Going Simple

We need to simplify our lives.  I've noticed that in the past several years, people have been coming back around to the simple things in life.  From growing your own garden and keeping your own chicken coop to getting rid of unneeded material possessions and trading movie night for hiking, people are simplifying.  My generation in particular seems to look back on our childhood as a golden age and I think that by simplifying our lives, we can live another golden age!  We have become so bogged down by electronics that we've forgotten the simple joys we loved about our childhoods!  Living in town and raising our boys, there is only so much we can do space and financially.  Plus weith both Jon and I working full time and keeping up with housework/kids/meals/etc our time as a fmaily is precious.  I decided that we should step away from our electronics this summer and find cheap/free ways to make lasting memories.

My first goal is to limit our tv time.  We are gulty of spending way too much time in front of the tv or playing video games.  I've started a listof things we could do that are affordable and would be fun and get us out of the house.  Some of them we've already done and some we won't get to, but here's what I came up with.
Picnics
Walks/Bike rides
Family game night
Cook and clean as a family
Eat dinner at the kitchen table (So terrible that we don't do this, I'm feeling guilty)
Use our fire pit
Build a living room tent
Go fruit picking
Go for a hike
Play with bubbles (because awesome sauce!)
Drive in theatre
Camping

I'm sure I'll find more things to add to the list and I hope we do some of them often.  Another thing I want to do is simplify our belongings.  We have way too much stuff!  I plan to clean out our closets and garage and anything that hasn't been used in the last year is going to a garage sale or Goodwill.  I also think that if Linus gets a new toy, we'll take one and put it into storage.  We can rotate toys in and out as we like but they won't clutter the house up as much.

Summer Has Arrived

We had perfect weather for a couple of weeks so we spent most ofour time outside.  I'm so glad we did because now summer has truly arrived (it's the first day of summer today!) and it is hot and humid!  Last weekend we went up to Skyline and had a picnic...

Jon had surgery to remove the cyst on his finger.  He goes this week to have the bandages removed and I can't wait!  He hasn't been able to lift ANYTHING so I've been doing EVERYTHING.  That Dr better clear him to lift things again...

And we celebrated Father's Day by serving Jon breakfast in bed...

Round Here

We've been busy soaking in the amazing weather!  It has been gorgeous around here lately and we've been trying to enjoy it while it lasts!  I celebrated my 32nd birthday and Linus is officially sitting up on his own!   Big things happening 'round here!

6 Months Old

It's hard to fathom that Linus is already 6 months old.  I just can't believe how fast time goes!!!  

6 months?!?!?!?!?!

Strawberry Jam

Today I made strawberry jam for the first time!  We went over to Mike and Michelle's and helped pick strawberries and they gave us some to take home.

It was super easy and soooo good!  Basically put 1 quart strawberries into a pot and add water until its about 1/2 way up the berries.  This is very scientific, no?  Then add 2 cups sugar and bring to a simmer, mashing the berries throughout this time.  

Once you are simmering, add 1 package fruit pectin and stir until dissolved.  Heat a few more minutes, stirring often.  Remove from heat and let cool a few minutes, then poor into jars/freezer containers/whatever you have to put it in!  

Yum!

Homemade Baby Food

We make our own baby food.  Pretty much because it's cheaper, but I also like that Linus is getting (mostly) fresh foods.  I tend to set a weekend and make a ton of baby food at once that should last us about a month and a half.   It's a lot easier for me to cook ahead so I don't have to spend time at night after work making his food.  I steam anything that needs cooked and use the water from the pot that has juice drippings from the veggies/fruits as they steam as the liquid to thin them as I puree them.  It's easy peasy! I know there are a lot of guidelines as to what fruits and veggies to feed babies at what age, but I follow those very loosely.  The only exceptions are if the food is highly allergenic such as strawberries, nuts, honey, etc.  Those he will not get until he's a year old.

