Teething and the Mommy

I'm not complaining. Truly. Taking things for granted lost its appeal a long, long time ago. I have two beautiful healthy boys, and a wonderful husband. Somehow, we are scraping by with one steady income so that I can be home with my munchkins. Well, scraping and trying to pull a huge boulder uphill, but two mortgages isn't helping.

But, that doesn't mean I don't want to yell...er, gently wake my husband up on nights like today. But, since he's been working six days a week plus side work on a house we are renovating with my father-in-law, I'm suppressing the crazy voice and keeping it all in my head. And maybe on my blog.

As a "stay at home mom" (I really detest what that implies...no lazy days for any of us, I assure you!!), I try to keep up my part of the bargain. Little guy, being five months old, is all mine at night, and sometimes all day. Our two year old loves tickle time, so the two and a half hours before bedtime he spends laughing away with daddy. I'm fine with that.

But, the last two days have been a handful. I'm not just a stay at home mom. I teach bellydance, which sounds like fun (it is!) but also involves planning and practice, considering I have three to four various classes or private lessons a week. And...little guy is teething. Which basically means he only wants to sleep on mommy.

Bedtime begins at eight, with all rituals drawing to a slumbering close about forty-five or so minutes later.

Not tonight. For me, anyways.

Right now, I'm holding my five month old with his drool (he's so adorable I can't stand it...unless he was sleeping in his crib, then I would cry exhausted tears of joy for both of us) because every single time I put him down, he let's me know how awesome his lung capacity is. So, I'm in a recliner while daddy and the two year old are sleeping on my comfy bed.

Just once, it would be nice, after the past two days I've had (where I've made amazing home cooked meals, I might add) if daddy would get up for just a few scant moments. I know he has to get up at 4:15, so I would totally usher him back to bed. But it would be the gesture. Sigh.

I know it won't happen. And, 99.9999% I'm totally fine with that. But, tonight, I was really looking forward to my snuggley warm bed. At a decent time before the lil man crawled in and took over my half.

Did I mention I have my in-laws coming over tomorrow? And we know there's no way that two little ones will nap at same time so mommy can catch a few winks.

But, looking down and seeing my precious baby boy snuggled up makes it worth it.

posted from Bloggeroid

Dear Beach Body, LEAVE MY SOCIAL MEDIA ALONE

Almost four months ago, my little guy made his appearance in this world. It was one of the scariest moments of my life, mostly due to fact that things really didn't go as easy as anyone would have liked. But, now, and in fact soon after hr made his appearance, things were wonderful. I had a healthy baby boy, and the complications that arose head during labor were quickly forgotten.

Over time, the welts around his neck and my arm from the blood pressure cuff faded, and we went home a few days later. But, those sixty pounds I gained during pregnancy were still there, minus lil guy, of course. They remimded me every single time I tried to find something to wear, telling myself that it took nine months to get to this point. Patience. I was happy except those little moments I caught sight of myself in the mirror, or when people would ask when the baby was due the first time I went out to get groceries.

But, I knew that I was on the right path...drinking plenty of water, breastfeeding (yay for happy hormones, healthy baby and mommy!), eventually taking walks, and resuming (slowly) my yoga and bellydance routine.

Fast forward to now...I'm down over fifty pounds, with only fifteen or so to go. I'm happy with my progress, and even more elated to be wearing real jeans and maxi skirts, not maternity pants or dresses. Although, some of my maternity dresses are still my favorites.

Here's my issue. Suddenly, at least three people/friends on Facebook are posting almost non-stop about the 21 Day Fix, or Beach Body every day, if not two or three times a day.
I'm happy if this is working for you, or you're able to support your family with you're new career choice. Seriously, I am. Most of these women are hard working moms trying to make a better life for their families (which we all do!!).

I've realized that some people simply cannot focus enough on things on their own, and there is nothing wrong with that. We know that diet and exercise together is the way to go. Some people need someone to help them with that, and to support them.

