Curious Moses Turns Two

A Curious George cake for our very own little Curious Georgi made by barbthecakelady.com

Moses was NOT excited about all the attention and singing.

Eventually he was.

Nation asked me to write the following on a box, that he taped up with a note & gift inside.

His first card written to his sibling.

He drew the two of them under a rainbow & made him a block creation.

His Melissa & Doug Grocery store, cart & food. Also cash register & baskets. They all love it.

Moses and his biblically named small group twin, Micah. Both pushed up chairs to the adult snacks.

Some of the kids stayed over till...well...midnight...watching Puss N' Boots Dvd while us parents chit-chatted. 

I Blog In My Mind

I blog in my mind...is it just me? I've gone from blogging almost daily to once a week. Part of me is wondering how I'm suppose to become the next great blogger with a track record like this [joke]---or---I just really miss writing about what I think/is happening to me.

To break the silence since Thursday---[annoying to some, or one] Papyrus font is making a come back on the blog.

Would you like a run down of my last month? 

Of course you don't, here goes

[insert list long list of complainants]

....included, but not limited to pregnancy nausea, family stomach virus, and several reasons to be on amoxicillin...

[realizes I have too much to be thankful, aborts this list]

I'm so thankful to be 9 weeks pregnant, although it's been nothing of the "death like symptoms" I've previously experienced in pregnancies, any all day nausea while chasing 3 little ones is challenging. I'm hopeful I'm around the corner---for several reasons---including our current family diet.

[included but not limited to]

-me cooking rarely, us eating out a lot

-child recognizable brand boxes of breakfast & snack foods that my children can open and feed themselves that I've kept them from eating their whole life

-personally having an aversion to most meat, veggies, and fruit [unless you include fruit cups in syrup] ieatcarbsonly.com

-me ordering food and then just looking at it

In my case, during the first trimester, I have to eat anything to try to get calories in. It's not always my mental preference for health, but I'm hopeful by the time my midwife starts her visits with me next month I can report I'm eating a steady diet of only spinach. 

Call me Popeye.

Or still be my friend, crunchy mommies.

Don't look in my pantry, re-fridge, or car.

Please, don't judge.

Pretend with me.

Yell at me if I'm eating like this after 12 weeks.

Did I mention I have an aversion to chocolate too?

Y'all know this is serious.

Weight Watcher Wednesday 20

186.8

It's been a few weeks [to say the least], but with vacation and re-adjusting to life after vacation I'm back on track. Looks like I'm up .4 ounces over the last month, so I've stayed about the same. I even tried to throw a health fast in there, but gained and lost the same six pounds in 3 days, ha. I am back to tracking my points! I have found that taking a photo of the label with my phone and referring to those later that night while working on the calculator on the computer verses my phone has helped me keep track a little better. [That was a run-on sentence, huh?]

My biggest hang up is always not having time at that exact moment to write it down, so now I can refer back to my photo library. I'm down 20 since having Moses, and another [almost] 20 since starting Weight Watchers so I'm very hopeful about my last 30. I'm sure---the hardest, but I'm done nursing now so, in theory, I can diet a little more hardcore. 

Not that chasing around 3 kids under 5 [all boys!] has allowed me to cut my calories by much though!

Organic -Part 3- Where to Start-

First Read:

Organic Part 1, Why?

Organic, Part 2, Roadblocks

Now that you know why you should consider it, and assuming you've [at least mentally] gotten over some of the hurdles...now...where do you start?

Baby step suggestions:

1. Change your dairy [like milk, yogurt, cheeses]

2. Change your meat [even if some, like turkey, are harder to find than others]

3. Change your produce [consider farmers markets or local services]

4. Change your dry goods [shop at different stores & buying their brand]

Dairy
The milk tastes different, but you get use to it. We don't drink raw milk [yet], but you can get milk & eggs locally as well. It's nice that regular grocery stores like Publix & Kroger are carrying their own brand of [cheaper] organic milk verses name brand like: Horizon. Stores are also carrying more "natural" cheeses, meaning they advertise less hormones, which is definitely better than regular. Google search for close co-ops in your area that you can get fresh milk or eggs from. Here is a list of co-op's for example.