We give Linus a new food every Saturday.  We serve it to him once or twice by itself to get him used to the taste, then we mix it with other foods he's already been eating.  That way if he happens to have a reaction to a food, we know which food it is.  He also gets cereal at every meal.  Yep, my baby gets three course meals, lol!  We've been really lucky because Linus loves everything he tries!  He's had no negative reactions with the exception of bananas, which constipate him a little and peas which give him a rash.

We use the Baby Bullet for pureeing his food.  I really love it as it is so easy to use and comes with a freezer tray and a tray to use in the fridge.  The freezer tray is nice to make 2 ounce servings of staple foods in like sweet potatoes and apples.  I also like to use it to make 2 flavors together!  I just fill the bottom with one flavor and then top it with another!  

I like to freeze most of his food in these Tovolo Perfect Ice Cube Trays.  They make one ounce servings and because of the cube shape, they stack nicely for storage in the freezer!

For a few foods that we consider add-ins for flavor (blueberries/plums/mangos) because they are a little pricier and you have to buy a lot to make a little, we use this OXO Tot Baby Food Freezer Tray.  It also makes 1 ounce servings, but they don't stack because they are half moon shaped.  They work great for foods you will use less and have smaller amounts of.

Mommy Favorites: 6 Months

1. Sophie the Giraffe - I know this one is super popular and there is a reason why!  Linus LOVES his Sophie!  Chewing on this soothes his poor gums better than any other teether!

2. Nose Frieda - I wish we had this when Linus was born!  I had heard about it but everyone told me nothing could beat the hospital aspirator.  WRONG!  This thing is awesome!  It is on my mommy holy grail list to buy anyone I know having a baby!

3. Baby Bullet - We chose to make all of Linus' baby food instead of buying the jarred kind.  It saves us a ton of money and it's super easy!  We got the baby bullet system as a gift and I would recommend getting it!  It is totally worth the money!  You get a lot of storage and the blender is awesome!

4. OXO Tot Baby Food Freezer Tray - Since we are making all our own food I wanted a way to make bulk amounts so I can make food once a month and send frozen servings to our baby sitter.  This tray makes 1 ounce servings so you can easily track how much your baby is eating!

5. Tovolo Perfect Ice Cube Trays - I also love these trays for freezing baby food!  The make 15 one oz servings and because they're squares, they stack really nicely for the freezer!

6. Orajel  - Do I really need to explain why we love this?!

7. Dove Soap (bar) - Linus has extremely sensitive skin and Dove doesn't irritate it or make his eczema flair up.  

8. Excersaucer/Bouncer/Jumper - GET ONE NOW.  

A Little Bit Green

So our dryer broke.  Considering its summer and we have a LOT of bills coming in due to me being giving birth, then getting sick, Jon having to have surgery (more on that later), the brakes going out in Jon's car, and a plethora of other unpredictable expenses we've had this year, we are putting off buying a new dryer right now.  Instead we are doing this...

Jon tied a couple of clothes lines between two trees in our back yard and we are going a little bit greener this summer by drying our clothes on the line instead of using a dryer.  I'm actually really loving hanging clothes!  I grew up with clothes off the line so it's a bit nostalgic plus they smell amazing after hanging in the sun and breeze!  So all in all, we are turning lemons into lemonade with this!  Score!

Homemade Teether Biscuits

1 cup flour
1 cup water or juice
1 cup baby rice or oat cereal

Mix it all up and roll out onto a cookie sheet.  Bake 20 minutes at 350.  Cut into sticks!

Life Updates

Spring has arrived and seems to be rapidly turning into summer!  2014 has been a tough year for us and it doesn't seem to be looking up just yet.  We've had quite a bit of sickness and bad luck, but I'm trying to remain optimistic that it will look up soon.  Jon has had a growth on one of his fingers and he finally went to the doctor about it because it has been causing him pain.  The good news is its probably just a cyst, but he still has to have surgery to have it cut out.  I swear this year is setting us back financially on purpose!  It seems like every time we think we can start saving money again, something else pops up.  I've been racking up doctor bills with my intestinal problems, our dryer broker, Jon has to have surgery, and my sister is getting married and Linus, Josh, and I are all in the wedding!  Sheesh!

