I have mentioned before that I have OCD and you know since I am pregnant and all nesting has definitely set in so the other day when I walked into my pantry and saw how terribly unorganized, cluttered, junky, and messy it was I decided it was time to get to work! I went to the dollar store and got a few bins to organize some of the loose items and headed in. Tyler was nice enough to entertain Everett so I was able to knock it out in one evening!
I had a few "goals" in mind:
Items that we use frequently needed to be easily accessible
Items that we do not use frequently need to be put up higher
Items that were similar should be grouped together (laundry items, games, canned goods, breakfast items, etc.)
Items in front of the shelves should be put away, relocated, or thrown away.
Before
After (Notice my little helper!)
Before: Above the washer/dryer
After: Above the washer/dryer
Before: Pantry area
After: Pantry area
So... what do you think? Does it seem like I made any improvements? Have you been organizing anything around your house?
Weight gained to date: I am not sure this week bc I haven't had a chance to weigh myself, I will update after my next appointment!
Estimated size of baby: Head of cauliflower (16 inches long, 2.5 lbs)
Foods I am craving: Everything! :)
How I am feeling: Still feeling good.. I can tell that I am approaching the "feel like a beached whale" phase but I am not quite there yet. Nesting has definitely started look for a post on Wednesday!
Oh sweet boy! You are getting so big so fast and I can barely keep up with everything that you are doing! I love you so much and I am reminded daily of how great that love is. You are 21 months old now but it feels like I have known you for my whole life. You are such a kind boy and I am so glad that God picked me to be your momma.
This past month you got to play in the snow for the "first" time and you weren't really that thrilled with it until Aunt Marley showed you how fun it is! You really enjoy exploring outdoors so whenever it has been nice this past month we have been trying to get out and play. I know you are going to be so excited when the spring is there and we can go outside everyday!
You are still a picky eater but you really love waffles! I tried to "trick" you into eating gluten free waffles but you weren't really into it as much as your beloved chocolate chip waffles. You are happy eating fruit snacks, grapes, cookies- oh you LOVE cookies! Pretty much anything sweet it right up your alley!
Here's what you've been up to this month:
01/24/13: Said "mm-nah" for banana
01/25/13: Identified an orange block
01/28/13: Said Caillou, we figured out "heah" means phone
01/31/13: Said sit here and patted the ground
02/01/13: Said "eeen up" for clean up, said "bro-wee" for broccoli
02/02/13: Started pretend snoring
02/09/13: Said "Bi-ul" for Bible
02/10/13: Didn't cry when we dropped you off at Bible class
02/17/13: Said tattoo
02/18/13: Said puppy
Momma and daddy love you to the moon and all the way back!
I have been thinking a lot lately about baby Flubber and how I am going to be able to continue on with my daily activities (eating, putting away dishes, working, etc.) and keeping up with Everett with a newborn! When I was pregnant with Everett I didn't really plan on wearing him a lot but I did have a moby wrap that I registered for on a whim and a Seven Sling (pouch sling) that I got for free. After he was born I realized that I wanted to be able to keep him close to me but needed to be hands free at times so I started wearing him.
This is exactly what I plan to do with baby Flub Flub- wear him. Everett, while growing more and more independent by the day, still needs me to be in very close proximity and interact with him when he deems it necessary. I would also like to be able to continue working shortly after Flubber is born and will be able to wear him while I am at work. I will also be able to nurse him in the wrap/carrier when he is hungry without having to fumble around with covers or blankets (it will take a little practice!)
So what are the benefits of baby wearing? Happier babies, babies who cry less, more confident caregivers... the list goes on. Check out these links for more information:
So that brings me to the different type of carriers that are out there, but before we get started there are a few things to keep in mind when wearing your baby:
Babies should be carried (and held) in an ergonomically correct position
Note: I do not promote "crotch dangling" carriers. Here is what Mark from Mark's Daily Apple, has to say about carrying babies this way: "Babies aren’t meant to hang ramrod straight. The only reason a worn baby’s legs would be straight is if he were only held up by his crotch without any butt or hamstring support. According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, babies with dangling, straight legs are at risk of developing hip dysplasia."
There are dangers associated with baby wearing which can stem from improper use of the carrier. Some of these dangers include suffocation, over heating, falling, and injury.
Ring Slings
PROS: Slings are easy to use with some practice and can be used from infancy through toddler-hood. The wrap is somewhat versatile as you can tummy to tummy carry, kangaroo carry, or hip carry with most slings.