Meat
I've saved a lot of money buying my organic beef from Costco or Sam's club. It's $12 for 3 lbs. Although, I think the most ideal is to buy from a local rancher, but we haven't done that yet. Here is a good place to get started.

We do, eat Charles' [organic] deers every year though. Chicken seems to be pricey wherever I look. I have found that Trader Joe's has well priced organic chicken, but in general this is the hardest thing I have buying organic because the price difference is almost triple. Unfortunately, this is also the item I end up throwing away most times too...poor meal planning and fresh chicken that expires quickly equal bad combination. Some families who switch just eat less meat to save on costs. This would never work for my carnivorous husband.

[my farmers basket from this week...$20 for all organic...6 side dinner veggies & 4 fruit snacks]

Produce
Again, finding a local farmer or going to a farmers market saves you tons of money because they sell their organic produce for almost nothing. There are even services that deliver, or those you can go pick up. Even if it's not "organic" rest assured it's been treated better and traveled less than if you bought "regular" produce. Not all produce is as effected by pesticides as others. Here is a list. When I'm shopping, if I can't afford to buy all organic, I use this list. And I remind myself, I suppose pesticide full fruits at their worst are still more nutritionally dense than fruit snacks. [Maybe?, Ha!]

Dry Goods
Health food stores like Trader Joes & Whole foods carry their own organic brands in several items so I try to purchase these...like spaghetti sauce & noodles. You'd be surprised how much you save not buying name brand organic.

Again, I'm a hybrid mom, I do a little of this and a little of that...because that's my reality. I fantasize about homemade everything and collecting my own eggs and honey from my backyard [and yes maybe one day], but for now, I'm just doing my best and that's all you can do too.

I hope this post helped answer some questions or provoke some thought. Don't get down on yourself if you don't have time for all this right now, just "food for thought" and let the Lord lead you should you starting switching over in the future.

Also I recommend this blog, this Dr., and this movie.
And if you are interested in more information on Grocery Buying Clubs.

Organic Part 2 -Road Blocks-

I took this picture in Ohio to show some of the common staple items we like to keep around the house.

[Read: Organic Part 1, Why? Here]

If someone told you that the fruit you eat was covered in pesticides, the meat you bought was full of hormones and the snacks you eat were nutritionally empty... Why would you keep eating the same? I'm no expert, but I have three hunches...

But before you get your panties in a bunch...I'm preaching to the choir y'all...just know that although I try to feed our family very well in home---my meal planning skills are on the incline so a few times a week we do eat out and I can only assume it's not very natural or super healthy.

#1 The cost:

Problem: Comparing a regular product straight to an organic, yes it's much more expensive

Solution: I try to cut costs in some areas so we have more money to spend on healthier food. I rarely buy desserts, buy limited snacks, and try to force myself to make bake more [but it doesn't always happen]. Here is a practical savings example: Capri Suns are so convenient, but just a little bit of preparation can save you money and allow you to serve them organically. Kroger & Publix sell large store brand organic juices you can pour into sippy cups and leave in the fridge for "on the go" moments. If you add water to these you save even more money.

Eventually your kids will be reaching for apples instead of fruit snacks while feeling fuller and eating "less" [of that unfulfilling junk food]. The money you save on boxed cookies and packaged brownies will make up for your "over priced" organic milk. I promise. I'm not going to lie, it's a learning curve and it's quite possible you'll spend more money, but like I said, you can make changes to make up for it. Example: We don't buy as many boxed organic snacks on weeks we're tight so we can afford healthy fruit.

I know there are a lot of coupon moms out there [y'all are awesome with your deals!], but here is another turn off, not many organic products have coupons. There are some, but to me, it's not really worth the looking up, printing and remembering. I suggest going straight to their websites to see if they have coupons [as they don't usually have many in the paper].

Good site for organic coupon lists

#2 The Familiarly Of Taste

Problem: Your kids like that brand of yogurt full of M&M's and they love that colorful cereal laced in food dyes [that might be making them wild!]