For me, it isn't just about losing weight. Healthy is my goal. Yes, I love cupcakes, but I know I can't eat a plateful and feel good about myself. (I will have one, though...)
It isn't just about exercise for the body; my mind and spirit need their time, too. And, most of these programs use dvds, without actual instruction from a person who can make sure you won't hurt yourself...plus you miss the chance to be around other people who can also motivate and inspire you.

Just not for me.

So, I'm doing my own challenge...and it is going to be awesome.

posted from Bloggeroid

Try A Little Compassion...

I've been that mom. You know the one. She's trying desperately to calm her two year old while hoping the three month old stays asleep peacefully.

I often wonder when and why we loose our compassion. At one point, every parent has had a similar moment. In very simple terms, a two year old (or a three month old, for that matter) does not have the capacity to understand why some things happen. Patience really isn't an option for them, because they're still figuring these things put. And it isn't their fault, or their mother's.

If I can, I try to schedule outings around naps, meal times, or "Frozen" viewings. But, there are times when I just have to do an errand (like the dreaded I thought daddy picked up diapers last, or we need dinner NOW). And, though I try to keep my little ones happy, sometimes they don't find errands as exciting as the zoo or a choo choo ride. The best case scenario would be to leave, maybe because they are tired or just don't like the snacks mommy has packed for our trip. But, sometimes things just have to get done.

Remember, these are little young ones who have little patience, and parents who are, more often than not, doing their best. When someone makes a snide remark, I often try to hold my tongue because they don't really know how my day has been. However, I have said something at times, met sometimes with compassion and sadly without understanding.

The compassion I've recently learned, is contagious...scientifically proven. So, the next time you see that mom trying her best or that two year old crying...try a smile. It might make both of your days better.

posted from Bloggeroid

Price Matching Diaper Dilemma

A friend shared a post on my Facebook this morning. It seems Dollar General's ad had Pampers Swaddlers, any size any count, for only $9.50. And, with Walmart's price match policy, someone had decided to share this to help all her fellow monmies out.

What!!??? Too good to be true? Kind of.

First off, a quick call to my closest Walmart and I'm told I have to physically have the ad, and I can't have it on my phone.

Alrighty.

Hmmm...I do a quick check, mostly because I don't want to take two little ones under the age of three in and have an issue, and look up Walmart's price match policy on their website.

No ad needed, just tell the cashier. As long as the item has the size, etc, stated in the ad. All sizes, all counts. It's stated pretty clear. ALL PAMPERS SWADDLERS ALL SIZES ALL COUNTS.

Cool.

I call the store back, and tell them what I read on their site. After being put on hold for a few minutes, I'm told it is Pampers Swaddlers Jumbo pack. I hang up, do some more investigating.

Jumbo really isn't what you think. Jumbo sounds fabulous, right? Not so much. Around, given the size, twenty or so diapers. Which they have at $8.97.

Gee, what a deal. I call their customer service line, to which I'm told that ad doesn't specifically state a size or quantity. Which, it does. ALL.

Evidently, not good enough for Walmart. (Really, I can buy different amounts of cherries, for example, and get a price match...I know, per pound, but I choose how much I want.)

I check with my absolute favorite store, Target. In this case, Target (after four different phone calls, one of which I'm told they don't price match?) does not price match with non-competitors.

What?? Dollar General carries many of the same things, right?

Now, I will say, I'm not so "mad" at Target. My Red Card helps out, plus their clearance deals are awesome, plus they pile on discounts especially with the Cartwheel app. (Even if I don't get a signal in the store to check, I love browsing the offers before I go in and just pull up my code). The customer service I've received at my local store has always been above and beyond. For real.

But, Walmart? They have disappointed me so many times in the past that I'm really stand off-ish with them. But, I've heard so many great things about their price matching...until now. Admittedly, I buy my Rachel Ray Nutrish dog food there because I can't find it anywhere else.

Funny thing, a friend went to the same store I called, where a letter was posted next to the supposed Jumbo size that they were honoring it for this size...at their regular lower price. She grabbed a two hundred count, showed the cashier the ad on her phone, and got the deal.

I kind of get it...it is an awesome deal, and giving your customers this deal would just kill their sales. Or something. (Insert sarcasm) But, I can say that the mixed message makes me wonder who cares about customer service? The cashier obviously did.