CONS: Ring slings can wear out over time and may need to be replaced. Also, if not worn correctly you can put strain on your back, neck, and/or shoulders. If you choose this carrier be sure to practice and read the instructions carefully.
PROS: The biggest pro about this type of carrier is that there is no tying, threading, snapping, or adjusting needed. Pouch slings are generally sized slings and are one piece of fabric that is already sewn into the form needed.
CONS: There are only a few types of carries that can be done in this type of carrier and I don't find them to be very comfortable to wear. Instructions: Click here
Moby Wraps PROS: Once you learn how to use the Moby wrap it is a very comfortable wrap to wear. I would put the wrap on at home before I left to run errands and that way I didn't have to fumble with tying it while I was out. CONS: This material is very stretchy and even though the weight recommendation is through 35 lbs you can risk over stretching the material and compromising the carry (i.e. your baby could fall out.) I personally wouldn't recommend carrying over 20- 25 lbs in a Moby wrap. Another con is that there is really only one or two carries that you can do with this wrap so it is not very versatile.
PROS: A woven wrap is similar to the Moby wrap in the fact that it is one long piece of fabric however a woven wrap is much sturdier and offers dozens upon dozens of ways that you can carry your child. These wraps can be used from infancy through toddler-hood and offer a great deal of versatility.
CONS: Like all carriers, you need to make sure that you are wearing your baby correctly. It is very important to practice tying your woven wrap while at home before you venture out with it. Additionally, there is a learning curve as there are a variety of different ways that you can tie this type of wrap.
Instructions: Check out this link for a bunch of different video instructions for woven wrap carries.
PROS: This is a type of carrier that is blends wraps with structured carriers. It can be used from infancy through toddler-hood however it is best to wait until your baby has proper head control to start using this type of carrier.
CONS: These carriers require the use of knots and tying rather than buckles, snaps, or rings and can take a little time to get used to.
PROS: These types of carriers are very easy to use and often times people new to baby wearing feel more confident when using something that is more structured. These carriers feature snaps or buckles and allow the user ease of mind when it comes to wearing their child. Some of these carriers allow the wearer to carry a child up to 45 lbs.
CONS: Unless your carrier has an infant insert, you will probably not be able to carry your child in this type of carrier until they are 12- 15 lbs.
** It is important that you, as the consumer do as much research as you can before you purchase and use a carrier. The information on this post contain my personal thoughts and are not to be taken as instructions. Please read and follow all instructions on your carrier and use one at your own risk.
*** I was not paid or perked by any company mentioned in this post. These are my own personal thoughts.
When I was pregnant with Everett I did not really have any grand expectations for his birth. I figured that it would be fine and that the doctors would do what they were supposed to and everything would be hunky dory. I didn't think that having a well thought out and typed up birth plan was necessary, I didn't want to be "that" mom at Labor and Delivery. You know the one who is high maintenance and wants to be "in charge" of everything that was going on.
Little did I know that I would regret not having a birth plan. Everett's birth did not go as "hunky dory" as I had hoped and it was partially because I had not prepared myself for what to expect. You can read Everett's birth story here.Amie from Casa Campbell put it perfectly when she said, "Many patients don't know that they have options, and more importantly, rights when it comes to deciding medical treatment. Your first step in having the birth you want, is to be informed of your rights as a patient."I encourage you to read her entire post here.
This time around I am doing things quite differently and will be much more involved with how everything goes with Flubber's birth. I will definitely be having a typed up and printed out birth plan that includes a lot of details that may or may not come up during his birth. I would much rather be over prepared this time. I really like how Amie typed up her birth plan to include different sections and I think that this is something that I will do as well. I have selected an obstetrician that is very supportive of patient choices. I have spoken with her about my desire to not have an induction and she is supportive of that decision.
All strapped up...
We are also planning on having a doula present at this birth. A doula is a "nonmedical person who assists a woman before, during, or after childbirth, as well as her partner and/or family by providing information, physical assistance, and emotional support." Tyler and I decided that having a doula present at Flubber's birth would be beneficial not only to me but for Tyler as well. Tyler's first reaction when I am in pain is to fix it or make the pain stop, which is not exactly possible when it comes to child birth. Our doula will be able to help me with relaxation techniques and this will allow Tyler to be supportive without feeling like he needs to fix the pain.
It was worth it in the end.. (Everett on his birth day)
I am actually (in a weird way) looking forward to this birth. I know that there will be pain involved but in the end I will have another beautiful son and I just can't wait to meet him!