Solution: Just stop buying it. Easier said than done, I know from experience. But, eventually they will get over it and without it around there is no temptation to serve it to them...or yourself! You'll spend less on junk, they will have less visits to the Dr., and their behavior will improve.

#3 Not Knowing Where To Start

Changing what you've been buying for years can be overwhelming, especially if you're trying to stay within your same budget. It may not happen all at once, so pace yourself. Don't stress, and don't feel guilty. You do what you can---life is way more than food. But, pray as ask the Lord what steps He would lead your family to take---ask for His grace & financial provision.

Tomorrow I will cover Where To Start...

Breastfeeding -Part 5- Nursing A Newborn

Nursing A Newborn

Those first few days and weeks, don't plan on doing much more than nursing because newborns nurse...a lot. You're a milk machine. Period. Eventually you'll be allowed a shower & change of clothes, but until then keep nursing and reading your facebook newsfeed.

Seems trivial to rewrite what's already been wonderfully outlined for you over at kellymom.com [educate yourself!], but here are some of my odds & ends suggestions...

1. Frequency: I prefer to nurse a newborn on demand, after a few weeks I will become more scheduled [2-4 hours], but to help my supply get [and stay] going I nurse as often as they like and if they don't wake up [very common] I wake them up every 1.5-3 hours]. Use the timer on your cell phone. Remember these numbers are based on the start of your last feeding...for example, if you nursed at 12, you nurse again at 3. Not, you started nursing at 12, finished nursing at 12:45, so you nurse at 3:45. That's really making the child go longer than 3 hours. I don't personally think you can nurse a newborn too much.

2. Pacifiers: I like them personally and try to get my kids to take them, but usually my children don't like them till after they are one month old. Two of my three kids have kept them. I think if your supply is low or struggling you should steer clear for the time being. They can cause nipple confusion. 

3. Positions: I started out with my first nursing only in my recliner chair with my Boppy. However, I became very crazy due to my sleep deprivation & one too many episodes of Law & Order at 3am. By the time I had my second and third, I loved side lying to nurse them those first few weeks. If you're larger chested this may or may not work as well. I found a way to lay on my side and nurse while still snoozing. Some call this unsafe, but it worked for me. I always kept my arm in a way so that I'd roll onto my arm before the baby. I also put a body pillow behind the baby so it wouldn't fall off the bed and faced the baby away from my husband so he couldn't roll on him either. I liked the nurse in the cradle hold, but would use football hold sometimes if my nipple became too sore on one side [also great when they get their teeth in to rotate positions]. 

4. Latch: I think this is probably also one of the biggest reasons people quit nursing. That darn latch. I'm not going to lie, it's a tricky deal. Sometimes more so than others. I think people exaggerate how important it is to the point where they stress moms out. I know I was. The fact is, if you have a bad latch, yes you're going to be more sore than if you didn't, but you can keep working at it and eventually they will be a few days older/wiser/less sleepy and fix their latch with some help from you. I think it's something better demonstrated than read about though. If you don't have a friend who will show you, go over to YouTube and do some homework. Something that worked for me was to have the baby completely naked except diaper & for me to be topless and put us skin to skin sitting up. Obviously teaching them to latch a few times doesn't require you both stay nudist, but it did help my first son "get it". Another trick I like is, like in this video, where you "tease" the baby with your nipple on the roof of their mouth and then usually they will go for it...and that's when you "shove" your nipple in their mouth. Sometimes I'll use my pinky finger to do this first and then try to nurse. Finally, I think it's always important to remember to drop your breast into their mouth verses laying the baby on top of your breast, just makes it difficult for them to breath and neither of you is comfortable.

5. Eating: I already wrote about on my feelings about taking care of yourself in the eating department, but another tip I have for you is...oatmeal! Real oatmeal [not instant], is a great milk-supply booster, my personal favorite is McCann's Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal. I took this along with Mother's Milk Tea. Don't be too shy to try some herbs either. Also, don't make the mistake of thinking that what you eat won't effect your baby. Not every mommy or baby is the same so don't think just because it didn't bother your friend's baby it won't bother yours. For example, I can eat spicy foods, but I can't have any milk products that first month unless I want a very-fussy-gassy-won't-nurse-well baby. 

