BFF's baby shower

 This past Saturday was my BFF's baby shower.  I had been working on the decorations/ideas for this shower since this summer and was happy to finally get to see it all come together.  It turned out great!  Here are some pictures...

Day 6, 7, 8- 365 days of photography

Day 6, January 6, 2011
I decided that to help myself keep up with the C25K program I needed to buy some cold weather jogging gear.  I really don't have a choice but to jog outside.  I can't afford a gym membership and I just don't really want to go to a gym right now.  It would be too much "extra" out of my already tight schedule.  So, I splurged and went to TJMaxx and bought a few things to help me fight the cold.  I say splurged, because I'm seriously trying not to spend ANY money outside of gas, groceries, and bills... at least for the next few months.  But, here's what I bought.  I thought it was a pretty good deal for 75 bucks.

Day 7, January 7, 2011
I finished the first week of C25K.  Three days of: 5 minute warm up walk, then intervals of 60 seconds jog, 90 seconds walk to total 20 minutes.  DONE!

is it bad that I don't have a picture for this??  It's the only thing remotely interested that happened today, and I didn't know how to capture it...


Day 8, January 8, 2011
Sofia, Bandit, and I went on a walk together together this evening.  We were trying to beat the bad weather that's suppose to be heading our way. 

Day 3- 365 days of photography

Day 3, January 3, 2011
Annnnnd she's off!  She had her first *real* crawl today.  Oi.  I can't believe it's already here! I suppose I cheated a little here.  This isn't a picture and I didn't even take the video.  My husband did since I was at work.  Even still, I couldn't leave this out of the timeline.

Day 1- 365 days of photography

I'm *attempting* to try this.  One photo for every day of the year.  It's a cool idea, I'm just not sure I can keep it up... plus, my life just isn't that interesting.  We'll see.

Day #1, January 1, 2011
New on the menu GREEN BEANS, yum!  :/  You can't really see the color in this picture (because my WB was set incorrectly), but these beans are GREEEEN.  Ugh.  It looked like radioactive juice or something.

 

I had decided, before Sofia was born, that I was going to try making our own baby food.  So far it's been pretty easy.  I've got Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato, Pear, Applesauce, Mango, and now Green Beans all packaged up in the freezer.  I would say, for 3 separate attempts, I have about 90 servings of food for about $7!  So far her favorites have been the sweet potato and squash.  The fruit doesn't seem to tickle her palate as much.

New year, new beginnings, new goals

I'm not one for New Years resolutions.  The excitement of the new year fades quickly and most of the population does not stick to the resolution(s) they made.  But I guess you could say this year is different for me.  I feel more resolve to change certain things in my life.

I've decided to do a scaled down version of 101 in 1001.  Let's face it, a lot of things can change in 2.75 years.  So many things on my old list be came unimportant or things that just weren't attainable any more with a new baby.  But, I did complete quite a bit of it, and as a list maker, it made me feel good to cross off a few things here and there.  So, I decided that this year I would make 27 goals for the year.  One for every two weeks of the year.  They don't have to be completed weekly, I just wanted to scale down the number of goals.  I originally started with 52, but I trouble coming up with that many.  I'll start with 27 and if I have more to add I'll add more.

I've decided to make some of the goals more long-term and therefore, more difficult to achieve.  But others will be quick and easy.  That way I can feel like I'm accomplishing *something*.  So, here they are.

1. Get on a budget, and try to stick with it for good!  I've lived out of my/our means for a while.  Living on credit and not really having a solid plan to pay it off.  Right now I'm using Mint.com for budgeting, and I recommend it, it's pretty cool! (0/12)
2. Pay off credit card 100% and keep the spending within a limit that I can pay off *every* month- I'd say $500/month.  I paid the card off a few days ago using a lower (than the CC) interest rate loan that we already had.  But now the challenge is to keep the spending down every month so that I can keep the balance at zero. (0/12)
3. Lose 6 pounds.  I've got 6 pounds of baby weight left to lose! (0/6)
4. Lose 4 pounds to equal a total of 10 (0/4)
5. Lose another 5 pounds to equal a total of 15 to put me into the middle of my BMI range. (0/5)
6. Save for  and buy new camera (monthly goal $150).  I've got my eye on this one!  ::love::
7. Take pictures of Sofia monthly.  This one should be easy as I'm already doing it, but I want to make sure I continue it! (0/12)
8. Go to the dentist every six months.  To some this might seem silly, but I, sadly, have not been to the dentist in years.  It just wasn't something that was instilled in me in my childhood. (0/2)
9. Finish Sofia's growth chart
10. Hang curtain rod and curtains in Sofia's room
11. Get Bandit's claws clipped or filed every 3 months (0/4)
12. Buy and start a compost bin.  This is something I've been wanting to do for a while.  I really want to be better about not being so wasteful.
13. Try to finish C25K program- 9 weeks.  I don't know if this will be feasible for me because of my knee, but I think it might help me to get back into running. (0/9)
14. Sell maternity clothes, put that money towards camera savings
15. Start savings account for Sofia
16. Sell Sofia's no longer used toys and "gear".  Put that money into her savings account.
17. Get cloth diaper inventory up to 24 diapers and/or GroVia inserts (16/24)
18. Fill Sofia's month-by-month picture frames, 13 total pictures in each (0/13 x2)
19. Have a small, successful, and cute first birthday party for Sofia.
20. Buy an external hard drive, keep all pictures and important files updated on said drive.
21. Get house "baby-proofed" (stove button caps, oven locks, doorknob locks, cabinet locks, toilet seat locks, etc)
22. Try to be consistent in using coupons (i.e stockpile non perishables)
23. Work on my photography skills (do any one or more of the following- complete my photography book, complete the 12 weeks to better photography, and/or take a photography class)
24. Buy a chest for my Grandmother's silverware, polish said silverware and store correctly
25. Buy and install fireplace doors or screen (kind of counts as baby proofing)
26. Buy and install a ceiling fan for Sofia's room
27. *Possibly* re do fire place hearth and surrounding area with new glass tile
    