I'm a stay at home mom, with two little ones. Diapers aren't cheap. Neither is everything else a baby needs (or mommy) that I always seem to buy along with diapers.

Guess I'll stick to Target (and may Cartwheel coupon layering!) and hope to find that cashier if I ever go to Walmart.

posted from Bloggeroid

Pancake Muffins for My Picky Eater!!

My little man is a picky eater. As in meal times are stressful, because you just never know what will happen. Will he eat it, or throw it? Or will it just be a grunt and a head shake? When my husband and I find something he will eat, we make it until we fear he will turn on it.

Breakfast used to be easy...scrambled or hardboiled eggs and turkey bacon (the only meat he will eat that isn't on a pizza!!). But not lately.

So, when I saw pancake muffins on the Today Show, I hesitantly checked my pantry. Pancake mix? Check, and it was a healthy artisan oatmeal mix! Plus, I had coconut oil to use (both in the mix and to grease the muffin pan!), frozen blueberries (which my father-in-law graciously bought a huge bag of that seems to never end and make a blueberry stained toddler mess!), and chocolate chips!

The challenge was on.

Really simple:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Grease muffin pan (I used coconut oil because it has higher heat tolerance with a bit of sweetness)

Pancake batter (any kind!)



Scoop using an ice cream scoop into muffin pan. Top with blueberries or whatever you'd like in your pancakes!

Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Voila!! Makes 6-10, depending on how much batter you make.



I thought we might have a few left to freeze for another morning, but they quickly disappeared.

Success!!! If only lunch were as easy...

posted from Bloggeroid

Jammies and EBay

When I left my full time job over two years ago, my husband and I knew financially, things would get interesting. We had been pretty comfortable up to this point, even with two mortgages. After all, we had our prior home rented out, and with just the two of us, I could afford to indulge my Coach and shoe habit.

Then came the day it was time to go back to work after having our first baby boy. I was in tears, especially after checking out a few day care choices. It broke my heart to think someone else would see his firsts and his adorable chubby cheeked smiles. Plus, I was breastfeeding, and the thought of pumping at work (and suffering because I chose to do so by unsupportive coworkers) terrified me.

I made the decision that I would sacrifice all the silly material things and clip coupons, do whatever I could to be with my beautiful baby boy.

It hasn't been easy, but it has been wonderful. Thanks to my years of collecting various things here and there, eBay has become the easiest yard sale I've ever held. And my beautiful baby boy has given my dreams of bellydance new wings...I teach and make adornment out of vintage materials with a bit of new thrown in, plus performing.

But, really, thank you eBay for making this mommy's dreams come true. Even if I only get to shower three times a week, and wear jammies all day sometimes.

posted from Bloggeroid

Rootbeer Float Cupcakes...Summer Time Sweetness!!

Summertime is just about upon us, wiping away memories of the Winter That Was Polar Vortex Ensconced. Warm breezes, sprinklers turned on, grills smoking, watermelon slices dripping in sugary sweetness...and my favorite summer dessert.

Rootbeer float cupcakes.

I found this recipe a few years ago on www.TheCookingMom.com, and instantly fell head over heels. I've tweaked it a bit to better suit my taste buds...and wow.



Recipe:

Cupcakes:
One box white cake mix
2 eggs
1/4 cup coconut oil (really, you can use any oil, but I like the sweetness coconut oil adds)
2 & 1/4 cup rootbeer
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Rootbeer frosting:
2 packs Dream Whip
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup COLD rootbeer
The original recipe called for double, but I halved it because I had so much left after frosting!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together the ingredients for cupcake batter, then spoon into cupcake liners (Quick tip: use an ice cream scoop to get the perfect amount). Bake for 15-18 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Using a mixer, combine Dream Whip, vanilla, and COLD rootbeer on medium high for four minutes.

Originally, the recipe didn't call for vanilla, however it adds that little taste of ice cream flavor. Also, for an added touch, use the a frosting tip to make a small pocket inside the cupcake (from the top) and fill with rootbeer frosting. Top with maraschino cherry and a small straw to really complete the look!!

Enjoy!!!

posted from Bloggeroid