started a Southern Girls Cooking Club for women to get together and learn new ways to bless their families with yummy meals. We even have a Facebook group!

Last Saturday night we met for the first lesson - potato soup and quiche. Both recipes came together so easily I was kind of embarrassed that I don't make either one of them.

The basic quiche recipe is 5 eggs, 2 cups of milk, and then whatever else you want for your quiche, usually, cheese, a meat, and a veggie or two. And no need to get fancy, we used store bought crusts. Lynda demonstrated a cheddar and ham quiche as well as a cheddar and spinach quiche.

Lynda also taught me something about celery I didn't know. The majority of the flavor is in the leaf and it is okay to chop it up and add it to your dishes.

I don't have the potato soup recipe just yet, but tried to make my own version of it today and posted that on my other blog, Eating It Up.

Here are the beauty shots of the three yummy dishes we helped Lynda make.

I can't wait for our next lesson. Any suggestions about what we should learn? I want to know how to make a biscuit that doesn't crumble.