Two Eggs - Over Easy

Mysterious Rash

2012-02-28T21:08:00.000-05:00

The first time Turkey and I visited my mom in Texas he was a wee little thing (2-ish), and while we were down there (some 1,500 miles from home) he broke out in this crazy rash. It was big, it was blotchy, it bruised around the edges, it looked terrible. I called his doctor at home and they advised us to take him to walk-in-urgent-care, so off we went. We were seen by a very nice doctor who's exam table was a giant firetruck. $150 later we were told it was an allergic reaction and to give him some Benadryl and keep an eye on it. By the end of our trip he was fine.

Over the years we've experienced our fair share of "mysterious rashes", and I've learned a few things over the years; namely when to and when not to call the pediatrician.

Good thing too as Monkey is now experiencing his first mysterious rash. I noticed it first last night on his face, and then when I changed his diaper it was on his lower torso. As of tonight it's become flatter and wider spread, moving down his legs and onto his feet as well.

Years go this would have prompted me to call the doctor right away, and rush him in, only to be told that we needed to wait and see or that it was "viral" and the rash would run it's course. I don't need a doctor to tell me this; so now we're waiting and watching at home. I'm guessing it's either a reaction to the chicken pox vax he got on a little less than two weeks ago or it's a viral rash (he has been running a mild fever for the last week). Either way the doctor can't do thing for us, so we're just watching and waiting. Obviously if he breaks out even worse, is acting super sick, or spikes a fever I'll call the doctor; but for now....

I Cheat

2012-02-27T12:12:00.001-05:00

At laundry that is.

Small hand towels and face cloths, they don't get folded. They go into some nice ($1 - Christmas Tree Shop) fabric bins in the closet.

Monkey and Turkey's underclothes, they don't get folded. Simply put into their dressers. OK, none of Monkey's clothes get folded; just sorted and stacked in his draws. Who has time for stuff like that? Certainly not me.

(Diapers on the other hand are stuffed and prepped once they are cleaned... this is essential for keeping Husband on the cloth-diaper-wagon, as well as a necessity with an ever-wigglier baby.)

Ninety percent of mine and Husband's clothes get hung up - simply because it's easier.

So yeah, I cheat at laundry... and it feels so good. :-)

Homemade Hummus

2012-02-26T15:12:00.000-05:00

Making homemade hummus for Monkey (and myself) is something I've wanted to do for a while, and today I finally took the 5 minutes to do it.

Wish I had done it sooner, it's so yummy.

When I posted about wanting to do this earlier, Jess commented with a recipe of hers; but I went with my own because: 1) it had less steps and 2) I had everything in the house. The recipes are very similar, and hummus really sees like one of those things you can personalize to your taste.

For my recipe:
1 16oz can of chick peas, half the liquid reserved
4 cloves of garlic
1 tsp salt
1/4 lemon juice

In a food processor blend the liquid and the garlic, then process the chick peas, salt, and lemon juice till smooth.

Super simple and super yum!!!

Oh and super inexpensive: $0.79 for the chick peas, 3 for $1 for lemons and $0.99 for a whole head of garlic. Way less money than buying a tub of the stuff.

Silent(ish) Saturday: The Trim

2012-02-25T10:06:00.000-05:00

While bathing Monkey last night I realized his hair was in his eyes, and I'm not ready to cut his "luscious long golden locks" I did concede to the fact that he needed a trim.

A before shot, I couldn't get him to look at the camera.

This is all I took off.

At breakfast this morning.

It's amazing how different he looks with just that little bit trimmed off, and I will admit it's not the most flattering of haircuts, but at least he can see.

Goodies

2012-02-24T20:29:00.000-05:00

Fact: Monkey likes food.

Correction: Monkey really likes food.

We've yet to find a food he doesn't like. He eats everything; raw onions, fish, broccoli, cole slaw, hummus... you get the idea... everything.

Until tonight.

I stopped by the store on the way home to get some salad for dinner and I went to find Monkey a new snack-food... something to nibble on.

I suppose my first mistake was starting in the baby-food isle. But there they were, on the end-cap and ON-SALE. And they said they were good; it was even in the product name - Beech Nut Goodies. A (white) cheese puff for toddlers if you will.

While we were cooking dinner Monkey was in his highchair, so I offered him a few... tasting one myself first. And maybe it was because I tried it and told Husband how nasty they were in front of Monkey; but he didn't like them. A food Monkey will not eat. It is a miracle, of sorts. He tried them on and off for a few minutes, before scattering them to the floor and demanding other more palatable foods. Honestly I can't say I blame them, they were nasty. Think a really hard cheese doodle with little to no flavoring that was sprinkled with Styrofoam pellets.

Yum... NOT.

Project Food Budget (Week 21)

2012-02-23T19:33:00.001-05:00

Goal: $100
Actual: $88.42

This should turn out to be a stellar week... now as long as Husband and I don't go insanely overboard when we go out Sunday morning for breakfast I'll be super happy.

The success this week was due in large part to a super easy menu:

Monday: leftovers from the party
Tuesday: leftovers from the party and salad (original I know)
Wednesday: tuna sandwiches and oven fries (hello, Ash Wednesday)
Thursday: tacos
Friday: soup and salad (hello, Lent)

No plans on meals for this weekend. I really need to get better at planning weekend meals, but I like having leftovers for Monday, it helps ease into the work week so I'll need to keep that in mind.

Project Food Budget 2.0

Fresh...A New Chapter

Naturally {Un}refined

Pgh Dad

The Gluten-Free Vegan

What da Health?

Twice the Twinsanity

A Hard Day at Work

2012-02-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

Turkey came to work with me on Monday, President's Day. A little before 7am he was ready armed with his hard-sided leather briefcase and Spider-man backpack. On the way into the office he dined on a banana and an ice-decaf, cinnamon flavored; while listening to The Magician's Nephew by CS Lewis.

Upon arriving at my office he quickly unpacked his laptop, got it hooked up to the internet and spilled Legos out all over the floor. He then proceed to play with Lego until around 9:30, at which time he took up drawing portraits of family members. I scanned and e-mailed Husband his copy. Complaining he was hungry, he enjoyed his yogurt before going to raid the vending machine (for a Giant Texas cookie).

At 9:30 he decided to play Gumball on-line and proceed to talk to himself as loud as possible. This lasted until around 10:30; at which time he grabbed his blanket and curled up in the corner by my desk and read one of his Wimpy Kid books. Enjoying a gobstopper during this process and sharing with the office his ability to bite into them (ouch!!!).

A little after 11:30 we headed out to lunch; where he enjoyed a grilled cheese and fries while we played "20 Questions".

After lunch he decided it was time to write comic books, and he began what is to be an 8-part series of The Adventures of Captain Burst and Mr. Slingshot. He completed the first two books in the series. Once completed he shared them with everyone he could. This was followed by more Wimpy Kid reading and Lego playing.

Around 3:30 the end of the day boredom hit, so I printed him off a few word searches (including a President's Day one)... and he coasted on that until 4:30.

On the way out he stopped by HR and scored us some good dark chocolate... and then proceed to complain on the way home because he prefers white chocolate... ah the life.

Party Like A 1 Year Old!!!

2012-02-20T20:52:00.000-05:00

On Sunday we celebrated Monkey's first birthday with family and friends. Unlike Turkey's birthday this year we only did a loose Monkey theme (go figure).

I made him a birthday banner that proclaimed that he was 1.

I made him a double layer (chocolate and yellow) cake with butter-cream frosting, and cupcakes for the guests.

We had lots of yummy food (and we're still eating left-overs), and many thanks to my Mom, cousin, and Add-emm, for bringing more goodies.

I had made a video with photos of Monkey from over the first year and we had that playing during the party as a background.

So we ate, passed around the baby, passed around my cousin's tiny baby, and ate and talked some more. After eating Monkey opened his gifts. He got tons of great toys (including a stuffed monkey from Disney) and lots of clothes (because he's a giant and needs them... he's in 18 to 24 months size). Turkey was his man-in-waiting, and read all of his cards and "helped" him open his gifts.

After present it was cake time (because after that we needed a bath). Monkey loves food (I've mentioned that before right??) Well he really loves cake.

It was a wonderful day... but I just wish I had more time to spend with everyone.

Happy Birthday Little Man!!!

Oh yeah, and the real key to having a killer party... having your husband, brother and baby's Godfather clean-up the mess. These guys ROCK!!!

Double Doctor

2012-02-18T13:44:00.000-05:00

I had a brilliant idea a few months back - I would take the boys TOGETHER for their yearly-well child visit. I book what our pediatrician's office calls a "sibling appointment" for 3 and 3:15pm on February 16.

Then in another stroke of brilliance Husband and I both decided to go see our primary (same doctor, but separate appointments) that day as well (at 1 and 1:15).

We escaped from our doctor visit at 2pm and headed straight out with the boys to their doctor. The pediatrician's office was running late and we didn't get taken back until 3:30 (Husband stayed back in the waiting room since the exam rooms are so tiny).

The boys are growing excellently. You can see their progress on the Watch Us Grow page. I think it's kind of funny that their weights at 12 months where nearly exact, but Monkey is a full inch and a half taller than Turkey was. Turkey is "solid" in both the 90+% for height and weight (but I could have told you that after seeing him with his classmates at his birthday party). Monkey is long and lean at 97+% for height and just below 50% for weight. He does have a tiny head however (6%), he gets that from his Daddy. No shots or blood work for Turkey, but Monkey got 4 shots and blood work... poor kiddo. Turkey's eyes and hearing were perfect (I'll need to remember that the next time he can't see or hear what is right in front of him).

It was nearly 5pm by the time we got out of the doctors (and it started snowing - blah!!!). It was a LONG visit; and I am not sure I'll be doing that again. OK, maybe I will; but I will skip booking doctor appointments for Husband and I on the same day as well. Lesson learned.

Guess What Happened This Week?

2012-02-18T13:29:00.000-05:00

Monkey turned 1.

Yup... I am now the mother of an 8 year-old and a 1 year-old. Where has the time gone?

More shocking is that I didn't spend a day posting about the occasion. I may be slightly in denial that he's getting bigger.

I also think part of it is because he was born so late at night.

With Turkey I went into labor first thing in the morning and he was born mid-afternoon.

With Monkey it was a day like any other, I went into labor around 8:30pm and he was born at 10:27pm... It was most of the following day, the 16th, that I spent taking in the fact that he was finally here. If you want more details, I can see this older post.

On his birthday we had cake at home after dinner. This weekend we'll be celebrating at the house with family and friends. Photos to follow soon... I promise.

Project Food Budget (Week 20)

2012-02-17T22:22:00.000-05:00

This week has been a whirlwind, between everyone getting over "the sickness", to Monkey turning 1, to getting Turkey's car ready for the pinewood derby... it's been a crazy week. This weekend we are having Monkey's birthday party, and tonight Turkey and I went out to do the last of the shopping for it.

I made my list, and Turkey was the perfect shopping helper, he made sure I stuck to my list and if it wasn't on the list asked me if I really needed it, and then added it to the list (to then check it off). I might have to take him shopping with me more often.

And for more than one reason. At work today I learned that a colleague's son had passed away, he was 19. Things like this really hit home for me.... they bring back a flood of memories of loosing my brother and the pain I saw in my parents during that time.

Now lately I have been very stressed, very anxious; to the point of not seeing the trees in the forest.

Tonight shopping I was able to clear all of that away, realizing that life may be stressful, but I have my family and my health... I was able to see my son for who he was and truly enjoy being with him and living in the moment, albeit a grocery shopping moment; but I was able to be there.

I am so sad for my colleague and his family; but I am so thankful I was given the chance to realize what I have. And for that I am thankful.

We spent $ 62.88 on food for the party and the house (and dog-food). At the party we are having: chili and cornbread (by my cousin), bbq kielbasa (by a friend), fruit salad (by Husband's aunt), pepperoni and cheese platter, olives & pickles, rice and beans, veggie platter, and ziti with meatballs. I've made Monkey a 2 tiered cake, all his own; yellow and chocolate and cupcakes of the like for everyone else.

Oh yeah, we're going to be eating leftovers a few days next week; as our guest list is slowly dwindling as guests get hit with "the sickness" themselves. Gotta love birthday's this time of year.

For most likely less depressing Project Food Budget Posts... check them out here:

Project Food Budget 2.0

Fresh...A New Chapter

Naturally {Un}refined

Pgh Dad

The Gluten-Free Vegan

What da Health?

Twice the Twinsanity

Firsts, Expectations and Bibs

2012-02-14T21:27:00.000-05:00

Turkey and Monkey had due dates within days of each other, so when it was time for Monkey to be born I had expected him to be early like his brother. Everyone told me the second one usually comes "before" your first, and seeing that by this time last year I was walking around already 3cm dilated I assumed Monkey would be here before Valentine's Day.

I was so sure Valentine's Day was going to be his first holiday that I went out and got him a "First Valentine's Day" bib and tucked it into my hospital bag.