Weight gained to date: 10 lbs Estimated size of baby: Cucumber (15 inches long, 2.2 lbs)
Foods I am craving: Chicken fried chicken from Cracker Barrel! Lol, I have been having the weirdest cravings this time around! How I am feeling: I want to get out and exercise but it is too stinking cold! I am planning on going walking every morning when Everett wakes up but I won't be able to start doing that until it gets much warmer!
Do you ever wonder what your life would have been like if you had made just one different choice? If you hadn't gone to the movies with that one boy or if you had woken up earlier and not missed a flight. What if you had picked a different college or career path? Where would you be right now? Would you be as happy as you are? Happier maybe? Would you be experiencing depression or would your life just be mediocre? Sure there are things that would have stayed the same- you'd still have the same parents, maybe even the same group of friends but your life could have been drastically different.
Until recently, I hadn't really thought about what my life would have been like if I had made different choices. I have realized how even the tiniest details were shaped and molded by God to put me exactly where I am today. If I hadn't done one thing or another my life would be worlds different than it is right now. The times that I thought I was in the crappiest of situations, when I thought my world was falling apart, when I literally had no where to go but up, I have realized that God has been with me the whole time. I don't understand his plan or why he has chosen this path for me but I am truly in awe of how blessed I am.
I love the song "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts. It truly sums up how I feel about Tyler and our life together and how we may have gone through some tough times and that even though we will still have our fair share of "differences of opinions," we are meant to be together. Even though the world might think that two high school sweethearts aren't supposed to really make it and that we were/are young and naive, those opinions aren't what matter to me... God blessed the broken road that lead us together and that is beautiful.
Happy Valentines Day Tyler. I am so blessed to have you in my life. You have brought me nine wonderful years of happiness and we are just getting started. I wouldn't want to have anyone else on this life journey except for you. I love you to the moon and all the way back. :) Love, Laura
So Everett has developed a large sweet tooth and has a particular liking for cookies (or ke-kies as he calls them.) He pretty much refuses to eat everything unless it is sweet. I find mealtime a source of frustration for me because I know he needs to eat a well balanced diet but he really isn't. It gets to the point where he hasn't eaten anything and I just want him to eat so I succumb to his sweet tooth and give him fruit snacks or on occasion a cookie.
Well, I am tired of it and I want my kid to eat but I don't want to have to pin him down or put up a fight for him to eat healthily. So I had my friend Tiphany start looking for recipes of healthy food wrapped in "pretty packaging" (i.e. it "tastes" sweet but is good for you.) She directed me to Chocolate Covered Katie, a vegan blogger who has some great recipes. I found her Secret Peanut Butter Cookie recipe and decided to give it a whirl, but I of course have put my own spin on it.
Ready to go in the oven
Here's what you'll need:
1/2 cup peanut butter
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons ground flax seed and 1 tablespoon coconut flour
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of baking flour or gluten free flour
1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons applesauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt (don't skip this!)
Here's what you'll do:
Mix the dry ingredients together
Add wet ingredients to the dry mixture
Form into small cookie balls (pat down slightly)
Refrigerate for 60 minutes
Bake at 350 for 8 minutes
Let stand for 5 minutes then transfer to cooling rack
The final product!
I swapped out the baking flour for gluten free for two reasons, the first was so that Tyler would be able to eat these and the second was so that I could sub in the flax seed. I also swapped out the sugar for unsweetened coconut shreds- with the brown sugar and applesauce I wasn't worried about the cookies not being sweet enough. I wanted these cookies to be not only delicious but full of good for you ingredients, not just fillers.
The great thing about this recipe is that you can sub out things and the cookies still end up tasting delicious! Everett approved and that is the best part! I am so glad to have another healthier option for him when he asks for sweets! :)
So what about y'all? Are your kiddos picky eaters? What do you give your kids when all they want is sweets? I'd love to try some new recipes!
Weight gained to date: 9 lbs Estimated size of baby: Eggplant (9.2 inches long, 2 lbs)
Foods I am craving: Croutons! This doesn't help my "going completely gluten free" thing but they are so good! I will have to look into some gluten free croutons and see how good they are! :)
How I am feeling: Baby T #2 has been kicking a lot and has been very active in there! This is fun but can also be uncomfortable at times. My belly is also feeling very "stretched" and I can't believe I still have 14 more weeks of growing to go!
Here I am checking in with one month already down for the year of 2013! Man did it blow by!? So have I been keeping up with my goals? First, here's a recap of what I wanted to achieve in the first three months of 2013...
January- March Goals
No soda!