I'm entering!

 

Baby Good Buys is hosting a great giveaway right now.  Enter to win 5 free packages of name brand diapers OR a $50 giftcard to Diapers.com.  I'll take either! 

You should enter too!  As much as I hate to say it, as it diminishes *my* chances of winning.  Alas, you should enter, because it's a great giveaway!  And if you aren't familiar with this blog you should be.  They post great deals on all sorts of baby necessities.

Christmas traditions

Now that we have a baby I've been thinking a lot about Christmas gift-opening traditions.  In my family, the tradition was to open one small gift on Christmas Eve and then open the rest on Christmas day.  Everything was wrapped, that could be, even "Santa's" gifts.  If it needed to be assembled then it was already done, and obviously not wrapped.  On Christmas morning we would wake up look at all the unwrapped stuff and then go in order around the room opening the wrapped gifts.  That way everyone could appreciate what they received.  The hubs has never been very specific about what they did, but he would be fine opening all gifts a week early. 

Earlier this week this exact topic came up on a chat board that I frequent.  Someone polled the users and asked what traditions they had for Christmas gifts.  There was one option that stuck out in my mind that I thought might work best for our family.  That was where all the family gifts (from mom/dad) were opened on Christmas Eve- this would appease the hubs.  And then all of Santa's gifts and the stocking were done on Christmas day- this would appease me.  I don't like opening EVERYTHING before Christmas... it just ruins the fun.  The only thing I wonder about is when the kid(s) learns there's no Santa.  Do you still do it this way?  I would assume so, and I know that even as an adult I will get gifts from "Santa" and my mom still acts like she has no clue what it is.  ;)

I'm thinking next year we'll start this little tradition with our family.  I like it.  It separates family gifts from Santa's gifts and family gifts don't get over shadowed by Santa's.  Which, lets face it, are ALWAYS what you really want!

Some other family Christmas-time traditions I have been considering are...  hot chocolate and a drive around to look at Christmas lights.  Watching the original "Grinch" (animated version) together as a family.  Getting an ornament for Sofia every year to commemorate that year.  Baking cookies for Santa, even when she gets too old to believe in Santa.

So for this Christmas I leave you a few of my favorites from this Christmas.  We did Christmas on Christmas Eve because my dad's side does a big lunch on Christmas day.  We decided to split it up so that Sofia would not be too cranky.

The general overview

Yes, I realize this is the third post today.  What can I say, I'm trying to catch up.  And because of that, I'm going to continue this post in a bullet fashion as well as chronological starting with the oldest update.  Hopefully this will keep me from rambling.

1.  Sofia had her 2 month check up on Thursday July 29.  She did awesome.  She's in the 75% in height, weight, and head circumference.  She was 23.50 inches tall, weighed 11 pounds 13.5 ounces, and had a head circumference of 40.2 centimeters.  I was a little worried to hear that she went from the 19% in most categories to the 75% in all, but the pedi said that he wasn't worried at all.  He stated that since she grew in all the categories, not just one, that she was progressing as he would expect.  Apparently the largest jump is usually from the first to the second appointment.  She also got her first round of immunizations and she did FABULOUS!  Didn't even cry :)  We decided to do the Dr Sears (also Dr Bob) schedule.  You can find it here if you're interested.  I decided a few weeks before her appointment that I wanted to do the alternate schedule.  It was what I felt was right for our family.  If you want to know more you can ask, but otherwise it would take up a whole post.  Here's a picture of her after her appointment, drool and all.