Valentine's Day came and went, and no Monkey. The bib did travel to and from the hospital with us, and eventually got tucked into his dresser. Over the year it's be accompanied by 1st Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and so-on bibs.

Today he finally got a chance to wear the bib I bought him over a year ago.

Today he celebrated his last 1st holiday.

I know a lot of parent's that commiserate over the end of the first year, the end of firsts if you will.

But I have learned over the years (many thanks to Turkey for this lesson) that firsts don't end after your baby turns one. In fact, some of the most exciting firsts happen after year one, two, or even after the first five years. I know I have many, many firsts to look forward for both of my boys.

We had a lot of expectations for Monkey in his first year, and some of them we have seen happen; and others we are still waiting on... like teeth. When is he going to get that first tooth?

I guess that's the other lesson my boys have taught me - expect to be amazed and expect the unexpected; because sometimes what you are expecting doesn't happen.

Oh and by the way, this bib is still so big on him, he would have looked totally ridiculous on him last year.

Risk Taking

2012-02-12T14:02:00.001-05:00

Earlier last week Turkey came home with this drawing:

He gave me great detail about the ammunition sashes he drew, the type of guns and weapons shown.

Noticing the title (Army Me), I asked him if he was considering a career in the army.

He looked at me very seriously, and replied "No Mom. I might have to go to war then, and I just can't take a risk like that."

But that's how he is; Turkey has never been a big risk taker. When he was small his gross motor skills were late to develop because he was so cautious. When all of my friends kids were climbing out of their cribs, I couldn't imagine him doing the same... until he did and landed on his head. Guess what? He's never been a climber since then.... he was easily 3 by the time he learned how to go up and downstairs. When it comes to bike riding he won't go fast down hills, and brakes for grass growing in the cracks on the sidewalk. He got a skateboard for Christmas, and while he can't wait to try it out is insisting on a new helmet as well as knee and elbow pads.

And I'm OK with him being this way... and back to the whole "Army Me".... he wants to design weapons for the military when he grows up.

Parallel Universe

2012-02-10T18:44:00.001-05:00

I was chatting with my boss this morning and he remarked that I must have a life that is following a parallel universe or such; and he can't stop telling people about Turkey's gym teacher.

You see Turkey's gym teacher passed away on his birthday, January 31... just 10 days after my bosses wife past away. They had the same last name, and both died of complications from similar illness (I don't want to disclose to many personal details).

When my boss mentioned his parallel universe theory I was telling him about the case I had during jury duty yesterday... the events leading up to case we heard took place on July 13, 2011. The same day my step-father passed away.

Life is really strange sometimes. And to say that these cases were unique wouldn't be accurate, I seem to spend a lot of time crossing "paths"... hmmm?

Project Food Budget (Week 19)

2012-02-09T21:09:00.000-05:00

No real report on Project Food Budget this week.... we've had "the sickness" (you know what I mean) in the house and today good ol' mom (that would be me) had jury duty (which was actually quiet interesting). But what meals we have eaten we've been good about and have eaten them at home.

So why not check out these other blogs... maybe they have something more exciting to report this week.

Project Food Budget 2.0

Fresh...A New Chapter

Naturally {Un}refined

Pgh Dad

The Gluten-Free Vegan

What da Health?

Tooth Anxiety

2012-02-07T20:34:00.000-05:00

The time: 1:09am, Tuesday

The place: my upstairs - bedroom and bathroom

There is a creak from the door followed by a little voice: Mom, my grown tooth is loose and it's going to fall out.

Muffled voice from the bed: No it isn't go back to bed.

Voice from the door now in a panic: It is... my grown-up tooth is going to fall out.

The muffled voice stumbles out of bed and guides the little voice into the bathroom, while falling into the walls along the way.

The light in the bathroom is flicked on, and is blindingly bright. Muffled voice sits little voice on the toilet: Ok, let me see.

Muffled voice can't see anything, the light in the bathroom is too bright. The whole scene seems like a bad to her, but she reassures little voice that the loose tooth is the baby one that is about to fall out.

Little voice shrieks, restating his position that it is in-deed a grown-up tooth.

Muffled voice tells him he needs to go back to bed.

Little voice assures her he cannot as his tooth will surely fall out and the dentist is closed.

Muffled voice asks him if he wants to sleep in her bed with her and Husband.

In the middle? Little voice asks.

Little voice falls fast asleep as soon as he gets in the middle. Muffled voice drifts off to sleep, certain the preceding events were a dream, only to be reminded by little voices arm and legs hitting her through-out that night that it was night.

Oh and if you're wondering about the tooth, it was in fact the baby one muffled voice reassured little voice about and it fell out shortly before dinner.

Nursing Tonight

2012-02-06T21:37:00.000-05:00

Tonight for dinner I made pasta with pesto and black olives. This was Husband's first time eating pesto (and have no fear fans of Husband he did not eat the olives). How he had gone 30 odd years with never having pesto is beyond me... but at the same time it's more baffling that I have never made this at home before. Anyhow, everyone really enjoyed dinner and Turkey remarked about his meal "mom, now BOTH of us have something new to blog about tonight." He is sweet isn't he? And he did blog about the pesto.

After dinner we played and then put Monkey to bed at his normal time. After Husband said his good-nights and turned off the light Monkey and I settled into our before bed nursing session. I got my feet up, got comfy, he latched on and I closed my eyes and then "wahhhh!!!!"

I forgot Baby Dee. How could I forget Baby Dee?

Holding Baby Dee while nursing is a must these days. Monkey fiddles with the "ears", he tries to get me to latch on to "the "ears", we play the music, he strokes Baby's face... Oh yeah, he loves Baby Dee.

So I get up, get Baby and we get resettled.

Three minutes later he's crying again. So we switch sides.

Three minutes later he pops up, as he likes doing these days, and sitting on my lap surveys the room and listens for sounds from the downstairs.

I turn Baby on and Monkey goes back to the right side.

Three more minutes pass and he's sitting up again, rubbing his eyes and giving me "I need to go to bed Mom" signs.

Switch.

Nurse a minute or so. Rub eyes.

Switch.

Turn on Baby Dee.

Rub eyes and I kiss him, snuggle him quick and off to bed he goes.

It has been months since he's fallen asleep at the breast. Maybe because I am so diligent about putting him down while he's drowsy but awake. Maybe it's because he likes his bed. I mean he really likes his bed, this kid will not sleep in the car.... what year old doesn't sleep in the car? We've left many places facing an hour plus drive home in hopes he sleeps in the car, and if we're lucky he'll fall asleep for the last 10 minutes of the drive. Maybe it's a combo of the two.

Oh well.... c'est la vie.

Silent Saturday

2012-02-04T13:43:00.000-05:00

Turkey with Nana.

Turkey with Ney-Ney

Ah... feel the love.

Modeling his leather Harley hat. Pepea Ronnie would be so proud.

YUM!!!

Cheesing it up.

Project Food Budget (Week 18)

2012-02-02T14:32:00.000-05:00

So the budget was $100, and I am pretty sure I am over, because I sucked at keeping track this week. I know for certain I spent $84.10 on food shopping, Husband and I had a snack while running errands at one point and that was $6, plus we spent $19 on breakfast out Sunday morning. And I am pretty sure I made a pit stop at the store once this week for deli meats and rolls. So maybe another $15. So I didn't make the $100 goal, but I did spend less than my normal $150 goal.

This week I also tried something new, I got some of the "not so fresh" produce. I've had girlfriends tell me for years that these can be a good deal, and while I was at the store I saw a crowd of other mom's looking them over... so I gave it a whirl, and it worked out well. My family goes through produce so fast there was never really a time for it to go bad.

This weeks menu was taco night, Outback for Turkey's birthday (not part of the food budget), sandwiches and salad... then after that we fell off the menu. Monkey was vomiting on Thursday and Husband ate lunch late so Turkey and I had mac and cheese. Then Friday night we ended up eating at my Aunt and Uncle's house (pizza).

All and all not a bad week I suppose. Don't forget to see how these other participants are doing - and there are 2 new blogs this week as well.

Project Food Budget 2.0

Fresh...A New Chapter

Naturally {Un}refined

Pgh Dad

The Gluten-Free Vegan

Memories: Turkey's Birth Story

2012-02-01T20:20:00.001-05:00

In honor of Turkey's 8th birthday yesterday I thought I would share the details of his birth... don't worry I'll leave out all the graphic ones. Oh and this may be a little spotty because it has been 8 years after all.

On Friday January 30, 2004 I had an OB appointment. The doctor assured me that I was not making an progress in the area of dilation and sent me on my way with a "see you next week". I went out and picked up my Goddaughter, V, who was 9 at the time. V was spending the night... we were going to have one last "girls weekend" before the baby came. I picked her from her dad's work and we headed to McD's for dinner. I wasn't hungry, so I skipped (this should have been my first clue that something was afoot). At my house we watched some movies and she went to bed on the couch and I went into my room. My X was working nights and V and I had breakfast and pedicure plans in the morning. The following afternoon my friends from high school were suppose to be coming over and we were all going to work on getting the apartment ready for the baby... including all of the unpacking from the baby shower.

Around 6:30am on Saturday January 31, 2004 I was woken up by a sharp cramp in my side. My ex had just gotten home from work a few hours before and I had been up with him until the wee hours... so I was not happy being woken up so early.

I walked into the bathroom and WOOOOOOSSSSHHHH!!!! went my water. That was the end of that bathmat.

After I came to terms with what was happening I called my OB then ironed my clothes waiting for a call back. Clearly, labor had not yet started. Once I got off the phone with them I showered, did some last minute packing and got V and my ex up. I was cool calm and collected, my ex on the other hand not so much and he ended up wearing half of his work uniform to the hospital. We called my Grammie, so she could watch V... then called my mom and headed in (skipping eating again).

In triage they confirmed my had broken and then I started crying... why because I was a crazy hormonal pregnant lady... the reason I kept using was because it wasn't February yet and MY baby was due in February. Around this time the contractions, albeit irregular, started.

We got checked in and my ex called the friends we had plans with and they came to the hospital to cheer us on.

Eventually I made it to 4cm and asked for an epidural.

Then the hospital staff started to threaten Pitocin to make my contractions regular.

Epidural attempt 1 went OK, but didn't work. Then my mom came. Epidural attempt 2 went OK as well, but I still had feeling on one side. I used to say it full feeling, but after going through natural childbirth with Monkey I can now assure you it worked some, but not great.

They checked me around 2pm and I was at 6cm. Then they tried the epidural again, but I begged them to stop as I had to use the bathroom... which I was able to walk to since my epidural wasn't working. After a few minutes I realized I had problems... I had to push but nothing was coming out... so I asked the anesthesiologist about this... and with that he called for a nurse to check me. They argued... the nurse didn't want to check me as I "was 6cm just 15 minutes ago", blah, blah, blah... eventually the anesthesiologist won out and she checked and it was go-time.

Skip the gory details.... and Turkey was born at 2:40pm.

He was 6 lbs. 14 oz and 19 inches... and simply perfect in my opinion.

The next day was Super Bowl Sunday and we watched the Patriots win from our hospital suite while I feasted on a black raspberry and hot fudge sundae.

Speaking of food, after Turkey was born all I wanted to do was eat. I had gone around 24 hours without eating... I ate a TON while in the hospital.

Now that I think about Turkey's birth and Monkey's birth, and while they were both very different I think I see a pattern.... once I hit active labor my labors go fast, very fast. Maybe Husband is right, when and if we have #3, we should take a room out at the hospital ahead of time... just in case. Or maybe....

King of the Store

2012-01-29T21:27:00.001-05:00

When Turkey was small I signed him up for the birthday program at Toy's R Us. It's a cute little program, a few days before your child's birthday a card comes in the mail for them from Geoffrey the Giraffe and in the card is a $3 gift card. Then when you get to the store you tell the employee at the front desk that it's the child's birthday and they get a crown and a balloon (free).

The first year I took him to do this I felt a little silly because he was still riding in the cart and the crown was way too floppy to look "regal". However since that first year it's been a tradition he looks forward to. And luckily this year he got 2 cards, and thus 2 gift cards.

Tonight armed with his 2 gift cards (hey, $6 is a lot when you're turning 8) and his birthday money (he had his friend's party a couple weeks ago) off we went.

Turkey was BEYOND excited to be there. He was on top of the world and could hardly contain himself while I got his brother out of the car and into the carriage... so Husband walked him in... up to the front desk Turkey marched and proudly reported that it was his birthday (OK, so it's on Tuesday but really...) and he got his crown and balloon and off we went to shop...

Well OK, me and the boys went one way and Husband went the other to get Turkey's gift from us (parents also get a $5 off $25 birthday coupon as part of the program)...

Turkey looked over the shelves with care, calculated, and re-calculated the prices on items he wanted....