Substitute for tea, juice, and water
Drink 16 ounces of water per day
Eat more healthily
Only eat fast food 4x/month at most
Daily scripture reading
Reinforce this by attending weekly women's Bible study
Reinforce this by using a daily devotional book
Soda/Water:
I have not had a soda since 2012! Wahoo! I almost caved at one point because I was so tired and wanted an extra "jolt" of energy but I withheld! I have also found that the more water I drink, the more water that I crave. It's weird because I have never been a "water drinker" but I am slowly getting used to drinking it. As far as the 16 ounces a day goes, I have been keeping up with that most days. I am on the hunt for a good water bottle that I can use every day so that I can track how much I am drinking. (If you have any suggestions, please let me know!)
Fast Food/Healthy Eating:
In order to track how often I was eating fast food I created a "note" on iPhone so that I can add any visits I have to fast food establishments easily. Here's what the list looked like in January: 5th: Sonic, 11th: Chick Fil A, 26th: McDonalds, 28th: Chick Fil A
I did reach my four times a month quota and I think that it is going to be very hard to scale all the way down to one time a month by the end of the year! I am sure that it will be worth it though!
I have been trying more recipes at home and am hoping to cut out gluten entirely. I am a sucker for bread so it is going to be a challenge. Since Tyler lives a paleo lifestyle, he already has cut out all gluten in his diet. Prior to pregnancy I was more strict and lived a "mostly" paleo lifestyle but right now it is unrealistic for me. I am also trying to cut out refined sugar and sugar substitutes. Check out my "Mouth Watering Wednesdays" posts for new recipes that we've been trying out!
Daily Scripture Reading:
I have been reading almost every day but I am keeping up with my daily devotional book. The book I have, Daily Wisdom for Women is great and it is amazing how often the things that I am reading run so parallel to what I am dealing with that day. I have been trying to set aside time every day, usually in the morning to read.
Unfortunately, I was not able to participate in a women's Bible study this quarter at church because of some changes that are going on within the Thompson household (more on this at some point!) I have however, started meeting with a good friend from church once a week to just vent and connect and it has been really great. I think that it has been very inspiring to have someone to confide in and to be held accountable by!
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So that's how I have been doing! How about you? Are you still hanging to your New Years resolutions or have they already been thrown by the wayside? I'd love to hear how you're doing!
Now that I have that song stuck in your head hopefully it will get out of mine! :) We have been doing some serious spring winter cleaning around our house this past week and it makes me all warm and fuzzy! I love to organize things and get them all nice and neat. Blame it on the pregnancy, my OCD, or my type A personality, whatever you want!
This all started because I could not figure out how I wanted to organize the kids clothes. Silly right? Most people would say, "put them in their closet." Well it's not that simple because we room share. Everett has been sharing the large closet in our room with me and while that has been working for just him, it wouldn't be big enough for two kids. As things were, his dresser (which was only three drawers) was in his closet and his shirts were hanging on the bar above the dresser. I figured that if I moved him to one of the other closets in our room I could fit his clothes and the baby's clothes in together. I had my mom look for a larger dresser that could house two children's clothes. She luckily found a very nice one which fit (like a glove) into a different closet in our room.
So once I got all of Everett's clothes into the new dresser and the new closet I needed something to do with the old dresser. I decided that three drawers in a dresser are better than two shelves on a changing table so I took out the changing table and am now using the dresser as a changing table. The pad fits almost perfectly on top of the dresser and the drawers provide plenty of space for his cloth diapers and other diapering accessories. Winning!
Are you following? Here's a breakdown...
So after all was said and done I ended up with a bigger closet, the boys have more space, the changing table has more space, and everything was organized! Winning!
I also moved all of my jackets, dresses, and sweatshirts into the "new" section of my closet so that everything was more spread out and this freed up more space in the closet in the foyer (aka coat closet.) I did leave my heavy "outter" coats in the coat closet but brought all of the ones that could be used in an outfit into my new closet. Additionally, I went through all of the junk that had been piling up in the coat closet and organized that as well.
So that was the beginning of our winter cleaning... I still have plans for my "office" area (which is located in our kitchen) as well as the laundry room/pantry. Have any of you been up to winter cleanning?
Estimated size of baby: Eggplant (9 inches long, 1.7 lbs)
Foods I am craving: Nothing specific this week. I was just at Grandma's house and she knows how to feed me (even though I am a picky eater)! Everett and I just went up for a few days but it was great to get to see her! :)
How I am feeling: Sleeping much better these days although I do occasionally wake up feeling tired.
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