In good news, Linus has two teeth and has rolled over for the first time!  He's eating cereal and other pureed fruits and veggies and he loves eating!  At 5 months he was 27 in long and 17.5 lbs.  He is getting big far too fast for me, but I'm glad he's growing and learning.  I just don't think I'll ever be able to put into words how much I love him.  I suppose that's normal, lol!  Anywho, that's about all I can think of at the moment.  Life just keeps chugging right along and I don't know how time can possibly be passing by so fast, but it does! Carpe Diem!

Teething Bites

Linus has now popped two, count em, TWO teeth!  He's only just 5 months and I was really hoping this wouldn't happen for a bit but my mom said all of her kids go their first tooth around 5 months.  Linus has been experiencing pretty much all the symptoms you can get.  Irritable, drooling, rash around the mouth, excessive spitting up, lack of appetite, coughing, diarrhea, fever...he's had them all.  He will chew on anythign he can get his hands on but after a minute it doesn't feel good on his gums anymore and he wants something different.  We have actually run out of toys and had to start the cycle over again at times because he has been so fussy.
I have been scouring the internet and asking everyone I know how they handled teething.  I seem to be the only lucky one who has a baby with every symptom under the moon, but what can you do?  There are a few things we've found that seem to help and some that just plain don't work.  So here's what did work for Linus...at least for a little while.

1. Cold wet wash clothe wrapped around a frozen teether.  
2. Sophie the Giraffe
3. Vibrating teethers
4. Infant Tylenol - We used this as a last resort but he was in so much pain sometimes this really was all that helped especially if he also had a fever.
5. Ora-gel
6. Receiving Blankets - He loves to chew on these!

Life Happens: Being Sick Stinks

So it turns out I've been suffering from a stomach infections.  I kept thinking I was getting the stomach flu and was really unlucky.  Not so much.  Long story short I ended up in the ER and found out I have a stomach infection and mesenteric adenitis.  Basically the infection got so bad the lymphnodes around my intestines were inflamed.  I'm on antibiotics now and feeling better than I have since before Linus was born.  I now think I may have had this since shortly after he was born and just thought being tired all the time was part of the new mom thing and my immune system was just so low I kept getting sick.  Anywho I'm feeling much better now.  Hopefully it stays that way.

Momma Favorite: Makeup

I have been looking for a new foundation that is light enough for my skin tone.  It's a little hard to find a drugstore version that's light enough because I am pretty darn pale.  Also, I need something easy and fast to apply because I'd rather spend a few extra minutes with Linus than putting on makeup. So far, I've found 2 that I really love!

I decided to try the L'Oreal B.B. Cream on a whim and I'm so glad I did! I love it!  I had to get it in the lightest shade, Fair.  Most BB Creams are never light enough for me so I immediately had buyers remorse, but I was pleasantly surprised that this match's me!  I love this for on the go application. I keep it in my purse for those mornings that I don't have time to actually put makeup on.  I just apply it in the parking lot at work in my rear view mirror.  Easy peasy!

I did some looking for the lightest shade in any foundation I could find at my local CVS and the Maybelline Fit me! Shine Free Foundation Stick was the lightest I found.  I liked that it seemed easy to apply.  I got it in the shade Porcelain and it matches me at my palest which I am at now.  I love that I can just rub this all over my face and rub it in.  It really is quick to apply and pretty easy to blend in.  I do need to have a mirror to make sure it's all blended so it's an at home application, but it's so quick, which is what I was going for!

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

I know there are tons of posts on this, but I figured I would put my 2 cents in. Only took me 4 months, lol!  I way overpacked for the hospital even though I THOUGHT I was packing light.  The truth is, you don't need a whole lot.  First, what to pack for you.

1. A going home outfit.  I spent my entire stay in the hospital issue gown.  I had packed clothes to wear but what with all of the bleeding and having to breastfeed every couple hours, it was easier and honestly much comfier in the robe.  You will however need something to go home in.  Make sure it's nothing restrictive.  I wore maternity leggings and a big long sweater.  