And then over the loud speaker it came... the employee at the front desk was announcing it was Turkey's birthday and welcomed others to wish him happy birthday if they saw him (which they did). Turkey stood there beaming, listening to his name being said over the intercom.

In the end he selected three packs of Pokemon Black and White and two 6-Series Lego mini-figures. In his mind the best way to spend around $25 of his own money and a Sunday night.

Silent Saturday

2012-01-28T20:59:00.000-05:00

1 year ago....

38 weeks along....

Oversupply

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000-05:00

I saw this blog post over on The Feminist Breeder and I wanted to share it with you, along with my personal experiences in the area.

I suffer(ed) from an oversupply and overactive letdown. The oversupply we learned to deal with and control using block feedings. Block feedings are when you nurse from only one side per nursing session (instead of both sides as typically recommended). I actually had to go in blocks of 5 or so hours per side, so say if he nursed at noon on the right I wouldn't let him nurse on the left until say 5:30pm. Thankfully as Monkey has gotten older and my supply has regulated this is less of an issue.

The overactive letdown, however; is still around. For me, let-down (when the milk ducts release the milk to flow freely) feels like pins shooting through "the girls", on the opposite side from where he is nursing. When I switch sides during a nursing session I need to go through the pains again. Sometimes they are so intense they radiate down my arm... and typically when that happens my milk comes out so fast Monkey is popping up gasping for air. And the girls get rock hard during this... but when it stops... it's sweet bliss. I guess it's similar to hitting your head on a wall... ha!!

Gotta love all of the little things that come along with nursing. The good and the bad.

Project Food Budget (Week 17)

2012-01-26T20:50:00.001-05:00

This week things went pretty well, although I didn't do a formal "food shopping".

Sunday we stopped at the grocery on the way home from church and spent $34.18. Husband and I (and Monkey) went out to eat Sunday morning breakfast as well (while Turkey was in CCD) and spent $17.50. I made a couple quick stops at the store to odds and ends, since I didn't do a formal food shopping and spent: $10.20 and $3.99. So I am well within the $100 for the week... however I don't see this as a victory as I had no plan and no rhythm or reason in what we ate, etc. I need to get better with planning and getting into a routine.

Project Food Budget 2.0

Fresh...A New Chapter

Naturally {Un}refined

Pgh Dad

yogabeautylife

Charmingly Modern

naMAMAste

Feelin' Like Superwomen

2012-01-22T21:33:00.001-05:00

Friday night started out great. Husband and I were enjoying watching "The King's Speech" when we heard him. Monkey, that is. Typically he gets a dream feed every night at 10pm (give or take), and some times he wakes up for it and reminds me (not to nicely) that he wants to eat. Fast-forward to 1am and I am still working on getting him back to sleep (damn teeth... you suck, please come in already). When I finally drifted off to sleep I was envisioning a long day which would require serious quantities of coffee.

6:30am came, and the boys were awake and ready to go; but I was able to keep them at bay until 7:30am, and somehow once I rolled out of bed I was full of energy... I managed to...

make enough pancakes to eat today and freeze for later
do two loads of Turkey's laundry
play with the boys outside in the snow
address Monkey's birthday invites
nurse the baby about ten times
write some letters (yes, snail mail letters)
bring the last of the Christmas decorations to the attic
write a couple blog posts (and read a couple posts)
clean and organize the linen closet
sewed on Cub Scout patches, mended a stuffed animal and a pair of PJ pants
oversee Turkey writing out thank-you cards for his party.
take a shower with Monkey
play two games of Scrabbled Slam with Turkey
tickle Monkey by kissing his cheeks like crazy
change three poopy diapers
clean up the kitchen (twice)
make pretzels with the boys
play blocks with Monkey
play Yahtzee with Turkey
finished up Husband's web-site
and make dinner

.... so yeah, I totally woke up with a Superwomen complex... and felt the need to get EVERYTHING done, on very little sleep.

You Suck

2012-01-22T17:10:00.001-05:00

That comment would be directed at my new insurance company, United HealthCare Oxford.

I take the mini pill, the recommended oral contraception while breastfeeding. I take a generic. Sometimes CVS gives me Heather, sometimes it's called Camila. Same difference. Under my old insurance it was a $10 co-pay. With my new insurance I was expecting a $15 co-pay, as our co-pays went up.

So imagine my suprise when I go to get it and they tell me it's $35.99.

I decline to pick-up my prescription, at the price, figuring there must be some computer error.

I call the pharmacy line, enter my 15 digit member ID number more times than I can count... only to get told it's a Tier 3 drug under our new plan... and I have to meet a $100 deductible, then I can pay a $40 co-pay... or just buy it out of pocket for less.

Seriously.

So they recommend a different brand of the mini-pill (Miconor)... because apparently they know better than my doctor. Who, by the way, I know need to call and ask for a medication change... because the pharmacy can't make the substitution. You've got to be kidding me!!!

Note: our Rx's are covered by a 3rd party... who also sucks... but I still blame United for picking these jerks to work with.

The Best Of (Part 7 of 10)

2012-01-22T01:10:00.000-05:00

The other night I was thinking about writing a blog post about how much I love the chair in Husband's office (everyone thinks like that right???); and then it occurred to me that 1) Monkey will be 1 in a few weeks and 2) that I really haven't added to my Best of List in a while and 3) well the chair is a best of item...

so... drum roll please....

#7 on my Best of List for Baby is... The Recliner!!!!

Yes, this is not your typical baby registry item. And yes, everyone loves a good rocking chair or glider; but really if you can afford it and you have the room I highly recommend getting a recliner for use with baby. A rocking recliner is even better.

When Monkey was born Husband had his rocking recliner in his office. It was red, it was old, it was kind of hard, it was old... but it worked. So well it put Monkey and I to sleep more than once.

Then Gram passed away, and along with other things, we inherited her recliner. So Husband's old red one was passed off to my brother in law, and Gram's took it's place. This chair was a lot newer, and softer, and fluffier than the red chair. I am in love.

Now when I get home from work I scoop up the baby and head to Husband's office and into the easy chair. I kick off my shoes, and pull the leaver... ahhh!!!! Feet up, all nice and cushy and feeding my baby. Does it get any better than this?

So yeah, if you have a the room and the money... then put an easy chair on your list of "must have" for baby... I know it's on my top ten list.

And many thanks for Husband for letting me take over his chair and invade his office.

Silent Saturday (The Snow Edition)

2012-01-21T12:10:00.000-05:00

Ready to go with high hopes of "snow ball" snow.

"Ok Mom, now what?"

Trying to crawl in it.

"This is better"... up until last year Turkey wore that hat. It's a little big on Monkey .

"Faster brother, faster"

Turkey got this sled from Nana... the sled is easily 30 years old.
And it works great.

Add caption

He busted his knee.

Snow angles!!!

Yes... I pulled both of them around...
that's 100+ pounds of kid.

Soccer ball, basketball... it's all good.

Starting to loose interest.

And then the wheels fell off.

So Turkey opted to shovel for me.

Project Food Budget (Week 16)

2012-01-19T20:45:00.002-05:00

Last week an old friend commented that I should maybe try some of my shopping at the discount chains to save money and this got me thinking about how far away those stores can be for us.... so today I looked up the distances.

The 3 closest stores are Store Y at 3.6 miles, Store X at 6.2 miles and another location of Store Y at 8.9 miles. I try not to shop at Store Y because their produce sucks, their prices are the highest, and they treated my brother really unfairly after he worked for them for eons (OK, more like 10 years). But just based on distance alone, and the fact that BOTH locations are right off the interstate on my way home makes it really hard to not shop there.

The 3 closest discounts grocery stores are 15.2, 15.5 and 17.4 miles away... so when you figure in back road driving and then traffic once you get there it's a long way to go to save some money... plus gas is around $3.50 right now (what's up with that sudden price increase again... this sucks). And those distance are each way, which means I could easily spend an hour alone driving to go and from the store. Blah!! I do enough driving with my commute.

Anyhow, Husband and I got to talking about our food budget last night and decided we needed to trim the fat and we are going to be going with a $100 weekly budget from now on. So maybe working a once month trip out to the discount stores may be in order. Plus we're going to try to get back to buying our produce locally, which also saves money.

I'll keep you up to date as our new plan develops, but in the mean time don't forget to check out these other blogs participating.

Project Food Budget 2.0

Fresh...A New Chapter

Naturally {Un}refined

Pgh Dad

yogabeautylife

Charmingly Modern

naMAMAste

At 11 Months

2012-01-18T20:03:00.002-05:00

At 11 months Monkey...

is one of the happiest babies around.

loves playing, and especially loves standing to play.

is just learning how to crawl... sometimes he goes off to the side, and sometimes he tries to crab-walk.

loves eating... and I mean this.
He gets so excited over food he shakes with job.

eats everything. We've yet to find a food he doesn't like.

eats mostly table food.

we've loved doing Baby Lead Weaning.

is still nursing, at least 6 times a day.

is mostly sleeping through the night (knock on wood).

adores playing with others and helping clean-up.

dislikes riding in the car, still. I swear we have the only child the refuses to sleep in the car.

babbles constantly, and has learned how to shriek really loud thanks to big brother.

can be a real cling-on sometimes... thank goodness for baby-wearing.
We love our Beco.

still has no teeth.

gives kisses, waves hi and bye, gives high 5 (when he wants) and signs "more" and "all-done".

loves mimicking people and playing peek a boo.

is all all around happy baby.

His 2012 goals (if it's possible for a baby to have them) are to learn to crawl, learn to walk and get some teeth.

January 17, 2004

2012-01-17T20:52:00.002-05:00

8 years ago today was a Saturday.

It was a bitterly cold, overcast, yet very bright Saturday.

But my nearly 9 month preggo body was running on "hot" and I was dressed in a light weight short sleeve dress.

It was exactly 4 weeks before Turkey's was due, and exactly 2 weeks before he would make his early appearance.

It was the day of my baby shower.

Aside from the season inappropriate dress I wearing I was also sporting a "new" hair-do.... short with bangs. This is the only time in my life I've had bangs. My pregnancy hormones had wrecked havoc on my hair, causing my curls to go into hiding for 9 months and thus causing me to take drastic measures.

My shower was held at a friend's fiance's restaurant. The restaurant is no more. My friend never married that guy (thankfully), and I guess you could say I'm not even really friends with her any more. Things sure do change over the years, don't they? My mom and that friend hosted the party. Other friends and family members were there. I really should dig up some more of the photos from that day... I think my aunts would get a hoot out of our family group-shot from then.

I remember my Grandma (God rest her soul) got me a bathrobe and pretty smelling bath products... because as she put it "people often forget about the mom in times like these". My Aunt C made Turkey a blanket. She would re-make him the same blanket as a replacement in 2011. My Aunt G got the baby a floor gym and a pack and play among other things.

And despite what my mother said, no one got us any diapers. Not a single diaper. This was probably the only baby shower in the history of baby showers in the US to have no diapers present. When I had my shower for Monkey some 7 years later, everyone made up for this; and we ended up with enough diapers to last until we started cloth diapering around 2 to 3 months (once he reached size small).

I don't recall all of the wonderful gifts we got. I don't recall what we ate. But I do know we had lots of laughs over the game "guess how big mama is?" (I actually like playing this game... I know I'm weird.) I remember lots of laughs and hugs and love.

The next weekend my friend KB and I went shopping for ~~all~~ most of the baby essentials I didn't get at the shower. We shopped until we nearly dropped.

When Turkey was born the week after that we were not ready. The shower gifts and new purchases still littered the living room in their original packages.

And we still had not bought any diapers... good thing they send you home from the hospital with some.

Rice

2012-01-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

Husband loves rice.

Turkey hates rice (unless it's fried rice from a Chinese restaurant).

Monkey will eat anything you let him.

Me, I'll eat it... but it's not a "must have" for me.

A few months ago I had gotten a recipe from a co-worker for a super easy rice and bean dish. It had corn in it as well, which I figured was a plus since Husband and Turkey both like corn.

I've been meaning to make this recipe for months now.

Well I finally made it last week. I had high hopes for this recipe as it was good for you, and only cost about $3 to make. It was fast and easy to make. I was excited. I couldn't wait to serve it. It smelled so good.

Turkey loved it. Husband, not so much. Go figure.

(I thought it was good, and well Monkey eats everything.)

Husband made some suggestions for next time I make it... and I think it will work out just right next time and EVERYONE will love it.

In case you're wondering...
Cook 1 package of yellow rice according to directions, expect use olive oil instead of butter. Once boiling and 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans. Once the rice is done add 1 can of corn, 2 teaspoons of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of coriander.

Lego Party

2012-01-15T17:38:00.000-05:00

Today we had Turkey's 8th birthday party. Around these parts, at this age, we do "friends only" parties... which is nice because he gets his friends and Husband and I both get our friends to play with. (Don't you just love when this works out?)

We celebrated his birthday 2 weeks early... for several reasons 1) it's birthday season around here 2) it's nice doing it the day before MLK Jr. day (extra time to recover) 3) did I mention it's birthday season and 4) Monkey's birthday is 15 days after his... so by having it 2 weeks early I get a month break between parties.

