Happy Holidays!

Since I've blogged last, we took Aubri to see Santa. Obviously, this one wasn't the real Santa. She didn't cry at all or try to pull his fake beard.  She was a perfect angel.  She told him she wanted a wagon, swing, clothes, and an iPad.  Kids these days.

We also got her Christmas pictures taken.  A friend of mine takes our pictures and Aubri adores her.

I'm taking off of work next week.  YAY!  I don't think I have had a day off since my maternity leave.  So, to say I'm excited is an understatement.

I'm done with school for the semester.  I got an A in my class and I'm still getting a 4.0. School starts back on the 14th, I believe.  

Aubri has been good.  She crawls now.  And she crawls fast.  Her favorite place to be is under the Christmas tree.  And changing her diaper has become a chore.  Have you ever tried putting a diaper on a tornado?  But, she loves life and she thinks everything is funny.  She's such a happy little girl.

Anyway, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  I'm going to spend my time off spoiling our baby girl. 

Buttons, Hugs n Stitches

Just wanted to let you all know that my mom has added some awesome stuff to her Etsy page. 

The flannel baby blankets are perfect for the winter months.  And she has the cutest tag blankets that I've ever seen.

For reading about this here, she is offering all of my readers a 10% discount.  Just type in the code 10STITCH at checkout.

To check out her Etsy shopt, click HERE.

You can also check out more of her stuff on her facebook page HERE.

7 Months!

Holy crap!  I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've blogged.  I've been making my rounds and commenting here and there.

Today my baby girl is 7 months old.  People always told me that it goes by so fast.  Now, I believe it. 

Aubri was sick for the first time this week.  Poor little thing had a stuffy nose.  Tuesday night was rough.  She finally gave in about about 4:30 a.m.

She has quite the little personality now.  She's always smiling.  And besides when she was sick, she usually doesn't cry.  Whine, yes, once in awhile. (Probably gets that from her mama) 

She's is in love with her daddy.  I go to school on Monday nights so they get to spend a lot of one on one time together.  Matt is such a good dad.  He spends tons of time with her.  He feeds, changes, and plays with her because he wants to.

She weighed almost 18 pounds at her last doctor's appointment.  And was 26 inches long.

She loves baby food.  The meat, no so much.  But she loves her fruits and vegetables.

She is wearing 6-9 month clothes and size 3 diapers.

She sits up on her own and is starting to try to pull her self up on things.

She knows how to wave bye-bye.

She can drink out of straw.  And she uses a sippy cup sometimes.

She can roll from back to front and front to back.

She thinks Vinnie is hilarious.

She loves the Baby 1st channel. (Yes, I let my baby watch TV.)

She sleeps in her crib every night.  But we still have the pack n play in our room for 'mergencies.

It's hard to remember our lives before she was here.

She has my vote!

Mimi for President!

That is all!

Happy Halloween! And a 6 month update!

I'm alive!  All is well.  I've just been busy.

This past weekend I worked.  Mom and Dad took Aubri to a Halloween party.  And she stayed the night at their house.  *Gulp*  Yes, she stayed the night at their house for the first time.  I felt a little lost the whole time I was at work.  But she had a good time.  I slept somewhat decently.  

Here are a few pictures from the Halloween party she attended....

And then from this morning in her witch jammies.

Aubria is six months old today.  Time really does fly when you are blessed with an angel like her.

We go to the doctor next week for her check-up.  I'm guessing she weighs around 16 pounds.

She is wearing 6-9 month clothes and size 3 diapers.

She rolls from back to stomach but not from stomach to back.

She can sit up but falls over sometimes.

She loves her exercauser.  

She eats vegetables and fruits now.

And baby cereal for breakfast.

She takes 5-6 ounces of formula at a time.

She loves to "talk."

She has us trained.

She's sleeping good in her own bed, most of the time.

She loves her tag blankets.

She thinks the dogs are hilarious.  She even pets them now.

I actually can't remember what life was like before we were blessed with her.  We love her so much and remind her everyday.

Hope you all have a very Happy Halloween!

Where does the time go?

I've a few requests for a blog.  Also, a few, "Are you still alive?"


I'm alive.  All is well.  Just been busy spending time with our baby girl.


Since I've blogged last.....