List to consider avoiding at first:

1. Coffee [or caffeine drinks, cruel right?]

2. Chocolate [no chocolate cover strawberries for me]

3. Citrus Fruits [strawberries, oranges, you name it]

4. Broccoli [what makes you have gas makes them have gas]

5. Alcohol [wine totally makes my babies unhappy]

6. Spicy Foods [for the most part I seem to be okay with this]

7. Garlic [semi-notice this]

8. Peanuts [did notice pb&j made baby a little unhappy]

9. Wheat [I was fine with this]

10. Dairy [the worst, no ice cream for 30 days!]

11. Corn [didn't notice]

12. Shellfish [for allergy reasons]

13. Eggs [didn't effect us]

14. Soy [don't use]

15. Fish [just like pregnancy, the mercury ain't so good to have a lot]

16. Peppermint [used for weaning, actually reverses supply]

17. Parsley [also reduces supply]

Trust me, a fussy baby won't be worth the coffee or milk shake *speaking from experience*. Remember to send this list to those bringing you meals too---otherwise you'll just be watching your husband eat it all.

What was your experience?

Weight Watcher Wednesday 19

186.4

After two weeks of not logging in, I'm here to report...I'm down 1 pound and 1 ounce. I started beginning of February and just finishing up June completes 5 months of being on this program. Really, by now I should have lost a lot more weight than nearly 20 pounds, but it's better than if I'd never started anything.

My points start over on Tuesdays and I'm happy to report I tracked yesterday and I'm going to start sending my daily points to a friend. I think this will really help my accountability.

I'm headed for two weeks at the beach this Sunday. I know there will be lots of goodness to eat at the resort with all the restaurants and 24-hour ice cream/candy parlor, but I'm hopeful to mix it up with a lot of exercise [walking the beach!] to counteract that! 

I'm packing the scale.

Thanks for journeying with me, the year is almost half over, I hope I end 2011 being my ideal weight.

Thankful Thursday Top Ten 47

Thankful This Week For:

1. The honesty of the comments from yesterdays post

2. That as women...we get to wear fun jewelry [thank you Charming Charlie's]

3. Rain

4. Grill cheese & tomato soup saving an unplanned dinner night

5. Consistently scrapbooking again on Wednesday nights with a bff

6. My other bff is having a...BOY! Can't wait to share this mom-of-boys life with her.

7. Beth Moore's study on Inheritance...rocking my world! God is a giver, not a taker!

8. Homemade waffles [busted out the grain and mill again finally!]

9. All the work the Lord continues to give us, especially in this economy

10. A wonderful small group that super encouraged me last Friday night concerning the trials of training

What are you thankful for this week? Link up below!

Five Things That Make or Break Your Day

Five Things

1. Jesus

2. Relationships

3. Sleep

4. Nutrition

5. Exercise

I know this isn't rocket science, and we all already "know" this, but man if only knowing was enough. Putting priorities into practice at times does seem like a science. [Did I mention I was a Communication major?] #dislikescience

When there is stress in my life, or things seem out of control I can usually narrow them down to 5 categories. I've never put pencil to paper [or in this case keys to screen], but in my mind I often know---there are 5 reasons why I'm upset...and I could have prevented all of them.

The reason I'm yelling is because...I've not met with Peace today.

The reason I'm feeling down is because...I haven't invested this week in anyone, but myself.

The reason I'm short with the kids is because...I stayed up too late watching TV last night.

The reason I don't feel good about myself is because...I ate junk food all day.

The reason I'm so fatigued doing housework is because...I haven't been regularly working out.

In the moment, it feels like it's "life's" fault. Like a series of events is all to blame for my stressed out-overly tired-depressing-never-ending-overwhelming day, but really, most of the time it's not because the world has fallen apart---just my priorities. And when your priorities fall apart, in a way, your world does. At least for me.

I'm not interested in self-help and I certainty am not trying to "fix" your life. This post [or any for that matter] don't have the "power" to change your life, but He does. I'm by no means fixed myself, but I've just really been trying to be mindful that it's not worth pretending it's outside circumstances that get me down, but that it's a lot of decisions I could make better.