This year he opted for a Lego themed party. Which was lots of fun to plan and decorate for. (Husband called me his crafty little minx.)

The boys dined on pizza slices designed to look like Legos.

I made the goodie bags up to look like Lego bricks.

Turkey decorated his giant cookie cake with mini-figures and Lego weapons.

The boys played "Lego straw pick-up" (you pick up Lego pieces by sucking them up with straws and putting them in a cup), pin the head on the Lego guy, and hot Lego (like hot potato).

It was a good day... lots off laughs and no major meltdowns. He is so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and Husband and I are lucky as well, to have such wonderful friends and their kids.

Nursing at (nearly) 11 Months

2012-01-14T21:25:00.000-05:00

Nursing at, nearly, 11 months is a good place to be. It's a comfortable place. It's a confident place. It's a relaxed place. At least for me.

At 11 months you get accolades from nurses and doctors on "such" an accomplishment, you get a respect from your co-workers for (along with some ribbing) for carrying it on for so long, and you that certain smile from other mothers.

This is the time I wish nursing mother's just starting out knew about. I wish they, that while it does have it's unique challenges, knew what a comfortable place nursing could be. Actually I wish the comfort and confidence of nursing an older baby is something that all new mother's know about. If during those first few months of uncertainty and doubt and confusion and sleepless nights and days; they could look ahead and see, better yet experience, nursing an older baby this whole relationship might be easier.

At 11 months you've hit your stride (and not just in nursing but in taking care of a baby). Nursing sessions typically last 5 to 15 minutes, and they are fewer and further between. There is more nursing for comfort than nursing for food. There is the confidence that your body is providing well for baby; and the communication between you and baby is strong.

Sure there is biting, and nipple twisting, and climbing all over mom; but compared to the uncertainties of the early months... these challenges are mere child-splay (says the women whose son is still a gummy bear).

Nursing at this stage is relaxing. To sit in a darkened room with your baby, watching them grow sleepy as they nurse; and feeling your own eyes grow heavy as well... and then there is that little warm hand that creeps up the back of your shirt and starts patting you.... telling you that it's OK.

Silent Saturday

2012-01-14T07:57:00.000-05:00

Friday Night

Turkey and his goggles.

Monkey figuring out the crawling thing.

Project Food Budget (Week 15)

2012-01-12T12:18:00.000-05:00

The budget this week is $150 again, and this includes our normal shopping, plus food shopping for Turkey's (friend only) birthday party this weekend, plus money for fish and chips ($13) on Friday.

Like last week, this weeks shopping is mostly stocking-up. Store Y is having a can sale (3 for $1 on most veggies and both boys LOVE un-salted canned peas), so that's were we focused. OK, I made the list and Husband did the shopping. Which he has sworn would never happen again, because people are crazy and grouchy at the store. He did awesome sticking to the list and spent exactly as I figured, a hair under $60. Really he should shop more often he did such an awesome job.

I spent $9 at the store yesterday at lunch on some fruit for the house.

Last weekend, both of our moms cooked for us (mine on Saturday and his on Sunday), so that was a real treat. And neither time did I have to do clean-up. SPOILED!!!! Monday Husband and I had a date and we spent $18.45 ($22.45 with tip) at red Robin. Tuesday I don't recall what we had, but I know we ate at home. Wednesday we had tuna sandwiches and fruit, tonight is rice and beans and Friday is fish and chips. Saturday and Sunday are both un-planned for at this time, but they will be home and will be dependent on how I'm doing party planning and clean-up.

So far this week we've spent: $9+$60+$22.45 = $91.50 which is a good number to be at heading into the weekend.

Don't forget to check out these other participating blogs:

Project Food Budget 2.0

A Nice Heart and a White Suit

Fresh...A New Chapter

Naturally {Un}refined

Pgh Dad

yogabeautylife

Charmingly Modern

naMAMAste

Aliens

2012-01-10T21:27:00.001-05:00

Don't take this post as a political statement, I'm just sharing a funny mommy moment.

While driving with Turkey this morning we were listening to NPR and the news about the New Hampshire primary. Turkey got to asking about politics and Obama (he's a big supporter, always has been) and republicans. He asks me what a republican is and I try my best to explain it to him in 7/8 year old terms. He stops me short and asks as seriously as possible:

"Basically mom, I want to know if republicans are aliens."

How do you not bust out laughing at a statement like that.

Booster Seat

2012-01-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

Yes, my nearly 8 year old still rides in a booster seat.

Yes, he's a "big kid", at 80 lbs. and 54 inches (4-ft 6-inches).

But the LAW is 4-ft 9-inches so he has some growing to go still.

Sure, there are plenty of adults that barely make the height requirement. But they are adults. They, supposedly, know how to sit in a car seat properly. Turkey on the other hand doesn't know how to sit in a car seat properly (most of the time). He likes to slouch down. He likes to kick his feet against the back of the seat. He likes to lean over to the side and droop his head.

So until he grows 3 more inches AND learns how to sit in the car right, he's in a booster.

No matter how many people comment on it, and no matter how many of his peers (who are shorter than him) tell him they don't need a booster seat.... he will be in his booster. (And loving the cup holders.)

Silent(ish) Saturday

2012-01-07T19:28:00.000-05:00

Man Speak

2012-01-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

When I say I am going to do the dishes, what I really mean is I am going to:

put the dishes in the dishwasher
wash all of the dishes that need to be done by hand
put away any food, dressing, etc that have been left out
wipe down and put away the high chair
wipe down all of the counters, the stove, table and fridge door handle
put away any small appliances that had been taken out
sweep the floor
and clean out the sink

When I ask my husband to do the dishes, he does just that. He loads the dish washer.

I need to learn to speak more like a man, because I can't expect him to read my mind and know what doing the dishes REALLY means.

What does doing the dishes mean to you?

Project Food Budget (Week 14)

2012-01-05T21:11:00.000-05:00

So to follow up on all of my shopping from last week. $54.19 at the first store, $80.14 at the 2nd store and $27.50 on Chinese on New Year's. So $161.93, which is $16.93 over... good but not great.

This weeks shopping is planned for Sunday or Monday. We'll see how it goes. I've spent $19.55 already on milk, bread, etc.

TIBMTD Update: December

2012-01-04T22:19:00.000-05:00

Let's see how I did this month....

1) Clean out the junk draws in my kitchen. Technically only one of them is THE junk draw. Not sure what the other one is SUPPOSE to be... but regardless they both need to be cleaned up. Done and as a bonus I cleaned out the cabinet I keep the small appliances in.

2) Take more naps. Really... I need more sleep. I took 2 naps in December. SCORE!!!

3) Go visit my cousin. Done, we went out, saw their new house and meet their new baby.

Oh yeah, I totally ROCKED December.

Brown Bag Popcorn

2012-01-04T12:56:00.000-05:00

I had wanted to share this "recipe" with all of you back in September, but one thing lead to another and here we are... Ok, I forgot all about it, until I saw this post over on Lazy Mom.

Basically you put popcorn kernels (1/3 cup) in a brown paper lunch bag, fold down the top of the bag, and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, season as you like and enjoy.

I had first heard about this recipe at my grandmother's funeral, and I balked at the idea thinking this would never work... but it WORKS, it works really well.

Try and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Thinking About the Spectrum

2012-01-03T13:01:00.001-05:00

I invite you today to head over to John Elder Robinson's Blog "Look Me In The Eye" and read his post about looking forward on the autism spectrum.

Turkey is one of those whose “substantial communication impairment" is defined as “has difficulty reading body language and interpreting unspoken messages.”; which is typically why many people see him as eccentric and not on the spectrum (because he is so verbal; with verbal skills greater than many adults).

We are learning, on our Asperger's journey, that the schools do NOT understand the needs of those with this disability. They keep crying that he needs to be failing subjects in order to receive many of the services he desperately needs. But being as gifted as he is, it will take a lot for him to fail subjects... he would need to totally disengage from the classroom. Is this really what the school system wants? To build him back up again, after THEM being the ones to drop the ball? I would think not.

My "Asperger's Goal" of 2012 is to get the schools to provide the services he needs and is entitled to.

8:30 and a Skit

2012-01-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

At 6:15 this morning Monkey woke crying looking for some boobie milk. I was tired, drop down tired still... so as I walked down to his room to nurse him I was hoping he wasn't up for the day. Well my prayers were answered; I fed him and he promptly went back to sleep. I myself woke in a start at 8:30; it had been ages since I slept that late and had not been woken up by the baby and/or an alarm clock.

Turkey on the other hand was up bright and early. At 8:30 when I staggered down the hall to check on the baby I noticed he was dressed already, and playing in his room. Within minutes he was back in my bedroom with breakfast in bed for Husband (oatmeal), Monkey (brown rice crispies) and I (oatmeal).

Then he told me he wanted to put on a skit, and he needed me to be in it.

Once I made my way downstairs he showed me the sign he made for the TV. It read "Out Of Order", and with this he explained to me that he wanted everyone to come to him for their entertainment of the day.

Which brings us to his skit. Apparently the most profound and impact-full event of 2011 was the birth of his brother (nearly in the car with him there); because we were "acting" this out. (Considering everything else that happened his year, I have to say I am OK with this.) He had written a script with Husband and Wife parts, which detailed the Husband driving the Wife to the hospital while she said "Owwww" over and over again, and asking where they were going. He replies to the hospital (driving using a race track as a steering wheel). Once the Husband proclaims they are at the hospital the Wife (played by yours truly) pulls a pillow (aka baby) out of her bathrobe and the Husband says "it's a boy". Turkey had him and I rehearse it a few times, then he edited his dialog some (he actually wrote out by hand the script with direction), and we rehearsed some more, then I made coffee for Husband to enjoy while watching it.

Um yup... I have a 7 (almost 8 year old) writing plays about child birth... that's all I have to say about that.

Change 3 Things

2012-01-01T20:43:00.001-05:00

Apparently change is the word of the day over here on Two Eggs Over Easy.

As Monkey got bigger we embarked on a new adventure as a family: cloth diapering. We opted to CD because it was better for his skin, better on our wallets (and we had $0 start up cost thanks to my dear friend M) and better for the planet. As I began to learn more about CD and getting into it, I ran across "Change 3 Things Challenge" on Facebook, and since we were already committed to CDing I signed up (not that there is a penalty for not following though). Following Change 3 Things on Facebook has been fun. I love seeing how the impact of cloth diapering is changing the environment.

So here you go folks... if you CD or are even thinking about CD I invite you to LIKE them on Facebook and see what is going on. (sorry for such an agenda driven blog post this evening.) And if you have questions about CD I would be happy to share my (albeit some what limited knowledge) and experiences with you.

http://www.change3things.com/

I was not paid nor offered services for this blog post... simply post what felt right to me.

ch-ch-ch-changes....

2012-01-01T01:22:00.001-05:00

This March I will have been at my company for 12 years. 12 fast and yet very long years. I certainly have a love-hate relationship with my job, I always have... but it's not what I see myself doing for the next 12 years. Not unless by some magical stroke I could do it from home on a full-time basis... but I'd probably only last another 5 years that way... certainly not 12.

That being said, over the summer Husband and I talked, and he supports me in my desire to start upon a new career path. I've done my homework and my research and I'm going to have to take some classes and do some volunteer work and take some tests to get what I want but in the end I should be happy.

Why? Because I'll be doing something I have passion in. Like I said, I have a love-hate relationship with my job; which is great and all, but honestly I am not passionate about it. Don't get me wrong factory automation is great and all, and I'm all for American manufacturing but I have no desire to make this field my life's work.

So here's to starting on a new adventure in 2012.

And yes I am scared, but hey if I don't at least give it a shot I'll never know what could have been.

Silent(ish) Saturday

2011-12-31T15:40:00.000-05:00

Does this count even though I've already had a "wordy" post today?

Turkey 2004.

Monkey 2011

Reflections

2011-12-31T15:37:00.000-05:00

I could bore you with my reflections on 2011.... OK, more like depress you. 2011 started out wonderful with the birth of Monkey, but took a serious nose dive after that... OK, moving on... instead I present you with Baby New Year 2004. Here is Turkey at 11 months (exactly) ringing in 2005.

This photo has made me realize a few things..

1) I wish I still had that carpet.
2) I wish I still had that gate.
3) I need to get a party hat to get a picture of Monkey this evening.
4) There are few things that make you feel older in life than watching your children grow up. I cannot believe this is his 8th New Year's Eve.

Cinnamon Buns

2011-12-29T22:34:00.000-05:00

A few months (OK, more like 6 months ago) my aunt gave me a bread maker. I was all excited for this gift. I left it out on the counter for a week, then it got stashed into the bottom of my pantry with the rest of my small kitchen appliances.