2. Your pillow - Trust me, you'll want your own 

3. Basic toiletries - Think tooth paste, shampoo, bodywash etc.  Makeup will be the last thing on your mind, skip it.

4. Slippers.  They are nice to wear on on those cold hospital floors and also might have to wear them home if your feet swell like a lot of women do.

What to Pack for Dad

1. clothes - Make sure they are comfy. 

2. Pajamas and make sure they are warm!  Those hospital blankets are thin!

3. Toiletries - same as for you plus a razor if they want to shave.

What to Pack for Baby

1. Going home outfit
2. Carseat
3. Empty diaper bag - you will get loot from the hospital
4. Blanket - if it is cold when you are taking them home, be sure to bring a cozy blanket to keep them warm in the car!

Seriously, that's it.  The hospital has everything else you need.  

9 to 5

I love that movie!  Seriously, if you haven't seen it you must!  It is hilarious!  Anywho, I am back at work now and we are starting to get into a routine around here.  I won't lie it is so hard not to be with Linus all day.  It helps that he loves going to daycare.  He loves watching all the kids!  At this point, I've only been back 3 weeks so I don't claim to be an expert.  The thing that strikes me right now is that there is never enough time.  By the time I get home I'm tired and I know that there is cooking and cleaning to be done, but all I want to do is snuggle with Linus!  In fact, this was my facebook post yestersday...

"Forgive me if my house is messier than it should be. There are proabably dishes in the sink I could be washing and laundry in the basket I could be folding. I'd rather be snuggling my son. Because in 20 years I won't regret that I let my house get a little too messy once in a while, but I will still be wanting more time with my son."

So that pretty much sums up my feelings.  I'm sure I'll get better at doing everything that needs done, but for now, I'm going to spend every last second I can with Linus.  One of my coworkers recently had a duaghter get married and she said she just doesn't feel like they got enough time with her.  I don't think we ever feel like we have enough times with our kids.  Sure they get on our nerves and sometimes we need time away from them, but looking at the bigger picture, but I don't think there ever will be enough time in a single lifetime. They just grow up way too fast.  Time moves too fast.  There isn't enough time in infinity.

What's Up

Sorry I have been majorly MIA but we've had a lot going on.  I went back to work, we all got the stomach flu, my grandfather passed away and it was just a lot to handle all at once.  On top of that I've been extra emotional because I got my period again.  So didn't miss that.  Anywho things seem to be settling into a routine around here so hopefully I'll get more time to be on here.  Of course we spring forward this weekend (stupid daylight savings) so that may screw up Linus' schedule, but hopefully he adjusts quick.  I have a few posts I've been wanting to do so hopefully you'll see those soon. Later tators!

Momma Favorites

The first three months of baby life you learn about your favorite basic items.  These are mine.

Dr. Brown's Bottles

 - Linus really loves these bottles and they do seem to help some with spitting up!

Boon Lawn Countertop Drying Rack

 - Not only is this adorable, it's functional!  We have 2 and love them!

Aden+Anais Swaddle Blankets

 - These are really big and soft!  They were great to wrap Linus up in and also to cover up while breast feeding!

Johnson's Baby Lotion - Shea & Cocoa Butter

 - Linus has really dry skin and this stuff worked better than any other lotion to keep his skin baby soft!

Aden+Anais Burpy Bibs

 - These double as burp rags and a bib!  So soft and super absorbent!

Johnson's Baby Shampoo

 - I LOVE the way this smells and it makes his hair so soft!

He called me cupcake

When I was little, my Grandpa George called me cupcake.  He said it was because I was so sweet.   I spent a lot of time with my grandparents when I was little while my mom and dad worked, but to tell the truth, my memories of him are a little hazy early on.  What I do remember is a tall handsome man of few words.  Grandpa was never a big talker that I remember, but when he did speak up, you listened.  If I had to describe my grandpa in one word, it would be fisherman.  That may seem strange, but it really sums him up.  He enjoyed the quite and being in nature.  He could sit on a boat for hours waiting for that one fish to bite.  I'm so glad that he got to meet Linus.  I will cherish that memory forever.  I can't believe he is gone.  Although, he's not really.  He'll live on every time I tell Linus a story about his Great Grandpa George.