My only advice for you is that you pray. Pray next time you find yourself down or being short with someone and ask..."did I have anything to do with this?" Is it possible this attitude isn't just "happening to me", but I made some bad choices this week/yesterday/today that have brought me to this point.

Pray that He'd make you mindful of them. Pray that He'll show you how---so that---you might enjoy Him, others and yourself more during our brief time here on earth.

It's simple. It isn't rocket science, unless...we try to do it...without Him.

Weight Watcher Wednesday 14

191.6

My last weigh in was two weeks ago, I wasn't about to go weigh in when we flew in from Vegas last Wednesday. Oh no, it's not the City of Sin [well maybe], it's the City of Food. Delicious food. Too much.

I'm thankful I was down a pound, I attribute it to moving. And my new two stair cases vs. my previous none.

Now that we're moved in, and I'm 4 minutes away from my bestie, I'm hoping we can get some walking in a few times a week together!

Thankful Thursday Top Ten 40

In my defense,  I only photographed these evils. I mentally ate them.

Thankful This Week For...

1. 40 Weeks of Thankfulness [and blogging]

2. 4 nights away with my husband in Vegas/Grand Canyon

3. My mother, who graciously watched all 3 of my boys [even at times without power]

4. That my husband has a broken rib & not a hernia.

5. Grace. 5=The number for Grace. May is the 5th month, today is the 5th day, and we've been married 5 years, and will have a 5 year old later this year.

6. The Grand Canyon. It was awesome. God=infinitely huge. Me=infinitely small.

7. For vacations where nothing is planned, or scheduled and everything is last minute.

8. My husband, who is home now. After two weeks away, it's such a treat to have him home on the couch with me in the evenings again.

9. Great friends who are jealous FOR me and not jealous OF me...[in regards to our getaway] Jesus give them free trips too!

10. Wine, sugar, carbs, butter, pasta, chocolate, caffeine, and rolls. All things I've been [mostly] avoiding, that I unfortunately or fortunately [not sure yet] indulged in while away with the Mr.

What are you thankful for?

***

Weight Watcher Wednesday 12

192.6

Up .8. That makes my 2nd week out of twelve that where I'm up. Sad day. I guess all in all I'm only up 2.6 lbs. Making me only down a little over 12. I attribute this to inconsistent tracking and stress. Charles has been working long hours and this whole house limbo dealo has been having me reach for extra food when I'm not hungry. 

I got a sitter this morning---went to a weight watcher meeting---and went for a 40 minute walk. It felt really good. I'm going to track better again, and work out a few days this week. I'm going to make myself photo post my 7 daily trackings next Wednesday...hoping to motivate myself to-actually-track!

At this meeting this morning we talked about how getting bored with meals leads to overeating. When we get in a rut of eating the same thing for breakfast, the same thing for lunch, the same snacks and the same dinner---you start reaching out for too many extras to "spice it up". They suggested we try one new of every meal and snack this week. Something different and something healthy.

Anyone have some meal or snack suggestions for me? 

Easy and yummy only.

Thankful Thursday Top Ten 37

Thankful This Week For:

1. Naked boys running free through the mud in our backyard

2. A day without WW points counted [Sonic, Cold Stone, Lobster Bar]

3. Boys playing ball with their dad on the lawn while it's 67 outside

4. A manicure & pedicure [pink for the pink lady]

5. A baby who discovers bubbles

6. Dirty floors and dirty kids

Photo Credit: Caty Collier

7. Boys who just need a rope and bucket to make a swing

8. A Chuck E Cheese 3rd birthday I'm sure Solomon will remember

Photo Credit: [Far right] Caty Collier

9. Our house, even if it's not our new one [yet]


10. 170+ facebook "Happy Birthdays", a balloon, flowers, cards and gifts

Weight Watcher Wednesday 10

190.0

I think it's safe to say I'm now under 190! I weighed in yesterday because today is my birthday and I was unwilling to get bad news today. Ha! Thankfully it was good news...down 1.4! Bringing myself to a little over 15 pounds down!