Then right before Christmas I had the most brilliant idea: I was going to make homemade cinnamon rolls. (I think the Man Vs. Food episode with the bun the size of his head got me.) Normally for holidays we do Pillsbury cinnamon buns as a treat.

So I search and searched and found this recipe for the buns.

After the presents were opened, but before Turkey and I left for church I set about making the dough (which in my maker has a 1:15 minute cycle). When I got home I rolled out the dough, added the topping, rolled, cut, baked and made the icing.

Before baking.

The icing itself was addicting. I am lucky, oh who am I kidding my family is lucky, there was icing left to frost them with when I was done sampling.

After baking... I never claimed to be a professional.

Upon eating these Husband claimed only my homemade cinnamon rolls were to be eaten in our house going forward. I took that as a compliment.

These are not a diet food.

I was amazed by how easy these were to make. Honestly, I must have spent a total of 15 minutes actively making these. Since making the rolls we've tried white bread (not so good) and french bread (super yummy with homemade soup)... and I foresee many other breads in our future.

Monkey enjoying a roll on Christmas morning.

Project Food Budget (Week 13)

2011-12-29T11:12:00.000-05:00

The budget this week is $150 and this includes our New Years Eve treats and Chinese food.

This time of year the grocery stores in this area have a lot of "stock up sales". We got the circulars for the two stores we shop at yesterday and planned out the shopping trips last night.

We did the first trip, as a family, this morning at store Y. They had a number of buy 1 get 2, buy 1 get 1, and $1 sales going on. We stuck to our list, and only spent $0.74 that wasn't on the list, and that was for an Angry Birds spiral notebook for Turkey. In the end we spent $54.19 and SAVED $68.22. And that was without coupons. I love saving more than I spend. We stocked up on chicken, frozen meatballs, half and half (that stuff has a shelf life of nearly 2 months), cranberry juices, and potatoes to name a few.

Tomorrow or Saturday we'll go to store X. And Saturday night we'll spend the change on the festivities.

I am planning on making and freezing and taking some meals to my cousin who just had the baby, as well as stock up our own freezer. I love having frozen meals ready to go... it really helps cut back on the "need" to eat on the go.

Don't forget to check out these other blogs and see how everyone else is doing.

Project Food Budget 2.0

A Nice Heart and a White Suit

Fresh...A New Chapter

In case you haven't noticed this is a Thursday weekly feature.

What's In a Name?

2011-12-28T08:18:00.001-05:00

When we had Monkey we were on "team green". For those of you not down with the mommy-internet-slag, that means we didn't find out the sex of baby until after the birth.

As such we thought of many, many names for both sexes. At one time we had considered for boy names: Mitchell, Gregory, Everett and Oliver. For a girl we were pretty set on Lucille, Lucy-Lo for short. But we had also considered Annaleise (it was on "the list", but really if he had been a girl he most likely would have been Lucille).

A while back my cousin and I were discussing baby names (this is before Monkey was born I am sure, which means it was back when she was considering having a baby)... and Oliver was her top baby boy name choice (at the time). After that conversation Husband and I scratched that name off our list... we decided we didn't like the meaning (elf army) and since it was her TOP name we wouldn't "steal it". I don't think in that conversation we ever discussed girl names.

Fast-forward to now... and we have had a bouncing baby boy; whose name means "divine gift". A nice and strong name; which goes well with his big brother's name which means "wise protector".

This summer when my cousin found out her baby was going to be a girl and revealed the name... I was in awe; it was a variation of Lucille. Great minds clearly think alike, especially when it comes to naming baby.

I had really thought Monkey was going to be a girl. Everyone, except Turkey who kept insisting he was going to have a brother, thought he was going to be a she.

I had dreams of having "my" little girl... she would be fair skinned, with a head full of jet black hair and bright blue eyes. Imagine my surprise when Monkey turned out to be a boy with patchy strawberry-blonde hair and eyes that are yet to change color fully (we're guessing they will be hazel or brown).

Today we welcome my cousin's baby into the world... with a head full of black hair.... it must be in the name. They are truly blessed and she's a lucky little girl to have such wonderful parents.

And if you are wondering we've since changed our top girl name (and not because of my cousin's naming choice)... the new name has to do with victory. And that's all I am going to say.

It's Never Too Late

2011-12-27T19:19:00.000-05:00

Husband got me this book for Christmas (it was on my wish list).

It's 172 simple acts (more like phrases to ponder and act on) to change your life and I came across this one today that I wanted to share... it's dedicated to my boys...

It's never too late, to be a late developer.

Set your own timeline.

Don't allow others to dictate your pace.

Benchmarks are for average people.

You're an individual.

You have your own individual rate of growth.

Take the pressure off.

Allow things to develop naturally.

It's not important when you get there.

What matters is that you get there.

By Patrick Lindsay

Growing

2011-12-27T16:00:00.000-05:00

Some days I can't decide which of my boys is growing faster. And I'm not talking the milestone kind of growing, I'm talking physical growth.

Just the other day I was putting together away Turkey's clothes and I swear I set more stuff aside to store in the attic for when Monkey gets bigger than I actually put away. But, at least now I can hand his clothes down to a sibling. I swear it was just this summer that he started wearing size medium, and now all the clothes he got for Christmas are larges. He's entering that age where he also needs to start trying things on, because no longer are all of the size 10s fit the same. I am however looking forward to being able to buy his pants like grown men do - in width and length.

We had promised to buy him his first suit for his First Holy Communion this spring, now I am wondering if we should just rent one; because he grows so fast.

And the same can be said for the little one; although we expect that from him. All of the size 12 one piece outfits I got him when it first started getting cold are now too small. My 10 month old is wearing size 18 months... he's so long and skinny. Thank goodness for the cloth diapers to hold his pants up, since he has no waist to speak of.

I'm also proud to admit that I have no problem buying them clothes at the consignment shop. I try to make their clothes a good mixture of new-to-them and new-new.

But still... they could stop growing so fast... if even just for a week.

Home

2011-12-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

A little while ago I was thinking that this holiday weekend was the longest time I had been home in a while.

But then I realized that I went out with Turkey yesterday morning, to Christmas Mass. Does that count as going out? Sure we got dressed up and headed out in the frigid temps for nearly 2 hours, but that is more like home away from home.

It has been so nice to be home.... so relaxing, so right, so peaceful. And I have a sick baby to thank for that.

Christmas Eve my mother, brother and his better half came over as planned. Dinner was nice and easy and the conversation... was sidesplitting-ly funny. Later that night Monkey's temp crept from 101 to 103 and we decided to stay home on Christmas Day.

In the end I think that was the best gift of all (and thankfully his temp is now down to right around 100)... time at home with my loves. Once we got home from Mass I put my new PJs on and stayed that way ALL DAY. We had a dinner of leftovers from Christmas Eve (we weren't planning on being home for dinner and I didn't feel like cooking), we played with the new toys, and snuggled on the coach watching Christmas movies.

Today I got up and showered and put on a fresh pair of PJs; then just puttered around the house. Enjoying my boys and getting some cleaning done. Maybe, just maybe tomorrow I will get dressed.

Do You Believe?

2011-12-23T22:39:00.001-05:00

Turkey has been a non-believer, for the most part, for the better part of the last 4 years.

He doesn't believe in Santa Claus until the 11th hour, and then it's more desperation then belief. I cannot tell you how many times he has asked me if Santa is real. I've been telling him, for years now, that Santa is the feeling of this season and if you hold his magic in your heart then he must be real.

This line wasn't getting me very far this year; until the letter came.

The letter from the North Pole that is. It came in a fancy envelope announcing it was a special delivery from up in the cold, and was addressed to him. (Monkey got one too... but to him Santa is just a guy with great facial hair for pulling).

He had been out with my mom when it came in, so I set it on his bed for when he got home.

And boy was he surprised. He literally shook with excitement when he read the part about being at the top of Santa's nice list. The letter concluded by reminding him that Santa is always watching and he better listen to his parents, make his bed and behave. It was signed... in ink. This was fancy stuff. Also included was a coloring book and an autographed picture of Santa (also signed in ink).

And with this, he has become a believer again. Although I will admit I am looking forward to the next chapter where we get to help him bring Santa to life for his younger brother. As the oldest growing up as well, this is something I can't wait to share with him.

Oh and to whatever friend or relative signed the boys up for this... I've asked a few, but have gotten no confirmations... THANK YOU.

I would love to have shared the autographed photo with you,
but Turkey has his hidden away, and Monkey chewed on his.

Project food Budget: Holiday Shopping & Lesson Learned

2011-12-22T21:34:00.000-05:00

Tonight I went food shopping for Christmas and a few days following.

I was ready. Really ready. I made my list, and double checked it against the circulars for the two local stores. I stopped at store X (which I really don't like) on the way home from work and picked up a few odds and ends (less than $10 worth) that was on sale there. It was 8pm, both boys were in bed, I had on my sneakers and a sweatshirt with front pocket (perfect for my list and pen). I remembered my list, my pen, and even my shopping bags. I was READY.

It was a pleasant night, warm for this late in December in New England. I enjoyed the drive to the store listening to Christmas music and looking at all the lights. I picked myself up a hot chocolate on the way, and braced myself for the crowds.

But there was no crowd, the store had maybe a dozen other shoppers in it.

I started in the baking isle, since I was going to spend a good deal of money on this and my ham.

I took my time, and shopped off my list. It was a good shopping trip... I could think clearly and was able to add my groceries up in my head as a I went (a skill that I had lost after the birth of Monkey, I chalk it up to new mommy brain... hey, with a 7 year age gap I get to claim that again).

My budget was $150. I knew I was doing good and picked up a few dollars worth of extra stocking stuffer chocolates. My total was $149.44. I did awesome.

Then I went to pay... and I could not find my debit card. I was sure Husband gave it back to me after I asked him to do some last minute on-line shopping the other day. He must have given it back to me. I checked again and again, but could not find it. So I counted the cash in my wallet... I was short (OK, was surprised I had that much on me, who knew all those ones and fives would add up). I had the clerk take off my conditioner and $8 worth of butter... and I had just enough... down to nearly my last penny... $135.13.

As soon as I got out of the store I called Husband. He's sure he gave me back my debit card. Then he checks his wallet... and there it is, safe and sound.

Lesson learned... make sure you have money on you when food shopping.

Don't forget to check out these other blogs and see how they did this week. Hopefully no one else forget their debit card.

Project Food Budget 2.0

Ignition Nutrition

A Nice Heart and a White Suit

Fresh...A New Chapter

Chandeleah

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T19:51:00.001-05:00

Getting ready for the holidays (photos taken over the last few weeks).

A Reminder

2011-12-20T08:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had gotten a Christmas card at work from a customer, and I wanted to share it with you all as it's a good reminder not just for the holidays but for life in general. Sadly, the card would not scan in well.

The card is white and a pine tree is featured on the top right side. The pine tree has little woodland creatures sitting in and around it. Cut into the card are footprints, which creates the idea of walking in a winter wonderland. When you open the card a snow angel is cut into the heavy cardstock.

The text is simple... "Take pleasure in the small things this holiday season."

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

2011-12-18T20:49:00.001-05:00

The big boy, aka Turkey, spent Friday night with my mom; so Husband and I took the time to wrap up the holiday shopping.

Saturday morning we opted to skip swim classes because Monkey was rocking a 101F fever; and instead went to breakfast and did some more shopping. We drove a little way up north east from us to a breakfast joint that has a cow head's on the outside of it and counter service circa 1960, swung by my cousin's shop in hopes of an adjustment (she's a licensed massage therapist, but was sadly closed), and then went to the children's outlet. Once we were done at the outlet we figured we'd walk around town some, since Monkey was already snuggly in the carrier. We wrapped him up good with a blanket and set out hand-in-hand down the street.

The town we were in hasn't changed much with the times; and honestly there isn't much shopping to be had (aside from a men's clothing store that has great socks and cub scout gear). The buildings are all brick, three or so stories tall and boost places to get your appliances fixed or nails done or second hand goods. Normally this town is a bit on the depressing side. This day however was different...

This day it was a Christmas wonderland. Pine garland with big wreathes were stretched high across the street; and small lighted Christmas trees stood on poles above the sidewalks. As we walked we were followed by Christmas music playing from the mini trees. The air was crisp and cold; and then a light snow started to fall. It was picture perfect. It was more than picture perfect, it would have been perfect if Turkey was with us. We vowed to come back at night, just for a drive by, to see all the lights.

Project Food Budget (Week 11)

2011-12-16T13:04:00.000-05:00

I am still here!!! Despite not having a real budget for the last 2+ weeks or a meal plan, but I am still here (albeit a day late).

This was a crazy week, full of quick meals and running around. Sunday we had chicken parmigiana at home (it was so good), Monday we had something but I don't recall, Tuesday we grab and go meals after a meeting for Monkey, Wednesday we had frozen pizza and salad at home before Cub Scouts, Thursday we had eggs, toast and yogurt before more Cub Scouts. Tonight Turkey is going out with my mom and Husband and I are going out (with the baby of course).