2.  My 27th birthday was Monday.  No big deal.  So I turned a year older?  Eh.  My husband was out of town and it was my first day back at work.  There was definitely nothing special about it.  In fact it was, sadly, just like any other day.

3.  We bought a new car.  The hubs' car broke down back in February.  We went about a month as a one car family... that was interesting.  Then we borrowed my grandmothers old buick- sans A/C- since she can no longer drive.  He used that car until he left for tour.  I had been working non stop since last week to find him a car since he's coming home on the 16th and will need a car with a working A/C asap.  We got re-approved for a loan and the hunt began.  By the way, that is suppose to say RE-approved.  We got our first loan back in February, but ultimately decided to wait to buy and since the offer was only good for 90 days I had to re-apply for a loan. 
I don't want to go into everything, but I found car #1, researched it, had the letter of intent sent over from my bank, and went in to test drive.  They tried to take advantage I left without a car.  Found car #2, everything checked out except it didn't have ABS, ugh.  Found car #3, awesome car (had ABS!) and great deal.  We are now the proud new owners of a 2009 Toyota Corolla.  This is more car than I ever hoped to get on our minuscule budget.  But it's awesome, it reminds me of my first car (RIP 1999 Corolla, I loved that car!).  I'm driving it until he comes home... you know... just to make sure it works ok.  ;)  It also doesn't hurt to save the miles on my car.  Here are some pictures. 

I feel SO good about this car.  Safe for my husband and my baby.  And will last forever.  Finally this weight has been lifted from my shoulders.  I also spent WAY too much money at Target (where else?) getting the car outfitted with all the little things.  I got him a sun shade, car mats ('cause it didn't come with any, boo), an iPod AUX jack, and a sticky pad that holds your iPod on your dash.  I love buying things for the hubs!  :)  I can't wait until he gets home and is able to enjoy it!!

Month 2

Here are a few pictures from her 2nd month photo "shoot"  haha!  I laugh because I am no photographer.  And, my house has horrible lighting so taking quality pictures is harder.  Once it cools down I can do them outside!

On to a non poop post! :)

I ordered this carseat today.  For, drumroll please... ... $124!!!! (if you're interested, sign up using your email address and it can be yours too!)

I am beyond happy!  I've been thinking about the whole convertible carseat thing lately.  Our current car seat only fits an infant up to 22 pounds.  Sofia is already pushing 12-15 (we'll officially find out on Thursday).  Also, the AAP has extended their rear facing recommendations to 2 years, it used to be 1 year or 20 pounds.  Not only that, but it's getting harder everyday to get her in and out of the car IN the carseat, which makes the infant seat obsolete.  She's almost got enough head control to for me to just take her out and put her in the stroller.

The Britax Boulevard CS will hold a baby in a rear facing position from 5-35 pounds and then can be forward facing until 65 pounds.  Not to mention it typically gets some of the highest ratings for safety and ease of use from users.

Needless to say I feel accomplished for grabbing this deal while it was hot.  I'm not usually big on large impulse buys, but I felt this was acceptable for our child's safety and comfort.

The great blowout of 2010

Our first diaper blow out, with pictures and everything!  Because I know you wanted to spend your morning, afternoon, or evening looking at baby poo.  Those without kids, this is what you have to look forward to!  :D


Survey of damage...

The changing pad

THE diaper* (notice the point of blow out at the left)

*mountain of wipes are not pictured

The onesie

The after, happy as a clam!

Soooo, I just got done buying...

this outfit for Sofia:

I couldn't help it.  It was just too cute and I had $25 in Gym bucks to spend at Gymboree.  Although, I didn't get the shoes or the hair clips.  



I also purchased these:

From Pickysticky.com.  I've been looking for some for quite awhile, and while they sell them on Etsy, I couldn't find any I like.  These go all the way up to 12 months, by the way.  I should be getting them any day and will promptly use month 2 when it's time, yay!

Picture Perfect Saturday

More etsy and current things I covet.  :)



ByHannahDesigns  I'll definitely be ordering one of these once Sofia is born! 

kmthomasdesigns, I'm going to be needing some more announcements.  I have the ones that I handmade (reminder: finish those asap), but those are going out to immediate family since I only have about 18.  I thought these were cute AND they have a dandelion on them.  I might see if the designer could change the pink to purple.

Etsy buys

Can't wait to receive my most recent purchases.  So cute!!


Both are from etsy seller, JolieBerry.  Adorable headpiece, small yet feminine.

THE cutest shoes on the planet.  They're sized 6-9 months, but I'll take 'em.  Holy moly they are cute!

Cloth diapers phase 1 (and partial Phase 2)

Phase 1: I finally broke down and bought a few.  I decided that the best option for us right now would be to buy a few different brands and see which one(s) fit her the best.  After that, we can finish out our stash with the diapers that fit her body type the best.  Which will hopefully keep us from losing the least amount of money on diapers that don't work for her.