We've packed up our kitchen [we were suppose to move yesterday] so we've been eating out a lot, but I guess I've been choosing pretty decent and halfing what I knew was high in points. 

I'm not sure what my birthday week holds or another week with our kitchen packed up, but hopefully I can stay the same or go down.

Photo Credit: Bluebasket.org

At my meeting last week someone shared their favorite fat free balsamic vinaigrette dressing from Trader Joes. Apparently it's only 1 point for two tablespoons, but you can double that and still keep it at only 1 point! I'm planning to try since she said it was so amazing. You can see a few dressings compared here.

In other news, I've been trying to eat a little more sushi, who knew it was low in points? You can read more here.

How did y'all do this week with eating healthy and exercising?

Weight Watchers Wednesday 9

191.4

I'm down exactly two pounds from last week. When I got off the scale this morning at the meeting I told the lady she must have the wrong person's information on the scale---maybe the person before me---there is now way I lost two pounds this week.

I did make more of an effort to count all my points everyday---but then the weekend came and we had chocolate biscuit goodness [LivingFree we need the recipe!] at the homebirth meeting and my moms birthday dinner at Papposito's. Did you know you can get shrimp stuffed with a pepper, wrapped in cheese and bacon and then a side of butter to dip it in? Yes you can. Blow points. Oh, and Tres Leches [best dessert in Atlanta!].

I'm excited to be moved in a week into a neighborhood with sidewalks! I'm really hopeful to do some more walking for the upcoming Weight Watchers 5K Walk It program. Anyone wanna walk with me? [Martin Mommy?]

Things I did right this week:

1. Moving

I suppose the last two days of packing up our house earned me lots of activity points. So if you've hit a weight plateau maybe you should pack up your whole house in boxes and then unpack them. Just a thought.

Easy Mexican Chicken Bake

You've heard me say it before, I don't enjoy cooking. What I enjoy even less is meal planning and grocery shopping. Thanks to E-mealz [see my previous post] I am now able to meal plan, grocery shop, save money, and eat healthy. Here is one of their recipes that was easy and family friendly this last week.

Should feed 4-6 adults & cost you less than $10 for ingredients.

Grocery list:

1.5 lb boneless/skinless chicken breasts

2- 15 oz cans black beans [rinsed & drained]

1 c FF sour cream [I used regular]

1 t Cumin

1 t Pepper

4 oz can chopped green chilies

6 small corn tortillas – cut into 2 inch strips

[I just laid down the whole tortilla]

1 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese

3 pears [peeled & halved]

[I didn't peel]

3 t light margarine

6 t brown sugar

6 t cinnamon

Mexican Chicken Bake

[6 servings @ 8 WW pts+ each]

Boil chicken for 10 min. or until done

Chop [I tore] & combine with:

Beans, sour cream, cumin, pepper,& chilies

Place tortillas in the bottom of dish

Cover with half chicken mixture

Repeat

Top with cheese

Bake 30 min @ 350.

Broiled Pears

[6 servings @ 2 WW pts+ each]

Half pears

Spray baking dish [or tray]

Place side up

Top each half with:

1 t margarine

1 t brown sugar

1 t of cinnamon 

[more or less I didn't measure]

Broil [I baked] about 5 minutes

Look Whooo Turned One -Moses-

Moses turned one last week and we had his party on Saturday. Originally we had near 60 people coming, but the stomach bug was going around and we had about 5 families cancel. We missed them, but were thankful they didn't come spread the germs. I think we ended up with around 15 adults and all their kiddos. My dad & half sister came up from Texas as well.

I used Toadally Cute from Etsy for all my party decor and favors, and Barb the Cake Lady made the cake. She took the graphic and fondant designed the cake to match. It was as amazing to eat as it was to look at. My cousin-in-law, Amanda, who is training on my embroidery machine, designed and made the onesize Moses wore. 

I made...the baby.

Oh, and the evite.

My other two boys, barely tasted their smash cake before detesting the mess, crying and quitting. Moses, was slow at first, but he soon dug right in and literally obliterated the cake. I still am amazed at how much he ate. I probably shouldn't have let him, but it was too funny.