This weekend I pledge to clean out my fridge AND go food shopping.

Don't forget to check out these other blogs.

Project Food Budget 2.0

Ignition Nutrition

A Nice Heart and a White Suit

Fresh...A New Chapter

Chandeleah

All I Want for Christmas

2011-12-14T21:29:00.001-05:00

If it was up to Monkey I am sure all he would want is his two front teeth (ha!!), or any teeth for that matter.

Turkey on the other hand has a very specific list of what he wants. This is a list he has been working on and refining for weeks now. Originally his list had 15 or so things on it, and some items were called out in great detail... not so much anymore. As of last night his list had four items on it: Legos, clothes, Megablocks/Halo, and a flute.

Ah the flute.

His flute request is tantamount to that of Ralphie's quest for the Red Rider BB Gun (Turkey was informed earlier this summer that I will not even entertain the idea of getting him a BB gun until he is at least eight years old).

When we went to see St. Nick at church, the ONE and ONLY thing he asked for was a flute.

The boys, looking very serious, with St. Nick at church.

When strangers ask him what he wants for Christmas, he tells them a flute. Store clerks find this amusing I might add.

(I will admit at scouts tonight he didn't mention it; I think he might have been embarrassed after all the other boys wanted BB guns or video games.)

The flute has been on his list from the very beginning. At one time he was asking for a flute case as well, then he realized that a flute would come with a case anyhow, so he took the case off his list.

I looked on Craig's List for a used flute. But I wasn't about to spend $200 on one. It's not like he wants to take lessons or anything; he wants it for his one-man-band (he already has the harmonica; I guess I should be glad he didn't ask for a bass drum).

Friends suggested I get him a recorder; but I already tried that. It seems he knows the difference between the two and really, really, wants the flute.

I looked on-line and found a $7 wooden flute. More of a fife I suppose, OK really it looked like something a pixie would play while sitting on an over-sized leaf ... and I am not really sure about the quality. Sure it's only $7 (plus shipping); but it looked pretty cheesy. Plus it didn't have a case.

Today I started feeling the "Christmas is in a week panic" and put out a call out on Facebook for help. And I am so happy and impressed with the response. A relative on Husband's side is sending up a fife. Another friend has a lead and is working on it. And yet another posted a link to one on eBay (a little more than I would like to spend... but many thanks). I love the help; it's amazing. What did we do before social networking or even before the internet???!!!

I feel better that I have begun working on solving our flute problem... stay tuned for how it turns out.

Oh, and in case you cared... all I want for Christmas is to sleep till 8am.

Spelling

2011-12-12T21:22:00.001-05:00

Spelling was never my strongest subject in school. I recall many many tears over the subject in grammar school. I can honestly say that I couldn't really spell until I was in college.

Thankfully that is not Turkey's case. He's an excellent speller, on spelling quizzes at least (spelling in context not so much, but that's a different story), but he typically tests great at spelling.

Today he came home with a 90% on his weekly spelling test. Many parents would be thrilled, but his spelling tests grades have been slowly declining over the last few weeks. But the declining grade wasn't really what bothered me; what bothered me is that he misspelled the word try.

I know he can spell try. I know this for a fact. He can recite how to spell this word without thinking twice, and spells it correctly when he writes stories and letter.

He spelled his bonus words of "frequency" and "magnify", but he misspelled try. For the record he spelled it t-r-i-e. Really???

When I asked him about this, he said "Why do I have to spell it right on the test?"

Me: "Well, that's the idea of the test. It's to make sure you can spell the words right."

Him: "I don't see the point. What do we have spell check for than?"

Me: "You need to, you must, spell the word correctly on the test IF you KNOW how to spell it." And with that I imposed some real studying guideline for his spelling quizzes, which are in effect until he starts doing what he's suppose to be doing.

Such an odd problem to have. Many parents make their kids study so they learn. I need to make mine study to ACT the right way. Sigh.

A Day in the Life: Sunday

2011-12-12T09:01:00.000-05:00

6:26am - The day begins with the sound of Monkey crying through the monitor. I nudge Husband, "Please go and nook him, if he sees me he'll want to eat and I NEED to sleep until at least 7am."

6:59am - Turkey crawls into our bed, upside down and proceeds to kick his way into the middle.

7:05am - Alarm goes off... hit snooze.

7:15am - Hit snooze again.

7:26am - Come up with a "get out of the house in the next 30 minutes plan" with Husband and go to nurse Monkey. Secretly wanting to have Turkey skip CCD and mass.

7:48am - Dash into the bedroom to get dressed after nursing Monkey and getting him dressed. Throw on a dress, earrings, brush teeth and hair.

7:56am -Leave 1 minute late, only to realize we forgot the diaper bag. Run into the house, get the diaper bag and dash out.

8:18am - Drop Turkey off at CCD 3 minutes late (thankfully there were lots of other kids late this morning as well). Head off to get gas, the paper and coffees at the gas station. Get bummed because the ice is broken, decide to have an ice coffee anyhow.

8:30am - Go to the grocery store to pick-up donuts for breakfast and a few groceries for the house.

8:55am - Eat donuts in the church parking lot with Husband. He straps the baby into the carrier and I go to pick-up Turkey from CCD, and head to mass with him.

10:20am - Mass is over and Husband takes Monkey to the car while I stop to buy a chocolate pop with Turkey on the way out. Stop get the garlic bread that we forgot. Go to another grocery store to get the garlic bread.

11:15am - Get home and feed Monkey some whole wheat Cream of Wheat for breakfast. Nurse him. Help Husband fix the leg on the coffee table. Pull Monkey away from the ceramic cat he's been sucking on while we fixed the table and haul him upstairs for a nap. Husband offers to rock him some since he just nursed.

12:05pm - Make Turkey a hot dog for lunch and chat with him.

12:15pm - Get Husband for a client call and make him lunch as he heads off on a job.

12:45pm - Work with Monkey on his Light of Christ book for Cub Scouts. Nook Turkey on and off for about 30 minutes, as he's having a hard time napping.

1:05pm - Nurse Monkey.

1:20pm - Send Turkey to his room for some quiet time, and curl up in bed reading waiting to make sure Monkey is fully asleep. Close eyes and drift off into a light sleep.

2:05pm - Get woken up by Monkey crying. Get Turkey out of his room as well and head to the kitchen. Lunch (soy blueberry yogurt with iron fortified cereal added to it) for Monkey and hot chocolate with whip cream for Turkey and I.

2:38pm - Turkey cruises around his playpen and Monkey works on Cub Scout stuff while I start washing diapers. Once the diapers are in the wash, I watch the boys play together with the Christmas animated toys - the singing Cow, Reindeer and Snowman.

3:05pm - Make brownies with Turkey while Monkey plays on the floor. Husband comes home. Monkey plays in his jumper-roo while I work on putting pictures in frames.

4pm - Nurse Monkey and put him down for a nap. Work on a blog post.

4:30pm - Start making dinner with Turkey (chicken parmesan), and Husband.

5:02pm - Have dinner without Monkey as he's still sleeping. Play truth or dare with Turkey while eating, it's his new favorite game.

5:50pm - Nurse Monkey when he gets up, and then take him down for dinner (what we had) and clean the kitchen while he eats. Clean him up and make him giggle (while playing with the towel), until he can't giggle anymore.

6:28pm - Supervise Turkey washing his hair, and get his clothes put away and him settled into bed. Put away the diapers. Go in to say good-night to Turkey and discuss the validity of Santa Claus (he's been a skeptic for years).

7:10pm - Take a shower with Monkey, get him ready for bed, nurse, and tuck him in.

7:33pm - Get Turkey's bag ready for school and sit down to watch some TV and work on this blog post.

8:20pm - Hang up picture frames that I made earlier in the day. Defrost milk, wash bottles, make bottles for Husband for tomorrow and brew myself a cup of tea. Put the dog to bed.

9:00pm - Start watching Bag of Bones with Husband... get really into it.

9:25pm - Move movie watching into the bedroom and wrap Christmas gifts (nothing like Stephen King to get you in the holiday mood).

10:15pm - Decide the movie is lame and go to give Monkey a dream feed.

10:35pm - Watch Family Guy.... turn off the light around 11pm....

11:31pm - Get all pissed off that I am not asleep yet while listening to Husband snore.

A New Chapter

2011-12-11T14:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I started Chapter 34 in my life. It was a good day. And I am hoping the rest of this chapter follows suit.

Chapter 33 was a difficult one. It started out a bit rocky with Turkey's diagnosis of Asperger's, but then quickly became joyous during the birth of Monkey. The end of winter and early spring were quiet, but it seemed like unrest was afoot. In July we lost my step-father, and then in September we lost my Grandmother. It was during this time my heart and mind went to a dark place, life suddenly seemed a lot less fair than it had in the past. But I looked to my family, especially Husband and my mom, and prayed really hard on it all; and slowly but surely I am finding my way around to a more positive light.

And I think I'm off to a pretty good start for a more positive light, and a better new chapter.

Usually I am a sullen mess around my birthday. It's not that I don't like my birthday or getting a year older; it's that my paternal-grandmother died right before and was buried on my 25th birthday. Something like that sticks with you for a while.

But this year I was better. I was less moody, less upset... and considering all that had happened this year, I think I did pretty darn good on my birthday. Husband was impressed by how cheerful I was compared to previous year.

The day was wonderful. Breakfast in bed with my guys, swimming lessons for the boys, lunch (child free) with my dear friend KB (who invited my mom as an added surprise), a little holiday shopping, and then a quiet evening home with presents and ice cream cake... capped off with the Griswold's Christmas and some alone time with my honey.

It's days like that, that remind me; that while I was lost a lot, and don't have everything my heart desires; I do have a lot.... especially a lot of love. And for that I am truly blessed.

So bring on this next chapter... I KNOW it's going to be better than the last.

The Things About Nursing

2011-12-09T13:05:00.000-05:00

I love nursing my little one. It's a fact and I am so happy we've made it as long as we have. We've made it longer than many, while the data is somewhat conflicting depending on the source; it is estimated that less than half of babies were breastfeed (less than 15% exclusively breastfed) at 6 months. And here we are nearing 10 months of breastfeeding... and we've hit a hiccup.

For me breastfeeding has been fairly early. I haven't encountered many of the pains and issues associated with breastfeeding. And I've been very lucky to not only have breastfeeding friendly doctor for myself, but for Monkey as well.

Today that changed.

I have a clogged milk duct. This happened once before, and it was easy to fix with a nice long nursing session.

Today is different from that time, as I am at work. I tried to get Monkey to nurse it out before I left, but he was already full and was not interested in helping his mama out. So here I am, at work, trying to dealing with this as discreetly as possible. This is not going so well.

I was using a damp wool nursing pad as a hot compress, microwaving it to warm it up. But then I burnt it. And everyone wanted to know why the office smelled (not that I admitted a thing).

And it's hard to get in frequent pumping sessions when you have work to do and can't pump at your desk.

And forget about trying to massage my breast at my desk to work the lump out.... that is so NOT happening.

Oh... and I think the other side is now working on a clog as well... it's starting to get tender.

So here's to hoping for the best, that I can beat this clog and not have to worry about mastitis.

Counting the hours till I am at home with my baby... who is hopefully going to help his mama out this time.

TIBMT Update: November

2011-12-09T12:48:00.001-05:00

So... how did I do in November....

1. Take down AND put away the Halloween decorations.

Done, done and done... and the Christmas stuff is out. I totally rock at this. :-)

2. Send out three packages - one to Melissa, another to another Melissa and one to my step-father's parents.

2 out of 3 done. I still owe Melissa hers, but that's because we had to get more flat rate boxes there were NOT designed to go to military bases. Last time I checked she lived in a cute farm house, not on a base overseas. But I do have the box... so I am really close.

3. Clean out and change over my purse to something new... I certainly have enough to choose from. Over maybe I'll even get a new purse.

I didn't get a new purse, but I did switch things over. Loving the new cleaned out little bag I am sporting now.

4. Clean my and Husband's bedroom and re-arrangement for the winter months (read move the king size bed away from the heater so we don't bake in our sleep).

This is so NOT done. Husband suggested we do it this weekend coming up, I laughed at him. I just don't have the motivation to do this right now.

Project Food Budget (Week 10)

2011-12-08T12:40:00.000-05:00

Another week of Project Food Budget and another week of revelation for me. I need to find time to make grocery shopping a regular habit in my house. It's not that I don't shop (as you've seen I certainly do), but my shopping has no rhythm. I need a regular (or at least semi-regular) shopping routine. Oh to the drawing... or scheduling board.

In the mean-time don't forget to check out these other blogs participating:

Project Food Budget 2.0

Ignition Nutrition

A Nice Heart and a White Suit

Because Hobbies Happen

Primary Focus Health Coaching

Chicken Tender

Fresh...A New Chapter

Chandeleah

Lobster Ravioli

2011-12-07T07:58:00.001-05:00

Ahh... the corporate Christmas (or Holiday as some prefer to say) Party. An old stoic tradition which to me brings visions of 80s glam fashion, big hair, cognac sipping, cigar puffing big wigs all standing around shaking hands while the mail boy twirls from a light fixture wearing a Santa hat.