Grandpa and Linus

Ok I Admit It...

...I totally miss being pregnant.  I never in a million years dreamed I would be saying that, but it's true.  Now don't get me wrong, I do not miss the last month+ of being completely uncomfortable and exhausted, but I do miss it.  I really miss being able to show off my belly.  I know that's really shallow, but I loved showcasing that massive baby bump, lol!  Maybe (HOPEFULLY) I'll get to experience it again someday!

So now that I've got that off my chest, here are some updates on our little man!  Linus is 100% on formula now.  I just wasn't producing enough and once he started on formula, he completely rejected breast milk.  I even tried pumping and mixing it with the formula, but no dice.  I never really wanted to breastfeed in the first place, but since it was free and best for him, I did.  Now that he's done, I miss it.  Seems I'm missing a lot of things I didn't think I would, huh?  Let's talk about how painful it is when they stop shall we?  Linus quit cold turkey, so there was no weaning process, just painfully engorged breasts that only a hot shower could relieve. Even then the relief only lasted a little while.  There were a few days when I could barely hold Linus because even that little pressure cause searing pain!  All in all, the pain lasted about 5 days, 2.5 of which were excruciating, the rest it was receding dull throbs.  However, I was surprised that my breasts leaked for 2 weeks steadily and I still have some leakage, though not much.  I didn't realized they would leak for so long!

Linus is now sleeping exclusively in his swing.  We tried to get him in his crib, but he wouldn't stop waking up several times a night.  We decided to give swing sleeping a go, and I'm so glad we did!  He now sleeps through the night!  He just isn't happy sleeping flat on his back and I wonder if he has a bit of reflux.  When he's flat on his back, but spits up a lot, but in his swing, his head is elevated and he rarely spits up.  If there is one thing I'm learning about parenting it's that you do what works for you.  I have completely stopped listening to any books or other people other than to mentally note tips and tricks. Sometimes we try them, sometimes we don't.  You really have to do what works for you and your baby!

Linus officially had his first cold this past week.  He was so stuffy!  Who knew a baby could produce that much snot!  Thank goodness for nasal aspirators!  He's starting to get over it now and I'm so glad!  I hate feeling so helpless!

Linus started daycare next week because I have to go back to work.  I am not happy about it, but you gotta do what you gotta do right?  Anyway, more on that once it happens.  For now, I'm off to love on my baby!

Babies Are Hard On A Marriage

It's true.  Having a baby is hard, especially on your relationship.  You will fight more, but you will also love more.  Since Linus was born, my relationship with my husband has changed drastically.  Jon and I talked endlessly long before we were even married about how we would raise children.  We talked even more about it once we got pregnant.  No matter how much you talk about it, once the baby gets here, everything goes out the door.  You swore you'd put him directly into the crib to sleep, he ends up sleeping in a bassinet next to your bed.  You said you'd still get out and do fun things, you end up staying in for weeks.  Not to mention, you will be so sleep deprived the smallest thing will set you off!
Jon and I have argued more in the last 2 months than we have in the last 2 years.  We have a rule that we don't go to bed angry.  I know it's cliche, but it really seems to work.  It forces us to work out or disagreements so we don't hold onto them and get even angrier.  And that seems to make us even better as a couple.  We talk through more things, not just the baby.  So for us, having a baby has made us better at communicating.  Don't get me wrong, the past 2 months have been amazing and I couldn't love my son or husband more.  But if you're having a baby, take off those rose colored glasses!  Go into it knowing that you and your significant others relationship will never be the same.  Set a game plan with, but be open to changing it.  Most importantly, be realistic and communicate.  One day, you'll sleep again.

Linus' Second Month

Linus was 2 months old on January 25th.  I can't believe how fast he is changing!  This month he found his hands and he loves sucking on them.  He also became much more vocal.  He coos and "talks" to you and he also...cries.  My calm laid back baby is a little less laid back these days.  I still can't complain because he doesn't cry too much, but when he's hungry or wet, watch out!  I can't believe he's already 2 months old!