We've went camping,

been cheering for the Cardinals to win another World Series,

sleeping all night in our big girl bed, (sigh....)

wore shoes, and went shopping,

and celebrated Aunt Shelley's Birthday.

I'll do a real update soon.  Promise.  

Hope you are all doing great!

A quickie

I've been super busy but I thought I'd give you a quick update on my life.

What's up with this new look from blogger?  I'm confused.

Aubri's growing like a weed. 

She's eating baby food now.  Last week was carrots.  This week it's peas.  She likes the carrots better. 

She's still sleeping in our room in her rock n play.  We are camping this weekend and next Saturday.  After that, we are going to start making the transition to getting her in her crib.  For now, I'm loving waking up to her pretty smile everyday.

Aubri's favorite Uncle Lyle (my brother) asked his girlfriend of 5 years to marry him this past weekend.  She said "yes."  She's a great person and we all have always loved her.  The wedding won't be for at least a year and a half so there is no need to go a on diet yet.

Yesterday, I had a consultation with an OB about birth control.  I'm on the pill now but I'm going to get the Marena next week.  Any one have any thoughts on Marena?

School is going okay so far.  I'd rather be home with my baby and my husband but I know someday it will be worth it.  I only have 4 classes left after this semester.  One class has to be taken in the fall so by the end of the next fall semester, I should be able to grad-e-ate.  I'm still hanging on to my 4.0, too. 

We re-financed our house recently.  What a pain in the ass that was!  But it's done are going to save a ton of money in interest.

That's about all I know.  

Hope you all have a great week!




I'm linking up with Impulsive Addict for Talk to Us Tuesday.

Sleep in her own room?

Well, so you probably all already know that our child is a little bit spoiled.  Not a brat but spoiled, nonetheless.

She still sleeps in our room, right next to the bed in her rock n play.  She usually sleeps all night.

Matt thinks she needs to start sleeping in her own room.  We tried it, twice.  The first night she woke up at 2 a.m. scared and the second night she woke up at 12:30 a.m. scared.  (Matt said she wasn't scared.  I might just be making that part up.) After she woke up, we fed her then put her in her rock n play.

Yesterday, she had her four month check-up (and shots).  I asked the doctor if she was old enough to sleep in her own room.  I think he thought I was a little nuts.  He said if we don't get her in there in the next month or so that she will have separation anxiety when we do put her in there or end up in our room until she's two.

I still think she's too little.  I mean she's just a little peanut.  She needs her mommy.  If she wakes up in the middle of the night now, she can see me.  I give her her Nuk Nuk (pacifier) and she'll go back to sleep.

We do have a queen sized air mattress.  I guess I could just sleep on the floor in her room.

I've officially turned into one of "those moms."  I'm sorry that I used to make fun of some of you. Thoughts?

Aubri and Mr. Vinnie

So, I suck at blogging

I realized today that I forgot I even had a blog.  I mean I didn't totally forget but my blog hasn't crossed my mind in a week or so.

What can I say?

I've been busy. 

Everything used to always have to be in its own place in our house.  I've given up on that.  Our living room is full of baby stuff.  And I've learned to be somewhat okay with that.  And sometimes, there is even laundry that needs folded.  Gasp!

I've been busy at work. 

School started last night.  I'm taking "Federal Tax Accounting."  What a snoozefest!   It's rough!  And last night was only night #1.  I dropped my other class because I didn't want to pay for it.  I'm actually going to fill out my FSFA again this year.  (Haven't even bothered the last two years.)  Maybe now that we have a little dependent, I can get some kind of grant.  Unfortunately, when you work and are married, you don't get any assistance.  Kinda of assbackwards if you ask me. (No offense to anyone, I just think it's crap.) I get the pleasure of paying $500 to $1000 every semester so that I can be free of student loans.  Enough with that rant..... 

Aubri will be 4 months old this week.  And we are having her Christening this weekend.  Outside.  At a park.  By the hippie that married us.  Guess, how much I care that people are talking shit about the way we are doing it?  Not one damn bit.  She's our child and we are entitled to do her Christening however we want, wherever we want, and whenever we want.  Same applies to how we plan on raising her.