My work Christmas parties are nothing like that.

Years ago they were parties; lots of drinking with some really good food, and some more drinking. At least once, in my pre-kid days (and never since) I was cut off from the bar at said Christmas party. But I wasn't alone, co-workers and their wives were cut off as well.

Gone are those days of reckless abandon at my work Christmas party. We've all grown up in the last 12 or so years.

Last year marked the first year the Christmas party was for employees only.

Last year also marked the first year I didn't attend. Not only could I not bring Husband, but it was on my birthday, and I was 7 months pregnant. (Not that the pregnant part stopped me from attending and laughing at all the drunks in the past.)

This year I am faced with the dilemma to attend or not attend.

Part of me feels it's my "employee duty" to show up and make small talk and help booster a positive work environment through such activities. The other part of me cannot get over the fact that cocktails don't start till 6pm, dinner starts at 7pm (if they start on time which they never do). By the time dinner and desert is done (if I went there is no way I would leave without desert) it's easily 9pm. Add to that an hour drive home, and it's 10pm. This puts me away from my kids, who I don't see enough of anyhow; for 15 hours. Not to mention this is a nursing / pumping mother's nightmare. It's not like I could pump at the party; and from 6pm to 10pm is prime nursing time for the little one.

But the menu sounds so yummy...

click to enlarge

... and the idea of some "grown-up time" sipping a glass of red wine sounds fantastic.

But I would much rather go on a date with Husband. Ahh... if only they let spouses go, like in the good ol' days; this decision would be so much easier.

hmmm.... filet mignon, lobster ravioli.... chocolate truffles....

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Things I've Been Meaning to Do (December)

2011-12-05T21:48:00.000-05:00

Short and sweet list this month... because I do much better with short and sweet lists. Oh, and no photos this month because I left my camera at my mother-in-laws this weekend. Sniff, sniff... I miss it so. Glad Husband is going to get it tomorrow for me.

1) Clean out the junk draws in my kitchen. Technically only one of them is THE junk draw. Not sure what the other one is SUPPOSE to be... but regardless they both need to be cleaned up.

2) Take more naps. Really... I need more sleep.

3) Go visit my cousin.

Silent(ish) Saturday

2011-12-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

Turkey has been eyeing the wax hand making at Yankee Candle for years now. The last time we went he finally muscled up the courage to do it... as long as I did it with him. Here's our journey.

Employee showing us what to do.

Washing our hands in ICE cold soapy water. The idea is to numb your hands some.

Getting ready to dip our hands in hot wax.
To me this was right up there with waiting for the tattoo artist to start.

"Look Dad, this isn't so hot."

Monkey watching Daddy taking pictures.

One of the many layers of wax. We went from wax to water to wax about 10 times.

Worker coloring our hands blue and green.

Turkey showing off our hands.

Our hands at home. I'm green. He's blue.

Working Mom Guilt

2011-12-02T08:25:00.000-05:00

At some time or another, almost every mom that works outside the home goes through "working mom guilt". It's one of those things that comes and goes. I know I personally suffer from it more days than not, and usually I am not too bad at beating myself up over it.

Until a note comes home from school.

Make that two notes home from school, on the same day. One from Turkey's teacher about him crying because he misses his mom, and one from Turkey himself.

"Dear Mommy, I miss you while you are at work. (sad faces... then hearts) Sincerely, ... "

Project Food Budget (Week 9)

2011-12-01T13:15:00.000-05:00

I have no meals or budget to share this week... but I do have some revaluations.

1) As a family we eat out WAY TOO MUCH. Husband and I had a long talk about this, and we're committed to eating out less. And as such, money for eating out will be counted into our regular food budget. We're also going to plan outings differently as well, no more going out when we know it's a meal time, and if it is a meal time and the troops are hungry than have a snack, and we're going to try to keep more snacks with us while we are out.

2) My meal planning around holidays sucks. I can plan a weekly menu just fine. I can plan a holiday menu just fine. I cannot combine the two. With Christmas and New Year's coming I need to work on this.

And if you are wondering 3) Week 9 in the title comes from how long this project has been going on in general, not how many weeks I've been doing it. I was using my own weekly numbers before, but it's just too confusing.

Don't forget to check out these other members of Project Food Budget!!!

Project Food Budget 2.0

Ignition Nutrition

A Nice Heart and a White Suit

Because Hobbies Happen

Primary Focus Health Coaching

Chicken Tender

Fresh...A New Chapter

Chandeleah

A How-To: Thanksgiving Guide

2011-11-30T20:19:00.000-05:00

Granted it's a little late... but still well worth sharing.

This is Turkey's guide on "How To Cook Thanksgiving".

How to cook a Thanksgiving dinner. Buy the turkey. Buy the eggs. (This is where I got confused reading this, after all it wasn't Easter.) Buy the cranberry sauce. Buy the stuffing. Pre-heat the oven to 150F. 30 minutes to make the turkey. Make the deviled eggs. (Oh, so this is what the eggs were for. When I told him and Husband I wasn't making deviled eggs they balked, so I ended up making them. Good thing he wrote this to remind me.) Go to the bathroom. Make the stuffing. Put the seasoning on the turkey. Get what you want to eat on your plate. Then enjoy.

Silence

2011-11-28T12:33:00.000-05:00

"Or I'll keellll you."

I never claimed this blog was not cheesey or without bad impressions... but it's been so long since I have posted I felt the need to acknowledge that. And it's not that I don't have anything to post about (my brain is certainly full of ideas), but it's more of less. Less computer time at home that is.

But don't worry... more to come (shortly) of your favorite Monkey, Turkey and Food Budget and Silent Saturday and all those thinks that make this blog tick.

What Goes Around Comes Around

2011-11-21T20:56:00.000-05:00

Before Turkey was born I bought the cutest lime green fleece snowsuit, complete with toggle buttons and all from Gymboree. They didn't have a newborn size, so I bought it a few sizes too big. (Hey, first time mom what did I know.) In the end he wore it home from the hospital, rolled sleeves and all. And then he never wore it again.

But I loved it dearly, so I packed it away into his "keep forever box".

Fast forward 7 plus years and it's the end of October and we're expecting snow, and now I have Monkey who is 8 months old and has no snow suit. So up to the attic I go and dig through the box and find the lime green fleece snowsuit Turkey ONCE wore.

Granted it was a little small (you couldn't fold the feet and hand covers over), but it fit for the most part. Problem solved... for now.

Silent(ish) Saturday

2011-11-19T18:46:00.000-05:00

(October) Keene Pumpkin Feast

Turkey and I both found 4-leaf-clovers within minutes of each other.

Mother's Intuition?

2011-11-18T22:17:00.000-05:00

This post was originally typed weeks ago... before the storm, and the sickness and all that jazz... but it's still relevant.

The other night I woke up around 4:30am. And I mean WOKE up. I was wide awake. I laid in bed as still as I could, as to not wake Husband. But I couldn't stand it any more, I was ready to get up and clean the house or something. So I decided to use the loo and go make a cup of sleepy time tea. I had been looking forward to sleeping in till 7 as I had the day off, but it didn't look like that was going to happen.

As I was washing my hands I heard the baby start fussing, so I went in to nurse him.

We sat in the dark in his room and nursed and rocked and nursed some more. And before I knew it we were both drifting off to sleep, so I laid him down and crawled down the hall and back into my bed.

The next thing I knew it was a little after 7am. Oh it was wonderful.

When I told Husband this story, he remarked it was "mother's intuition". Me, I think it was just a lucky break. What would you call it?

Project Food Budget

2011-11-17T12:17:00.001-05:00

This week when I went food shopping I committed the greatest meal-planning sin, and went shopping BEFORE planning my meals and (obviously) before making a shopping list. That being said I spent nearly $80, again (this seems to be my average lately). Yesterday we were out and about from the morning through lunch and spent another $22 on snacks and lunches. Bringing my total this week up to $ 102. Not bad for NOT planning.

Meals this week have been pretty easy: meatless pasta, Husband's chicken noodle soup, eggs and hash, and a pick your own. Tomorrow night we're having seafood, and it will be whatever is on-sale at the store. So that will get added to the weekly budget.

Edited: Friday night... $44.40 at the grocery for seafood (crablegs) and k-cups. So, $148 for the week.

Project Food Budget 2.0

Ignition Nutrition

A Nice Heart and a White Suit

Because Hobbies Happen

Primary Focus Health Coaching

Chicken Tender

Fresh...A New Chapter

Whole Living Gal

Chandeleah

Two Eggs Over Easy

9 Months and 1 Day

2011-11-16T21:23:00.000-05:00

Dear Monkey,

Today you are 9 months and 1 day old. You are getting to be an "old man" I tell ya'. Your daddy is so NOT ready for you to be a toddler in the coming months. He's in denial. (Your mommy may be as well.)

Earlier today we took your to your well-baby-check-up (say that 5 times fast), and you are HUGE. OK, maybe not HUGE, but you are tall 30.5" (95%) and skinny 18 lbs. 6 oz (25%). You are taller and thinner than you big brother at this age. I wonder how it will be as you both get older.

I guess Ney-Ney had called the doctor and told her we were "starving you", as she recommended upping the amount of solids you eat in a day (while still keeping up all the "wonderful nursing till at least a year").

When we left the doctors we got some quick 9 month pictures done. Mommy just had to get one of you wearing the same outfit big brother wore for his 9 months pictures. She is a sap like that. The photographer thought you would be crawling all over the place - man was she wrong. You're our little late bloomer, and that's OK.... I'm not ready to baby-proof the house yet.

Then we got you your new car seat, as you are now too big height wise for your infant seat. While I will miss having a "baby in a bucket" I will enjoy not having to lug that thing around.

Speaking of being too big, you are quickly growing out of your 12 month clothing. I wasn't planning on having to buy you two winter wardrobes, but you are certainly moving into 18 month clothes rather quickly.

You're favorite things to do these days are play with your big brother, jump in your jump-a-roo, play the monkey piano, your blocks and eating. You love eating, especially for some one without any teeth.

Your mommy loves you... and I hope the time between now and your first birthday slows down a bit.

And now... what you've been waiting for.... pictures...

Your first time in your carseat.

The last time in this carseat.

Checking out your new carseat.

Sleeping, un-swaddled, with a lovey... this is NEW for you.

Playing with your blocks.

To Make You Chuckle

2011-11-15T12:46:00.000-05:00

Around these parts Turkey is famous for his innocent one-line comments and actions that make us chuckle... I thought I would share a few recent ones to make you smile.

One evening as he was coming down with a cold, I told him I was going to put the humidifier in his room. He responded in shear panic and horror: "You're going to set my room on fire!!"

I asked him what he wanted to bring to school for cold lunch on the day of his field trip. "A turkey leg?" Me: "Um, no". Him: "How about a chicken leg?"

One night before bed I asked him what he wanted to read. He handed me the Oriental Trading Christmas Catalog. "This would be good" he says.

If I Knew You Were Coming...

2011-11-13T13:56:00.000-05:00

... I'd of baked a cake. Oh wait....

A long time ago, in a not so far away land, Husband was married to someone else; and she had a son from a previous relationship. When they divorced, she wouldn't let Husband see him anymore; as he wasn't "his son" (not my words). Husband was devastated by this, he had know this son (Bear we'll call him) since he was tiny; and he was nearly a teenager when they divorced.

Over the years Husband tried to keep in touch, first though Myspace (remember when people actually used that sight); through other family members; and every year on his birthday Husband would call his ex and leave Bear birthday wishes. Bear's birthday is early November; and during this time of year Husband would get "moody" (to put it nicely)... upset he couldn't see or wish his first son a happy birthday.

This past summer they re-connected on Facebook (I know, I know, who doesn't these days). But Bear was never on Facebook. And then the night after my Grandma's wake, while stopping at the grocery store; we ran into Bear.... the rest is history.

Bear (and sometimes his girlfriend too) are becoming a regular addition around the house some weekends. Turkey adores his "big brother" (although they are of no relation, but it makes him happy to think he has a big brother). Bear plays with the boys, helps Husband out around the house, comes to little family outings with us, and enjoys sitting around drinking coffee and chatting.

Yesterday Bear turned 17. And this year, for the first time in many many years Husband was able to call him and talk to him on his birthday.

Today he's over visiting so I took the opportunity to bake a cake (red velvet to be exact). It's been far too long since I have baked a cake, Turkey prefers the Mrs. Field Giant Cookie cake, and Husband likes brownies. And while I am certainly never going to be a professional baker I am certainly looking forward to having a slice tonight.

Turkey felt the need to get Bear a birthday gift (sour candies to be exact), and took great pride in wrapping his gift.