I bought one of each of the 7 different brands that I had researched (and one that was just plain cheap, but looked to be similar to the higher priced ones).  The brands I bought were- Bum Genius, Fuzzibunz, GroBaby, HappyHeinys, Knickernappies, Smartipants, and Tweedlebugs.  They all have similar pre-usage washing instructions, with the exception of the GroBaby (it's organic and requires multiple washing before using).  I ordered all of them from nickisdiapers.com and was very pleased with their service.  They were at my doorstep within 5 days.  I ordered them on Sunday and they arrived on Friday.  I was very pleased with their prices as well.  They have a great package deal where you can purchase 4 diapers one of each (Smartipants, HappyHeinys, BumGenius, and Fuzzibunz) for 67.25.  I chose this option and added the other 3 brands that I wanted to try, as well as a diaper sprayer and 2 diaper pail liners, pretty good deal over all!  I even got a free gift and free shipping!

Phase 2:  My early reviews so far are that I like the FuzziBunz, GroBaby, and TweedleBugs right off the bat.  I like the Fuzzibunz (light pink, third from top) because they have an adjustable elastic strap for the legs.  Although I could see this turning into a part that becomes more of a nuisance than help, but they did include an extra set of elastic straps.  I like the Grobaby (top) because they have some super cute patterns (I bought the "Wildlfower" one) and the liner snaps in rather than being a true pocket which requires you to stuff the soaker pad into the pocket.  This would also allow you to possibly reuse the shell without having to wash it after each use.  Lastly, I like the Tweedlebugs (yellow, 2nd from top) because they advertise that you do not need to remove the soaker pad before washing.  Simply toss it in the washer and it will come out on it's own.  I'm not sure if most pocket diapers are this way, this was just the only brand that advertised that feature.

Picture Perfect Saturday

Just some pictures to round out the nursery.  I think we've finally got all the big stuff in place.  I still need a few small items here and there, but they're things that are easily accessible. 


Left to right (top to bottom):  Stroller (love it! so light and cute), toy box, mobile and crib, clothes galore, Lammy playmat, and changing pad.

I accomplished a lot this weekend

• Put away clean dishes
• loaded dirty dishes
• finished laundry
• picked up Sofia's nursery and put in new diaper pail (aka, trash can)
• went to grocery store
• picked up house
• took my car in for the noise it was making (...$400 later...)
• completed warranty on breast pump
• order a few cloth diapers, diaper sprayer, and diaper pail liners from nickisdiapers.com (great prices and selection!)
• took the dog on a walk (Friday and Saturday, will attempt to go this evening as well)
• successfully spent too much money at target, tjmaxx, and kohls :)
• bought the hubs his father's day gift
• put up picture collage (see post below) and even put in a few pictures.  Can't wait to finish it!

It's funny.  I find myself doing more when the hubs isn't around.  I still can't figure out why... I guess I would rather sit at home and be lazy with him than be out running errands.

Baby announcement and other

So I decided a while ago that I wanted to make my own announcements. Not only because they would be cheaper (and exactly what I wanted), but also because I enjoy doing crafts.

I came across the paper and stamp at a craft store I was perusing a few weeks ago. I thought the stamp was perfect since it was a dandelion and almost identical to the one that is on the wall in her room. The ribbon was left over from my shower, thanks Sara! And I already had the stamps I used for the lettering. Oh, and the black box is where I will paste one of her newborn pictures.

Well, here's the prototype. (sorry that it isn't right side up)


I've changed the final draft a little bit and will post one when it's *all* finished. Right now I'm just trying to get them as ready as I can before she gets here. That way I won't have much to do once she arrives.


In other news, the hubs and I went a visited the labor and delivery area at our hospital this evening. It was really nice! The room was huge and there was even a couch that folds out into a bed!! The hubs was very excited about that. I also liked that it was a labor, delivery, and postpartum room, so I won't have to move once I'm admitted. The nurse showed us the nursery but said that normally there were no babies in there (like tonight) because they like to keep the baby in the room with the mother. Which I thought was cool because I'm sure I'll want her with me.

Picture Perfect Saturday (Sunday)

I'm inching closer and closer to 32 weeks, that puts me 8 weeks away from my due date, AH! Which means that I've got to start thinking more about the trip to the hospital. We still have to sign up for birthing classes, go tour the hospital, pre-register, and I need to pack my and Sofia's hospital bag, eek! Oh, and I don't even have the infant seat yet... About the only thing I have done (go figure) is chose a going home outfit. That outfit is my picture perfect Saturday. :)


Of course my puppy had to get in the picture action as well.

Maternity Photos!!

YAY, YAY, YAY!!

Kino and I had our (my) maternity photo session this morning and our photographer already has a few pictures up on her website. I think they came out great and I can't wait to see more, she's awesome!