So, we've been trying to get ready for that.  Getting food, plates, cups, stuff like that without going overboard.  I mean does it really matter if the napkins are cute or if they are just regular napkins.  I don't think so.

And I get to wake up to this little face.  That keeps me busy.  You know, spoiling her.

She is absolutely without a doubt the best thing that ever happened to us.  There is nothing that I wouldn't do for her. 

Happy Little Scamper

Last weekend we took little Peanut camping.  The weather was perfect.  There was a "no burn" order but that didn't stop us from having a good time.  Hopefully, now that the weather is nicer, we can start camping more.

Aubri got spoiled while we were camping. You know, because she never gets spoiled any other time.

Her you're-not-really-gonna-make-me-sit-in-this-bumbo-seat face.

Family picture time!

At three and a half months old, she can already rock a hoodie.

Uncle Lyle camped with us too.

Playing in Grandma's camper.

By next year, we would like to sell our camper.  We need a bigger one.  She needs more stuff for camping than Matt and I do combined.

Hope you are all having a great week!

Prenatal Nutrition

Nothing gets a woman thinking about her nutrition like when she is pregnant. When a woman is carrying a child, she knows that she is responsible for that child's nutrition and development and wants to ensure that the baby is getting everything it needs to develop and grow properly. The nutrient needs of a mother can vary from woman to woman and it’s important to speak to a doctor about what is best. Just like the doctor will give advice on diet they will also be a great resource on other pregnancy and delivery related topics like exercise, cord blood banking, circumcision, and pain management medicine.

Anything from prior pregnancy weight to special dietary needs or even food allergies can affect the nutrients each woman needs during pregnancy. It is important to evaluate those dietary needs and establish a healthy meal plan to make sure that the baby and mother are getting everything they need.

Some of the most important nutrients needed during pregnancy are: Protein, folic acid, additional nutrients, calcium, micro-nutrients (especially iron). Women commonly experience cravings during pregnancy. Often times a woman craves food high in the nutrients that she is lacking, strangely enough these cravings are usually for unhealthy items. Thankfully, there is a food serving guideline that is in place to assist women in monitoring their daily intake of food and to help monitor cravings. The recommendations are as following: 6-11 servings of bread and cereals, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 2-4 servings of fruit, 2-3 servings of protein or protein alternatives (6-9 oz per day), 2-3 servings of dairy, and 8+ large 6 oz glasses of water.

During pregnancy most women find themselves overwhelmed with questions regarding proper nutrition and aren't sure where to go. A woman should speak to her doctor about what she should be eating as well as maintain a few dietary references to refer to help educate herself and gain reassurance that she is doing everything she can to provide her growing baby the proper nutrition he needs.

There are many recipes out there that are ideal for women during pregnancy looking to infuse their diets with nutrient-rich ingredients. A great recipe to enjoy during pregnancy is Vietnamese Chicken Salad. The salad can be enjoyed as a meal or a snack and work great during lunch or dinner. Chicken is a fantastic protein option that is needed for tissue development of the baby.

Vietnamese Chicken Salad

*Ingredients

For the dressing:
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon distilled vinegar
2 tablespoons fish sauce (a salty condiment used to flavor foods in Southeast Asian cuisine. Use more or less depending on your taste.)
1/2 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
For the chicken:
2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
1 small onion, roughly chopped
1 small carrot, roughly chopped
1 chunk ginger root, peeled, approximately 1-by-2 inches
1 Serrano chili, sliced in half lengthwise
5 garlic cloves, whole and peeled
2 tablespoons soy sauce
10 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts

For the salad:
1 pound head savoy or Napa cabbage, shredded
1 carrot, shredded
1/2 cup chopped scallions, green parts only
1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
1/4 cup loosely packed mint leaves
2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped

*Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients and set aside.

2. For chicken, place 2 quarts water in a medium saucepan on high heat and add celery, onion, carrot, ginger, chili, garlic, soy sauce, cloves and peppercorns. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and continue cooking uncovered for 5 minutes. Carefully add chicken breasts to saucepan, cover and cook on low for 15 to 20 minutes—until chicken is tender. Strain broth and reserve for another use. Discard vegetables and set chicken aside and let cool.

3. To prepare the salad, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces with your hands. In a large bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, scallions, cilantro and mint leaves. Place on serving platter and mound chicken on top. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with roasted peanuts.