And used an entire roll (an entire NEW roll) of tape to wrap the gift.

So Happy 17th Birthday Bear... and thank you for making my Husband smile today.

The Pen

2011-11-12T11:57:00.000-05:00

Every year, on the first Saturday in November our church has their Christmas Bazaar. Local crafty people come and peddle their wares in the parish center. On top of all the vendors the church holds several raffles. Some are free (like the attendance one), and some you have to buy tickets for. One of the raffles you have to buy tickets for is the vendor raffle. All of the vendors raffle off one item. It's displayed at their table, along side the jar for depositing tickets.

We bought $5 worth of tickets. Husband and I kept 10 tickets ($2 worth) and gave the rest (15 of them) to Turkey. He entered into three vendor raffles: a kid prize basket, a fancy $75 wooden pen, and something else silly.

He really wanted the pen. I mean REALLY wanted it. The pen was made by Stan Halgas at stanspens.com. He spent days after the bazaar talking about the pen, about how he wanted the pen, wondering when they would pull the tickets.

Well guess what? He won the pen.

Showing off his pen. He was so proud.

Turkey is enamored with his pen. It "sleeps" next to him in it's wooden box on his night stand. He carries it around the house and has taken to drawing endless comics and designs for new guns (laser guided plasma gun anyone?)

I'm really glad he won it. He understands how much it costs (and I would never spend that kind of money on something for him) and is taking really good care of it. It's teaching to be more responsible, to take better care of things... and it didn't cost me a thing... ok, $3 that went to our church.

Project Food Budget: Week 6

2011-11-10T20:21:00.001-05:00

This week has been a bit of a mess timing wise (too much going on outside the home)... this is what I planned for dinners this week:

Sunday – Ham steaks, couscous, salad

Monday – yellow rice, beans and corn, broccoli,

Tuesday – burritos

Wednesday – hot dogs, beans, salad

Thursday – eggs, corn beef hash, toast and fruit salad

Friday – Date night

Saturday – crock pot pork chops, orzo, turnip (still haven't made this from weeks ago, don't worry Meghan once I do I will post the recipe).

This is what we actually had:

Sunday – Ham steaks, couscous, salad

Monday – we ate my my aunt's house, she made pasta it was yummy!!!

Tuesday – chili dogs and salad

Wednesday – egg salad sandwiches

Thursday – I bought DH a pizza... he's had a long hard week

And we're still on for:

Friday – Date night

Saturday – crock pot pork chops, orzo, turnip (still haven't made this from weeks ago, don't worry Meghan once I do I will post the recipe).

I spent $76.96 at the grocery store this week. Plus another $21.25 for pizza, so that puts me at a little over $100 this week. Not bad. And as an added bonus I have lots of meals to fall back on that I have stuff for already. However I need to get some staples that the grocery store didn't have following the snow storm... so I guess in the end everything will balance out.

Two Eggs Over Easy

Respect the Turkey

2011-11-09T07:53:00.000-05:00

This funny little cartoon has been making the rounds on Facebook for a little while now... I've even posted it to my wall, and personally I think a ghost or witch or something should also be ganging up with the Turkey because I swear they have Christmas stuff out in October.

Now I will admit I am in the Christmas mode a little. 85% of our shopping for the boys is done, and we're probably about 80% down shopping all together. And I will admit I pulled the Christmas paper out of the attic this week and stashed it under my bed. And we DID go to the holiday bazaar at our church today (but it's more a craft fair than anything). And I did start a holiday folder on my Pintrest today as well... but we have GOT TO RESPECT THE TURKEY. And I am talking the American Turkey, not the Canadian one that happened last month.

We have neighbors that have put out Christmas lights (trees and all) already... hhmmm, maybe they never took them down and just started turning them on. To me this is a little much.

Even Monkey gets exasperated when we walk into Target and get slapped in the face with Christmas displays.

I want to be able to work on my merry-making in private, in secret, in darkness... just like all those other little joys you do in private. There are just somethings you don't talk about in public till it's time. And in this case, it's not time till after Tom Turkey is eaten.

Gooble, gooble.

This post is dedicated to the people down the street, who as of November 5th have had a Christmas lights display going that would rival Clark Griswald's.

Things I've Been Meaning to Do (November)

2011-11-08T21:29:00.000-05:00

Following the Original Lazy Mom... I present to you my November list of things I've been meaning to do.

1) Take down AND put away the Halloween decorations.
They were cute and fun BEFORE it snowed.

2. Send out three packages - one to Melissa, another to another Melissa and one to my step-father's parents.

It's all about the small size flat rate box.

3. Clean out and change over my purse to something new... I certainly have enough to choose from. Over maybe I'll even get a new purse.

4. Clean my and Husband's bedroom and re-arrangement for the winter months (read move the king size bed away from the heater so we don't bake in our sleep).

We don't want to look like this you know.

The Best Of (Part 5 & 6 of 10)

2011-11-07T11:34:00.000-05:00

In case you've missed the first half of the list you can find it here.

I've been debating my #5 on this list for a while now, as this may be something that comes back to bite me in the butt as Monkey gets older. But here it is anyhow....

drum roll please.... #5 on my list is.....

The pacifier. And not just any pacifier, the Nuby Natural Touch, Soft-Flex Cherry Shape one to be exact.

Monkey loves this pacifier. We call it a Nook (as we like to say "Monkey loves nookers, but not hookers. I know we are a little strange.) You see Turkey never took a pacifier, ok he did ONCE for about 10 seconds; and with all the studies showing pacifiers helped reduce the rate of SIDS Husband and I were all about finding a pacifier Monkey would take. We must have bought a dozen different types and brands of pacifiers before finding these and realizing how much Monkey loved it. Now mind you, we can only buy these on-line (for way too much money), or drive to one particular Target 40 minutes away to get them. But like I said he loves this pacifier and takes sucking on his pacifier very seriously.

Chillin' with my mom and his nook.

Out and about with his nook and a book.

Drifting off to sleep at Pumpkin Feast with his nook.

Getting ready for bed with his nook.

Now you will notice in many of these photos Monkey's nook is tethered to him. And this brings me to #6...

drum roll please....

#6 on my top ten list is the Booginhead Pacifier Holder, or as we like to call it in our house the leash (the complete combo is nook-on-a-leash... never leave home without it). We have several "leashes" as they are great for keeping other items close at hand in the stroller/carrier/carseat, etc.

For example: you can have teething-ring-on-a-leash.

Or my favorite, Sophie-on-a-leash.

What?? Doesn't everyone keep a French rubber giraffe hanging around?

A Fine Line

2011-11-06T13:42:00.001-05:00

Turkey is a complex guy. I've blogged before about his Asperger's diagnosis, his anxiety diagnosis and his ADHD diagnosis. But the other side of the coin is his intelligence. His IQ is in the 99.6% and his intelligence level is considered "far superior".

Often times gifted kids are afflicted with Dabrowski's Overexcitabilites (or Supersensativies), called DOE in this blog. There is a fine line, a very fine line; between many of these characteristics and other "development disabilities" such as ADHD.

There are 5 areas of DOE, psychomotor, sensual, emotional, intellectual and imagination. Sometimes when Turkey is being, well Turkey, I often wonder if I am watching a DOE or if it really is ADHD. This is partly why, we have decided to medically treat his anxiety and see what falls into place from there.

From About.com:

Psychomotor

The primary sign of this intensity is a surplus of energy. Children with a dominant psychomotor overexcitability are often misdiagnosed with ADHD since characteristics are similar.

· Rapid speech

· Impulsive behavior

· Competitiveness

· Compulsive talking

· Compulsive organizing

· Nervous habits and tics

· Preference for fast action and sports

· Physical expression of emotions

· Sleeplessness

Turkey "suffers" from 7 out of these 9 characteristics. He does NOT have a preference for fast action sports (although that may be partly blamed on his flat feet, but he does love wrestling with Husband) and he often lacks physical expression for his emotions (but that's the Asperger's). The compulsive organizing is new, and it's only in respect to his time. He is into listing his time and what to do, and when to do it. It makes you wonder... ADHD or DOE. Hhhmmmm.

More about the other DOE to come.

TIBMTD Update: October

2011-11-06T11:40:00.000-05:00

My list for October was short and TO THE POINT. And for once, I did it!!!

Pantry cleaned and orgainzed - check!!
Tupperware / table cloth area cleaned and organized - check and check!!!
Fridge - cleaned!!

And as a bonus, I cleaned and purged my pots and pans (but that's because I bought new ones... with cooper bottoms, oooo fancy).

Now who is handing out the brownie points????

Pneumonia

2011-11-05T20:52:00.001-04:00

Monkey has been under the weather for some time now. He's been running a low grade fever in the high 90s low 100s for the better part of the month. At first I decided he just had a normally high body temp, like his daddy... but now I wonder if I was just being a "bad" mommy.

About this time last week he started getting higher fevers, 101 to the 102 range. I figured he was just coming down with the bug that all of us had had recently.

Then, at about the same time the lights went out, his fever spiked to 103.8F. That's Murphy's Law isn't it.

I held off on calling the doctor for a few days, monitoring his fever and increasing his Tylenol/Motrin combo per his "little blue book" from the doctors. It didn't help that we didn't have phone service at the house, and cell calls were limited to 911.

Finally on Wednesday morning, after listening to him coughing something fierce, I decided enough was enough (and Husband was thrilled, being a first time dad he doesn't like the wait and see approach) and called the pediatricians.

His temp was 103.8 (again) when we got there (after having Tylenol an hour before). The doctor on call gave me two options 1) wait and see and call back if the fever isn't gone in 2 more days (because fevers can run 3 to 5 days) and 2) get a blood panel done.

I went with option 2, because really who needs to wait two more days, pay another $35 co-pay, and spend another 40 minutes driving there. Plus, I was ready for answers... his color just didn't look good.

We'll I am glad I went with option 2. His blood panel came back with mixed results (and he was anemic); so the doctor sent us to the hospital for a chest x-ray to rule out (on in depending on how you want to look at it) pneumonia.

Turkey was so worried about his little brother at the hospital and went to the gift shop with Husband and got him a stuffed doggie while Monkey and I took care of business. The x-ray confirmed he did have pneumonia. And he was started on antibiotics.

Shortly after we got home from x-rays.

We had a follow-up with another doctor-on-call on Friday, and when she listened to his lungs she could hear the pneumonia. She hypothesized that the other doctor-on-call (Dr. C) didn't hear it the other day because he must have been dehydrated from his high fevers (not to self, do not trust Dr. C, be leery of Dr. M). But Monkey was certainly on the re-bound and gave him the go-ahead to go to swimming this week, but no going under until he is done with his medication. Yay!!!

Before swimming this morning, acting and looking more like himself.

I must say, for his first illness Monkey certainly went all out. Why couldn't we have started with a simple cold or ear infection to break daddy in with?

Silent Saturday (The Swim Edition)

2011-11-05T16:51:00.000-04:00

Getting ready for his first "swim" lesson ever.

Say "cheese"/

No pictures please.

Turkey's the one in the yellow goggles.

Jumping in.

Project: Food Budget

2011-11-04T20:53:00.000-04:00

This week my food budget and meal planning skills, strategies, ideas, ambitions, wills and desires have been thrown out the window and ran over by a passing tree truck from Alabama. This storm really did a number on my planning. I couldn't tell you what I was planning for meals (this is hard to do with no power) or what my food budget was or what I spent.

I can tell you I spent a LOT on food this week. Lots of little trips to the store since we had no power. Bigger trips to the store to get items that spoiled (milk, eggs, creamer, cheese, etc) while we had no power, and too many meals on the run while shuttling Monkey to and fro the doctor's office.

Next week, I vow will be a better week. I only have room to go up from here (not that I am to blame, OK maybe partly for the Wendy's we had tonight but I really wanted their apple, walnut chicken salad).

In the meantime, why not check out these other blogs participating the Project Food Budget and see how they are doing.

Project Food Budget 2.0

Ignition Nutrition

A Nice Heart and a White Suit

Because Hobbies Happen

Primary Focus Health Coaching

Chicken Tender

Fresh...A New Chapter

Chandeleah

With a little help from...

2011-11-04T20:45:00.000-04:00

I'd like to say with a little help from our friends things are getting back to normal in these parts, but really it's with a great deal of help from strangers.

Driving around these parts lately you encounter tree services and utility trucks from all over; Michigan, Texas (that's a good 30 hour drive), Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, and Missouri to name a few.

Just earlier today I was cussing out Burford's Tree Service of Anniston, AL; for blocking the ENTIRE road and causing a 30 minute detour home; but when I went out tonight and drove past fleets and fleets of trucks I quickly started to appreciate all these people are doing for us.

They are helping out local businesses in more than one way; aside from physically helping with the task at hand they are staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, paying tolls on our highways, etc.

I know in times of crisis our locals have gone to lend a hand, whether it's been our fire fighters or our linemen; we're all here to help on another out... no matter how far away.