Remember to do what your doctor recommends is best for you, you will feel better and be less stressed as you prepare for your baby to be born. Have fun with it!

“Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.”

SALE!

My mom is having a sale on all of her in-stock items until Monday. She makes handmade baby blankets, tag blankets, burp clothes, books, and most recently, an item called a "Tummy Soother." A tummy soother is a basically an herbal heat pack for babies. Aubri uses hers in the evenings when she gets a little grouchy.

So, go check out her facebook page and etsy site and use the code 10STITCH at check out to receive 10% off.  

If you see something you like on facebook that is not listed on etsy either let me know or message her via facebook and we will list it on etsy.

Here are some of my current favorites:

There is also an album on the facebook page titled "Gift Sets."  A gift set comes with a 36"x44" double flannel blanket, tag blanket, and two matching burp clothes.

And here is Aubri with her favorite tag blanket and matching tummy soother. 

And feel free to let me know if you have any questions!

Have a great weekend!

Only Child

Chances are Aubria will be our only child.  

Matt and I feel like we were extremely lucky to be blessed with her.  She's perfect.  (I know everyone thinks that.)  But she really is.  She was born a 10 on the Apgar (whatever it's called) scale.  We could not have gotten a better child.  There is not one day that goes by that we don't tell her how good she is and how pretty she is.

She gets a little grouchy in the evenings but besides that, we have no problems with her.  Sometimes she sleeps all night.  And she can usually entertain herself, if need be.  She doesn't have to have a special formula or diaper.

We tried to get pregnant for 3 years and had one miscarriage before I was pregnant with Aubri.  Neither one of us want to go through that again.  Also, being pregnant was no walk in the park for either one of us.

Matt and I are 30 years old.  Now granted, we are not 50 and still possibly capable of producing more children but we are no spring chickens.

Not to mention, kids are expensive.  We are doing fine being able to afford everything our sweet baby girl could ever need or want.  Probably even some stuff that she doesn't need or want.  And we want to be able to do exactly that, give her everything she wants.  If we had another child, we might not be able to do that. 

I'm not saying that people should only have as many kids as they can afford to spoil, but that's what we are doing.  

The problem is that people are always making comments.  "When are you having another kid?"  "Oh, you have to have more."  "She'll want brothers and sisters."

I don't think anyone else is entitled to make that decision for us.  

We have talked about it.  We've made up our minds.  We have a perfect little angel to spoil and we are happy with our family.

Now, how do I politely tell people to drop it?

3 months

Our little Aubria turned three months old on Monday.   Since we've brought her home from the hospital she's grown into such a little character. 

She loves to smile.  And giggle.  She always wakes up happy.

She's a die-hard Cardinals fan.

She likes to take naps with Daddy on the couch.

She loves her tag blankets that Grandma made for her.  

And she apparently knows how to flip the bird.

She sits in her big girl high chair while we eat sometimes.

Her arm is too fast for any camera to catch.

She likes to sit in her walker and look at her toys.

She took a nap in her crib... once.

She is wearing mostly size 0-3 but wears 3-6 month sleepers.

She wears a size 2 diaper.

I have no idea how much she weights.  Maybe 14 pounds.

She still sleeps in our room in her Rock n Play.

She just started sleeping all night.  Like, as in, from 9:30 to 6:30.  It's a beautiful thing. 

She tries to roll over but can't yet.

She loves her baby gym and loves to kick her legs.

She loves Mommy and Daddy. ;)

She likes bath time.

She likes to be snuggled before bed.

She likes books.

She thinks the dogs are nuts.  And her Mommy and Daddy.

She prefers to wear socks.

I don't even really remember what life was like before she came.  What did we do?

We wouldn't trade her for anything.

2 month pictures

We had our pictures taken (mostly Aubri's) on the hottest day of the year, outside, a couple weeks ago.  I got them back the other day.  My aunt took our pictures.  I want to have a canvas made but I'm way to indecisive to pick one for that so maybe you could help.

1

2 - Not an option for canvas - just wanted to show you.

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5

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8- Just sharing

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13 - Just sharing

She was obviously asleep most of the photo sessions, which is good and bad.  

Hope you all have a great week!